Throughout history, society has defined strict gender roles, creating a system where certain behaviors, clothing, and expressions are deemed acceptable based on one’s assigned gender. Deviation from these norms often leads to judgment and exclusion. However, more and more individuals are challenging these long-standing gender stereotypes. One such person is Mark Bryan, an American robotics engineer living in Germany, who believes that clothing should not be restricted by gender.
Bryan, a “straight, happily married guy who loves Porsches, beautiful women, and incorporating high heels and skirts into my daily wardrobe,” has been wearing skirts full-time for about three years. For him, skirts are no different than pants. His bold approach to gender norms and his stylish outfit choices have earned him more than 127,000 followers on Instagram. Speaking with McGill Media, Bryan shared how this “unconventional” style has influenced his life, revealing that his wife was actually the one who suggested he try skirts.
“I was already wearing high heels with pants, sometimes women’s pants. My wife asked why I wouldn’t wear a dress or a skirt, saying I have nice legs to show,” Bryan explained. He added, “I choose skirts only, as dresses seemed too feminine, with the shoulders and necklines. So, I adapted to my hybrid look—men’s clothes above the waist and women’s clothes below.”
Bryan also explained that the vast array of clothing options available to women played a significant role in his decision to adopt this unique fashion. “Different skirt styles, more colors, and patterns! Plus, in summer, it’s cooler, and with leggings or thermo-insulated hose, it’s relatively warm in winter,” he said. He also mentioned that wearing hose was a personal necessity due to a medical condition. “I need the compression as I’m prone to clots in my legs,” he added.
As for how his fashion choices have impacted his family, Bryan remarked, “I really can’t say positive, but no negatives either, as I am still the same husband and father.”
Regarding the public’s reaction to his hybrid look, Bryan noted, “95% of people don’t care what you wear as long as it has no effect on them. It’s the 5% that catcall, whistle, or yell rude remarks, only because they feel threatened to some extent.” Despite the negativity, Bryan remains unfazed. “It’s not worth my time to explain myself. I find I am pretty thick-skinned when it comes to negative comments and focus on the positive comments, which come in much more often,” he said.
When it comes to his wardrobe, Bryan shared that nearly all of his clothes and heels are either store-bought or bought online. “I have a talented seamstress that converts my pants to skirts. Since I prefer pencil skirts, there is just enough material to make the skirt. This way, my suits match,” he said.
Bryan also revealed his go-to outfit when he wants to feel “spectacular”: “It depends on the season. In the summer, I like to wear sleeveless polo shirts, heeled sandals, and a tight, just-above-knee-length skirt. In winter, a longer skirt and boots, with a lightweight pullover.” He added, “Does feeling spectacularly dressed every day count?” For Bryan, wearing a skirt and heels feels just as natural and special as wearing a brand new men’s suit and shoes. “But now, I can mix and match and almost have a new wardrobe every day,” he said, expressing a sense of pride in his distinctive style.
Through his fashion choices, Bryan is challenging gender expectations and encouraging others to embrace freedom in their personal style, showing that clothes should be about self-expression rather than rigid gender rules.
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