In an every changing world where men and women seem to be gaining in equality by the second a new trend has hit over in parts of Europe and is starting to eek its way ahead; men in skirts. While the idea of a man wearing a skirt is strictly taboo in some parts of the world it is actually gaining popularity and if history is any indicator, skirts on men will be here in the United States before you know it.
It makes sense when you think about it. More and more clothing that would only be considered for one sex is making its way across the gender line and showing up where you least expect it. The pants suit for women is a classic example of a fashion that was originally designed for one gender but made its way to the other. Designers certainly pulled that off so why not skirts on a guy?
For now though it is not generally accepted for men to wear skirts except for some certain circumstances. Here is when it is most commonly acceptable to have a man wearing a skirt:
• Scottish formal events: This is probably the only time for now that you will think it is acceptable for a man to be in a skirt. Of course these skirts are referred to as kilts and are a traditional garment for a Scottish man to wear especially to a formal event. Should you attend a wedding that has a Scottish Bride or Groom chances are you will see more than one kilt floating around.
• Celtic events: Much like the Scottish, the Celts have their own form of the kilt and they too can be seen on Celtic men. Also like the Scottish, it was tradition to dress up in your finest kilt for the most formal of times.
• Foreign military dress: Though they have not been used in battle since the 1940s, there are still certain regimens of the British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and South African armies that still use kilts as part of their everyday dress and uniforms.
• Military ceremonies: The U.S. Marines, the Coast Guard, and the U.S. Air Force have all developed ceremonial kilts that are worn by certain members of the pipe and drum bands. Though not part of the everyday uniform, these kilts are being seen at more and more military ceremonies.
• Halloween: Let’s face it, if your buddy came over right now wearing a skirt, you would check your calendar to see if it was Halloween. On this occasion men can definitely get away with wearing a skirt if the costume they picked out dictates one. If it’s not Halloween, maybe your buddy just got back from a European vacation and loved the new fashion that he saw while over there.
While at the present time it is really only a kilt that is an acceptable form of a skirt for a man, the day is coming whether we like it or not that men will stop putting their pants on one leg a time and put both in a skirt at the same time.
The question about the socially acceptance is useless. Men who want to wear skirts do not need a social acceptance as a menber of our society.
Skirt for men is a fashion trend and official accepted. What else people do need? A special permit? Did women ask for what they want to wear?
Where is the real equality? Do we playing around with double standards?
If women want to be fully accepted than men HAVE to wear skirts.
What kind of skirts? That is only a question for men, but we all know that most skirts already worn by younger women are very men-stylish. So, that would be the first step. What else togehter with a skirt? Well, all what men would like, but for official events a tie probably with a skirted suit, dark stockings and dark shoes.
We have to learn to act open minded and get out of our own selfmade isolation in the real world.
And in a real world men do not have to ask what they can wear.
I think the answer is simple, it’s the same as for the question “Where is it Socially Acceptable for women to Wear Trousers?”: everywhere!
Pardon, we’re living in the year 2009. The world is a village, and most of the men all over the world wear skirts traditional!
Yes, we are living in the year 2009, but some people don’t recognize that. That is the reason that somebody always have to question the issue that men can wear skirts. They can, and it has nothing to do with cross-dress (what is that, by the way – because it only counts on men) or something like that, it is just the freedom to do what is good for feeling or the body.
On the other hand, 90% of women in westernized societies wearing pants on daily basis, the picture of people on the streets now really uniform, and again, uniformized. I would wish to see more men wearing skirts, kilts and dresses to show up with creativity and innovation.
As mara said: If women want to be fully accepted then men have to wear skirts – the true equality.
I am a daily skirt – and kilt-wearer, and I have every day admirer, compliments – which never I got before wearing pants because everybody wore the same.
There are no limits where men can wear skirts, and a kilt is a skirt for instance. Men limit themselve by asking such questions like above.
No women would ask if she could wear pieces out of males wardrobe, and I can’t count what from femals wardrobe is originally and historical women’s garment. A skirt, blazer, pants, shirts, blouse, jacket, suit, tie, vest and raincoat for sure NOT originally women’s wear, and a dress was unisex in past. So, why men do not just adopt from now called women’s clothing, back to their wardrobe? Are guy’s to shy?
Why people asking where it is socially acceptable for men wearing kilts and skirts?
I have to ask on the other hand where is it acceptable for women to wear pants? I think both question silly enough – just forget it. Everybody can wear what she/he want. I am fine seeing men wearing skirts – it not so boring like always the same…… pants.
I wonder how many men are wearing skirts behind closed doors ? Quickly changing every time the door goes or they need to pop to the shops .
Skirt wearing Men need to unite not just on the internet but in the real world we need to get out there and show the way forward it’s the only way we are going to be excepted .
Who ever you are where ever you live you need to meet up go out and be strong Also if you have a special lady by your side this will show you already have her acceptance and will make it easier for others to follow her example .
I’m a straight happily married Man who just like to wear alternative clothing Essex the united kingdom
I fully agree with Karl’ and Bess’s comments above and consider that nowdays , it is socially acceptable for men to wear skirts wherever they like.
As a man living in France , I foud it good to alternate the usual monotonous trousers with various skirts ( Yesterday was wearing long velvet skirt to attend a great ballet performance at the Opera of my town )
I live in Northeast Ohio and I wear skirts and skorts here. While it is true that society decides what is socially acceptable this tends to change over the years because if influences beyond our control. Women wearing pants prior to 1940 was practically unheard of, and most women wouldn’t be caught in them. In some places women were arrested if found in public. The same could be said for men who were wearing feminine apparel.
I have found that in todays society that a lot of things are tolerated and others are becoming more acceptable. One of these is the fact of men wearing skirts. Women that I’ve talked to while out have said that men should wear skirts, some also wanted to see dresses. Their answer varied between being more sexual to adding to mens rather drab wardrobes. Most of the women enjoyed the further exposure of the mens legs, although some thought that the men should shave their legs. As far as hosiery or tights they said it depended upon what man was wearing them. By this they meant younger guys should or could wear a pantyhose, while older men should wear tights (vericose veins, saggy knees, etc). It also depended upon what length skirt they were wearing. As far as underwear the women thought that the men should wear at least a light panty in white or boxer briefs, no boxers or jockeyshorts. This part amazed me that they would even consider a man in panties. Maybe the regular guys stuff showed too much.
Where is it acceptable for men to wear skirts?
EVERYWHERE!!!!
What kind of question is that? Why this question? We can talk about fashion freedom – but we can’t talk about society, because WE ARE the society.
Again, everywhere is it possible!
I live in Michigan and I wear skirts every day. I do not see any problems, only most people much nicer, greeting me and have always a short conversation. Great people over there, love it.
In 1876 women in pants were accused of mental illness (NY Times May 27, page 6) TODAY your local “Mental Health Professional” (Inquisitor/Witch Finder) says men in skirts are “cross-dressed.” This is about nothing except attempt to maintain status quo. I have been refused acceptance into churches that advertised “inclusive” they accept gays they DON’T accept hetero male in skirts!! This includes Fort Worth/Dallas churches. There are a very few exceptions as in Unitarian HOWEVER there they call you “cross dresser” why go there? It’s like them telling Black “you can come here but we know you’re a NIGGER!” The local Contra dance group isn’t receptive to men in skirts, whereas outside of Texas (UGH!!) many Contra groups say “men in skirts OK” and that isn’t limited to kilt styles!
“The question about the socially acceptance is useless.”
“I think the answer is simple, it’s the same as for the question “Where is it Socially Acceptable for women to Wear Trousers?”: everywhere!”
Not true. If you’re a woman, try wearing trousers and a tight shirt to any Islamic country. Or worse, a miniskirt. You’ll be harassed and probably assaulted. Same goes if you’re a man in a skirt; don’t expect to get out of an Islamic country without some injuries.
In parts of the USA, it’s not much different, as the mindset here is very similar to that in Taliban Afghanistan. Dressing differently than the norm will earn you rude comments in public and possibly a beating from ignorant, uneducated locals. Now obviously, in some places, this is hardly a concern. People living in advanced, progressive cities don’t have to worry about such barbarianism. But those living in primitive southern states with inferior cultures do, states like Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, etc.
” The local Contra dance group isn’t receptive to men in skirts…”
I’ll bet they are Republicans.
There is no problem if men and women both wear kilt.