"Why do you always wear sweaters?" 

You asked me, your voice filled with

judgment

jealousy

and disgust

Her form-fitting, tightly cropped shirt and her entourage of girls clad in the same style, nothing varying between them except for the colors of their shirts as the same pursed lips crept across their faces.

Maybe I wear sweaters to hide my figure from the few prying eyes.

Maybe I wear sweaters to fade into the background, as a girl in an oversized sweatshirt or cozy sweater and jeans isn't noticed.

Maybe I wear them to hide my insecurities about my body. 

I can't be shamed if you can't see what's really there.

Maybe it's because when I don't wear sweaters, you make fun of me and how I "actually tried today," immediately asking if I'm looking so different (I wouldn't dare say better) to gain the attention of some guy.

Maybe I wear sweaters because I like being comfortable.

Maybe I wear sweaters because they're warm and with all that fabric surrounding my body I can almost imagine someone is giving me a hug, never letting go because they don't want to.

Maybe I wear sweaters so I don't feel lonely. Because maybe they make me feel like I have a friend and that maybe I'm not so alone.

Maybe I wear sweaters because they make me happy and help me appreciate my day more.

Maybe I wear sweaters because most have sleeves so long I can bunch them up in my hands. Because in them I can hide my hands that remain clenched in fists at my sides out of anxiety. Because they fall past my fingertips in the hall, so I can flip off the world without feeling outwardly rebellious.

Maybe I wear sweaters as they're wearable, portable blankets and I'm planning on taking a nap later.

You ask me why I wear sweaters, judging me for not following a fashion trend.

Simply and plainly, maybe I wear sweaters just because I want to.

Because I don't need your validation, judgment, or approval to be happy and comfortable wearing my sweater.