Does It Make Sense for Men to Wear Dresses?
Clothes do not have gender, so let’s rephrase the question for easier understanding: ‘Is it reasonable for men to wear dresses’.
Throughout history, men have worn skirts, tunics, and dresses. It was only after World War II that pants became acceptable for women to wear. Conventional male stereotyping inhibited long hair and piercings for decades, but the 1960s changed this. Similarly, male piercings were unheard of until the 1970s.
The 1960s saw a few avant-garde performers photographed in dresses, including Iggy Pop, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger. This did not harm their careers. There has been a significant increase in men wearing skirts, and the evidence is easy to find. Since the early 2010s, I have worn skirts frequently, demonstrating that it is practical and comfortable.
For dresses, a few brave individuals have embraced wearing them. Last weekend, I wore a dress twice—once to see the chiropractor and another for shopping and errands—without any backlash or comments, only positive ones.
Comfort and Practicality
From a male wearer’s perspective, skirts and dresses make perfect sense. Both are incredibly comfortable, much lighter, and easier to wear than pants, jeans, or trousers. These articles of clothing have no ventilation and can feel like a heavy, uncomfortable burden.
Moreover, dresses come in a vast range of colors, styles, and lengths, providing a wide array of choices. Men’s clothing, on the other hand, often lacks these options. Sleeveless dresses are an excellent choice for warmer weather.
It is remarkably easy to wear a dress. All you need to do is slip it on and add shoes, or even go without. If you need to carry something, a purse or handbag is sufficient. By contrast, men’s wear requires multiple layers: undies, shirts, pants, belts, socks, and shoes. Ties and jackets can be further additions, making the process unpleasant and cumbersome, especially in summer.
Cultural and Societal Perspectives
Some of our society still believes that a man in a dress is somehow less of a man. This mentality is comparable to the idea that tattoos on a woman make her too masculine. It’s time to move past such gender-related clothing and appearance norms and focus instead on the individual.
Of all my female friends, ranging in age from under 30 to 80, not one has had an issue with me wearing skirts or dresses. Neither do my male business colleagues and clients. In fact, one male friend remarked that he loves seeing me in a skirt because I match everything up so well. He said it is excellent branding for me and encouraged me to continue this practice.
It is clear that it makes perfect sense for men to wear dresses. The more of us who do this, the more we can break down the barrier around clothing choices. Join the revolution, men, and frock up! You won’t regret it.