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Once again fashion is causing a stir for people who have no intention in following it.
As the man skirt gets more and more popular, and we’re not talking traditional native kilts here, it is certainly causing a controversial debate not only among fashionistas but Liberal human rights organisations.
I am not yet sure if I am a fan of the Man Skirt from a fashion point of view, none-the-less I am a supporter of sexual liberation in clothing, and the man skirt seems to have taken this to a new level. It bemuses me that there seems to be an unseen rule book that states what a man or woman can/cannot wear.
An early example of someone rebelling to this “RULE BOOK” was Emma Snodgrass, who was arrested for wearing trousers in 1852. It wasn’t until 1914, 62 years later it was made legal (that’s right, legal) for women to wear trousers, however it was still considered controversial for a female to show a bit of ankle. In the 1920’s women finally took on the androgyny look by wearing tailored trouser suits with skinny ties. However 30 years later with the Stepford look of the 1950′s it was again frowned upon for women to dress in trousers (seems as though society took a few hops up the gender equality ladder, missed a step and slipped back down again).
In 2009, 67 Filipino men, attending a private party in Saudi Arabia were arrested for wearing “women’s clothing”. (I mean C’mon, hasn’t every man worn some sort of “women’s” clothing at some point in their lives)?
Surely us populace of the 21st century are more open minded than this?
While writing this article and back tracking through fashion history, I can’t help but wonder if this is what’s happening for the male of the species now. Are we following in the footsteps of the women when it comes to fashion liberation? Take a look at men in the 16th century with their flamboyant wigs and high heels. It’s even been said that one of the only differences between the appearance of men and women in that era was the moustache. Look at how much more decorative the male is in more or less every other species on the planet. Maybe as males it is just in our nature to be flamboyantly over the top!
The man skirt first hit the runways at spring / summer fashion weeks in 2009.
Men were paraded down the Catwalk in an array of dress ranging from long flowing skirts to black kilts and even coullottes. The daring designers who showed skirts on the runway included Alexander McQueen (Editor Note: R.I.P. – Tribute Article early next week), Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons, Jean-Paul Gaultier and of course Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton.
I think Marc Jacobs must be the main promoter of the man skirt whether he’s donning it with gladiators and a white silk shirt or with military boots and a plaid lumberjack shirt. I must admit (fan or not of the man skirt) he looks pretty amazing. Maybe this is an item that belongs solely on the waists of the burlier man or a tall guy, someone who can make it more “Grrrrr I am wearing a skirt,” rather than “La lalalala I am a pretty little skirt-wearer”!
Speaking to a Scottish friend of mine, I am aware that a skirt or (kilt in his case) is not one of the most practical things to wear, apparently using a urinal proves to be a bit of a tricky situation, but lets face it fashion never is painless.
I imagine this coming summer will NOT see an array of men lounging on the beach in a leopard print knee-length or handing in the tailored trousers to strut in to their office in a woollen A-line. But who knows, I’ve heard it’s taking quite a strong hold in America. I’m intrigued to see how a man will tackle the infamous Marilyn Monroe air vent scenario!
I’m intrigued to find out your opinions on this, so please get involved and join the debate.
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As a fashion designer i will say that designers at times look for the shocking effect on the runway and skirts for men is an item that can easily do the trick (its almost a given that a men’s designer will at one point make his/her version of a skirt). Yet, it has been introduced for years now by many designers but was never adopted by the customer. In my opinion that is mainly cause non of the skirts were realistic for men. i consider myself to have a liberal style but still i can maybe see myself wearing the one on the right (I don’t think my wife would like that though…) and not because this skirt is so great but because of the complete look (in a solid khaki color with the jacket and the boots) which makes it masculine enough, but than again, what would be the reason to wear that skirt??? i can wear a cool pant and rock this look even better….. In my opinion just like with any other clothing item, the issue is not if it is a skirt or a pant but is it look good and natural, cause if it’s worn just for the sake of shocking and creating attention….it doesn’t matter what is the item, it will look forced and therefore bad..
what i find funny is that in other cultures, men do wear versions of skirts or dresses and it is acceptable (like the kilt in Scotland, or the Galabia in some Arab countries and even African tribes wear similar items)…yet we in the western world who suppose to be more liberal is debating it….any way, i don’t see the skirt making it big for men anytime soon….
Love ‘em. I have 2 kilts (1 black, 1 green and white tartan), and I wear mini skirts over jeans all the time. I bought a new black mini skirt yesterday, but steal them from my teenage niece too! It’s true that not every man can carry it off, but the more that do – the more people will accept it. I wore a sarong in Greece 5 years ago and was tutted by British tourists, a few months later David Backham wore one and caused a stir (and his wasn’t even a real sarong, just a scarf tied round his waist!) To the people who are saying “definitely not”, what’s so wrong with it? They look good and are really comfortable! Stop being so uptight.
:)
There seem to be a couple of issues with getting men into skirts; firstly the skirts shown on the catwalks are generally designed to provoke a reaction, rather than to be worn and secondly too many men, even among the fashion conscious, think that if they wear a skirt their genitalia will shrivel and drop off (trust me on this, they won’t!)
I have been wearing kilts and then other types of skirt for three or four years now. First it was a traditional kilt in solid black then a similar design in DPM camouflage print. I love the freedom of movement and comfort that kilts offer and the opportunity to experiment with a variety of looks based on a radically different profile. A couple of modern kilts joined the traditional ones in my wardrobe, adding some practical features such as large pockets and a narrower front panel that provides greater modesty when seated.
As I became interested in taking the profile options further, both long (near floor length) and short skirts joined the kilts in the wardrobe to give me a range of profiles that would be utterly unimaginable in a trousers only environment.
I’m hooked; skirts can be astonishingly comfortable, practical and offer variety beyond belief and so far I’ve hardly started to experiment with colours, prints and different fabrics. The only thing slowing me down is the need to take things steady to avoid frightening the natives. I’d love to see a few designers come out with more wearable designs that actually make it to the retail stores if a few more men would try skirts I’m certain they would also get drawn in by the comfort and variety.
Guys, you owe it to yourselves to experiment a little; if you love fashion you already know this, so why restrict yourself to trousers and shorts?
Granted, the examples pictured above are for the Shock Value. I would wear a skirt any time, any place. I have 5 kilts, I’m of Irish and Scottish heritage and D**n proud of it.
I wear skirts around the house, to mow the lawn and to the in-laws. I’ve worn an A-Line, knee length denim skirt to Home Depot & Seven-Eleven.
My choice is based on what job I’m doing. If I’m going to work on the car, my choice is pants. If I’m working in my flower beds, I’ll take a skirt or kilt over pants.
Wake up guys! Skirted garments are much healthier for men. Keeping ‘things’ cool (as nature intended) will help prevent prostate problems, testicular cancer and increase sperm count.
I get plenty of great comments when wearing my kilts, mainly from the ladies, and nary a comment of any kind when wearing the denim skirt. Denim blends into any crowd.
For those who think my name is a fake, my first name is Al and I’m an uncle to 2 nieces and 1 nephew. My grandsons call me Paw-Paw. I’ve been around this world for several years and wish I had discovered skirted garments years ago. I’m proud of my kilts (& skirts) and I’m no longer a sheep in the herd of men.
Guys – As an old cereal commercial said: Try it – you might like it!
Isn’t a man in a skirt just incredibly beautiful? I know people mightn’t agree with me, but I really like it. Since I’m a woman, I don’t completely get what the fuss is about. Men can wear hideous skirts, they will look hideous. But that’s exactly the same for us. As long as the skirt is well-cut, it’s the best.
And the liberation is a good thing too! It would be nice to see people waring what they like!
I especially like the white one in the right.
Man skirts and dresses – David Bowie he pulled it off extremely well. There is something extremely empowering about wearing a skirt. I also agree a well designed out fit, whatever it is will look fantastic on anyone who wears it with confidence.
Once I dressed up as a goth girl for «carnaval» (something like mardi gras or Halloween) and since that day I’ve been gelous of woman ’cause a long skirt is SO much more comfortable than trousers.
Yes. I think it’s just a matter of getting used to it. It’s bothersome how men feel so threatened to be removed of masculinity.
Personally I think if a man wants to wear a skirt and feels comfortable wearing one then let it be! Fashion is not just a trend but a way of expressing yourself. I personally would wear one depending on the style.for example when the Scottish kilt is worn by a man it looks quite masculine and in my opinion if you wear the right designed skirt with the right accessories and clothing to go with it you cant go wrong! I am currently studying Fashion and Design and this issue has inspired me to create my own designs!
THUMBS UP :-D
I think we should be flexible. Never say never because only the death and the stupid never will change their opinion.
I can discuss this topic because I learned a lot past 7 years. After an accident I have to wear support hose which cannot be worn under pants because of the heat. What option a man has then? I chose skirted garments, and the success is tremendous until today, how friendly people are seeing man in a skirt. It is just amazing. Behind the history we all know that then skirt was always a males garment until 200 years ago, and I do not see any reason why men can’t wear skirts. Women already using ALL items out of mens wardrobe, and still looking very feminine. So, men can do the same, and for myself it is a necessary piece of my daily wardrobe.
Martinus, I agree. Nobody tell us what is happen when men have to wear skirted garments and I think it doesn’t matter what will be the reason for that. First of all it is about health and comfort, is there anything else what could be more important? Fashion should follow form and not taste from somebody else which don’t know the background or reason. We just have to be open minded and get out of overaged ideas and imaginations.
I love skirts on men. They really look incredible good in this garment. After reading the comments I resume that some men disagree. It is their right, but a lot more agree with this new fashion style.
Thinking about the history we also must see that men always wore skirts in past time and I can imagine that must be a wonderful comfortable garment for the male body.
I think it is just time for a change, and some men already brave enough going out skirted. Those guys I call real men because they are not afraid what other people might think.
I also have read the comments and discussions about the proper length for men and I agree that men depend on their age should not wear skirts shorter than 16 inches although the length for man-kilts already only between 20-22,5 inches in combination with socks.
I think it is also okay that men which using skirts shorter than 20 inches should wear tights like women do.
No,no and no. How is it right for a guy to wear a skirt?
Just wrong. One thing is being fashionable and following trends and another is dressing like an oaf, and this falls into the latter.