Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

General discussion of skirt and kilt-based fashion for men, and stuff that goes with skirts and kilts.
Faldaguy
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 1122
Joined: Sun Feb 02, 2020 5:09 am
Location: Costa Rica

Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by Faldaguy »

I have FAILED.

My apparently naive notion that wearing skirts widely in public, especially in my home community, would bring other guys around to doing the same is just not working. Yes, the acceptance of my peculiar habit has broadened, but save a few compliments and comments of admiration, no more men have joined in--and we really need a few more skirt wearing men in each community to reach that threshold where other men feel truly at ease in joining us.

Have you convinced any other men to start wearing skirts?
What techniques did you use?
What ideas have you to contribute for means and methods we might employ to expedite other men to 'come round' to seeing the advantages, joys, and social justice in wearing skirts?

Let's hear your stories, successes and failures; observations and suggestions.

Falda guy,
User avatar
beachlion
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 1627
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2013 3:15 am
Location: 65 year The Hague, The Netherlands, then Allentown, PA, USA

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by beachlion »

Don't feel depressed. If men are not capable of finding out how comfortable skirts and dresses are then it is there loss. I wear skirts, weather permitting, and I try to behave as natural as possible. As if were wearing pants. Just to show there is nothing to it.

An example worked for me. I saw on the Internet a guy in a skirt suit at a technical exposition. He was well known in his field and and excepted by his colleagues. That was my starting point, seeing a guy behaving normal in a knee long skirt when he talked to possible customers.
All progress takes place outside the comfort zone - M J Bobak
Happy-N-Skirts
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 406
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2016 5:39 pm

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by Happy-N-Skirts »

I think selling the idea of men wearing skirts or kilts should be directed towards women. A lot of women like the idea of men in skirts. I have never convinced a man to try a skirt, but I have had women tell me they will buy one for their husband. They think it could be fun. I get compliments and other attention when I am out and about.

If an ad showed a man or men in skirts doing manly activities such as golf, tennis, walking, hiking, fishing, working on a car, a man doing a wood working project, etc. with women admiring them would go a long way. If someone were to take a pair of bermudas and design a skirt similar as to be at least somewhat stealthy, if might induce some people to try it.

My first outing in a skirt was to visit a natioal park and walk the trails in a skirt and enjoy the unlimited stride, ventilation, freedom, and comfort. First try a denim or camo skirt, then a kilt, and then whatever you like. My wife and I enjoy outdoor activities and visiting nature preserves, national and state parks, etc. I have never had a negative comment, giggle, sarcasm, or laughter. No one has ever chase me with a torch and a pitch fork either.
User avatar
denimini
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 3224
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2015 2:50 am
Location: Outback Australia

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by denimini »

I am probably not a good example to get guys wearing skirts as most don't like showing so much leg, even in shorts. I don't care so long as I can wear the clothing of my choice; at least people have been accepting or disinterested about that.

No-one has said "Gee, that is a good idea, I should wear a skirt too"
I think utility kilts might spark an interest if they were available locally at reasonable cost, but my thin wallet doesn't need or want one.
Anthony, a denim miniskirt wearer in Outback Australia
Stu
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 1314
Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2003 8:25 am
Location: North Lincolnshire, UK

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by Stu »

I know some on here don't care what other men do, but I do care. Some men who would love that option can't wear skirts because of pressure from partners or other family members, or for fear of social disapproval. Men's styles are not generally available and that forces men to use specialist suppliers, which tend offer very limited choices at sky-high prices, or to buy women's skirts, which bolsters claims that they are crossdressing. So we should be seeking to normalise this.

How? That's tough, but we need a consistent narrative and that's something we currently lack and have never had. There are those of us who want to see masculine-styled skirts available for men and boys and to remove the reputation of the garment as being the exclusive domain of the feminine. But there are others who see this as one front on their own agenda to blur gender distinctions and recognise multiple genders. That divergence is our greatest challenge.

I have my own ideas and preferences. One is that a single, standard garment should be produced and promoted which is a skirt, but is unequivocally male - e.g. a plain, denim, knee-length, with deep pockets and worn with a wide belt - and available in sizes that would fit males aged from age 6 to 90. Even those who would prefer a different style would sport this garment because its acceptance would burst the dam. Variants would quickly appear in terms of length and styles, and the taboo against males wearing skirts would be history. It is essential that boys as well as grown men are included in this as they are the future trendsetters.
Coder
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 2649
Joined: Mon Dec 16, 2019 4:40 am
Location: Southeast Michigan

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by Coder »

I see it on two fronts, really.

Looking across the myriad of styles shown on this forum, there’s no one prevailing style or set of rules that have been developed. Nor is there one in popular culture - most of what is shown in the news and media is the extreme or what I would call “over the top”. There are some general themes which I think are critical - one of which I think is most critical - dress in a manner that fits your body type. The other being go forth with confidence.

These variety of styles, coupled with the fact that there are so few of us, means that the guy who sees you (or gal) may not like the chosen style (even if it looks good on you). Therefore, it would be up to them as to whether or not they will even think of adopting or trying out skirt wearing.

The other thing I noticed - helped my sister unload a shipping container for her move. She had a lot clothes. Like, I’m still pretty sure I have her beat on number of skirts, but she has many more formal tops. And when you get down to it, it is a bit difficult to pull off a t-shirt and skirt, except a jeans skirt or something in a heavy denim/twill. All the guys I have observed at work have a limited wardrobe. In fact, my brother made a comment to her - “you have so many clothes, you probably have only worn some of them once”. She kinda laughed and said, ”yeah, probably”. I’m not sure, once they find out coordination is involved, it will be a welcome change or not.
User avatar
denimini
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 3224
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2015 2:50 am
Location: Outback Australia

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by denimini »

I understand and agree that more men wearing skirts would make it easier for men with disapproving partners and even a few extra men visible in skirts will help. If skirt wearing by men does take off in a big way it won't be through the efforts of the likes of us ........ or perhaps skirts will be abandoned altogether.
I prefer a broader approach; acceptance of other people being themselves.
If we rely on something being popular to be accepted then we are doomed as individuals.
Anthony, a denim miniskirt wearer in Outback Australia
Coder
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 2649
Joined: Mon Dec 16, 2019 4:40 am
Location: Southeast Michigan

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by Coder »

denimini wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 1:25 pm I prefer a broader approach; acceptance of other people being themselves.
If we rely on something being popular to be accepted then we are doomed as individuals.
Agreed! I have fallen into this trap all my life, as I tend to be a follower.

What I should have stated in my original response - I don't actually care if other guys take up skirts, though it would make my sartorial choices easier. It also would let me push further than I would otherwise be comfortable.
new2skirts
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 830
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 1:33 pm

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by new2skirts »

The problem is conditioning. Men have been discouraged from being "girly" from a young age, either being told not to cry if they get hurt, or by insults from classmates "you throw like a girl" etc... so anything, save for kilts which are super expensive - although kilts hold the mystery of if the wearer is a True Scotsman / commando :shock: :roll: is not going to convinve Joe Public to join this sartorial journey. Some of us may have arrived at skirts by circimstance (a bad rash on my thighs made shorts / trousers unbearable, so a jeans skirt worked), curiosity or finding this site in the early days of the internet - I saw Jean Paul Gaultier send men down the catwalk in skirts, chickened out, bought a kilt, and found out I could have 4 or 5 skirts for the price of a kilt!

Nowadays, there are frequent UK stories of men in skirts to beat heatwaves, schoolboys rebelling against a shorts ban... some of these are manly, blokey types like builders, who have bought a skirt in a nearby supermarket as it felt better than shorts.

There will be tolerance or indifference, or women who like the idea, but "not on their man"... but fashion is changing... men's jeans resemble leggings now, and social media and genderfluid fashion is making inroads. I have had double takes, but no aggression. Famous people like Eddie Izzard have not convinced most (most may feel they have to "pass") but unless celebrities lead the way, I can't see it catching on... I try with more acceptible kilts which are embraced by all. Skirts, like kilts need a smart image, plus accessories, so may be hard to convince a guy who's always just thrown some jeans on and gone about his day :roll:
Formerly Kilty / Joe Public etc...
User avatar
crfriend
Master Barista
Posts: 14432
Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:52 pm
Location: New England (U.S.)
Contact:

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by crfriend »

denimini wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 1:25 pmI prefer a broader approach; acceptance of other people being themselves.
This is precisely where I stand -- we need to be better our understanding of individuality and tolerating, relishing even, the various traits. We are, after all, individuals with distinct personalities and senses of style. Why pack us all into a single little box and adorn us in the most boring styles possible? The counter to that is the old saw of: "You're unique! Just like everybody else." And the other corollary, "You laugh because I'm different. I laugh because you're all the same."
If we rely on something being popular to be accepted then we are doomed as individuals.
Indeed. This is why I advocate for getting out in front and leading. Nobody else is going to have the guts to do it for us, so it's upon ourselves "be be the change we want to see in the world".

If the only skirts available for men were constructed out of denim I would take an instant pass on the notion. Why swap bland, boring, and familiar for bland, boring, and unfamiliar? Unless that's your thing, of course.

Maybe I'm aiming too high. However, if you never aim high you have no way of ever reaching a higher place. We seem to have abandoned that idea in this new absolutely risk-averse world, and we're worse off for it.
Retrocomputing -- It's not just a job, it's an adventure!
Grok
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 2804
Joined: Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:21 am

starter skirts

Post by Grok »

Probably best to simplify things so purchase is easy.

One thing-make a design that doesn't require accessories beyond what the average male has already.
Newtothis
Member
Posts: 19
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2019 11:44 am

Re: starter skirts

Post by Newtothis »

Grok wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 11:49 pm Probably best to simplify things so purchase is easy.

One thing-make a design that doesn't require accessories beyond what the average male has already.
I agree. Just tag them with sizes guys know and put them in the men's section. A few men will buy them the first season. The next season a few will remember seeing it a thing last season and try it. Soon enough it will be mainstream.
new2skirts
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 830
Joined: Fri Mar 15, 2019 1:33 pm

Re: starter skirts

Post by new2skirts »

Newtothis wrote: Mon Mar 02, 2020 9:42 pm
Grok wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 11:49 pm Probably best to simplify things so purchase is easy.

One thing-make a design that doesn't require accessories beyond what the average male has already.
I agree. Just tag them with sizes guys know and put them in the men's section. A few men will buy them the first season. The next season a few will remember seeing it a thing last season and try it. Soon enough it will be mainstream.
Legless shorts... just denim pencil skirts with eye watering price tag, zip that does up on men's side, and you're done :) I have seen guys in the wild just wearing a denim skirt when the temperatures soar, so a few must have tried it 8)
Formerly Kilty / Joe Public etc...
User avatar
crfriend
Master Barista
Posts: 14432
Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:52 pm
Location: New England (U.S.)
Contact:

Re: starter skirts

Post by crfriend »

new2skirts wrote: Mon Mar 02, 2020 10:03 pmLegless shorts... just denim pencil skirts with eye watering price tag, zip that does up on men's side, and you're done :) I have seen guys in the wild just wearing a denim skirt when the temperatures soar, so a few must have tried it 8)
I suspect that most guys would pass on pencils almost immediately as being impractical due to friction on the legs and stride restrictions. I think a more flowing A-line would be better as the skirt stands off from the wearer's legs pretty much by itself, the skirt drapes between the knees when seated, and allows for a full range of movement. A-lines are also vastly more forgiving when it comes to the shape of the wearer. Too, most "women's" denim skirts fasten men's-style with left-over-right, have dungaree-like flies, and belt-loops. Simply re-badging the sizes would likely be enough, and there's no need or the eye-watering price-tag.

I'll concede denim as a "preferred" fabric mainly because it's so ubiquitous and nicer fabrics might scare the more timid guys off. However, denim would be a non-starter for this old boy.

Men's skirts are already being manufactured. It's just that nobody dares to look where they're sold.
Retrocomputing -- It's not just a job, it's an adventure!
User avatar
r.m.anderson
Member Extraordinaire
Posts: 2601
Joined: Sun Nov 07, 2004 6:25 pm
Location: Burnsville MN USA

Re: Techniques you've used to get more men into wearing skirts

Post by r.m.anderson »

When I saw "starter skirts" I thought this was some black & white stripe athletic uniform worn by an official with whistle - start your engines - ah er I mean start your skirts ! LOL !
"YES SKIRTING MATTERS"!
"Kilt-On" -or- as the case may be "Skirt-On" !
WHY ?
Isn't wearing a kilt enough?
Well a skirt will do in a pinch!
Make mine short and don't you dare think of pinching there !
Post Reply