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AIBU to think school skirt bans undermine choice rather than equality?

264 replies

BadBadCat · 04/09/2026 08:29

AIBU to think banning school skirts reinforces the opinion that to be equal, women need to be more like men.

I don't fully understand the reasons behind banning skirts in the drive for equality. I can only think that there are other reasons behind it that are not being made explicit by schools- maybe to eliminate up-skirting issues, to avoid having to deal with girls wearing inappropriately short ones, to eliminate the issue of transgender boys wearing skirts etc.

However, in my opinion, removing the choice of a skirt, which has been the traditional wear for women and girls and enforcing trousers, suggests that men's traditional attire is superior to women's. I'm all for girls wearing skirts if they choose, but I think it should be a choice. Schools saying they want to ensure comfort for all is disingenuous in my eyes because girls who feel uncomfortable in skirts can wear trousers if they wish.

It seems to me another removal of women's rights,

What do you all think?

OP posts:
Differentforgirls · 05/09/2026 15:19

DressOrSkirt · 05/09/2026 14:24

Yes, even boys. Why would it be different for them?

That was my point.

Differentforgirls · 05/09/2026 15:18

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:40

Of course boys shouldn't wear skirts to school.

Why?

FieldInWhichFucksAreGrownIsBarren · 05/09/2026 15:12

Goge · 05/09/2026 15:02

No they shouldn't. Boys don't wear skirts. It's not normal.

Piss off, boys can wear skirts or whatever the fuck else they want, as can girls
The issue in schools is the appropriateness and endless fucking arguments about the correct length. I deal with this on a daily basis and frankly it's boring. Our uniform policy is flared & knee length, there are very few girls that can grasp this meaning and I see far too much arse cheek unfortunately. A flat out ban eliminates this.

DressOrSkirt · 05/09/2026 15:08

Goge · 05/09/2026 15:02

No they shouldn't. Boys don't wear skirts. It's not normal.

It's not normal to think children/teenagers should dress based on their genetailia instead of on their comfort, activities, and personal style.

TheEdgyMoose · 05/09/2026 15:06

Goge · 05/09/2026 15:02

No they shouldn't. Boys don't wear skirts. It's not normal.

Most boys don't wear skirts. But if a boy wants to wear one then where's the harm?

Goge · 05/09/2026 15:02

TheEdgyMoose · 05/09/2026 14:56

If skirts are allowed they should be allowed for everyone.

No they shouldn't. Boys don't wear skirts. It's not normal.

TheEdgyMoose · 05/09/2026 14:56

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:54

If skirts are allowed for the girls that's normal. Not for the boys

If skirts are allowed they should be allowed for everyone.

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:54

TheEdgyMoose · 05/09/2026 14:53

Well no. Not if skirts have been banned.

If skirts are allowed for the girls that's normal. Not for the boys

TheEdgyMoose · 05/09/2026 14:53

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:40

Of course boys shouldn't wear skirts to school.

Well no. Not if skirts have been banned.

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:53

DressOrSkirt · 05/09/2026 14:50

Why not?

Skirts are what girls wear not

DressOrSkirt · 05/09/2026 14:50

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:40

Of course boys shouldn't wear skirts to school.

Why not?

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:40

Of course boys shouldn't wear skirts to school.

DressOrSkirt · 05/09/2026 14:24

Differentforgirls · 05/09/2026 13:12

Even boys?

Yes, even boys. Why would it be different for them?

Allseeingallknowing · 05/09/2026 14:17

likelysuspect · 04/09/2026 22:01

I think girls are being blamed for rolling up their skirts and showing their underwear. Nothing more, nothing less.

And they're doing it so males look at their underwear and bums.

Just like apes!

likelysuspect · 05/09/2026 14:14

BadBadCat · 04/09/2026 23:41

What are the consequences of wearing a short skirt?

That you end up showing off bare flesh, your bum, your underwear. Its not appropriate.

Keymoment · 05/09/2026 14:14

DPotter · 05/09/2026 13:23

The main reason is the fashion for ultra short skirts. Girls will roll up the standard length skirts to incredibly short. They have no idea what this looks like when their walking upstairs - everything on show. This is inappropriate in a school or work setting, with or without raging teen hormones.

It's not about reducing choice, stopping boys wearing skirts or getting girls to dress more like men, or to promote equality.

But short skirts aren’t in fashion. They haven’t been for years.
Personally, I’d be very happy with trousers for all schoolchildren.

Goge · 05/09/2026 14:06

Even if a boy looks it's completely natural and I wouldn't hold it against them. Girls shouldn't be flashing their knickers

Jacobolordy · 05/09/2026 13:54

Trousers solve the problem of girls rolling up skirts so high they're invisible. I have boys, but id hate my daughter to want to do this or feel pressured to. Just as id hate my boys to get into trouble for looking when its hard not to sometimes - kids are curious and I suspect would naturally look if following a girl upstairs. Even doing this as an adult I had to consciously look elsewhere recently as i didn't want an eyeful of bum cheek - it must be awful for teachers.

Choice should be trousers or shorts for all, free up teachers time from being skirt police, simpler for everyone.

For pp talking about 'choice' of school, there often isn't one. Ds has gone to second choice (first choice was our catchment school but still didn't get in), no other options nearby.

TheEdgyMoose · 05/09/2026 13:40

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 05/09/2026 13:08

IMO you’re right, and the same principle applies to other things, too. E.g. actresses wanting to be referred to as ‘actors’, as if they think the male descriptor is superior - so implying that the male role itself is somehow more worthy than the female.

IMO it’s anti-feminist!

Actor is not a male descriptor. It is gender neutral. They are not saying the male descriptor is superior, they are saying there is no need for a separate female descriptor. Most other professions don't have it. You don't hear people talking about their doctress or their solicitress. Referring to everyone in the profession, regardless of gender, as an actor puts them all on an equal footing. In an industry rife with gender equality and huge gender pay gaps, this is very important.

In general, we are moving towards gender neutrality with job titles. It's why we now have police officers instead of policemen, for example. Striving for equality is not in any way anti-feminist.

PepsiBook · 05/09/2026 13:37

If you worked in a school you would see why.
Many wear them so short we can literally see their knickers. Many also wear a thong, so we can see their bum - they don't care. It's gross, especially when they're going up the stai in front of you.
Removing the skirt means teachers are not constantly asking kids to unroll their skirt, issuing detentions etc.
It's sad, but SO many girls refuse to comply with normal skirt lengths.

Goge · 05/09/2026 13:37

As far as I know I don't see purposeful sagging in secondary school.

Nighttimeistherightime · 05/09/2026 13:35

Softcream · 04/09/2026 08:41

It's tricky. I do agree with you about choice, but from the pov of a headteacher friend I can see that everyone in trousers is a nice simple solution to the problems you mention.

Until you start having to deal with ‘sagging’…

monkeysox · 05/09/2026 13:24

Differentforgirls · 05/09/2026 12:35

Where is round here?

North east. Teesside.

DPotter · 05/09/2026 13:23

The main reason is the fashion for ultra short skirts. Girls will roll up the standard length skirts to incredibly short. They have no idea what this looks like when their walking upstairs - everything on show. This is inappropriate in a school or work setting, with or without raging teen hormones.

It's not about reducing choice, stopping boys wearing skirts or getting girls to dress more like men, or to promote equality.

Differentforgirls · 05/09/2026 13:12

DressOrSkirt · 05/09/2026 13:02

I only wear natural ones (cotton, bamboo, wool). But having the choice means everyone can choose what's comfiest and most practical for them!

Even boys?