Who says skirts are only for women?
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of fashion, Filipino youth are breaking boundaries—this time with skirts. From knee-length to ankle-grazing, long skirts are becoming a bold fashion statement for men. While kilts—a traditional garment from Scotland—often steal the spotlight in Western fashion discussions, here in the Philippines, it’s long, flowy skirts that are redefining men’s street style.
Skirt vs. Kilt: What’s the Difference?
To better understand this trend, it’s important to distinguish between a skirt and a kilt:
• Kilt: Traditionally worn by Scottish men, a kilt is a knee-length pleated garment made from tartan (plaid) fabric. It has a specific cultural and historical significance and is usually associated with Scottish heritage.
• Skirt: A more general term that refers to any lower-body garment that hangs from the waist and is not divided into legs. Skirts can vary in length, style, and fabric—and they are what most Filipino men are now embracing as part of modern fashion.
Here in the Philippines, long skirts—often plain, flowy, or pleated—are the trend among the youth. These aren’t necessarily cultural items like kilts, but rather fashion-forward pieces used to express individuality, style, and sometimes a social message.
Breaking Stereotypes
In a traditionally conservative country, seeing men in long skirts can still raise eyebrows. But for many, it’s not about challenging gender roles or questioning sexuality—it’s about freedom and expression. A common sentiment among wearers: “I’m straight, but I love how skirts make me feel. It's fashion—simple as that.”
This bold style move is gaining momentum among Gen Z, who are known for pushing the envelope when it comes to fashion, identity, and equality.
Their message is clear: fashion is freedom. And in that freedom lies creativity, confidence, and authenticity.
Street Style Spotting
During recent local events and online fashion content, kilts have appeared more frequently, styled with sneakers, oversized shirts, boots, or even barong-inspired tops. It’s the perfect blend of modern edge and cultural remix, making kilts uniquely Filipino in spirit.
The Influence of Kiel the Great
One of the most notable figures who helped spark this trend is Kiel the Great, a local personality whose viral Facebook post showed him confidently wearing a long skirt in public. His bold move quickly gained attention and inspired many young Filipinos to follow suit. The trend gained even more momentum through TikTok, where stylish videos of boys wearing skirts for fun—and fashion—began appearing across the platform.
What started as a single statement look is now a movement, encouraging men to redefine style norms.
“I saw this trend from a Korean idol, then I noticed Western influencers doing it too. Why not bring it here? It’s stylish, comfortable, and a statement,” shares Jigs, 22, a young stylist based in Pangasinan.
Rafael Romano on Expanding Fashion Narratives
I had the opportunity to interview (via chat) a Davao-based content creator and fashion stylist, Rafael Romano. Who has been a visible voice in promoting fashion freedom in Mindanao. When asked about the rising trend of men wearing skirts, he shared:
And yes, I agree with Rafael statement, that we need to be more open-minded. Fashion is not confined to gender. Skirts are not just for girls anymore—they're for everyone who dares to express themselves. And it isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about equality, acceptance, and the courage to challenge old norms.
What we're seeing now is a shift in perspective. More men are exploring clothing beyond binaries. And that's a good thing. It's not about being feminine or masculine—it’s about embracing who you are, and being confident in how you present yourself.
Romano also highlighted that Davao’s fashion scene has always had pockets of boldness, but social media helped amplify that creativity to a wider audience.
Where to Shop Skirts in the Philippines
If you’re looking to try this trend, here are a few local and online shops offering kilts or men’s skirts:
- Shopee, Lazada & TikTok – Search for “men’s kilt” or “fashion skirts for men”
- Thrift stores (Ukay-Ukay) – Find unique pleated skirts and repurpose them into statement pieces
- ZALORA PH – Occasionally carries designer-inspired styles for men
- Instagram-based shops like @SkirtsForAllPH or @PinoyUnisexStyle (follow for updates)
- Custom tailors – Have a skirt made using traditional or modern fabric of your choice
Tips for Styling Kilts
1. Balance the silhouette – Pair with a fitted or tucked-in top for structure
2. Layer it up – Add a jacket or long-sleeved shirt for dimension
3. Choose the right footwear – Boots, sneakers, or even sandals can elevate the look
4. Accessorize confidently – Try chunky necklaces, hats, or shades
5. Own it – Confidence is the ultimate style
Fashion in the Philippines is stepping into a new era—one where skirts on men aren’t just accepted, they’re celebrated. From viral posts to everyday wear, long skirts are becoming a symbol of freedom, creativity, and equality.
Whether you're wearing one for comfort, style, or self-expression, remember: fashion doesn’t care about gender—it only cares about confidence.
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