Fashion has always been a powerful form of expression, reflecting the culture, values, and aspirations of society. Throughout history, it has served as a platform to challenge conventions, break boundaries, and redefine norms. In recent years, one of the most intriguing movements in fashion has been the growing acceptance of skirts as a garment for men. While skirts have long been associated with femininity, the increasing visibility of men in skirts is challenging traditional gender norms and opening up new conversations about masculinity, identity, and self-expression. By looking at the history, cultural significance, and modern interpretation of men wearing skirts, we can better understand how this evolving trend is reshaping the fashion landscape and pushing the boundaries of gender expression.
Historical Context: Skirts Were Once Unisex
Contrary to the perception that skirts are exclusively feminine garments, skirts were historically worn by men across various cultures. In ancient times, garments that resemble skirts—such as tunics, togas, and kilts—were common attire for men. In Ancient Egypt, men wore linen kilts called “shendyt,” while Greek and Roman men donned tunics, which were essentially knee-length dresses. These garments were practical, comfortable, and suited to the climate, making them ideal for both men and women.
The Scottish kilt is perhaps the most well-known example of a skirt worn by men. Kilts have been a part of Scottish culture for centuries and are still worn today, particularly during special occasions and cultural celebrations. The kilt, a knee-length garment with pleats at the back, is a symbol of Scottish heritage and masculinity. In Scotland, wearing a kilt is seen as a point of pride and cultural identity, and it has never been associated with a loss of masculinity.
In many parts of the world, skirts or skirt-like garments continue to be part of traditional male attire. In Southeast Asia, men wear the “sarong,” a long piece of fabric wrapped around the waist, while in parts of Africa, men wear garments like the “kanga” or “kitenge.” In these cultures, skirts are worn by men without any stigma, demonstrating that the association of skirts with femininity is not universal but rather a product of specific cultural and historical contexts.
The Rise of Gender Norms in Fashion
The association of skirts with women and trousers with men can be traced back to the social and cultural changes that took place in Europe during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. As societies became more stratified, clothing began to serve as a marker of gender, class, and social status. By the 19th century, Western fashion had become highly gendered, with men wearing trousers and women wearing skirts and dresses. This strict division in clothing styles reflected broader societal expectations about the roles and behaviors deemed appropriate for men and women.
The Industrial Revolution further cemented the divide between men’s and women’s clothing. As men increasingly worked in factories and offices, trousers became the practical choice for the demands of industrial labor. Women’s clothing, on the other hand, remained more elaborate and restrictive, reflecting their roles in the domestic sphere. The skirt became emblematic of femininity, while trousers symbolized masculinity and utility.
This strict separation of clothing by gender continued well into the 20th century, with any deviation from the norm being met with resistance and ridicule. Men in skirts were often seen as transgressing societal boundaries, challenging the established norms of masculinity and femininity. However, as societal attitudes toward gender and identity have evolved, so too has the understanding of what constitutes acceptable clothing for men and women.
The Modern Movement: Skirts as a Statement
In the 21st century, the fashion industry has become increasingly open to challenging traditional gender norms. Designers, celebrities, and fashion enthusiasts have embraced gender-fluid fashion, blurring the lines between what is considered “men’s” and “women’s” clothing. Men wearing skirts has emerged as a powerful symbol of this movement, challenging stereotypes about masculinity and expanding the possibilities for self-expression.
Designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Thom Browne have all featured skirts for men in their collections, showcasing the garment as a bold and stylish choice for those willing to challenge convention. Gaultier, in particular, has been a long-time advocate of breaking gender boundaries in fashion, famously sending male models down the runway in skirts as early as the 1980s. His designs were a statement against the rigid gender norms of the time, emphasizing that fashion should be about creativity and individuality rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Celebrities have also played a significant role in normalizing skirts for men. Pop culture icons like David Bowie, Prince, and Kurt Cobain were early adopters of gender-fluid fashion, often wearing skirts or dresses as part of their performances and public appearances. More recently, celebrities like Harry Styles, Billy Porter, and Jaden Smith have continued this tradition, wearing skirts on red carpets and in fashion editorials. Their choices have been celebrated as acts of defiance against traditional gender norms, inspiring others to embrace a more fluid approach to fashion.
The increasing visibility of men in skirts is part of a broader movement toward inclusivity and diversity in fashion. As conversations around gender identity and expression have gained momentum, the fashion industry has responded by creating collections that are less rigidly divided along gender lines. Brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Rick Owens have embraced gender-neutral designs, offering skirts and dresses that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. This shift reflects a growing recognition that clothing is a form of self-expression that should not be limited by societal expectations about gender.
Challenging Masculinity and Redefining Strength
One of the most significant aspects of the movement toward men wearing skirts is the challenge it poses to traditional notions of masculinity. For centuries, masculinity has been defined in opposition to femininity, with men expected to embody strength, stoicism, and dominance. The skirt, as a garment associated with women, has been viewed as incompatible with these ideals. Men who choose to wear skirts are, therefore, challenging not only fashion norms but also deeply ingrained ideas about what it means to be a man.
Wearing a skirt can be a powerful act of defiance against toxic masculinity—the idea that men must adhere to rigid and often harmful standards of behavior in order to be considered “real men.” By choosing to wear skirts, men are rejecting the notion that vulnerability, softness, or femininity are weaknesses. Instead, they are embracing a more expansive understanding of masculinity—one that allows for creativity, emotion, and the freedom to express oneself without fear of judgment.
The Scottish kilt provides an interesting example of how skirts can be reimagined as symbols of strength and masculinity. Kilts have never been seen as feminine in Scotland; instead, they are associated with bravery, heritage, and pride. The modern movement toward men wearing skirts takes a similar approach, reimagining the skirt as a garment that can be worn with confidence and strength. By redefining the skirt in this way, men are challenging the binary thinking that has long dominated discussions of gender and fashion.
The Role of Social Media and Fashion Influencers
Social media has played a crucial role in the growing acceptance of men in skirts. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have given individuals the ability to share their personal style with a global audience, creating a space where fashion can be celebrated as a form of self-expression. Fashion influencers and content creators have used these platforms to showcase gender-fluid styles, including men in skirts, helping to normalize the look and inspire others to experiment with their clothing choices.
Influencers like Marc Sebastian, Mark Bryan, and Alok Vaid-Menon have gained significant followings by challenging gender norms in fashion. Mark Bryan, a mechanical engineer who often wears skirts and high heels to work, has become a viral sensation for his bold and unapologetic style. By sharing images of himself in traditionally “feminine” clothing, Bryan is challenging stereotypes and showing that clothing has no gender—it’s simply a way to express who you are.
The impact of social media on fashion cannot be understated. By providing a platform for diverse voices and styles, social media has helped to democratize fashion, breaking down the barriers between high fashion and everyday wear. Men in skirts are no longer limited to the runway or the pages of fashion magazines; they are part of a broader cultural movement that is being shaped by individuals from all walks of life. This visibility is helping to change perceptions and create a more inclusive and accepting fashion landscape.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
While the movement toward men wearing skirts has gained momentum, it is not without its challenges. Many men who choose to wear skirts still face criticism, ridicule, and even hostility. The idea that certain garments are inherently “feminine” or “masculine” is deeply ingrained in society, and breaking down these stereotypes requires a willingness to challenge long-held beliefs about gender and clothing.
For many, the fear of judgment or backlash is a significant barrier to embracing gender-fluid fashion. However, as more men choose to wear skirts and as the fashion industry continues to champion inclusivity, these barriers are slowly being broken down. The growing acceptance of men in skirts is part of a broader cultural shift toward greater gender equality and freedom of expression. It is a reminder that fashion is not just about what we wear—it is about who we are and how we choose to present ourselves to the world.
The movement toward men wearing skirts is also helping to redefine the fashion industry itself. Designers are increasingly creating collections that are not limited by gender, offering clothing that can be worn by anyone, regardless of their identity. This shift is not only making fashion more inclusive but also more creative, as designers are free to experiment with shapes, fabrics, and styles without the constraints of traditional gender norms.
The Future of Men in Skirts
As society continues to evolve, so too will the fashion landscape. The movement toward men wearing skirts is just one example of how fashion can challenge norms, break boundaries, and create space for new forms of expression. The growing acceptance of gender-fluid fashion is a reflection of broader cultural changes—a move toward greater acceptance, inclusivity, and the celebration of individuality.
The future of men in skirts is likely to be one of continued growth and acceptance. As more men embrace skirts as a stylish and empowering garment, the stigma surrounding them will continue to diminish. Fashion is a powerful tool for change, and by challenging the norms of what is considered “acceptable” clothing for men and women, we can create a more open and accepting society. Men in skirts are not just a fashion statement—they are a symbol of progress, a challenge to the status quo, and a celebration of the freedom to be oneself.
