In recent years, workplace fashion has gradually expanded beyond traditional expectations, reflecting broader conversations about self-expression and individuality. One person who has drawn international attention for challenging long-standing gender norms is Mark Bryan, a robotics engineering manager living in Germany.
Bryan, now 61, is married and the father of three. He has gained a large following on social media by wearing skirts and high heels to work—outfits typically associated with women’s fashion. His Instagram account, which has attracted tens of thousands of followers, features photos of his professional attire paired with thoughtful commentary about clothing, confidence, and identity.
Bryan has been clear that his fashion choices are not connected to his sexuality. He describes himself as a straight, happily married man with interests that include engineering, cars, and fashion. For him, clothing is simply a form of personal expression and practicality rather than a statement about gender or sexual orientation.
According to Bryan, skirts are comfortable and functional, offering freedom of movement that he finds preferable to traditional men’s trousers. High heels, he says, complete the overall look. He often points out that many items considered “women’s clothing” were historically worn by men, and that modern fashion rules are largely shaped by social convention rather than necessity.
At his workplace, Bryan says his clothing choices did not cause disruption or controversy. Before wearing skirts, he had already worn heels with trousers, so the transition was gradual. His colleagues, he explains, focus on his performance and professionalism rather than his wardrobe. Even while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bryan continued to dress the same way, reinforcing his belief that confidence and consistency matter more than location.
Support from his family has also played an important role. Bryan has spoken openly about how his wife and children accept his style. In interviews, he has shared lighthearted moments, including his daughter joking about borrowing his shoes—an example, he says, of how normalized his clothing choices are at home.
Bryan’s broader goal is not to provoke controversy, but to challenge assumptions. He hopes to demonstrate that masculinity is not defined by clothing, and that people can dress outside traditional norms while remaining confident, professional, and authentic.
As conversations about gender, identity, and self-expression continue to evolve, stories like Bryan’s highlight how personal choices—when approached with clarity and confidence—can quietly redefine expectations without disrupting everyday life.