Katie with a model posing in one of her skirts
Rewriting the rules for menswear – new wearable skirts for men
Fashion student Katie Cooper is turning menswear on its head with a collection of wearable skirts which challenge gender norms.
Inspired by historical fashion, the 21-year-old created a range of clothes which would pave the way for men to once again feel comfortable wearing skirts.
“Originally, skirts were made for men – many powerful figures were seen wearing them in Ancient Egypt and all the way up to the Renaissance,” said Katie, who is studying BA Fashion Design in the Nottingham School of Art & Design.
“But over time, fashion changed and masculinity was channelled through the tailored suit, and now men distance themselves from anything that could be seen as feminine.
“So I wanted to offer a small step forward and show men that skirts can be strong, wearable, and part of everyday fashion again.”
Katie’s catwalk collection blends historical references with modern craftsmanship.
Pleats are hand-sewn, drawing inspiration from the classic kilt, and silhouettes are designed to challenge perception without sacrificing practicality.
Her catwalk collection includes three outfits which comprise skirts, baggy shorts with a skirt silhouette, or trousers which resemble long skirts:
– Look One: A long, kilt-inspired skirt made from deadstock Harris Tweed – mimicking traditional tartan. It is paired with a deconstructed pinstripe suit jacket, missing one sleeve and asymmetrical in cut, designed to question traditional notions of masculinity and power
– Look Two: Oversized, baggy trousers with side pleats – giving the silhouette a skirt-like appearance. Paired with a shirt inspired by 19th-century pilgrim collars (a feminine detail at the time) and a detachable hood, the outfit blends streetwear with historical nuance
– Look Three: Pleated jorts – baggy denim or tweed shorts that visually echo the silhouette of a skirt
Katie interviewed men from different backgrounds and found that many heterosexual men expressed they would “never wear a skirt” due to social stigma, while LGBTQ+ participants were more open to the idea.
“It was fascinating to see how deeply these gender rules are ingrained,” she said. “So my garments are aimed at younger men, especially in bigger cities, who seem more open to experimenting and pushing those boundaries.
“I don’t want my designs to be extravagant for the sake of it. They’re made to be worn, cherished, and lived in – pieces that stay in your wardrobe for years, not just for one statement moment.”
Katie’s designs are on public exhibition for the 2025 NTU Graduate Festival. The show is one of the largest exhibitions of graduating art and design talent in the UK.
Emma Prince, course leader for BA Fashion Design at NTU, said: “Katie’s designs show how fashion can challenge societal norms while remaining completely wearable and gender appropriate.
“Her collection is bold and well-crafted, showing a strong understanding of historical context, sustainable practice and innovative approaches to menswear.”