My first real outing

[Caultron]

I don't know if this could call this a real first real outing or not...

And so it begins...

[moonshadow]

...My wife will occasionally inform me of some dirty looks or giggles...

That means it's working. Have fun with it. If they say something, tell 'em they should try it.

Trouble is, most people don't say anything at all. But honestly, I'm not looking for conflict, I hope there will come a day when a man will come and ask me about it, and imply that he is looking for the courage the give it a go.

Eventually I'm going to out myself to the rest of my co-workers. It stands to reason, as I wear the skirts EVERYWHERE.... sooner or later I'm going to happen upon someone I know. On the day when I discuss it, I plan to just be as nonchalant as possible. I started to about a month ago when the subject of men wearing women's clothes came up VERY briefly, a somewhat backwards conservative co-worker of mine made a remark that "men who wear women's clothes are gay!" I responded with "no, most of them are NOT!" He said "yes they are!" I keyed up to stage my debate, however the conversation end abruptly when my phone rang. I wanted to continue my discussion, but by the time I was off the phone, the other guy had left.

I wanted to get to the response" *shrugs shoulders* "I wear skirts all the time, and I'm not gay..." Then sit back and watch the jaws drop.

Then I will continue... (shoulders still in the shrugging position) "What?, They're comfortable and I like the way the look, so what?"

Of course, one co-worker already knows, although his information is a bit dated, he found out when I had only been doing it for a few weeks, and was citing hiking as my reason. He honestly probably doesn't realize they are my "every day I'm off" wear now.

Of course, quite a few store level "co-workers" know. Most have sort of begun to be "standoffish", however one deli manager has seen me skirted quite a few times, and I believe she has opened up to me a little more. Which is cool. It's nice to know I haven't scared EVERYBODY I know off!

[moonshadow]

When it comes to skirts, I'd rather run off a thousand "fair weather friends" in exchange for one or two "true friends" who accept me for what I am, and what I want to be.

Funny, if I were wearing skirts for most of my life, chances are, my life would have had a lot less drama, as most of the people who I thought were friends and ultimately caused problems probably wouldn't have given me the time of day if I were wearing skirts from day one.

Skirts (for men) are like "bad people repellent" They keep the a__holes and bigots at a distance, yet the tolerant, and open minded find their way through.

Actually, that's also not a bad reason to cite *puts in back pocket*.

"Why are you wearing a skirt?"

"Well, I find they keep people I don't want in my life at a distance."

[pelmut]

...a somewhat backwards conservative co-worker of mine made a remark that "men who wear women's clothes are gay!"

Possible replies:

1) "I'm not."

2) "My skirts are all men's skirts."

3) "Why would someone dress as a woman if they want to attract a man who likes men?"

[moonshadow]

...a somewhat backwards conservative co-worker of mine made a remark that "men who wear women's clothes are gay!"

Possible replies:

1) "I'm not."

2) "My skirts are all men's skirts."

3) "Why would someone dress as a woman if they want to attract a man who likes men?"

Come to think if it.... I may have used number 3.

[midwest4455]

Here's a picture of the skirt I made. I have done some previous attempts at sewing skirts, but this is the first one I made that I'm willing to wear out. Most importantly it has functional pockets and belt loops. I'm thinking of going out for a bit tonight, so I grabbed a couple pictures. Sorry for the crummy lighting, but you get the idea. When I went out I had the shirt untucked, and had a sweatshirt over top (weather getting chilly enough for a knee length skirt).

[Kirbstone]

Congrats, MW. Just my kind of skirt, .....and you made it yourself! Must save you a packet. I have some pleated similar skirts tailor made which cost serious money.

Tom

[jeanfor]

Congratulations! Basically I found out that going out wearing some type of skirt or kilt is no longer an issue.... after a while it will become natural like wearing pants and you won't think about it. So keep on doing it

[skirtingtheissue]

Nicely done! And it looks fine with the shirt tucked in.

[r.m.anderson]

Oh and it fits you so well - OUTSTANDING !
Perfect in every respect - and agree best when the shirt is tucked in worn with a belt.
Immaterial if worn with a sweater longer than waist length.

Nicely spaced (sized) pleats - passable as a kilt of sorts with an "A" frame flare.

??? Rear fly zipper in the center back seam placket ?
Waist is obviously not elastic so the skirt is fitted to the individuals measurements.

[Regular Guy]

VERY nice job. Looks masculine with the belt. Pleats give it that kilted look. Bravo on a great piece of handywork

[skirts4me]

Trouble is, most people don't say anything at all. But honestly, I'm not looking for conflict, I hope there will come a day when a man will come and ask me about it, and imply that he is looking for the courage the give it a go.

Eventually I'm going to out myself to the rest of my co-workers. It stands to reason, as I wear the skirts EVERYWHERE.... sooner or later I'm going to happen upon someone I know.

First, midwest4455, congratulations on joining those of us who wear skirts openly in public.

Second, there is always a dilemma for those starting to wear skirts in public: we want to know what sorts of reactions (if any) people are having to seeing us dressed differently from the norm, and so want to look around to observe, but looking round to observe draws attention to ourselves in a way that doesn't fit wearing a skirt as if we were in trousers. The giggles and comments behind your back will occur, mostly from those who are unwilling to entertain something different, but remember that it takes a strong man to buck society's norms.

Third, I was interviewed for a TV current affairs programme a few years ago and I was approached by many people for weeks after it was broadcast, telling me stories of men wearing skirts - don't know how many of them I would believe - and complimenting me on not only wearing one but also being willing to be on TV for the cause. I'll see if I can make the video available. Unfortunately, men in Australia tend to be far more willing to ridicule those who do something different than to take on board that it might actually be to their advantage to step out of line.

Fourth, if you're going to have a photo of yourself wearing a skirt it might be good to make sure your manliness is not gaining attention.

[melsav]

Congratulations MW on making your own skirts, the one in the picture is fantastic, right colour, right style, perfect length and looks very masculine. Keep it up.

[skirtingtoday]

Here's a picture of the skirt I made. I have done some previous attempts at sewing skirts, but this is the first one I made that I'm willing to wear out. Most importantly it has functional pockets and belt loops. I'm thinking of going out for a bit tonight, so I grabbed a couple pictures. Sorry for the crummy lighting, but you get the idea. When I went out I had the shirt untucked, and had a sweatshirt over top (weather getting chilly enough for a knee length skirt).

That is terrific - I'm sure you could very easily sell it commercially it is soooooooo good!

Ross

[moonshadow]

That is terrific - I'm sure you could very easily sell it commercially it is soooooooo good!

I agree... it is pretty good. Quite a talent!