Skirt Cafe is an on-line community dedicated to exploring, promoting and advocating skirts and kilts as a fashion choice for men, formerly known as men in skirts. We do this in the context of men's fashion freedom --- an expansion of choices beyond those commonly available for men to include kilts, skirts and other garments. We recognize a diversity of styles our members feel comfortable wearing, and do not exclude any potential choices. Continuing dialog on gender is encouraged in the context of fashion freedom for men. See here for more details.
This is just my issue, and is not to be construed as a criticism of those who choose to wear tights, but I just can't see myself ever using them. I have a pair of long thermal underpants which I so rarely use, because I object to the synthetic material against my skin. Tights are of a similar material and, therefore would be equally objectionable to me. The second issue I have is the negating of the whole raison d'etre for wearing a skirt which, to me, is the free feeling around the legs, which you don't get with trousers.
I am now about to put on a knee length skirt (anything shorter may require tights!) and drive in to town for some much needed supplies, a probable cuppa at my favorite cafe (OK, 2nd favorite after this one ) refuel the car and see how the repairs to the ride on mower is proceeding--before going home.
It will not always be summer: build barns---Hesiod
I'm the same way. So, the longest legwear I wear are OTK socks. PH and tights seem counterintuitive to me. I've discovered that, as long as I bundle up above the waist, and have a thick pair of kneesocks on, I can wear a light and airy summer skirt even in the middle of winter. Did so in December when I was visiting a town in the mountains around here for a few days. Packed along a tartan kilt, expecting to be cold, but it remained in the luggage the whole trip.
third person here....just no way I'd be wearing tights or other...."leg huggers"....in the cold, if I were to wear skirts outside....I'd layer them, perhaps have tall socks. Oh, and have the skirts at least calf length (can't do knee length in cold weather).
Yes - it's a personal issue, so here's my preference: I like wearing tights with my skirts. They look smart. I especially like the dark opaque look with shorter skirts, but also wear sheer tights often with longer skirts on more formal occasions (e.g. my concert/stage dress). I see tights as another form of expression which we can appropriate for ourselves; they're not just for the women. Patterned tights are good; my personal favourites are black opaques with diamond patterns.
The feel of skirts with tights is not superior or inferior to going bare-legged (or wearing trousers) - it is different yet again and something we can experience if we choose to. In the warmer weather, I will go bare-legged, wearing lighter, more floaty skirts or sarongs.
So, I have the best of both worlds. I can wear tights if and when I want, or choose not to, depending on how I feel. I don't restrict myself by affirming 'I will never wear tights'.
Like StvD I often wear tights. Particularly when the weather is cold as it is now. I prefer above the knee skirts and it's just too cold to go bare legged. I like the feel of them and the sheer ones feel good to touch. As for the type of tights - thick black for winter and thin or none for the warm weather. I don't see tights as being a particularly female garment so have no problems wearing them. At the moment I am wearing thick black tights and a mini black/dark green combat skirt. It's a personal issue as some of you don't like short skirts and some don't like long. I have plenty of short and a few long for different occasions.
I believe in offering every assistance short of actual help but then mainly just want to be left to be myself in all my difference and uniqueness.
I love tights and pantyhose. They make my legs look nice, they keep my legs warm, and make me feel less naked. But I've gone bare legged. I like sheers or straight colors but no patterns.
I don't like to wear tights for the reasons covered by others. However, I am having great difficulty finding socks that reach up to, or close to the knee. Most socks don't reach above the bulge of the calf muscle and just refuse to stay up. As a result I mostly wear ankle length skirts which give my legs some warmth.
I know there is the option of kilt hose, but they are rather dear and I could do with my kilt hose being at least an inch longer, also even with garters, the damn things do not stay up.
It's not easy being a monster!
I am the God of Hellfire! and I bring you truffles!
There's always the option of light compression, dancing, or sports tights. These have the advantage of saying, "Men's," on the package (if that's important to you) and some models have a fly.
It turns out there are men's garter belts as well. Some are ostensibly for holding up thigh-high compression stockings. Others are designed for sports, especially ice hockey.
(Hockey players wear thigh-high socks for warmth and use garter belts to hold them up. Over that they wear hockey pants (which are padded shorts with hip pads built in) and of course their skates.)
I think "conventional" knee-high socks are harder to find these days, but try a sporting goods store.
Courage, conviction, nerve, verve, dash, panache, guts, nuts, balls, gall, élan, stones, whatever. Get some and get skirted.
Another place to find knee-high socks would be a living history company. These are companies who sell kilts and accessories for re-enactors. I have purchased socks from a company called Smoke and Fire, based in Toledo, OH,USA. Another company in my area (Indiana) is Jas. Townsend & Sons, whom I believe sells knee high socks for men. Both of these have good websites and do mail order business. There are many other companies as well. Next month when I go to a show in Kalamazoo, MI, I plan to pick up another pair of socks. Check them out.
Big and Bashful wrote:I don't like to wear tights for the reasons covered by others. However, I am having great difficulty finding socks that reach up to, or close to the knee. Most socks don't reach above the bulge of the calf muscle and just refuse to stay up. As a result I mostly wear ankle length skirts which give my legs some warmth.
I know there is the option of kilt hose, but they are rather dear and I could do with my kilt hose being at least an inch longer, also even with garters, the damn things do not stay up.
It's not easy being a monster!
Wear thigh-high socks cuffed below the knee. No, not stockings, but regular material socks. They are out there...
If you need support hose, I use the Futuro brand from my local CVS pharmacy.
The WILL stay up and provide great support for my legs. They're
a B..... bit hard to put on the first time. A trick I learned is to place my hand
into the sock, grab the heel, and pull the heel through so it is almost
wrong side out. Then pull this onto your foot and to the heel. Then pull the
rest of the sock up your leg. Your legs will thank you - BIG TIME!
I was unable to find any 'links' out-side the U.S. but I'm sure the socks can
be found in the U.K.
Uncle Al
Kilted Organist/Musician
Grand Musician of the Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of Texas 2008-2025
When asked 'Why the Kilt?'
I respond-The why is F.T.H.O.I. (For The H--- Of It)
I wear tights pure and simple, as i said elsewhere. Why, simply because I enjoy them for feel and look.
"Mens' tights", with a few exceptiions, simply mean a price hike on the womans' variety. That, and much limited choice.
Over the knee socks, please forgive but what are "stockings"? Garter belts for men, I'm not going there.
The point, if you look and feel "decent", there is no right or wrong.
Steve.
hmmm, high high socks, I'll keep looking, that is the sort of thing I want. I would prefer not to import from the good old US of A, my last skirt import cost me a fortune in postage, more than the skirt!
I am the God of Hellfire! and I bring you truffles!
Big and Bashful wrote:hmmm, high high socks, I'll keep looking, that is the sort of thing I want. I would prefer not to import from the good old US of A, my last skirt import cost me a fortune in postage, more than the skirt!
) refuel the car and see how the repairs to the ride on mower is proceeding--before going home.
