How do you handle fear of judgment?

A couple of weeks ago we asked our followers to share how they manage judgment from others.

The fear might range from non-existent, for experienced skirt wearers, to crippling for those new to it. For those in the middle, even the act of wondering whether a stranger is judging can be a minor annoyance.

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Here’s what people had to say:

Practical tips & preparation

Some mentioned specific, tangible steps to feel more at ease in public.

• Start with subtle colours and styles: "Start with dark shades, black, gray, navy blue... masculine knee-length skirts, either denim or pencil cut."
• Wear sunglasses for the first few outings. Eye contact can be vulnerable – hiding the eyes can de-escalate the rare confrontation. Plus, shades increase coolness by 31% 😎
• Bring backup clothes in case you're uncomfortable in certain situations.

Building confidence

Inner confidence plays a crucial role in managing fear of judgment.

• Pick a favourite outfit that makes you feel confident.
• Posture: "Walk with a purpose, keep your head held high."
• Dress for yourself: "Don't forget that you're dressing for yourself, not anyone else."
• Use eye contact: "If you feel judged, look straight in their face with confidence."

Seeing the bigger picture

Redirecting focus away from the opinions of others is another powerful strategy.

• Ignoring judgment: "What other people think about you is none of your business."
• Judgment is fleeting: "I'll probably never see 99.9% of these people ever again."

Miscellaneous

• Balancing family expectations: Navigating societal and family expectations adds another layer to the challenge. Approach with care as a parent, especially with younger kids. If necessary, introduce skirt wearing slowly, and talk to your kids about what it means or doesn't mean.
• A more somber approach highlights the struggle – "I do it by oppressing myself. My life, like that of almost all men... is made only of sacrifices."
• Bold defiance: "Accept me for who I am or f*ck off."
• Be the change: "We are the ones who will change public perception, but only if we wear skirts in public. Rehearsing at home is fine, but at some point, we all have to walk out the door for this to matter."

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What about you? Share your tips so more of our readers can wear skirts with confidence, and shift these rigid norms.

Also read How Men Wear Skirts Without Fear of Stereotypes for help with concerns around being labeled gay, trans, etc.