I Remember Physical Education In Vest And Pants [I Hated Physical Education Class]

I came from a poor area of Stockport in the 70s and even in the 80s in school a lot of parents couldn't afford PE kit and the teachers in those days just didn't care. Lads used to wear whatever they had, shorts, swimming trunks (!) and underpants. Some girls' parents could afford gym skirts and tshirts but I'd say most, (up to year 6 now, not high school) did PE in just their knickers. Times were different then and it was no big deal. People seem to freak out these days but it never did us any harm, in fact, there was more respect back then.

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RebeccaG · 51-55, F

Primary school was vest and pants, I’m in Surrey. We could wear plimsolls or bare feet.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

I am the youngest of four girls. I did not have a PE kit of my own for most of primary school and I was not alone in doing PE in my underwear. When I did get one it was a hand-me-down that was a little too big for me, so when we had gymnastics I usually just did the lesson in knickers and vest.

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Adec757 · 51-55, M

@SunshineGirl all your sisters do indoor p e bare foot? @SunshineGirl

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Adec757 Yes, none of use had shoes for PE.

Adec757 · 51-55, M

@SunshineGirl a lot of indoor p e is done in bare feet anyway.

Adec757 · 51-55, M

Actually if you think about it, trainers cost money, then it's bragging rights about the best ones! If p e is done in bare feet you get rid of this! Also, the world's best gymnasts have nothing on their feet!!!

GkB01 · 51-55, M

My area of Doncaster in the '70s and '80s was not very well off either. Not many parents could afford all items of PE kit at my school or in my class. I suppose I was one of the lucky ones, but various ones didn't often have full kit, particularly in the case of the lads PE shirts or plimsolls. As boys, this was got round by doing PE in 'skins' (just shorts). Our experiences sound similar Dave, if you'd like to comment, Dave or message me I'd be up for that.

Michael66T · 70-79, M

I agree about the respect shown to girls doing p e in their knickers ,no big issue then.

GkB01 · 51-55, M

@Michael66T I was at school at that time, kits were far less complicated in fact having less kit on was quite fun, character building perhaps even.

skimpyboy · 56-60, M

i remember wearing white shorts for gym at secondary and if i forget it was briefs no ducking out and same shorts lasted the full school year

Adec757 · 51-55, M

Bare feet or plimsolls? @skimpyboy

Virgo79 · 61-69, M

And a paddle 😳

DaveLevenshume · 46-50, M

@Virgo79 lol! We were waiting with dinghies just in case but we've been stood down now! Until this weekend's storm comes...

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