Do folks notice or not?

[Caultron]

...we just don't take advantage of, or use, that freedom...

Yes, that was my intent.

[STEVIE]

I'd not noticed this previously but "contrast" seems to be a factor.
The garb is black skirt, tights and shoes, no one notices. Swap to a grey skirt and the "reactions" are so much more marked.
Just a reflection.
Steve.

[crfriend]

The garb is black skirt, tights and shoes, no one notices. Swap to a grey skirt and the "reactions" are so much more marked.

So, in other words, the almost white (the technical term is "sea foam" I believe) skirt with a batik print I wore today to a presentation at the local library probably caused the world to stop turning... (The last I noticed, the sun was in the process of slowly heading towards the western horizon.)

Jokes aside, I suspect that the strongest determinant when it comes to reaction is our own behavior. If you look the part and behave the part it's believable and won't, usually, be addressed with scorn.

I am reminded of this past Thursday when I was in Providence to record a presentation on one of the historical computers at my concern there and some folks dropped in unannounced (of an "off day", yet, but inhospitable behavior is always crude). Only one commented on my floor-length taffeta skirt, and blue brocade waistcoat; he also mentioned my beard and my size -- only then did I notice he was looking up at me at about a 30-degree angle -- and his overall tone was positive! (The recording was a bit of a disaster, as Uncle Al and Milfmog can attest to, but was, shall we say, a "learning experience". We'll do better next time.)

[rick401r]

I stopped in the local tobacco shop yesterday where I have been seen in my black watch kilt many times without comment. Yesterday I was wearing my black UK and the girl asked me what the occasion was for my outfit. My reply was because it's Saturday.

[Uncle Al]

Wife & I were at Wal-Mart a couple of nights ago and I was wearing
a yellow, white & brown checked shirt with a dark brown A-line gored
skirt, black over-the-calf support hose and black shoes. I have a bag
that I wear like a sporran.

On the way into the store a guy asked me if I play 'The Pipes'. I replied
that I don't but I can get the sound out of my console organ. He smiled
and talked about his friend, in west Texas, that plays 'The Pipes'. Had
a great talk and he never once commented that I was wearing a skirt.

Anyway - after shopping a bit, a young African-American girl, probably in
her late teens or early twenties, stopped me and said "I like your outfit
and so does my mom". I said "Thank You" and she turned to go on her
way in the store.

I'ld say that was a WIN-WIN situation

Uncle Al


P.S. - If anyone(U.S. Locations) needs shirts, Wal-Mart has their
men's summer short sleeve plaid/checked shirts by George,
Faded Glory and Wrangler on close-out from $3.00 to $5.00 each.
I ended up with 4 shirts and paid $16.00 plus tax.
Heck - you can't get a new 'in-season' shirt for that price anywhere

[Caultron]

...I suspect that the strongest determinant when it comes to reaction is our own behavior. If you look the part and behave the part it's believable and won't, usually, be addressed with scorn...

This is certainly true. You need to exude self-confidence, not self-humiliation or self-doubt. People react much more negatively to the latter.

However, some outfits and styles will get you more attention than others.

[skirtilator]

For those who are looking for the stealth factor, Adrian offers a quick solution, sport tights: http://sklep.adrian-rajstopy.eu/produkt/sport.php
Black utility kilt, waistcoat and biker gloves makes you look like a man, man. It is all useless if you act like a mouse. You draw the least attention if you don't run arround in fear and insecurity. I once visited a supermarket in a Sport Kilt. Everyone acted normal because I was comfortable.

Does someone have any experience with the Elkommando Kilt?

[crfriend]

Well, I guess that folks do, especially those who are used to local blokes in skirts.

This evening I picked up a very nice compliment about my "inverted look" (black dress shirt and hot-white skirt) from a neighbor who thought I was "all dressed up" for something. I wasn't, it's just what I put on earlier.

Yesterday was a different story when I did "put on the dog" as I was supposed to present a talk on the PDP-12 at RCS/RI save that nobody'd put out any announcements on the matter and it was going to be another recording session. Emotionally I sort of imploded and didn't make the trip to Providence. Rig: Sapphire-blue colour-shifting skirt, yellow dress shirt, blue silk brocade waistcoat and a matching tie. I wandered home, shucked the whole thing off, and crawled into bed.

Foo.

[Uncle Al]

Carl,

A second "Dress Rehearsal" is always a good idea
This shows where the project has improved and what
needs further improvement. It's a pain but it is also
a Win-Win situation.

Uncle Al

[Dynamo]

I have been wearing full skirts for about 10 years in public. I find people are polarized in their reactions:

1/3rd don't know what to make of it and look over and over as their mental processors burn up and short circuit. It always gives me a good laugh.

1/3rd come to me and say to me that I have made their day, or they wish they could get away with it, or it looks good, or they wish their husband would have the courage to do it and feel how good it feels. Some women come up to me and say they find it very sexy when men wear skirts. Some men have gone out of the way to tell me that it looks very "manly". I mean, look at the matrix. Who would say that those jackets are not amazing! The "line" that is created is what a good skirt does on a male figure. It just needs to be worn right that's all. I always exude confidence when I wear a skirt. Just how I have learned to be. It affirms that I am not cross dressing to be feminine but quite frankly it also feels good therefore I walk with strength.

1/3rd (or less) can't get over it. No one really comments to the negative. If they did, they would more-so comment to the friend they are with. To those I would say in my heart and not to their face:
Wow I didn't know I needed to dress for your approval today... and who did your hair anyway I hate it! LOL (So who's opinion is more important? Yours or mine?). I say be free in who you are. No matter what you wear, someone will gawk. So whose approval are you working toward? If it is for others, you will never succeed. If you dress trendy the traditionalists will say how stupid. If you dress traditional then the trendy folk would say how square. Just be you, and be you with confidence that is all that matters. So long as you don't hurt another, I say do what is right for you.

In general the good responses far outweigh the bad. Wearing a skirt is just "worth it" in every way. It is for this reason why I have taken the leap to build a team that now builds custom skirts for other men as well. I simply love empowering other men toward comfort and new confidence as they push the envelope of social barriers and awareness.

Just be you my friends. You are the genuine article no matter what you wear.

[skirtyscot]

Well said, Dynamo!

What sort of skirts do you wear to garner so many positive responses?

[Dynamo]

Well said, Dynamo!

What sort of skirts do you wear to garner so many positive responses?

I tend to wear full bodied skirts that flow and fly as I move. I find them to be the most comfortable as well.

Here is me sporting one of my skirts on my local television show:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

And another:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

We are presently setting up photo shoots for our new fall line of http://www.apostrophe.cc mens apparel. A "corner" photo of a skirt can be seen here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

I hope this helps

[crfriend]

I tend to wear full bodied skirts that flow and fly as I move. I find them to be the most comfortable as well.

Those are the styles I tend to gravitate towards as well and find that they also work the best for my frame.

Here is me sporting one of my skirts on my local television show:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

And another:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater

You wear both of those with an ease and a panache that should be the envy of many.

We are presently setting up photo shoots for our new fall line of http://www.apostrophe.cc mens apparel. A "corner" photo of a skirt can be seen here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater

That looks like a nice fabric. What is it?

[Dynamo]

You wear both of those with an ease and a panache that should be the envy of many.

I find it is the ease and confidence that makes it acceptable by many. Much like the "popular kid" at the high school playground. You can wear all the right clothes but if confidence and self security does not exude from within, the crew will be out to get you. In contrast, you can wear all of the "wrong" clothes but if you wear them with strength and confidence, others will naturally want to emulate you, and do as you do. It all comes down to attitude and pairing yourself with the garment that you feel most confident and comfortable with. Confidence is key to your success in this way.

Even if you are shy at first, just "choose not to be" and you will be amazed at how your communities response will change toward you. But that said, if you have a hard time committing to confidently positioning yourself in such a matter at first, often we as a clothing company will build (upon your request) in an "apostrophe" panel with our logo into your skirt so that when nay-sayers state that you are wearing feminine clothing, you can with strength point to the apostrophe logo and / or website and say "look for yourself" it is "Apostrophe" [men's clothing without a doubt]. Our logo is simply the apostrophe symbol therefore it looks good on just about every design. We have done this in purpose of course.

I also say when you get your first skirt, don't wear it out at first. Wear it around the house for a bit. Get used to how it flows and feels. Get confident in wearing the skirt in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Then when you feel like you "Got it", wear it for a quick jaunt to the grocery store and back. You will find you will get questions and comments and it is just fun seeing the reaction of people at times when they try to "figure you out". When they ask you why are you wearing a skirt, is it for religious reasons? You say "it's comfortable" and watch their brains truly short circuit while you share a great smile and reap the joy of the fun experience . Or you can say it's Apostrophe Men's Apparel and have the ultimate excuse to be sporting men's skirt clothing.

The key is to have fun, take nothing personally and enjoy educating the public. Often people take things personally out of insecurity that need not be taken that way and instantly make meaning from actions where there are no direct meaning. For example: A girl looks away while we are having a conversation with you, does this mean she dislikes you and you should internalize that emotion and walk home ashamed, or does this mean she is simply distracted at the moment and maybe would like you to ask why in order to delve into a deeper relationship and conversation with her. You get the idea. Living the life of a skirted man shares the same kind of resemblance.

Anyway, grab a skirt and wear it with pride! See you on the playground!

[Dynamo]

Ooh! Got so caught up in the flow of my reply I forgot you asked about the fabric. That is more of a question for our implementation designer: Alana. I will ask her now and get back to you. I believe that specific skirt is made of high quality cotton. We do have many different materials that we work with in order to fulfill the many different needs and desires that come our way.

Also forgot to mention, a brief description of that "skirt strategy" can be found here:
http://www.apostrophe.cc/Skirts.htm

Writing my last post has inspired me to make a first-time skirt wearer page. Once I find time I may do so.