Is it permissible for a man to wear something like a skirt in a public place?

Is it permissible for a man to wear only a garment extending from his navel to his knees in a public place? If a man dressed like that is mistaken for a woman, who is at fault?

Dear Brother / Sister,

First of all, we should state that if anyone mistakes someone dressed like that for a woman and acts accordingly, that man should find the fault in himself, not in others.

A Muslim man cannot wear women’s clothing except in cases of necessity.

As for the details, this issue is considered under two separate headings:

Satr al-awrah (parts of the body that are obligatory to cover)

Not resembling (tashabbuh) the opposite sex

1) Criteria of awrah

A man’s awrah is the area between his navel and his knees. A garment covering this area, regardless of its form – trousers, sarong, apron, loincloth, or a skirt-like covering – is not haram (forbidden) in principle. In other words, simply because a garment resembles a skirt does not automatically make it haram. What matters is that the awrah parts are covered and that there is no displaying that is considered nakedness.

2) The issue of resembling women

Islam generally establishes principles of chastity, modesty, and avoiding causing mischief in society. Furthermore, it is condemned in the hadiths for men to deliberately wear clothing considered specifically for women. The criterion regarding the issue is as follows:

If the garment being worn is clearly known in society as women’s clothing and if a man wears it with the intention of resembling women, it is not permissible.

If a garment is the type also worn by men in some cultures (for example, sarong, izar, loincloth), it is permissible.

Intent and custom (social perception) are the determining factors.

“If such a man is mistaken for a woman, who is at fault?”

If a Muslim knowingly chooses a style that will be clearly misunderstood and cause mischief in society, the responsibility does not lie solely with those who misunderstand. A believer is obligated both to protect his chastity and to avoid situations that may arouse suspicion.

To sum up:

- A covering extending from the navel to the knees is not haram on its own. However, it is not considered permissible to deliberately choose something that is openly considered women’s clothing in society unless there is a necessity.

- The criteria: covering the awrah parts, avoiding imitating garments specific to women, and not causing mischief.

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