What Do You Wear Under Your Skirt?

Men who wear skirts in public have probably heard the question:

“What are you wearing under that?”

Sometimes it’s asked with a laugh. Sometimes a smirk. Sometimes people try to act like it’s innocent curiosity. But it often comes from discomfort, surprise, or envy. They're unsettled, so they crack a joke to release a pressure valve in their head.

Where does this come from?

There’s history here. The idea of the “commando kilt-wearer” or "going regimental" comes from old military traditions and cultural mythology, especially in Scottish settings, where not wearing anything under your kilt became a weird badge of masculinity. Over time, that turned into a sort of public script: man in a skirt? Cue the underwear question.

...
Today, some folks expect you to be “bold” and go commando. Others get scandalized if your legs even look free. So you end up in this no-win spot where people project all kinds of ideas and discomfort onto your outfit. Not your problem, of course, but here are some ways to respond:

The Non-Response

The best answer is often to not answer their question. Here are some solid options to keep in your back pocket.

🔁 Turn it around

• “That’s a weird question.”
• “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
• “Depends who’s asking.”
• “Ah yes, the underwear question… classic.”
• “Do you always open with that?”
• “Why—are you compiling a report?”
• “Should I be flattered or concerned?”
• ”Do you ask women that question?”
• “What a revealing question—for you.”
• “I see we’ve moved on to the intimacy portion of the interview.”

😐 Misdirection

• “Confidence.”
  
• “Socks. What else?” (from a comment reply here)
• “That’s classified information.”
• “I could tell you, but I’d have to invoice you.”

If You Do Want to Answer Honestly

Wearing Underwear

• “Yes, but I appreciate your concern for wind safety.”
• “Same thing I wear under my pants.”
• “Of course. This isn’t a stunt.”
• “Yes, but I’m open to suggestions.”
• “Yes. Unless I forget.”

Not Wearing Underwear

• “Freedom.”
• “Airflow technology.”
  
• “Nothing comes between me and my linen.”

There’s no "right" way to respond. You can laugh it off, clap back, dodge it entirely, or take it as an opportunity to educate. Just remember: the question says more about them than anything.

How do you respond to this question?

We asked this question in an Instagram post and got a ton of responses.