Dwayne Johnson wore a pleated skirt to the Met Gala in New York City on May 4, 2026 [1].
The fashion choice by the actor, known as The Rock, represents a public effort to dismantle traditional gender norms regarding men's clothing. By utilizing one of the world's most visible red carpets, Johnson aimed to signal that masculine identity is not tied to specific garments.
Johnson arrived at the event accompanied by his wife, Lauren Hashian [2]. His ensemble combined traditional formal wear with a non-traditional lower half, featuring a tuxedo jacket, a bow tie, and a pleated skirt [2].
During the event, Johnson spoke about the intention behind his wardrobe. He said, "I’m wearing this skirt to show that masculinity isn’t about what you wear" [2]. The actor used the platform to encourage other men to feel free to experiment with their clothing choices regardless of societal expectations.
Johnson further emphasized his stance on gender expression and strength. He said, "Masculine men wear skirts" [2].
The 2026 [3] event served as the backdrop for this statement on identity. Johnson's appearance follows a growing trend of high-profile men incorporating elements of feminine attire into formal settings to provoke conversation about gender roles.
“"Masculine men wear skirts."”
Johnson's choice to wear a skirt at a high-visibility event like the Met Gala leverages his global brand as a symbol of traditional masculinity to normalize gender-fluid fashion. By explicitly linking masculinity with the act of wearing a skirt, he attempts to decouple strength and manhood from restrictive dress codes, potentially influencing broader cultural perceptions of men's fashion.
