What inspired you to wear a skirt anyway?

[TheEnforcer]

I don't really remember when or how I got into unbifuricated garments...but it most likely was 10 years back, when I was still 5. And it just progressed from there. By the time I was 12, I had already tried on a dress, as well as a few skirt. I like many different cuts, from the pencil to the circle. For length, I prefer anything at the knee or above. Because I feel that anything longer is going to get in the way when I bend my knees.

I hadn't been successful in terms of wearing skirts with others around. My family members all possess this disgusting mentality where anything not with the established norms are considered "weird", "bad" and "wrong". I had told my parents about my ventures in skirt wearing before, and they simply shunned the idea, telling me to just conform and not challenge anything in society. So I just gave up on gaining their acceptance, since I knew nothing could change their minds. For now I just do it whenever they are not around. Maybe when I become an adult in a few years time, when I do not have to live under them anymore, I will make it clear to them that I disagree with their pathetic, archaic beliefs, and that I am going to live my own way.

I have to say, there are plenty of highlights, especially this year, despite the setbacks. This year, I managed to get 2 skirts of my own, as well as make several outdoor trips to take out trash while skirted. Both need tremendous amounts of courage from an introverted person like me.

Hopefully I would enjoy more successes in the years to come.

[Caultron]

...I hadn't been successful in terms of wearing skirts with others around. My family members all possess this disgusting mentality where anything not with the established norms are considered "weird", "bad" and "wrong". I had told my parents about my ventures in skirt wearing before, and they simply shunned the idea, telling me to just conform and not challenge anything in society. So I just gave up on gaining their acceptance, since I knew nothing could change their minds. For now I just do it whenever they are not around. Maybe when I become an adult in a few years time, when I do not have to live under them anymore, I will make it clear to them that I disagree with their pathetic, archaic beliefs, and that I am going to live my own way...

I hate to go against your parents, but if you've told them about your preference and they didn't go too ballistic, perhaps you should try some low-risk-of-discovery situations like shopping malls, coffee shops, art districts, thrift stores, or parks some distance from home.

For some reason, gas stations seem to be popular for first outings. Just get out of the car, pump some gas, and then go inside to buy a soft drink or whatever. It's quick, there won't be very many people, and if necessary you can always make a quick getaway.

But wherever you go, just gather your wits, be confident that you have the right to pick out your own clothes, and understand that if someone else doesn't like your choices, it's their problem, not yours. Never sulk or cower. Just be yourself.

For reinforcement, try browsing any of these:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/2192039@N22/

http://lookbook.nu/collections/976934-men-in-skirts

https://www.pinterest.com/jimbuyens/men-in-skirts/

The styles in these sites are all over the map but I'm sure you can find some you'll like. And in any event, they prove you're not alone.

[Reaper_Man]

TheEnforcer ...... Caultrons advice is good advice, with the exception of the gas station in your case, don't try that until you are actually old enough to drive (and are licenced to do so, or whatever the laws on driving are in Singapore)

[dillon]

For some reason, gas stations seem to be popular for first outings. Just get out of the car, pump some gas, and then go inside to buy a soft drink or whatever. It's quick, there won't be very many people, and if necessary you can always make a quick getaway.

Caultron, If I did the math correctly, he was five when he first recognized his interest and that was ten years ago, so he's 15? Unless he's driving without a license, I don't think he will be pumping gas in his own car.

TheEnforcer, don't be in a hurry. You have a lot of self exploration to do, and your generation, unlike mine (and maybe your parents) is not hamstrung by the conventions of so-called 'morality', which, by its apparent lack of either understanding or compassion, is not very moral. We are counting on you to change the world. We older men, with the same rebellious desires that you now have, want you to succeed, but mostly we want you to have a fulfilling and productive life.

I would be truthful with your parents; though I do not know them, speaking as a parent of a young person with gender-crossed feelings, I do believe your parents love you and only want the best for you. They just don't know what they are dealing with. You can try to gently introduce them to the facts about the relationship (or lack thereof) of sex, sexuality, and gender from reputable websites, and help them to see that your feelings are valid and unlikely to change. Few of us understand fully what compels us, but we do understand that we have a right to feel and think as we do, and that we are good and decent and worthy persons, and you are too. Please know that we are here to support you, and want only that you have the very best life that you can, and to which, we believe, you are fully entitled.

Your path will likely not be easy, but if you believe in yourself, and be yourself, you can live proudly and without regret.

Dillon

[TheEnforcer]

Dillon, despite my efforts, my parents still believe that I am just going through a "phase" (even when it was in me for 10 years and counting). I know they want the best for me, but they failed to understand what is best for me. And, sadly, majority of the population here (my parents included) still live under traditional "morals" that had somehow survived the test of time and made it into this country. Our government even criminalized sodomy between males, to appease those who believe in sky wizzards and unicorns . At a young age, we are taught to stick to society's expectations (or demands) of the gender we are born as. We are taught to laugh at men wearing skirts, and to associate them with homosexuals. It would be a very long time before all of us could adopt the mentality of a first world country.

Caultron, I would love to be myself as much as possible, but the way things are here in Singapore does not help at all. Many people have this horrible habit of taking pictures of anything or anybody that is unusual and then uploading it to an equally horrible website where others could laugh and throw idiotic insults at the people caught in the picture. I would not want a stranger to do this to me, especially when I am still a student. Who knows, if my school or family ever got to know of my interests on that website, I might be condemned by people I have to face almost everyday. Unlike friends, which I can ditch any time when they try to ridicule me, I cannot neither get rid of my family nor my school. I depend on the former for plenty of things, such as electronic devices, housing, and internet access. As for the latter, I need it to get my certificates and qualifications. For now I will grit my teeth, and try to live with the oppressive society here. I just have to study well so that I can secure a job in a better country(I am considering UK and Scandinavia), and then get citizenship and stay there for the rest of my life. I will work hard for the right to live in a mature society, who will definitely be more accepting of my rebellious interests (skirts and heavy metal).

Yes, I am only 15 years old, so no driving for me (even though I have a passion for cars ever since I was born).

[moonshadow]

Many people have this horrible habit of taking pictures of anything or anybody that is unusual and then uploading it to an equally horrible website where others could laugh and throw idiotic insults at the people caught in the picture. I would not want a stranger to do this to me, especially when I am still a student. Who knows, if my school or family ever got to know of my interests on that website, I might be condemned by people I have to face almost everyday. Unlike friends, which I can ditch any time when they try to ridicule me, I cannot neither get rid of my family nor my school. I depend on the former for plenty of things, such as electronic devices, housing, and internet access. As for the latter, I need it to get my certificates and qualifications. For now I will grit my teeth, and try to live with the oppressive society here. I just have to study well so that I can secure a job in a better country(I am considering UK and Scandinavia), and then get citizenship and stay there for the rest of my life. I will work hard for the right to live in a mature society, who will definitely be more accepting of my rebellious interests (skirts and heavy metal).

My two cents on this, is that at this juncture, you'd probably do well to "fly below the radar". At your present age there is probably little you can do, but be patient, the time will come, and hopefully you will have plenty of life ahead of you to explore what ever fashion choice you like.

But remember, it's sort of a "give and take", if you're lucky you may land a career like some on this site where you can wear what you want, but you may also do well to just be able to wear what you want in your "free time". Work life, can be compared to being a kid living "at home". When I report to work, I have to play by their rules, that's what they pay me for. And to keep with that comparison, I've known many managers that say they are nothing more than "glorified babysitters". (little joke you'll understand when you get in the working world) Be advised, that even in western culture, generally trousers (pants) are for men, and women get to choose, so I wouldn't expect it to be all rosy all of the time.... that said, if this site is any indicator, things do seem like they might be just a little easier in the U.K. as opposed to the U.S.

Oh, and if you succeed in finding a "mature society", let me know.... I'd like to join you! (and I ain't talkin' about Florida.... oh snap!)

But even at the age of 34.96, I believe I'd have to box the skirts up temporarily if I ever had to return "home" (to live with either parent) for any period of time. Lesson for the day (for me), wear what they tell me to wear at work, so I have the freedom to wear what I want to wear at home. (I.E. don't get fired so I can keep paying the rent on MY home!)

[Judah14]

Be advised, that even in western culture, generally trousers (pants) are for men, and women get to choose, so I wouldn't expect it to be all rosy all of the time....

It is ironic that men wearing skirts is considered rebellious in Southeast Asia, as men's tube skirts (like in the picture below) are traditional garments in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar and Brunei. I am pretty sure Malay men in Singapore wear them, so why not reason out that if they can wear that kind of skirt, since those are just the same type of garment, then why not other kinds of skirts?

[Sinned]

Judah14, as a UK resident if you have the choice between the UK and Scandinavia then choose the latter - you'd be much better off. Depending on the country you choose you may have to learn a language with strange letters in it. Also what has been said is good advice. If you get to Uni and live away from home then you'll have chance to experiment with your skirts as it is considered normal and almost obligatory for Uni students to rebel against parental and societal traditions and rules. Only a small number of years to go then you'll have the rest of your life in which to please yourself.

[Judah14]

Judah14, as a UK resident if you have the choice between the UK and Scandinavia then choose the latter - you'd be much better off. Depending on the country you choose you may have to learn a language with strange letters in it. Also what has been said is good advice. If you get to Uni and live away from home then you'll have chance to experiment with your skirts as it is considered normal and almost obligatory for Uni students to rebel against parental and societal traditions and rules. Only a small number of years to go then you'll have the rest of your life in which to please yourself.

I think you are referring to TheEnforcer's case, as I have no problem wearing skirts with my parents.

[Sinned]

Yeah, sorry Judah14, got a bit mixed up there. I did mean TheEnforcer. Bit of early onset senility.

[SkirtedWelshman]

How I got into kilts. As a child I was slightly effeminate, if I did anything 'girly', my dad would threaten to put a skirt on me. I became fascinated by that and would try on my sisters skirts.
Two years ago I got married, gay wedding, and being Welsh wanted to acknowledge my Celtic heritage. I ordered a black traditional kilt and a black utility kilt, from then on I was hooked. The collection got bigger. I wanted to develop a 'look'. I wear them with rolled down thick socks and boots. I have started to experiment with makeup, foundation, powder, black eyeshadow and eyeliner. The response from people has been amazing. Lots of positive comments about the kilts as well as my proficiency in applying makeup. Getting dressed in the morning has never been more relaxing, taking time to apply my makeup as well as getting ready. I always make sure my top half is on, then apply my makeup, do my socks and boots. Last but not least make sure the Kilt goes on.

MOH does have trouble with me and my looks.he goes out with me. Female friend of ours love it.on said, "If I had legs like yours I would wear a skirt all the time". Another said to my husband that my eye makeup was " stunning ". Can't complain.

[Gordon]

Pictures. We like pictures. I too have been experimenting with eye liner and mascara. Very subtle though. You'd have to be within 10 feet of me to see it. Don't want to scare the women and horses ya know.

[renesm1]

How I got into kilts. As a child I was slightly effeminate, if I did anything 'girly', my dad would threaten to put a skirt on me. I became fascinated by that and would try on my sisters skirts.
Two years ago I got married, gay wedding, and being Welsh wanted to acknowledge my Celtic heritage. I ordered a black traditional ki?t and a black utility kilt, from then on I was hooked. The collection got bigger. I wanted to develop a 'look'. I wear them with rolled down thick socks. I have started to experiment with makeup, foundation, powder, black eyeshadow and eyeliner. The response from people has been amazing. Lots of positive comments about the kilts as well as my proficiency in applying makeup. Getting dressed in the morning has never been more relaxing, taking time to apply my makeup as well as getting ready. I always make sure my top half is on, then apply my makeup, do my socks and boots. Last but not least make sure the Kilt goes on.

MOH does have trouble with me and my looks.he goes out with me. Female friend of ours love it.on said, "If I had legs like yours I would wear a skirt all the time". Another said to my husband that my eye makeup was " stunning ". Can't complain.

That's a very interesting point you raise. Most of us here have to deal with wives and their (sometimes) objections, it would be refreshing to hear views about men in skirts from gay people. I suspect the arguments for and against are just the same.

[Bamaskirting]

every since i was a kid, i liked the look of clothing that was supposedly meant for a female. everything i tried, i thought was more comfortable and stylish than what was supposedly for men. even shopping for nikes, i thought the women's section had better styles. but i never gravitated towards skirts. a couple years ago, i got a second hand dress and loved it. i added a few skirts, and i was absolutely hooked with the look and the level of comfort.
i wore in public to a few stores not long ago. it felt liberating. just yesterday, i went to bigger stores in a teal skater skirt. it is getting easier, but i cannot see me wearing out alot because of the area i live in. also i have never seen another guy wearing one. i try to wear to places that are frequented by more women, such as hobby lobby. and as an artist, i need to go there all the time anyways.
it is getting easier to wear though. i still feel nervous, but i do not chicken out. it is messed up that women can get away with wearing anything, men cannot or are scared too, i am not scared. i just do not want to get jumped as i am into the more freestyle look.
as for style....i like the minis i got from victorias secret. but they are fairly mini. i love them. but recently, i got a skater skirt from victorias secret. it is above the knees, but looks great. i thinl that is my favorite style so far. i cannot wait to try other looks and styles

[moonshadow]

How I got into kilts. As a child I was slightly effeminate, if I did anything 'girly', my dad would threaten to put a skirt on me. I became fascinated by that and would try on my sisters skirts.
Two years ago I got married, gay wedding, and being Welsh wanted to acknowledge my Celtic heritage. I ordered a black traditional ki?t and a black utility kilt, from then on I was hooked. The collection got bigger. I wanted to develop a 'look'. I wear them with rolled down thick socks. I have started to experiment with makeup, foundation, powder, black eyeshadow and eyeliner. The response from people has been amazing. Lots of positive comments about the kilts as well as my proficiency in applying makeup. Getting dressed in the morning has never been more relaxing, taking time to apply my makeup as well as getting ready. I always make sure my top half is on, then apply my makeup, do my socks and boots. Last but not least make sure the Kilt goes on.

MOH does have trouble with me and my looks.he goes out with me. Female friend of ours love it.on said, "If I had legs like yours I would wear a skirt all the time". Another said to my husband that my eye makeup was " stunning ". Can't complain.

That's a very interesting point you raise. Most of us here have to deal with wives and their (sometimes) objections, it would be refreshing to hear views about men in skirts from gay people. I suspect the arguments for and against are just the same.

I'll second that... very fascinating indeed. Welcome to the board SkirtedWelshman, I look forward to your stories.