When Is a Man Allowed to Wear a Skirt?

The question itself might strike you as silly, or maybe pointless — depending on how you feel about "modern" fashion. And yet the skirt was never really a purely feminine garment to begin with. Still, in Central Europe, this much holds true: men who wear skirts need some nerve.

Because when a man wears a skirt, he gets noticed. It's not actually forbidden for men to wear skirts — in earlier eras, it was even common. Fashion history books are full of very old images of men in skirts. Sumerian clay figures, thousands of years old, show men wearing skirts. Kings, dukes, and princes in France didn't wear trousers until well into the 17th century — they wore skirt-like garments instead.

Starting around 1800, the men's skirt was gradually phased out, and a strict divide became the norm: men wear trousers, women wear skirts and dresses. In Europe, that became simply taken for granted.

Today, the lines are blurring

But since the early 20th century (from around 1900), women have also worn trousers — and they've stuck around ever since. Skirts, after all, aren't just fashionable, they're also extremely practical. On hot days, a lot more air reaches your legs. There's also a gender angle to it: some men wear skirts simply because they believe men and women are equal, and shouldn't have to wear different clothes because of it.

So, in principle, do the same rules apply to men and women when it comes to when it's appropriate to wear a skirt? Want to dig into that question with me in this article? 😉

1. In which situations is a skirt appropriate?

If a man decides to wear a skirt, he should think about which situations actually call for it. A skirt can be appropriate at work when paired with a shirt and tie. It can also be a great choice for formal occasions. In more casual settings, though, a skirt is rarely the right call.

In principle, a skirt works exactly the same way a suit or modern business attire does. You'd be hopelessly overdressed showing up to a casual Netflix night on the couch in one. But for a friend's private birthday party, a skirt can absolutely work. Maybe not with a shirt and tie in that case, but why not pair it with a fashionable blouse, or a plain sweater or t-shirt?

2. How do you style a skirt?

Which brings us straight to the second question: how do you actually style one? The skirt is an incredibly versatile garment that can be worn by women and men alike. So how do you style a skirt so it actually looks good?

If you want to wear a skirt, start by paying attention to the length. It shouldn't be too short, or you'll feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be too long either, or it'll quickly look dated. A good compromise is usually a skirt that falls around the knee, or just below it.

The color of the skirt matters too. Bright, eye-catching colors work better in summer, while darker tones suit fall and winter better. Also make sure the color of the skirt works with your skin tone and with the other pieces you plan to wear it with.

When choosing fabric, go with the season and the weather. Light fabrics like cotton or linen are great for summer, while sturdier fabrics like wool or tweed suit fall and winter better. Keep in mind that both faux leather and polyester fibers will have you sweating fairly quickly.

Once you're wearing a skirt, also think about which shoes to pair it with. High heels always look elegant with a skirt, but flats (ballet flats) or sneakers can work just as well, depending on the skirt's style.

3. Which accessories go with a skirt?

When it comes to which accessories go with a skirt, there's no single right answer. It really depends on the style you're going for and how creative you want to get. As a general rule, though: the more elegant the skirt, the simpler the accessories should be. Conversely, the more casual the skirt, the bolder the accessories are allowed to be. A few ideas:

• A simple belt can dress up a casual skirt and give it some structure.
• A necklace with a trendy pendant is a great accessory for a casual skirt.
• An elegant clutch can elevate a plain skirt and add a touch of sophistication.
• A statement ring or bangle can make a simple skirt more interesting.
• A pair of eye-catching earrings is always a head-turner and works with almost any skirt.

4. Conclusion: when is a man allowed to wear a skirt?

In short: a man can, in principle, wear a skirt at any time. There's no universal rule that says when it's appropriate and when it isn't. It always comes down to the situation and the environment you find yourself in.

In some cultures, it's completely normal for men to wear skirts. In others, it's unusual, or even taboo. If you're unsure, it's better to ask first, rather than risk a faux pas.

As a general principle, though: whatever you like is allowed. Well, almost. Because it's still a real challenge for men and women around here to simply accept what other people choose to do. Fashion journalist and author Fabian Hart agrees:

How do you handle it? Do you wear skirts yourself? Does your husband? Or are you a woman whose partner would love to, if he could? Feel free to leave a comment!