Cis Gender, Heterosexual Men can show Femininity.
It does not make you weak!
Image from StyleRave.com
What is eXDressing?
The Juxtaposition of Masculinity and Femininity
Malfem Levels
A scale from 1-9 that describes the level of masculinity or femininity that every individual person possesses and/or entertains. This scale is prefixed with a specific sex, male, female, or intersex. The table below shows some examples of what level some people may fall under. eXdressing is a general idea where an individual, male or female would be socially described as falling approximately within the 4-6 MALFEM levels.
Many women today exdress and this is typically very socially acceptable. On the flip side, men exdressing is not nearly as socially acceptable. A woman wearing pants is very common, but a man wearing a skirt is definitely not. Is this hypocritical thinking of western culture and society? We will explore in a later sections the struggles of women being allowed to even wear pants. This happened in the United States in 1923 when the US Attorney General declared it legal for women to wear pants in public. Exploring further into the 60's and 70's, the women's liberation movement during and after WWII is also important. The idea of eXDressing is to present a distinction between Xdressing (Crossdressing), because they are not the same.
Addition of sexual orientation / preference as a descriptor may be included.
Note: MalFem Levels are still under development.
Terms and Definitions
These are important to understand and define.
Coming Soon.
History of Warriors and Skirts
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Skirts have been worn since prehistoric times. They were the standard dressing for men and women in all ancient cultures in the Middle East. (1 Wikipedia)
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Skirts have been worn since prehistoric times. They were the standard dressing for men and women in all ancient cultures in the Middle East.
The Kingdom of Sumer in Mesopotamia recorded two categories of clothing. The ritual attire for men was a fur skirt tied to a belt called Kaunakes.
“Girls can wear jeans and cut their hair short
Wear shirts and boots ’cause it’s okay to be a boy
But for a boy to look like a girl is degrading
‘Cause you think that being a girl is degrading
But secretly you’d love to know what it’s like wouldn’t you
What it feels like for a girl”
—Cement Garden, 1993
Modern Day
Where to find Fashion. WHAT Does 2025 Look Like?
Men have been recording wearing skirts for as long as we have recorded history. From the sarong of Southeast Asia to the traditional Roman toga, from Sumerian cultures in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt & Greece through to the modern day. (7)
Where did it all begin to end?
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Great Masculine Renunciation
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From the early Victorian era, there was a decline in the wearing of bright colours and luxurious fabrics by men. This ‘Great Masculine Renunciation’, as English psychologist John Flügel coined it, was a movement in which
“Man abandoned his claim to be considered beautiful… [and] henceforth aimed at being only useful”
This included the rejection of bright colours, loud patterns, high heels, shiny accessories and any other types of ostentatious adornment, and with it any last trace of skirts for men.
"Henceforth trousers became the ultimate clothing for men to wear, while women had their essential frivolity forced on them by the dresses and skirts they were expected to wear"
“If we’re all into gender neutrality, why is men wearing skirts still not a normal thing? Beyond “gender neutral” it’s time to degender fashion.”
IT’S TIME TO DEGENDER FASHION
If we’re all into gender neutrality why is men wearing skirts still not a normal thing? Beyond “gender neutral” it’s time to degender fashion.
"At No Kill, we believe in self-expression and diversity! And we motivate you to feel free to wear what you want, to try new things and fight the norm. We believe in a new era where skirts and dresses could be normalized for men, where men are confident enough to experiment, and where designers are challenged to innovate these garments’ designs and offer all-type of options for everyone to wear."
–Nazarena Correia
“In the ‘80s, with the birth of avant-garde fashion, some prestigious designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Kenzo Takada, Giorgio Armani, Rei Kawakubo, John Galliano and Yohji Yamamoto started to promote the idea of men skirts in their runways.”
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“No Kill Magazine is more than a publication; it’s a platform for a new kind of fashion culture—one that values creativity, authenticity, and the planet.”
Suggested Web Articles to Read
So you’d never wear a skirt in public? Men, you don’t know what you’re missing
‘Skirts are practical, expressive and, when worn by men, mark a small step towards gender equality.’ Photograph: Alberte Lauriden
"I’ll never forget the first time I wore a skirt. It was back in September, and I had just seen the Peter Do runway show during New York Fashion Week, which featured pleated knee skirts styled over dress pants. Feeling saucy, I decided to test it out for myself on a trip to my local Starbucks. My ensemble consisted of a black tee, black pleated skirt that I bought secondhand, and black dress pants worn underneath. “Okayyy, skirt,” my favorite barista exclaimed as soon as I strolled in."
Don’t block your blessings, cis straight men. Embrace the beauty of skirts
Oct. 13, 2021
"This was my first time trying on a skirt. What I experienced in the dressing room at Dover Street Market in the Arts District was a different sensation than I had encountered. I could feel air flowing! On my giant thighs! My initial thought was, “What if I step over a subway grate like Marilyn Monroe in that movie you probably haven’t seen?” Then I remembered I live in L.A., and I could easily avoid subway grates for the rest of my life if I wanted to."
https://www.skirtcafe.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=24734
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skirtcafe.org​
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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.
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About
“We're on a quest to make skirts normal for men.
Skirts are among the most fun and practical garments out there—it's a shame some still see them as gendered.
We stand with those who push back against rigid dress codes.
Our goal? Help men do what women did with pants. We highlight the joy, utility, and freedom of skirts while giving men the tools to wear them with confidence and style.
We see a future where everyone dresses how they want.”
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https://www.theskirtedman.co.uk/
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https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a43045786/mens-skirts-trend-2023/
Men's Skirts Are Ready for the Mainstream
Welcome to the era of masculine midis, minis, and maxis.
https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/fashion/article/mens-skirts-trend-history
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Skirts: What’s the Hype and Why Men Should Embrace Them…Again
JULY 15, 2024
“I think there's much greater diversity within male or female, and there is certainly an area of overlap where some people can't easily define themselves within the binary structure,” says John Achermann, Head of the Molecular Basis of Rare Disease Section and Deputy Head of Genetics and Genomic Medicine at University College London's Institute of Child Health.
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Health Benefits of Wearing Kilts for Men and Women: Comfort and Mobility
August 06 2024
“One of the primary comfort benefits of kilts for men and women is their breathability. Unlike pants, which can trap heat and cause sweating, kilts allow air to circulate freely around your legs. This makes them an excellent choice for warm weather, helping to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. The increased airflow can also reduce the likelihood of developing heat rash and other skin irritations.”
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The Beskirted Man
Promoting Femininity in Masculinity. Love this site.
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What does it feel like to wear a skirt as a man?
“What a person wears can have a profound impact on who they are. That is why they say to “dress for the position you want and not the position you’re in.” Dressing well always gives you a confidence boost, and incorporating some clothes from the women’s department can push it even further, making your style unique, memorable and stand out in the best of ways.”
Men wear skirts now. Get used to it
The dude skirt is here and it's sticking around
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“Skirts are loose, free and deliciously cool. Everything you want to be, right?”
Health Benefits for Men and Skirts
Research Proves that Men Should Be The Ones In Skirts
Written by Bel Marra Health
Published on May 14, 2013
“On the other hand, making healthy lifestyle choices can increase fertility, and according to Erwin JO Kompanje, (Senior Researcher at the Intensive Care department of Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Netherlands), throwing away those jeans for a kilt may actually enhance sperm health and fertility.”
Conclusion: Based on literature on scrotal temperature, spermatogenesis and fertility, the hypothesis that men who regularly wear a kilt during the years in which they wish to procreate will, as a group, have significantly better rates of sperm quality and higher fertility.
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https://www.belmarrahealth.com/research-shows-that-men-should-be-the-ones-in-skirts/amp/
Male Celebrities in Skirts
From Brad Pitt to Lil Nas X, more men are turning to skirts
Megan C. Hills, CNN
"When Brad Pitt arrived at the premiere for “Bullet Train” in July, his laidback linenoutfit made headlines everywhere – or part of it did, at least. The actor, who is known for hypermasculine roles in films such as “Fight Club” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” completed his blush pink-and-brown ensemble with an eye-catching twist: a skirt."
"When it comes to cementing the enduring appeal of this trend, who better to illustrate it than celebrities? A brief scroll through social media or a peek at various red carpet occasions provides enough evidence of male stars warmly embracing skirts as a vital component of their wardrobe. From James Reid to Oscar Isaac, these gentlemen have unapologetically declared that acquiring your own skirt is a fashion statement without borders. "
DECEMBER 21, 2012
Trend Watch : Men in skirts
Heading 6
Vin Diesel image from FashionSizzle.com
What is Gender Fluid?
​“Gender-fluidity refers to a gender identity that isn't fixed and can change over time. It's a type of non-binary gender identity where a person's sense of being male, female, or neither, or a combination of both, can fluctuate. This fluidity can manifest in various ways, including how someone expresses their gender, their pronouns, and their preferred name.”
If you saw Harry Styles on the street dressed this way, would you be confused about his biological sex?
For a majority of society, the answer would be no.
This the perfect example of eXdressing
Harry Styles in Vogue
"Harry Styles has again challenged gender stereotypes by posing in a new photoshoot Dazed in a series of incredibly flamboyant skirts, dresses and heels."
Wearing clothing traditionally considered “Feminine” does not identify your sexuality. Harry Styles is the perfect example to support this fact.
As a side note, wearing clothing traditionally considered “Masculine” does not make you a man.”
Male Femininity is Punk
Core Beliefs of Punk Culture
Anti-authoritarianism:
Punk culture is inherently anti-establishment, challenging authority and traditional structures.
Individualism and Non-conformity:
Punks embrace individuality and stand out from the crowd, often in unconventional ways.
DIY Ethic:
Punk is strongly associated with a DIY approach to music, art, and other creative endeavors, encouraging self-reliance and independent expression.
Anti-consumerism:
Punk culture often rejects consumerism and the materialistic values promoted by mainstream society.
Direct Action:
Some punk subcultures advocate for direct action and activism to challenge societal issues.
Punk…Is rooted in freedom of self-expression.
Fat Mike performing in traditionally feminine clothing at a NOFX concert.
Facebook Comments:
“I'm not sure what people think punk is when they say this isn't punk. The Punk movement is about anarchy, doing what you want without restriction. Dressing as a woman or changing your sex is doing what you want, so really it is punk. If I was a vegan, I could be punk, but I couldn't tell someone not to eat meat as that wouldn't be punk. Punk is about never telling someone what to do, never putting restrictions on what someone else does. It's anarchy and this is anarchy. Whether you agree with it or not, it is punk.”
“People in the comment section surprised by this??
Fat Mike literally wore dresses, skirts, heels, etc. to A LOT of shows. Publicly has supported LGBTQ+ for as long as I have been listening.
Do you guys only listen to the lyrics that you like or???”
More Links to Read
Not just Skirts
From crop tops to short shorts. All those great fashion trends masculine men followed in the 80's and 90's
A Tribute to Men in Crop Tops
"I like a little midriff showing," says Ezekiel Elliott.
when did straight men stop wearing crop tops?
In the 80s and 90s, straight men from Will Smith to Mark Wahlberg were baring their midriffs in crop tops. So what changed?
The Amazing 80's are coming back.
Shorts are getting shorter this season, but the range of styles has never been more diverse. From Gucci’s tailored thigh-grazers to Bianca Saunders’ sleek, body-hugging designs, the men’s spring 2025 trends offer a silhouette for every occasion.
Stories
Skirts And Heels Are Not Just For Women, This Guy Proves That Perfectly
Interview
“Meet Mark Bryan, a man who wears skirts and heels. Mark is an American robotic engineer who lives in Germany. He lives his life like every other person, except that he challenges gender stereotypes every day. He almost always wears a skirt and heels while going to work, to the town, and even at home. And let’s just say he looks fabulous while he does.”
My Journey into Skirts
By Chip Palmer
"It feels silly to write about how I began wearing such a basic garment. And yet here we are, in a culture where so much of the population avoids skirts.
This story is a reflection on what drew me toward feminine expression, the forces that held me back, and how my life changed in the process"
Comment:
S.R.
Great Article.
I am cis woman who wears mostly skirts and dresses, due to sensory issues. But I also LOVE SKIRTS. If I was assigned male at birth, I think I would have eventually said "F this, I want to wear one of those lovely skirts." I love skirts.”