Mark Bryan, a skilled robotics engineer, has been happily married for 11 years and is a proud father to a daughter. While he identifies as straight, his unique approach to fashion often turns heads. An American currently residing in Germany, Bryan firmly believes that fashion should not be confined by traditional gender norms. It’s not uncommon to see him confidently wearing a skirt and high heels, whether at work or out and about.

Bryan has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the limited choices available in men’s fashion, particularly in professional settings. He highlights the monotony of men’s office attire, where pants are typically restricted to a narrow palette of black, gray, navy, or pinstripe, with few variations in cut or style. In contrast, Bryan finds the options in women’s clothing to be far more diverse and exciting, offering a wide array of styles, patterns, and colors that allow for greater self-expression.

He passionately advocates for breaking down fashion barriers, pointing out that if women can wear pants, men should equally have the freedom to wear skirts and dresses. To him, skirts offer a refreshing alternative to the rigid limitations of traditional men’s clothing, allowing for creativity and individuality.

What makes Bryan’s style particularly distinctive is his deliberate blending of traditional gender norms. On most days, he pairs a masculine upper-body ensemble, such as a blazer and tie, with feminine lower-body pieces like a sleek pencil skirt and four-inch heels. This combination of styles allows him to express himself in a way that feels authentic while challenging societal expectations. Interestingly, his journey with high heels began years ago when a college girlfriend suggested he wear heels while dancing so they could match in height. The experiment lasted over a year, and Bryan grew comfortable in them—a skill that would later become part of his signature look.

Refusing to conform to stereotypes, Bryan unapologetically embraces his fashion choices. He acknowledges that his style may defy conventional norms, but he remains unbothered by others’ opinions. In his words, clothing should be a form of self-expression and not limited by outdated gendered ideas.

Bryan elaborated on his perspective during an interview with Happiness-Life, where he shared that skirts, unlike dresses, give him the flexibility to mix and match styles. By combining masculine tops with non-gendered or feminine bottoms, he creates an aesthetic that aligns with his personal philosophy. He strongly believes that clothing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender.

Reflecting on the evolution of fashion, Bryan remarked, “I remember a time when girls weren’t allowed to wear pants at school because they were considered boys’ clothing. Today, pants are for everyone. So why can’t skirts and heels be for everyone too? Historically, men actually wore heels before women. They may not have looked like today’s styles, but heels were once a practical and respected choice for men.”

Bryan is right—high heels have a fascinating history. Though their exact origin is unclear, they date back at least to the 10th century. Initially, heels were designed for function rather than fashion. Persian cavalry used heeled boots, called kalash or galesh, to help keep their feet securely in stirrups while riding horses. This practical feature eventually inspired the design of cowboy boots, which also feature a small heel.

In the early days, high-heeled boots became a symbol of wealth and privilege. Only affluent men, who could afford horses, wore them. Over time, the trend spread to Europe, where heels became a fashionable statement for aristocratic men and merchants. Even the pope adopted high heels as part of his attire following the Great Schism in the Christian Church.

By the 18th century, however, societal attitudes toward fashion began to shift. As Europe grappled with rigid ideas about gender, fashion was increasingly feminized, leading to the notion that it was frivolous and unsuitable for “real men.” Consequently, men abandoned high heels, deeming them unnecessary and impractical.

Fast forward to today, and Bryan is helping to challenge and redefine these old-fashioned ideas. While he acknowledges that his style choices might surprise some people, he compares the reactions to seeing someone with brightly dyed hair. “Think of someone with vibrant green hair,” he explained. “At first, you might notice it as unusual, but after a moment, you move on. That’s the same reaction I get when people see me wearing a skirt and heels. It’s intriguing for a second, and then life goes on.”

Bryan has no trouble finding skirts and heels that fit him comfortably. His smaller frame allows him to wear a size 8 in skirts and an 8.5 in heels. For men interested in exploring this style, he advises starting with lower heels to ease into walking in them comfortably.

Mark Bryan’s bold fashion choices invite us to rethink the limitations of traditional clothing norms. His journey serves as a reminder that personal expression through fashion should be celebrated rather than judged. What are your thoughts on his approach to breaking barriers? Do you know any men who might experiment with wearing skirts or heels? Share your thoughts and consider passing along Bryan’s inspiring story to spark conversation and reflection.