What do men keep in the cupboard? The issue of men in kilts raises many questions. As an historical and cultural item the kilt is acceptable - does it lend validity to men in other skirts?

What defines masculinity in terms of body supplement and/or modification?

-- Anonymous, March 08, 2000

Answers

SM'sB

'The kilt' is a form of a skirt for men, yet when looking at pictures it appears to look quite normal. I think this is because it's more of a uniform and part of history rather than a form of expression. You don't find it varies in length, pattern or colors much, and the actual fabric is very heavy, therefore I dont see it as a gender bender as such. Perhaps if you were to change the color to black (for example), and use a thin finer fabric, then it would be considered perhaps androgynous.

The sarong on the other hand, is worn purely for comfort. It can be found in many countries such as Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, etc. It allows for cool airflow in hot climates, where pants would be to hot. In western-countries. A sarong is not considered of corporate attire, therefore it would be considered very effeminate and inappropriate for a man to wear a sarong in a corporate office. However the sarong has appeared in hot holiday destinations, at the beach and at home. More and more shops are selling sarongs for men, that exhibit more masculine prints etc. I personally think thats fine, it looks sexy and is very easy, its an expression of comfort, but at the same time so are board shorts.

Try looking down the page of this site and see what you think. http://waveweb.innet.be/janb/sarong.html

-- Anonymous, March 16, 2000

SM'sB

The definition of masculinity is a personal one. What I personally find masculine would differ from what the female who sits next to me at work would define as masculine. We learn from our parents what is an acceptable form of dress for a man. As children boys wore trousers and little girls wore dresses. In western society a parent would not send their child off to kindergarten in a dress if the child is male but they could send their daughter to kindy in a pair of jeans. The thought of a man wearing a kilt is not unacceptable because as we grow we learn that in different parts of the world people dress differently. The Kilt is associated with Scotland and we are taught that on special occassions men wear these kilts for traditional purposes. The sarong is associated with hot climates and is also an acceptable form of dress in some countries such as the Pacific Islands. In their own cultures a man is not any less masculine for wearing these types of skirts.

From the web pages associated with this topic, a problem seems to occur when a man decides he would be more comfortable wearing skirts designed for females. The problem is not so much how the man wearing the skirt feels but how he is perceived by family, friends and his local community. Men should be able to have the freedom to wear any item of clothing they choose but at this stage of their fight I think that men will not be wearing skirts to the office in Melbourne for a while yet.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000