In the 1960s, the caftan or djellaba, was popular as informal wear. It was also adopted by Hippies as a symbol of their bohemian lifestyle. In the 1990s, the sarong became fashionable when the footballer David Beckham was photographed wearing a version by Jean-Paul Gaultier. Celebrities like Beckham play a crucial role in legitimating the wearing of skirts, especially those celebrities that are perceived as both "cool" and "masculine".

Many designers have looked to "other" cultures both for inspiration and justification for their skirted garments. The North African caftan or djellaba, the Southeast Asian sarong, the Indian dhoti or longyi and even the Hawaiian grass skirt have all been used by designers as sources of inspiration. Their status as national dress, has meant that they have enjoyed considerable success among many fashion-conscious men.

 

 

 

The acceptance or rejection of "men in skirts" is a matter of culture and tradition. There are some countries where it is absolutely natural to men to wear skirts. In others it is taboo, since it is not part of their tradition. It becomes difficult to accept because it raises questions about a man's masculinity and, more importantly, his sexuality."

Dolce & Gabbana, 2002

Sarong and sweater
Linen and cotton
Italian, Dolce & Gabbana
Spring/Summer 1994

"We designed a variety of sarongs and caftans for our Spring/Summer 1994 collection. The collection's underlying theme was introspection, a journey for the soul, a mystic man who searches within himself and is attracted to other cultures different from his own.

A cross-cultural examination of clothing styles demonstrates that there is nothing intrinsically masculine or feminine about any particular fashion. Although in Europe and America skirts are traditionally worn by women, in many Asian and African countries they are worn by both sexes. It is the cultural context in which clothes are worn that determines their gendered status.