Frustrated

[inohio10]

I seem to be having issues finding skirts that do not scream feminine, flowers, lace etc. at the thrift shops. Think might need to check back in a week or two. At least I got my Utilkilt

[Sinned]

Thrift shops can be a bit hit and miss as regards skirts. I have got one or two from there but often I have come out without buying. They can often not be cheap either. So try ebay. I have got lots of skirts from there but just remember to contact the seller and get some measurements of the skirt ( waist, length etc ). Sizes such as 14/16 or Medium and Large just don't mean a damn thing! Or learn to sew and make your own. It ain't that difficult. There are plenty of designs, patterns and instructions on the web and you can chose your own design and material then.

[Caultron]

I've found the same, um, pattern. You just have to keep checking back, or checking different stores.

[inohio10]

I had enough issues sewing on patches on my military uniforms lol, but some good advice.

[JRMILLER]

Yes, it's difficult in those stores, I mean, heck, they are specifically made for women, so it goes with the territory.

I buy kilts at SportKilt.com, sarongs at 1worldsarongs, have a couple of macabi's and for the balance, I make my own -- Jo Ann fabrics is a wealth of fabric and it's not hard to find something I like there.

[STEVIE]

Not so sure that thrift/charity shops are all for, or about women.
What they do is reflect the diversity of clothing that is available to the fairer sex and just how "fleeting" any given style can be.
We guys are fed on "staples", fashion wise, unless we choose to buck the trends.
I have felt the very same frustrations but have also made some really great finds, the trick is simple patience and persistence.
Steve.

[Caultron]

I wouldn't say thrift shops are just for women. In point, they certainly do have men's and children's sections.

But it's also certainly true that you're only going to find skirts in the women's department. Just deal with it. If it helps, be ready to tell anyone who asks that it's for a sick wife or girlfriend, or that it's for opposites day, of that you lost a bet, or whatever. (True, those are all pretty lame, but if one of them helps your confidence, there they are.) And the chances anyone will ask are down around 0.001%.

It's also certain that you're looking at donated (i.e. hand-me-down) goods and the available choices will depend on what's been donated lately. But keep checking back and looking around and at least you'll refine the list of what you do or don't want. And sooner or later, you will find something close enough to warrant spending five bucks.

If the dressing rooms are too scary for you, know the waist size and length you want and bring a tape measure.

[Sinned]

Thrift shops ( or charity shops as we call them here ) aren't for women but it may appear so since far more women's clothes are sold and in a greater variety so there will undoubtedly be a bigger women's section. The donations will be seasonal too. Summer things at the end of that season or through winter so shorts, t-shirts, short skirts. Longer skirts, woollens, topcoats in spring/summer. Patience is the keyword here. The men's section is generally pretty small and very bland. I've got to the stage where I just don't look any more in the men's section because I know what I'm going to find. The women's section generally throws up some surprises.

[skirttime]

I have had great luck at thrift stores. Have yet to pay over $4.00 American for a skirt. I take a tape measure with me whenever I go. My skirts range in women's sizes from 6 to 14. Quite a variation in sizes. I seem to have a good eye for the better stuff, too. Without really trying I've ended up with a number of name-brand skirts. I tend to seek out "menswear styled" skirts. (odd terminology, don't you think?) I prefer knee length, mainly because I think they look best on me. Recently got a couple of the "midi" length really cheap. I think that length actually looks BETTER on guys than most women...

[Wesley]

I had to chuckle at this one as I've been frustrated looking for some plain (solid color), lightweight calf lengths skirt for hiking. One day it was just plain to hot for my long kilt or even a denim skirt, so I wore a nice, lightweight, cool rayon skirt that I usually reserve for home wear. Sure enough I encountered someone on what is generally a deserted trail, and he gave my flowery attire quite a looking over.

[Jim]

Our local thrift store usually has a selection of denim skirts and often khaki skirts that don't have ruffles or flowers, but are styled more like jeans. Basket days are Friday and Saturday, when you get a basket of 10 items of clothing for $5.

Yes, sizes don't mean much. I learned from some Asia refugees about testing the waistline on my neck. If the fastened waist just fits around my neck, then it fits my waist (note: Bodily proportions vary; but check your garments that fit against your neck.) Then I go to the fitting room to check it out.

[beachlion]

Yes, sizes don't mean much. I learned from some Asia refugees about testing the waistline on my neck. If the fastened waist just fits around my neck, then it fits my waist (note: Bodily proportions vary; but check your garments that fit against your neck.) Then I go to the fitting room to check it out.

I'm originally from Holland so I'm used to the metric system. Being a (retired) mechanical engineer, I think in millimeters. I have no feel for inches but I know how to calculate. To check things in shops, I carry a small tape ruler 24/7 in my pocket. I think this is the way to go. You know your waist so button or close the skirt and measure with the ruler. It should be halve your waist.
I just checked it, my neck does not belong to my body or vice versa.