Mark Bryan, a robotics engineer living in Germany, has been married for 11 years and is a father to a daughter. Identifying as straight, Bryan has made waves with his unconventional approach to fashion. Whether at work or in daily life, it’s common to see him sporting skirts and high heels—an expression of his belief that clothing should not be confined by gender expectations.
Bryan’s dissatisfaction with the limited options in men’s office attire was one of the factors driving his bold style choices. He finds traditional men’s fashion lacking in variety, with pants mostly available in basic colors like black, gray, and navy, and offering few stylistic options. To counter this, Bryan chooses to mix and match traditionally masculine and feminine clothing, often pairing a blazer and tie with a pencil skirt and four-inch heels, creating a look that reflects his personal taste rather than societal norms.
Embracing High Heels with Confidence
Bryan’s comfort with wearing high heels started during his college years when his girlfriend encouraged him to wear heels while dancing with her so they would be on the same level. After a year of practicing in heels, Bryan had mastered the skill and found no issue with continuing to wear them.
He doesn’t let societal expectations dictate his fashion choices. Instead, Bryan confidently defies stereotypes, blending gendered styles in ways that suit him. His unique look isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about the freedom to express himself without being bound by preconceived notions.
Fashion Beyond Gender Constraints
In an interview with Bored Panda, Bryan explained his perspective on clothing, emphasizing that fashion should not be restricted by gender. He stated his preference for skirts over dresses, as skirts allow him to mix traditionally masculine and non-gendered styles. He questioned why, if women can wear pants, men shouldn’t also be able to wear skirts and heels without it being seen as unusual.
Reflecting on historical fashion trends, Bryan noted that men once wore heels before they became associated with women’s fashion. “I can recall a time when girls were not allowed to wear pants in school due to gender norms. However, nowadays, pants are considered unisex clothing. Therefore, why can’t skirts and heels also be considered non-gendered?” he asked.
The Historical Context of High Heels
Bryan’s observation about men historically wearing heels is accurate. High heels have a centuries-old history, with their origin tracing back to at least the 10th century. Initially, heels served practical purposes rather than fashion, with the Persian cavalry wearing them to keep their feet secure in stirrups. This functional use was also adopted in cowboy boots, which still feature small heels today.
During the Middle Ages, high-heeled boots became a status symbol, accessible only to the wealthy. Their popularity spread across Europe, where they were worn by nobles and even the pope. However, by the 18th century, societal attitudes toward fashion shifted, with men abandoning heels in favor of more practical, less flamboyant attire.
Breaking Boundaries with Confidence
For Bryan, wearing skirts and heels is not just a fashion statement—it’s a challenge to outdated gender norms. He acknowledges that his choice may raise eyebrows but sees it as similar to people opting for unconventional hair colors. “Consider an individual with vibrant green hair. Upon noticing this person, your mind registers the distinctive green hair, prompting thoughts of peculiarity or intrigue. Subsequently, you return to your previous activities, dismissing the encounter from your mind,” he explained. Bryan believes that people’s reactions to his fashion choices follow a similar pattern.
With a skirt size 8 and heel size 8.5, Bryan finds it easy to find outfits that fit well. For men interested in experimenting with skirts and heels, he recommends starting with a lower heel to ease into the experience.
A Bold Expression of Individuality
Mark Bryan’s fashion choices challenge the traditional boundaries of gendered clothing, making him a symbol of individual expression. His belief that clothing should not be defined by gender resonates with those who support more freedom in how we dress. What do you think of Bryan’s unconventional style? Would you or someone you know be willing to explore skirts and heels? Feel free to share your thoughts and pass on this story.
