Why Men Should Wear Skirts
by: Jay Dezelic
Until now, men have considered the idea of wearing something
other than pants or long shorts in public to be nothing less
than a sacrilege against humanity. Although, throughout history,
the concept of men wearing skirted garments was all too common.
After all, pants were not widely used by any society more than
three hundred years ago. - Pants were originally an invention
to make it easier to ride a horse. The idea stuck, and the two-legged
garment became standard apparel for working men to stave off
cold and abrasion.
At the onset of the industrial age, Levi's were probably the
most popular mass-produced garment made for men. Sewn of heavy
canvas, Levi's jeans were designed to stave of the scrapes of
workman's toil. The political rise of the working class in the
1800's transformed the workman's attire into a symbol of raw
power against the pompous and flagrantly dressed gentile statesman
at the polar ends of the political and fashion spectrum. The
power struggle of the working class has since grayed into the
history books. So many men today live comfortable lives transporting
themselves from their cozy homes, to their climaxed controlled
cars, and into their environmentally shielded workspaces. Their
female counterparts, transgressed long ago into the once male-dominated
career lifestyle, are comfortably donning non-bifurcated garments
as they go off to work and play.
The idea of men wearing skirts in today's sex polarized society
is a hot subject in certain corners of the Internet. Is it cross-dressing
or is it the reemergence of an old-world fashion trend? - The
topic is frequently debated in various Internet discussion groups
and forums. For the most part, there is relatively widespread
interest and at least moderate acceptance of the 'men wearing
skirts' idea in one form or another.
It seems that many men are rediscovering the comfort and practicality
of the skirt. (Men's skirts are often referred to as kilts, sarongs
or pareos for those who are fearful to associate the word "skirt"
with men. - Get over it, it's just a word). When you step back
and take an objective look at things, the idea of restricting
such a broad class of garment design to women seems a bit absurd.
- Especially when you consider the anatomical configuration of
the male species - "The three-legged pant just didn't take
off like it should have". Skirt style garments are unarguably
the least encumbering configuration of lower-body apparel that
men could wear. It's more than a style statement according to
some doctors, loose non-restrictive clothing can help men live
healthier and reproduce easier.
The indisputable fact about skirts is that they are extremely
comfortable to wear for both men and women. If one follows the
cardinal rule of design; "form follows function", then
it is obvious that the idea of restricting men from wearing skirts
today is largely a fashion argument. Just as the idea of women
wearing pant's can equally be argued as fashion in most casual
living situations.
In other parts of the world such as the South Pacific, Indonesia,
Africa, Middle East, India, and the Philippians it is common
to see men wearing skirts and other non-bifurcated garments.
Certain cultures like Scotland and Greece maintain kilts and
men's style skirts as formal military attire. After many brief
showings on the runways of Paris and Milan over the last couple
of decades, it seams that the men's skirt trend is starting to
stick. The main reason for hesitance over the years is the overwhelming
fear by most men for being identified as homosexual. However,
subculture stigma seams to be having a diminishing influence
on the emerging men's skirt market for heterosexual males. The
trend is not about feminine skirts for men but rather masculine
skirt designs that are made for the male body shape.
Skirts made for men are appearing in a wide range of social
circles from hikers and runners to carpenters and artists. Currently,
the most common skirt configuration worn by men is a modern adaptation
of the Scottish kilt. Previously relegated to traditional dress,
the kilt has seen a recent rise in popularity beyond the borders
of its Scottish heritage. (A kilt is a special type of pleated
skirt that wraps around the waist and has an overlapping front.)
A number of manufacturers are now offering modern kilts for
men. Companies like Utilikilt, Amerikilt and Union Kilt have
taken and old idea and revitalized it with heavy-duty construction
complete with cargo pockets and tool holders. Other companies
such as JDEZ offer lightweight cargo sarongs, and hiking skirts
that convert to shorts for warm weather recreation. And Macabi
Skirt, who offers a cleaver unisex skirt for backpackers and
travelers. While other companies, like Men-in-Time and AMOK,
make high-fashion masculine long skirts for men.
The idea of skirts made for men is both a new and old concept.
While probably a long ways from going mainstream, mens skirts,
kilts, sarongs and the like are probably going to continue to
increase in popularity.
About The Author:Jay Dezelic is a fashion designer for jdez.com
- a manufacturer of unique and comfortable informal wear for
men and women. Additionally, Jay is a freelance fashion model
who's unique portfolio could be seen at http://www.jdez.com/models/jaydezelic
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