To wonder if skirts are inherently misogynistic and objectify women...

[Oakenbeach]

... and that women who continue to wear them are perpetuating the notion, albeit mostly subliminally, of a man’s entitlement to easy and unimpeded “access” to women.

Yes they should be long, down to the floor like men wear them in the Middle East. Short skirts are not natural, they were designed by men before mobile phones were invented but who knew that one day upskirting would be possible.

Is it misandrist that men would be laughed at or thought as odd if they were to wear skirts and dresses?

(let's not get into the trans thing, this is about men that are happy to be such)

There is a wider argument here about whether women's clothes, hairstyles and makeup constitute a distinct 'culture' separate from men's culture. I feel we do have a female culture handed down in families.

It's like why do men wear loose t-shirts and knee-length shorts to the gym/do exercise, while women wear tight hot-pants and sports bras? Do you think it's just a coincidence, and that women are more comfortable in tight revealing outfits while men are more comfortable in bigger looser clothes?

Bruegel speak for yourself. I wear trackie bottoms and a vest top to the gym. I see lots of men wearing very short shorts and tight vest tops.

Gosh, yes, women should cover up in shrouds - all for their own good of course!

They’re more comfortable!

Bruegel speak for yourself

I'm not speaking for myself, I'm talking about the general trend rather than individuals.

@Bruegel I work in a gym and I’m not sure I recognise that as a trend? Most men wear leggings or shorts and either a tank top or a t shirt which they take off five minutes in. On the street they’re in tracksuits yes but not to exercise.

Go and google image search "gym" or even "spinning class" and see who is wearing the tighter/more revealing clothing. Women often have stomachs/cleavage on display and are almost always wearing tight bottoms (leggings/legging shorts) while men are wearing loose knee-length shorts.

OP, what about dresses? Or are you only referring to skirts?

But that's mainly advertising Bruegel, which is a whole other thread. The reality of people at gyms is that you see all sorts of attire, some tight, some revealing, lots neither tight nor revealing, and just as many men in shorts and vests as women.

I often see the Jehovah's Witnesses standing around in my city, handing out their books and leaflets. The women ALL wear skirts, because they are not allowed to wear "men's clothing", i.e. trousers.

So yes, I agree OP, that there is something misogynistic about that thinking.

The reality of people at gyms is that you see all sorts of attire, some tight, some revealing, lots neither tight nor revealing, and just as many men in shorts and vests as women

The reality is that many, many women wear tight leggings to the gym. I would say it's the most popular workout wear among women at the moment.

Almost zero men wear tight leggings (without shorts over the top).

Why?

The same reason that women wear short skirts and men don't, I would guess.

Is it possible for women to easily find non-tight trousers for the gym? Or non skimpy shorts? I just had a look and the only trousers I could easily find were cotton joggers, which can be a bit hot for HIIT work.

I only wear dresses (the only trousers I own are lycra for workouts...I'd flash too many people in a dress, and pj bottoms.) This is 100% my decision and is because I feel happy wearing brightly coloured and patterned dresses.

They clearly were designed for and are promoted to women specifically. Why?

From the begging of time both women and men wore skirts/dresses/tunics. As manufacturing improved better tights and trousers appeared and became popular. Trousers became increasingly popular with the male population, while being prohibited for women.
So while they were not designed for women, currently skirts are definitely advertised/promoted for them.

I have seen JW women wearing trousers.

It's like why do men wear loose t-shirts and knee-length shorts to the gym/do exercise, while women wear tight hot-pants and sports bras? Do you think it's just a coincidence, and that women are more comfortable in tight revealing outfits while men are more comfortable in bigger looser clothes?

Have you tried to find looser female gym clothes? Especially if you're a bigger person? It's actually hard, and probably why so many women wear tight fitting gym clothes......

I'm talking about people I know and my rellies. They always laugh at my appearance. They are probably right to, if I was going around all doodied up like I'm something.

If they akways laugh at your appearance then they have no manners and a distinct lack of basic human kindness.

As for “doodied up like I’m something”. . You are something. You are DDIJ. That alone is worthy of respect.

They should treat you better and you should expect them to treat you well.

The obvious solution to this is to make it more acceptable for men to wear skirts. It would kill so many birds with one stone.

I hope not. I bloody luffs them. Nothing like freedom of movement and a bit of a breeze.

So Roman togas?
Kilts.