[Momquist]

> Which is why I personally dont even consider it.

So, assuming you're a man (bear with me if you aren't): are you so open-minded and rational that you do consider female clothes in your shopping too? Do you look at women's watches and glasses too? Do you often wear pink?

Here is my guess: you don't. You may think you're completely disconnected from the social cues inherent in clothing/accessories, that you consider clothes as purely functional. But chances are, in practice, you really don't. Signalling your gender "to all and sundry" as you put it, is one of the major non-verbal cues that clothes provide. It's part of those "random pre-designated styles" and is taught from a young age, and understood by everyone. Your tastes reflect that, whether you consciously acknowledge it or not.

You don't see men in robes, for example, in modern western cultures, whatever their potential comfort/utility/beauty, they simply are not considered for men in day-to-day life. Even though, there were periods and cultures where they were perfectly fine for men to wear.

[T-N-T]

I'm not the person you were answering but I subscribe to similar utilitarian views and must say, if it wasn't shunned by society to the point of risking to take a beating, I wouldn't mind wearing a skirt in summer. In fact, I already do wear some plain beige skirts at home because I find them far more comfortable than pants and the airy feeling is nice in hot climates.

It's far too dangerous to wear a skirt outside as a man so I wouldn't do it. I as a person don't care much for clothing beyond physical well being/comfort/utility but society is very judging and a times very dangerous for certain choices.

[everyone]

Yeah I agree with all that. In terms of what other people think, I am just a stoic about it, that is outside of my control. In terms of what I wear, I have always gotten more than enough clothes as christmas presents from various relatives to keep me decent.

Though quite recently I started mountaineering and discovered the specialized clothing for that. Its the 1st time Ive ever been interested in clothes, the feature-list on them greatly surpasses anything else. Eg A jacket which is water resistant, breathable, wind-resistant, tear resistant, very light, flexible and comfortable, affording a full range of motion, with lots of pockets and also adjustable vents. Though I am a small man and have actually bought a womens jacket cus it fit better and was cheaper.