Victoria has a secret during the pandemic

She is NOT wearing an underwire. And so are many other women. Yes, we have expunged our Exquisite Forms, ousted our Olgas and wiped out our Warners. Instead, we have traded our confining, pokey attire for the comfort of sports bras, bralettes, or maybe even nothing! Not since the 60s, when we were burning our Balis have women felt so liberated!

I conducted a very scientific research study by posting the following question to my women friends on FaceBook: "Have you liberated your 'girls' since you've been sheltering in place/working from home?"

One friend wrote, "NEVER!" Others wished they could, but were afraid of their "flapping in the wind." Many, however are ditching their underwires for more comfortable alternatives. Those who went full commando were positively gleeful. "I haven't worn one since quarantine time started, in or out of house, replied Becky. "Quite enjoying this and might have a hard time going back!" Bev wrote, "Best part of quarantine!"

I am retired, so maybe my casual lifestyle isn't a stretch. But you have had to live under a mushroom not to know that very few people are dressing for success these days. It's not only our underwear that has changed. We have ditched constrictive clothing for yoga outfits, caftans, or pajamas.

We may put on more public clothes for our trips to the supermarket, and we may don nice clothes (at least from the waist up) for our Zoom sessions. Personally, I have said "So long!" to restrictive clothes and said hello to sarongs. I purchased my first green wrap (also know as a pareo in Tahitian or a shmata in Yiddish) in Jamaica to wrap around my bathing suit when heading to the resort beach. I now own about 10 in different colors and fabrics. They are light, versatile and perfect for Florida's heat and humidity. Larry has even purchased a men's mini version. Dinners on our lanai wouldn't be the same without our strategically knotted wraps with Radio Margaritaville playing in the background

So here is the first mystery of this pandemic. Larry and I are obviously not putting much effort into our attire. So why are we doing so much laundry? We need to wash our exercise clothing after one use (you cannot swim, bike, or play pickleball in a sarong.) And we do shed all clothes we have worn on one of our exciting outings to the supermarket and library. But we still seem to be working our Whirlpool quite a bit. I have decided that pandemic as brought out the "Happy Homemaker" in me. I am cooking and baking more. Coupled with our obsessiveness for hand washing, surfacing wiping and sanitizing, I end up with piles of towels and cleaning rags.

And here is the second mystery of this pandemic. Somehow, when I do venture into my closet for something with a waistband, it appears that my clothes have shrunk. Again, using my very scientific method of asking the question on FaceBook, it seems that this phenomenon is widespread (especially in the hips and waist.) It has to be something that is causing this actually has taken residence in my closets. It certainly isn't related to all our homemade meals. Or the glass of wine we have been imbibing in every day since lockdown. Or binge watching Schitt$ Creek or Outlander or repeats of The Big Bang Theory. Or even worse, what is now known as the Covid Curve or Quarantine 15. I have left several messages with my pest control expert to see if he can exorcize this demon along with the occasional ghost ant infestation, but he hasn't responded.

Until then, I will rely on my sarong to keep me happy and stress free. Hopefully, when this pandemic is over, we may see a permanent change in our wardrobes. Those in cold climates can have their yoga outfits and sweatshirts. I will be stocking up on sarongs!

Marilyn Cohen Shapiro, a resident of Kissimmee, Fla., is a regular contributor to the (Capital Region N.Y.) Jewish World and the Orlando Heritage Florida Jewish News. She is the author of two compilations of her stories, "There Goes My Heart" (2016) and "Tikkun Olam" (2018). Both books available in paperback and e-book format on Amazon. Her blog is theregoesmyheart.me.