In light of Jennifer's off the shoulder tops and Kynt's fishnet sleeves, I figured it is time to discuss the best and especially the worst clothing options seen on TAR. So break out your Lululemon pants (a favorite of Dustin/Kandice) and the North Face backpacks and have at it!

Fashion goes back a long way with this show. Remember in the premiere episode of Classic TAR we have Frank expressing his frustration with the Guidos and their goofy hats! That had to be one of the ropes that tied me to TAR.

And the award for most inappropriate racing (or anything really) attire goes to Grandpa! It was funny but he really needs to keep his clothes on.

I think my favorite racingwear has got to be the Guidos' impeccableness in TAR1.

For sheer practicality and cuteness I vote for Rob and Amber's matching tracksuits in TAR7.

Most memorable: Paper Underwear.

It's smart in the way that you can toss 'em when you're done and they're light to carry but... not waterproof.

Let us pause to remember Dani & Danielle and their majestic all-pink disaster of a racing wardrobe.

Honorary mention to Megan & Heidi for their excellent decision to do the entire race with the word "Pink" emblazoned on their asses.

This reaction has been expressed in several threads, but I'm going to stick up for Donald in this respect. I think IMmodesty is an essential characteristic of a racer -- remember Teri unabashedly stripping down to her (paper) undies while the young guys were being all prissy? or Chip's immortal nutbunches? Sometimes you just have to stop worrying about how it looks, drop 'em, and do the task. (I couldn't do it, I'm too self-conscious, but that's one of many reasons why I'll never be an Amazing Racer.)

Memorable attire would include (as noted) the Guidos' Bottomless Backpack of Impeccableness (seriously, how many freshly pressed matching outfits did they have in there? helpful a tip as "roll, don't fold" may be, it can't be the whole answer); Blake's Demented English Schoolboy ensemble, with the blazer, tie, and shorts; Ian's Pepe Le Pew hat; Rob & Brennan's Hating-Hats (which I honestly didn't mind, but I'll forever love the way they inspired Miss Alli to immortalize them in verse -- I hope somebody saved it).

The Hating-Hats are my favorite race attire of all time, Rinaldo, just because of Miss Alli, although I don't think I know about the verse immortalization.

It was an entire recaplet. Of course those aren't saved (or weren't then), but somebody (perhaps Miss A) reposted it in the forum a while back due to general request. And then I suppose it got lost again in the Purge of All Pre-2004. I hope someone saved it offline (a quick Google search just now turned up no online copy).

What not to wear:
1. Fuzzy beanie hats (Tara and Wil)
2. White undershirts (Jeff and Dave)

What to definitely wear:
1. Glitter shirts (Danny)
2. Blue if your name is Drew (not to be confused with Derek)

What not to do:
1. Fight with your sister over a pair of pants (Mary and Peach)
2. Complain about teams while wearing their clothes after an NEL mugging (Gretchen and Meredith)

That was (sadly) before I discovered TWoP or TAR. (In fact, TWoP and Miss Alli led me to TAR.) If someone does have it, please PM me or post it or something. I'd really like to read it. And possibly keep it.

auntlada and Rinaldo, I believe I have it saved, I'll have to look. I don't know that I can repost it, though.

Found it! (I had a copy on my laptop.) So as not to derail this thread any more than I already have (though it is all clothing-related), I've posted it in "Miscellaneous Humor": Miss Alli's "Ode to a Hating-Hat". I hope she won't mind; she reposted it in the forums once before, so I'm venturing to hope it's OK to have it back.

And now back to discussing actual racing attire. As I sometimes fantasize about actually going on the race, I wonder what I would actually pack. All racers seem to agree that their initial impulse was to carry too much, but how little could a person get by with? I've spent way too much time pondering this.

I think about that all the time, Rinaldo, down to wondering if it's possible to get by with two pairs of underwear. One to wear, and one to rinse out overnight at the pitstop.

Rob and Amber only had one small backpack in all-stars, didn't they? Of course, it turned out they didn't have to go very far on that, though. But I think I remember interviews where they were talking about trying to get by with as little as possible.

My favorite nonproper racing attire belongs to Greg and Brian on their elimination. I just wish that it had been a nonelim so we could have seen them race dressed that way in the next leg.

Long live the Hating Hat!

Well, better a Hating Hat than a useless visor, eh Brennan?

When I think of TAR fashion, I think of the following hits and misses (but mostly the misses):

-Team Guido's immaculate matching outfits for all seasons
-Paul's eye-scorching orange parachute pants
-Wil's awful selection of tea cosies as headwear (and the general blah of everything he and Tara wore throughout TAR2)
-Blake's blazer/tie/jeans combo
-Ian's legionnaire's cap
-Kelly & Jon's opposite "Texas Is For Lovers" / "New Jersey: Only The Strong Survive" T-shirts
-Kami & Karli in progressive stages of undress at the mat
-Jonathan's red underwear
-Lori's croptop / bra, perfect attire for an Ethiopian church
-Barry's sleeveless tops revealing just a little too much back hair

We can't forget about the pants from TAR3! Teri's were falling down, and Zach & Flo came in last because Zach unzipped his. Ah, good times.

I would have thought that the hippies frog hat would be higher on the list of dislikes. Also Karlyn's bra.

Okay, the Hippies had a cute froggie hat. My mom and I squeaked when we first saw it. Actually, the Hippes were not only awesome, but not TOO horribly fashion-missing. Usually.

And, RealityWatcher, Brain and Greg had the MOST awesome elimination clothes ever. I personally think they should have been allowed to stay just because of that. Might I have died when the had to run the next leg in aforementioned getup!

The Guidos and their Pocket Universe! Man, I have to pack like that when I go to summer camp. But for racing, I agree with Rinaldo and auntlada, and often wonder if one could get by on a tiny backpack. I think so. My family had actually perscribed to the formula of RacePacking: only take what you absolutely need in the smallest bag possible. It's awesome; I can go a whole weekend out of town (shoes, makeup, EVERYTHING) in one smallish dufflebag.

Back to fashion, I notice no one had mentioned the attire of our Amazing Host? What about Phil? He has Phashion! I love his new wardrobe for this season so far, and am so glad the weird fuzzy coat from seaons past has dissapeared...

How could I have forgotten Blake's tie? One of the strangest things I've ever see a person do.

I still remember watching Hayden every week and thinking "is this the week her pants fall down?" They were SO low rise. And then she paired it one week with a very low cut halter top and I was sure she would pop out at both ends.

Danielle's (of Eric and) also wore tight leggings and low cut tanks as well for the entire race I believe.

I don't know -- I would want to wear comfy, practical clothes to race.

I am so over this season's blondes and their off the shoulder shirts. Tonight's episode in the rain has them so stretched out that I hope they can't wear them anymore.

And tights. Running a racearoundtheworld in tights? Not appropriate attire.

I wasn't crazy about the super-tight leggings they were wearing. Looked more like the kind of thing you wear under a dress, or a super-long t-shirt. I can see wearing them as running or exercise clothes, but going to other countries, people need to be mindful that there are places in the world where such attire would be considered indecent.

Yes, I agree. The leggings are too tight, and they're wearing two shirts and they still can't manage to keep their breasts decently covered. Not to mention, it doesn't look to be very comfortable for running. Maybe it's only one of them with cleavage hanging out, but I can't be bothered to check.

For a while now, it's seemed to me that it would make sense for female racers to pack some sort of silk or thin synthetic wrap skirt for those time spent in conservative countries. They fold up to pretty much nothing in a pack, are loose enough to move easily in, and they're easy to throw on over leggings or running pants.

So you cover up while moving through the city/town, get locals more willing to help you/work with you because you look like you're trying to be respectful, and then pull it off in like two seconds and you're down to the running pants for a physical roadblock or detour.

Can I just say that Grandpa's underwear didn't look particularly comfortable for running a race in?

hate the blondes pants and whatever those purple shirts are. And can we please have a rule about no more pink hats!?!

I don't think White makes a very good racing choice either - seems to be a lot of teams with that color.

Rob and Amber had very small packs their first time through too. When I was hoping to go on the race, I made a list of what I would need:
2 t-shirts/tank tops (probably orange - my favorite color)
1 long sleeved shirt (probably blue jeany looking)
1 wind breakery type jacket (lined, zippable, layerable)
Some sort of winter cap and possible gloves
2 pairs of pants (you can always cut or rip them into shorts)
2 pairs of shorts
5 pairs of socks
2 bras
bathing suit (can double as a bra if necessary)
5 pairs of underwear
2 pairs of comfortable shoes
4 or 5 hair bands that can double as rubberbands
contact stuff
lotion
box of baby wipes
Advil
chapstick
Hair gel, and hair brush
Mylar blanket
blow up pillow
toothpaste and brush
Deodorant
razor
Some plastic bags for storing yucky stuff till you can get it cleaned

I figure you need 2 of each type of weather clothes in case of tasks like the pole vaulting one. If absolutely necessary, I could pair it down to one of each. I think the key is that except when you are doing certain tasks, or in very hot places, you need to layer. Tank, shortsleeved shirt, longsleeved shirt, jacket, pants. Yes, you have the weight still there, but it is distributed.

I just don't think I could wear the same clothes for 30 days with all the smelly stuff they have to do.

Particularly in West Africa. The pants might be OK in some of the large cities, but in places like the one they went to last night, pants are not women's clothing. And if you take a full skirt, you can run pretty fast in it, if not just as fast as you can in pants.

And once again, a racer (Rachel? I think it was her) was racing in skin-tight pants - the kind that look like tights you'd wear under regular pants in arctic climates, or under a dress. Maybe it's proper attire at the fitness club, but it's not very smart to wear in countries used to seeing women in much more modest clothing.
There's no reason for it - the men aren't dressed that way.

It hasn't been that long ago that even in the USA women were not supposed to wear pants in many places - church, school, many jobs. Things have changed a lot here, and I don't expect that female racers wouldn't wear PANTS - but they could be more modest.

Anyone take note of Shana's homage with the hollywood starlets one-size-fits-all sunglasses at the beginning when she was chasing the chicken?

We were doing fine until this week. I loved the color of the blue shirt, I didn't like the embroidery. And we have yet to find him a decent pair of khakis because they can be a bit...snug in the wrong area, if you catch my drift. He needs more red in his wardrobe, stat. If it's any consolation, Guido Bill has been approving of his wardrobe as well in the Racers' blog.



Yeah, I did. Reminds me of Danny wearing his Prada all over the place. I'm like "I know I want to attempt to look good while racing, but bringing Prada at the risk of losing it will NEVER happen."

Agreed. For some reason, they like to put him in these granny-like high-waisted khakis. I think he looks good in jeans, personally. With those nice sweaters and that nice leather jacket they put him in in TAR7.

Yeah! Burkina Faso already has all the camels they need!

The one thing I've always wanted to do is keep track of every outfit a racer wears over the course of the race to see exactly how much clothing they are dragging around with them. But I can't seem to tear myself away from just watching the race itself to pay attention to any such mechanics.

I think most racers this time around paid attention to previous races. I don't think I've seen a great variety of clothes on anyone - some are already recycling clothes.

For example: according to Lorena in her post-race interview, she only 2 two pairs of panties (wash and quick dry) (article posted in media thread).

I also noted Kynt has already worn the same shirt (with the removable torn net sleeves) in two episodes.

I agree with others that the exercise or running tights are just not the best choice no matter how slim the ladies (and fit the men) are. What's wrong with comfortable khakis made with a synthetic blend (if they are worried about wrinkles)? I do get why they don't bring jeans (which are very uncomfortable if/when they get wet - and they don't dry out easily like synthetics in running tights).

At least nobody is running around with stuff written on their ass (so far) this season.

Does anyone know where I can buy the "Angels Exist" shirt that Vyxsin had on?

Puck

Oh that does bring to mind Christie's TexASS shorts.

The Amazing Race must be the only place where fanny packs are being worn except in Vegas. Does anyone remember the Burberry visor (and I can't think of her name) that was worn three seasons ago?

I've been amazed K&V have been able to keep up their makeup routine during the race. Now don't get me wrong cause they're my favorite team and I will be nailbiting during the next show. But....I've been waiting for the big reveal ala Kiss when they first went without makeup.

Anyone get a Johnny Depp-as-Willy Wonka vibe from Kent's outfit (primarily the huge round sunglasses) in the main part of the Italy leg? Just me?

Because I now want Oompa-Loompas at every pitstop to sing about the failure of each team once they've been Philiminated.

I like K&V well enough, but the hat wardrobe is starting to bug me. Pink cowboy hats and then the little black ones. I just want to give them big feathered pimp hats and be done with it.

Regarding Kynt & Vyxsyn's head wear, I just dont get it from a practical standpoint! I guess I have just spent too much time thinking (fantasizing) about what I would pack if I ever had the chance to run the race, and multiple hats just dont make the cut! I remember during TAR AS, Joyce ran a leg wearing a metal chain type belt with matching necklace. She looked great, but all I could think of was "She chose to pack that?! And to carry it around the world on her back?!" Call me fashion backward, but Id rather have a lighter backpack than worrying about making a fashion statement. (although with K&V, it seems to be all about the fashion statements)

Let us not forget the boobage of Kelly (& Ron). Between her and Hayden, it was like watching the playboy network. Tanks with built in bras are great, if you aren't running around the world. Other clothes that have baffled me? Everything the Weavers wore and long sleeved blackUnderArmor turtlenecks in Panama.

I am dating an eagle scout, who backpacks frequently and my wardrobe would consist of:

2 pair long pants-- one offensive legging type, one warm-up style (for layering)
2 pairs of work out shorts with built in underwear
3 pairs underpants
2 work out tank tops with GOOD built in bra
1 long sleeved thermal undershirt
2 t-shirts
1 bathing suit (work out bikini)
1 fleece jacket (can double as pillow)
gloves & beanie for my head
1 sarong type thing
5 pair quick drying socks
Crocs or Teva shoes & running shoes

Glasses, chapstick, travel toothbrush, powerbars, bandaids, small make-up case (less then 2oz), nalgene, space blanket




Then i would hope to hell that I would wash things frequently

I agree with most everything you listed there, hetshup. For my job I typically need to pack 5-7 months into one suitcase and that's it. So I think I would rock the minimalist packing needed for TAR! You really don't need all that much to get by unless fashion is a big thing for you. I love being all done up and fashionable but there's a time and a place for that and TAR would not be that time or place for me.

That being said, K/V are still my favorite team and I love them and their look! It's just not the way I would run the race, personally.

I loved that too. That is just classic TV that even a scripted show couldn't do. I wonder if they went to Alaska for example would they be given jackets and warmer clothing.

One thing about the Hello Kitty goths being eliminated is that we no longer have to see Vyxsyn falling out of the black tank top she wore a couple of legs ago. It hurt my breasts to watch hers bouncing around in that thing. She has beautiful breasts, but she might as well have been carrying them around on a platter.

I've been re-watching Season 5 over the holidays and I have been reminded of how hideous some of Mirna & Charla's outfits were... granted it was a few years ago, but seriously, some of the stuff they wore amazes me to this day.

Did anyone catch what the bottom of Nick's shirt said? I know the top said "Country isn't pretty," then there is a face, but what does the bottom say?

"Robbie Fulks." (Also the possessor of said face.) He's Nick's dad and a well-respected (if unfairly low-selling) indie-country singer/songwriter.

According to Nick's Facebook, Don forgot to pack socks. Probably the least proper racing attire out there is no socks on a racearoundtheworld.