Skirts for Men

more personal views.

I'm Just an Ordinary Guy

Now it seems odd to me that people are allowed many and various lifestyle options, many of which are unusual, but the moment a guy puts on a skirt he is subjected to a barrage of comment, and even abuse. I have read of cases of people being physically threatened when wearing a skirt, and I have met my fair share of derogatory comment and laughter. We are supposed to be living in a tolerant society here in the West, so why does something as unimportant and innocuous as a man in a skirt cause such effects? This is all the more peculiar when women are largely wearing what can only be described as menswear ( trainers, jeans, sweaters, baseball caps, etc). Men have been shunted into a vary narrow range of options by society. This process largely started in the Victorian era as socially correct behaviour spread down from the upper classes. All men throughout society had a fear of being seen as effeminate ~ "Be a man, my boy". Even the practice of having very young boys in skirts died out by the end of C19th. Women have become acceptable in men's clothing over the last 50 years, thanks to the War and more liberal attitudes to women. Even movies like "Braveheart" and "Troy" have done little to change society's perceptions regarding skirts.

So let's get a few misconceptions out of the way. Firstly, a skirt on a man does not indicate that he is gay. The majority of gay men wear what everyone else wears (left). Skirt wearers are by and large 'straight'. Secondly, a skirted man is not a transvestite or crossdresser (right), any more than a woman in trousers is. Most men wear skirts specifically produced for men. The kilt is a prime example. Thirdly, a man in a skirt is a pervert. Again wrong. Men with unhealthy desires are usually people that don't draw attention to themselves. How many times has a paedophile been exposed and the neighbours all cry " I never would have guessed." Fourthly, wearing a skirt is against God. The Bible only prohibits men wearing women's clothing, not the wearing of any particular garment. After all, trousers are a modern invention, unknown to the biblical writers.

Why a skirt then? Well, John Doe likes to wear old jeans and a T-shirt. Charlie Average prefers shirt, sweater and smart black trousers. Bill Bloggs in contrast always wears shorts and a sweatshirt. Fred Smith on the other hand is comfortable in a buttondown shirt and a kilt. Yes, it's a simple as that. No-one questions a woman and asks why she wears a skirt one day, a dress the next and jeans after that. You wear what you wear because it's what you want to wear.

Buying skirts

As you might expect, buying a skirt for a man is not as easy as for a woman. In addition skirts produced specifically for men are more expensive than a woman's equivalent. The good news us that men's skirts are generally well made and sturdy, and so should last for a good while. And because we are not locked into the fashion treadmill our skirts won't need replacing until worn out. There are also some creative ways to save money.

The biggest and best outlet is the Internet. This has the advantage of choice and easy purchase, coupled with relative anonymity. Look at the links page for sources and links to other sites' lists. The big disadvantage is that you cannot see and try before you buy. However, most dealers have a refund policy in place. I have never found it necessary to send anything back yet.

If you have the nerve, then buy in high street shops. We're talking "women's" clothing here. But fear not - many skirts are made as if for men. For example, many jeans skirts have zippers on the men's side, and I have seen several black, ankle length skirts that would suit a man. You'll have to figure out what size you are. A tape measure is handy here. Just halve your waist size and measure the skirt's waistband on the rack. Try the skirts on in the shop or take them home and return if you have to. Don't worry about the assistants; they just want to sell stuff.

Charity shops are an excellent place to get skirts. I have bought quite a few skirts this way. I generally pay GBP3 to 4. I don't bother the try them or measure them in the shop. I pick my 'size' and if they don't fit I just pop them in another charity bag. It's not worth the bother of returning. At these prices you can afford to try various styles and lengths to see what suits you.

Finally, do you know someone with a sewing machine? Many of my sarongs were purchased as material and simply hemmed up by my wife. Cheap as chips! There are patterns for skirts and kilts available on the Web, and other skirt patterns are easily altered for men's shape.

Next Page -->