Men in Skirts Video

Gotta Love a Broomstick Skirt!

What an awesome skirt! This would be great for a night of twirling at a Contra Dance or perhaps just lounging around the house. The crinkle material is super comfy and fun to wear. I also love the color as well.

I'm thinking of collecting a couple in different colors. This is a classic look that never seems to go out of style.

Skirt Dancing at a Contra Dance

Guys in Skirts at a Contra Dance

Contra Dancing in Skirts

Long, flowing skirts are the best for Contra Dancing. They are comfortable and a lot of fun to dance in.

Guys in Skirts at the Contra Dance!

Skirts are More Fun to Dance in than Pants

Another Contra Dance, and a another good reason to wear a long, flowy skirt!

You Know You're A Contra Dancer If...

- If you're a male who owns his own flowy skirt!

- You know you’re a contradancer if you GYPSY the broom

- Seeing strait men in skirts seems perfectly normal.

- You see someone on the street with a spinny skirt, and presume that you know them from contra dancing.

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Picking the Right Skirt for a Contra Dance

I think there may be more skirted guys in this video than the women. Check out the variety of skirts - from knee-length to ankle-length. I've worn skirts of all different colors and styles to Contra Dances, but always prefer ankle-length because of the flow. I usually wear long, three-tiered cotton skirts or broomstick skirts. Some guys prefer kilts while others like skirts with floral patterns - it's up to you how you want to express yourself. Skirts aren't for everyone, but usually there are a couple of skirted guys at a Contra Dance. The important thing is to find a skirt you feel comfortable in and have fun!

Interview with Skirt Wearing Contra Dancer

Here is a fun link to an interview with a gent about wearing skirts to Contra Dances in Buffalo, NY - everything from skirt length to accessories is answered here.

Here is a sample:

1. So why do you wear a skirt?

(a) Why should girls have all of the fun?
(b) Why do women wear slacks?

Skirts Are More Comfortable Than Pants...

In the Contra Dance Wiki article -" guys in skirts" are mentioned...

"At most dances, no special outfits are worn, but "peasant skirts" or other full, lightweight skirts are popular, as these have a very pretty effect when swinging or twirling and some dancers —including some men— find them more comfortable to dance in than pants."

For the whole intro to Contra Dancing, click here.

Men are Wearing Skirts in France!

Cool video about skirt wearing men and skirt fashion in France...

Skirts and Contra Dancing

Contra dances are in some ways, “skirt heaven.” The dances are based on traditional English, Scottish and Irish dances and are danced as a group or community. Many of the women wear “peasant skirts,” which are usually tiered and billow out beautifully as they dance. This includes a number of men as well. Dances will sometimes have a "Men in Skirts" theme, but even on regular nights, the people who attend the dances are usually known to be open minded.

There is usually a good ratio of Men in Skirts at most Contra Dances. Although there are times when no guys are wearing skirts. The skirt of choice for men at most of the dances around the country seems to be an ankle length peasant or broomstick skirt. Most of the time, men choose skirts in bright colors such as purple or red, and some even go for a floral pattern. Some prefer to dance in kilts. I have visited a number of Contra Dancing websites that featured skirted dancers and they encourage men to bring along their skirt.

Some dance organizations hold dance weekend festivals where some men go skirted the entire time. How many wear them outside the dances remains to be seen, but at least they get to experience the freedom and comfort of a skirt while at the dance. Hopefully this will carry over into their everyday life. There are dances all around the country that happen on a regular basis and are a great opportunity to show off that new skirt. It is so much fun to twirl around in a long, tiered skirt!

Buying a Skirt for the First Time

Buying a skirt the first time for me was a bit nerve-wracking. A friend of mine really encouraged me to get myself into a skirt. She kept telling me how good I look in a skirt after wearing one on Halloween. So, one day I went to a Thrift Store and went straight to the skirt section looking for my first skirt.

I was amazed at the amount of styles and colors of the skirts on the rack. I finally picked out a red, plaid (kilt-like) skirt. I thought it was easier to begin with something that resembled a kilt, which seems to be more accepted than a regular skirt. Buying the skirt during Halloween made it even easier.

The hem reached just below the knees and it fastened on the side. It was different from a traditional kilt in that the pleats went all the way around the skirt. Kilts traditionally have a flat apron in the front and pleats in the back.

While ringing up, the only comment from the cashier was “nice skirt” which added to my confidence. The good thing about thrift stores is that if you get the wrong fit, you won’t drop a lot of money.

Now I make frequent visits to see what’s new on the racks. I have picked up a lot of really great looking broomstick sticks and long, black cotton skirts. Sure you get the occasional looks and comments but it is all worth it when you find a great bargain on a cute skirt.