Goth show coming up, skirt or not?

[Scott]

Hi Cafe,

Wow, too bad it looks like the place's days are numbered, but nothing good lasts forever. Anyway, why am I writing? There's a goth concert coming up later this summer I have tickets to. Nine Inch Nails if you know them. It's outside in the middle of summer and since black attire is basically the rule, along with the black make-up, etc., I'm debating as to whether or not to go skirted. I've got an ankle-length crinkled black cotton broomstick skirt with a ruffled hem OR another ankle-length thin, stretchy, slinky knit skirt with a high back slit. Being straight, it shows off the wares (or lack thereof, sad to say) in front but it breathes. Either way, it's a way to stay cool and quasi-comfortable with all this black on, right? As it is, Goths are miserable, so why add fuel to the fire? It's not so much a concern of being regarded as "a freak." If you show up looking "normal," you're a freak.

Of course, this being the Midwest, I'm terrified of running in to auto trouble or dumb drunken jocks going to see the headlining group and here I am, looking like the tranny son Gomez and Morticia don't like to admit they had.

Anyone have thoughts on this? Your input is appreciated. I may be just overthinking this.

[r1g0r]

i have (more than) a few skirts, mostly dark or black. i have skirts just like the ones you describe, and i prefer the broomstick skirt. more room to breath & move.

my $.02 donation

[cessna152towser]

Not so sure if a fem or tranny look would be well received, but certainly from what I've seen from looking at goth clothing shops and goth web sites, at least in Britain, either an ankle length black skirt or a lightweight polycotton black kilt to just below knee seems to be acceptable goth wear for men when teamed with macho accessories. I often wear a black goth kilt out and about with rugby socks, and a plain leather sporran with chain, and nobody has ever given me any hassle.

[Kilted_John]

Hi Cafe,

Wow, too bad it looks like the place's days are numbered, but nothing good lasts forever. Anyway, why am I writing? There's a goth concert coming up later this summer I have tickets to. Nine Inch Nails if you know them. It's outside in the middle of summer and since black attire is basically the rule, along with the black make-up, etc., I'm debating as to whether or not to go skirted. I've got an ankle-length crinkled black cotton broomstick skirt with a ruffled hem OR another ankle-length thin, stretchy, slinky knit skirt with a high back slit. Being straight, it shows off the wares (or lack thereof, sad to say) in front but it breathes. Either way, it's a way to stay cool and quasi-comfortable with all this black on, right? As it is, Goths are miserable, so why add fuel to the fire? It's not so much a concern of being regarded as "a freak." If you show up looking "normal," you're a freak.

Of course, this being the Midwest, I'm terrified of running in to auto trouble or dumb drunken jocks going to see the headlining group and here I am, looking like the tranny son Gomez and Morticia don't like to admit they had.

Anyone have thoughts on this? Your input is appreciated. I may be just overthinking this.

My suggestion is this. It's similar to what cessna152towser suggested, but might be easier to do and a bit cheaper...

Find yourself a black knee-length pleated skirt. Combine it with a pair of black soccer socks (without the stripes or any logos), and a pair of Doc Martens 8-eyelet boots. The only bare skin that'll be visble will be the knees, and everything will be black, but you'll also be more comfortable than you would be in a long skirt or trousered garments. It'll also look rather kilt-like to the untrained eye, so they may think you're wearing a kilt. I've had a few people think that when they've seen me wearing the same kind of outfit. It just looks like a Utilikilt without the snaps, pockets, and the flat front. No one really cares.

-J

[binx]

I'd agree. I'd wear my black Bear kilt, nylon cargo sporran with black soccer socks, black Bates Enforcers and a black muscle shirt, showing my tattoo. :ninjajig: Don't think anyone's gonna think "fem" with that outfit.

binx

[Scott]

I hate to sound difficult, but by and large, not much help there.

I can't just go out and fork out the $$ for a kilt just to wear to the show b/c that is the only time I would wear it. They're all to expensive. Besides, the wool would itch me to death on top of being way too hot for the peak of summer here. I already have a black sweater skirt that I could achieve the same effect in. Barring that, there's my black denim A-line or black velour A-line. Falling over in the heat was what I was trying to avoid, hence the original question: Broomstick or slinky knit ankle-length with back vent?

Those are the only two choices I have. I really want to wear a skirt to the show, but I don't want to get beat up by idiots either.

Any ideas BEYOND buying yet ANOTHER skirt type garment?

[Since1982]

I have an idea..You just have one life. Live it. Wear what you have! Goth is getting more and more into male skirts. You will probably be ignored by most trousered people, and admired by the trousered people that skirt at home only. Also you may be admired and have a camaraderie with OTHER skirted male goths, of which there may be more of than you expect.

Of course this opinion may be somewhat tainted as I threw all my trousers away a year ago and wear skirts all the time everywhere. I've never been accosted in that time and only had (in a year) 2 unfriendly comments. Way back in 1985 I was attacked by a crazy person when wearing a sarong, wasn't really hurt and have never been sure the reason was the sarong, it might have been he hated overweight people too...

Good luck with whatever you decide. :ninjajig:

[AMM]

Well, since you asked advice:

I'd go with the broomstick skirt.

(But then, I hate slits in skirts -- if it needs a slit, it's too tight, I feel. Though I'm sure Skip would disagree.)

Also, if it gets too hot, you could shorten it: either roll up the waistband, or (same effect) pull the skirt up from the top and put a belt on.
In either case, you effectively have a shorter (and fuller) skirt with a wad of cloth at your waist.



If it were me, I'd make a new skirt, about 24", out of black batiste and tulle, with lots of tiers and torn edges. And maybe a chain at the hem. (Doesn't *everyone* have a sewing machine?) Then put black greasepaint or mascara around the eyes....

Or am I confusing "goth" with "punk"?

-- AMM

[Since1982]

I don't disagree with you. I wear straight skirts for a reason. I also have 2 tiered skirts that aren't straight. They DO have lining that is straight tho. Still takes care of "my" problem. I like the look of both. I seldom disagree with anyone. Lifes too short to get into heated disagreements. I sometimes make a comment on something I see and EVERYONE disagrees heatedly with me, but I try to keep that to a minimum. Lifes too short. I still think you should wear whatever you like.

[crfriend]

I can't just go out and fork out the $$ for a kilt just to wear to the show b/c that is the only time I would wear it. They're all to expensive.

That's fully understandable.

I already have a black sweater skirt that I could achieve the same effect in. Barring that, there's my black denim A-line or black velour A-line. Falling over in the heat was what I was trying to avoid, hence the original question: Broomstick or slinky knit ankle-length with back vent?

I suspect that the velour would make for a "better" goth fabric because it's a bit more formal and showy -- but it can also be rather hot if you're going to be active in a non-air-conditioned room. Depending on circumstance, I'd go with the velour.

I really want to wear a skirt to the show, but I don't want to get beat up by idiots either.

Behave in a confident assured manner and it's unlikely you'll get too much hassle; look timid and nervous, though, and you're likely to get problems tossed at you.

[Kilted_John]

I hate to sound difficult, but by and large, not much help there.

I can't just go out and fork out the $$ for a kilt just to wear to the show b/c that is the only time I would wear it. They're all to expensive. Besides, the wool would itch me to death on top of being way too hot for the peak of summer here. I already have a black sweater skirt that I could achieve the same effect in. Barring that, there's my black denim A-line or black velour A-line. Falling over in the heat was what I was trying to avoid, hence the original question: Broomstick or slinky knit ankle-length with back vent?

Those are the only two choices I have. I really want to wear a skirt to the show, but I don't want to get beat up by idiots either.

Any ideas BEYOND buying yet ANOTHER skirt type garment?

The skirt that I'm talking about is not wool. It'd be polyester (or a poly/cotton blend), which is pretty comfortable. That said, if you've $10.00, go visit a thrift store and check out the skirt selection. I bet you will find one that fits the bill. Then, visit a sporting goods store, pick up a pair of black soccer socks for another $10.00, and you've got your outfit.

With respect to the skirts you own, the broomstick would be more comfortable on a hot day.

-J

[cessna152towser]

The goth kilts which I wear are both very lightweight polycotton. The identical item is currently listed on e-bay at £19.99 start bid or £24.99 on buy it now.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mans-Black-Scotti ... dZViewItem
Also available in other sizes. They have around half the number of pleats which a traditional Scottish wool kilt would have.
By way of comparison, the kilt in my avatar is heavyweight wool in traditional Scottish style and cost over £300.
The texture, swing and feel of lightweight polycotton compared to wearing a heavyweight wool kilt is entirely different.

[Reject]

I got one of those kilts. Unfortunatly, I got one that was 20" in length, which I find a tad too short. 24" is just about right though! Sadly the belt buckles are leather only on one side, but not on the fastening side. But I guess for that price, you can live with that.

/Ricky

[st1564]

I would go with the ankle-length crinkled black cotton broomstick skirt with a ruffled hem. I used to go to goth clubs quite often and I think it would be most appropriate. As long as the skirt is long and black....

[binx]

Those are the only two choices I have. I really want to wear a skirt to the show, but I don't want to get beat up by idiots either.

Any ideas BEYOND buying yet ANOTHER skirt type garment?

Bear kilts are light polyviscose, great for summer! But alas relatively expensive and would take awhile. Get a black all-around pleated skirt from a charity shop, like mentioned above, as they are light-weight and go for $5-$10. I see them all the time, but I'm too big for most of them. People will think it's a kilt if you get a knee-length, or shorten it yourself with a rough-cut for that ragged look.

binx