Many men would gladly explore female-coded clothing and accessories if cultural norms allowed. Items like skirts, dresses, heels, and jewelry consistently top the list, driven by the variety, comfort, and style freedom these options provide. Understanding this desire means examining both the allure of these clothes and the social rules that make expressing such tastes a challenge.
The Draw of Female-Coded Apparel
- Skirts and Dresses: Men often cite the comfort, breathability, and freedom of movement of skirts and dresses as appealing. Unlike trousers, skirts don’t restrict the legs, especially in warm climates, and the vast array of prints and cuts creates abundant styling options. Many historic societies featured men in skirt-like garments, and modern advocates such as Mark Bryan have made a strong case for reviving this tradition.
- Heels: High-heeled shoes are frequently appreciated for the confidence and height boost they bring. For many men, heels represent personal power and aesthetic pride, as well as a nod to the history of men wearing elevated shoes in aristocratic societies.
- Jewelry and Accessories: Beyond watches and cufflinks, many men would enjoy earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more expressive bags and hats, enhancing their look with sparkle and color often reserved for women.
- Soft Fabrics and Pastels: Traditionally “feminine” fabrics—silks, chiffons, lace—offer comfort and a new tactile experience. Pastel shades and floral prints add diversity to male wardrobes accustomed to neutrals.
- Makeup, Nail Polish, and Hair Accessories: Subtle makeup or bold, creative nail colors provide an outlet for self-expression. Hairbands, clips, or even decorative barrettes can transform a simple outfit and allow experimentation.
Social Taboos and Their Effects
Despite the honest desire to try these clothes, most men refrain due to fear of ridicule, social penalty, or a perception of diminished masculinity. While women have largely gained acceptance for dressing in “masculine” clothing, men crossing gender lines in style face sharper resistance, a phenomenon backed by substantial sociological research.
Cultural shifts are underway—public figures (e.g., Harry Styles, Billy Porter, Bad Bunny) have worn dresses and skirts on red carpets—but anxieties persist for everyday individuals.
Stories from Trailblazers
Mark Bryan’s Example
Mark Bryan, an engineer living in Germany, is a noted example of a man confidently wearing pencil skirts and heels as part of his daily wardrobe. For Bryan, clothes have no gender—he chooses skirts and heels for their professional polish and expressive freedom, often pairing them with a traditionally masculine shirt and tie up top. Bryan’s journey demonstrates that positive feedback (especially from women) and self-confidence can counteract public scrutiny, but most men still lack this level of safety and support.
Global Perspectives
In many non-Western cultures, skirt-like garments (kilts, sarongs, lungis) are everyday wear for men, revealing that the gendering of clothes is highly contextual. In Western societies, changes are slower due to historical roles and the stigma attached to males appearing “effeminate”.
Psychological Benefits and Self-Expression
- Empowerment: Many men who have ventured into female-coded clothing describe feeling empowered, freer, and more authentic. The experimentation provides a new sense of self-esteem and comfort in their bodies.
- Creativity and Playfulness: Makeup and accessories enable playful, artistic self-expression otherwise unavailable in most mainstream male wardrobes.
- Practical Comfort: Skirts, loose dresses, leggings, and soft-finished outerwear are simply more comfortable for many activities—even around the house.
Most Coveted Female-Coded Fashion Items by Men
| Category | Examples | Reasons for Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Skirts/Dresses | Pencil skirt, sundress, maxi skirt | Comfort, style variety, leg freedom |
| Heels | Pumps, stilettos, stylish flats | Height, power, shoe variety |
| Jewelry | Earrings, layered necklaces | Sparkle, color, self-expression |
| Handbags | Tote bags, clutches, crossbody | Function, decoration |
| Soft Fabrics | Silk, satin, lace blouses | Texture, luxury |
| Makeup/Nails | Eyeliner, bold nail polish | Playfulness, artistry |
| Hair Accessories | Headbands, barrettes | Versatility |
| Outerwear | Shawls, wraps, colorful coats | Warmth, statement pieces |
What If Clothing Had No Gender Rules?
If the cultural stigma disappeared, many men would gladly experiment with female-coded garments and accessories as part of a wider, more expressive style. Shopping would become an exercise in creativity, not gender restrictions. Expect more:
- Colorful, patterned, and form-fitting clothing in men’s wardrobes
- Increased variety in shoe styles, from boots to ballet flats
- Jewelry and decorative accessories as standard, not niche
- Routine use of makeup, nail color, and skincare as self-care, not identity statement
- Public normalization of skirts and dresses for any gender, especially in hot climates
Some men would go bold, fully embracing dresses, heels, lace, and all-out glam; others would blend subtle color or a favorite blouse into an otherwise traditional outfit, just as many women already do with “masculine” staples.
Obstacles and the Road Ahead
- Workplace Dress Codes: Many businesses still enforce gendered dress codes that limit what’s possible. Only a cultural and policy shift will enable broad freedom.
- Fear of Bullying or Harassment: Men trying female-coded styles fear social punishment, which can mean anything from teasing to real exclusion.
- Policing of Masculinity: Society historically punishes men who challenge the “masculine ideal,” making most hesitant to change.
Signs of Change
Growing acceptance of androgynous fashion, unisex clothing lines, and the visibility of celebrities and influencers modelling all-gender looks is rewiring perceptions for younger generations. Online communities and social media provide supportive spaces where experimentation is celebrated and shared.
Conclusion
A world free of clothing-based gender rules offers immense potential for comfort, creativity, and authentic self-expression. Many men would wear skirts, dresses, heels, jewelry, soft fabrics, and expressive accessories if such choices were not stigmatized. While barriers still exist, individual pioneers and cultural momentum are driving meaningful change, promising a future where clothing is truly for everyone.