Can Men Wear Lace Shirts?
Short answer: Yes, and they absolutely should.
Long answer? Let’s break down the stigma.
Lace has been historically coded as “feminine,” but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In the 16th and 17th centuries, lace shirts were worn by aristocratic men as a sign of status, wealth, and flair. Think Baroque-era nobles and French court fashion—lace was a symbol of excess, not femininity. Fast forward to the 70s and 80s, lace reappeared in glam rock and punk movements, worn by queer icons and rebellious artists who challenged gender norms.
So yes, men have always worn lace. The only thing that’s changed is how confidently you can wear it now.
The Return of the Lace Shirt for Men
From Harry Styles in sheer Gucci to TikTok thirst traps in translucent mesh, lace is having a renaissance. But not just any lace. We’re talking high-quality lace, hand-finished trims, intricate embroidery, and bold cuts—cropped, boxy, and sometimes even sheer enough to turn heads.
This resurgence aligns with the new masculinity: confident, fluid, experimental. And let’s be honest—lace looks damn good under disco lights or afternoon sun.
What Do You Wear Under a Lace Shirt?
Here are 3 confident ways to layer your lace:
Bare Chest, Bold Confidence
Festival-ready and club-approved, a lace shirt on bare skin is a moment.
Silk or Satin Tank
Want contrast? A silky layer under lace adds dimension and luxury.
Harness or Mesh Bralette
Pair with a visible harness or cropped bralette for bold expression.
Pro Tip: Lace shirts pair well with tailored trousers, leather shorts, or high-waist pants to balance softness with structure.
When Did Men Wear Lace?
Renaissance Europe (15th–17th centuries): Elite men wore lace as a status symbol.
Victorian Era: Cuffs and collars often featured delicate lacework.
1970s Rock & Disco: Icons like Bowie and Freddie Mercury embraced lace and mesh.
2020s Revival: Designers are reclaiming lace for men as romantic and radical.
Are Lace Shirts in Style for Men?
Absolutely. Lace shirts have evolved from runway-only to staple pieces in queer and fashion-forward circles.
Why?
Versatile: Dress up or down.
Gender-breaking: Perfect for those outside binaries.
Expressive: Lace says, “I’m here. And I look good.”
Who’s Wearing Lace Now
Queer Creators: Lace has become a visual language of softness and rebellion.
Pop Stars & Celebs: Lil Nas X to Timothée Chalamet are all-in on lace
WONGSO Muses: In our collections, lace is paired with bold cuts—from cropped shirts to briefs, designed for movement and confidence.
Why WONGSO Lace Shirts Are Different
We don’t mass-produce. Every piece is made in limited quantity, designed with intent, and produced by skilled artisans—mostly single mothers. Our philosophy is accessible exclusivity: offering daring design without the markup, ethically made and globally delivered.
Explore WONGSO’s Lace-Inspired Collection Here
Final Thoughts: Wearing Lace Is About Owning Your Story
Lace isn’t just fabric. It’s a movement—a challenge to the norms. Wear lace the way you want to be remembered.
FAQ Quick Recap
Can men wear lace shirts?
Yes. Historically and stylistically, lace is for everyone.
What do I wear under a lace shirt?
Silk tank, bralette, or nothing at all. You decide.
When did men wear lace?
Since the Renaissance. Lace was always a power move.
Are lace shirts in style?
They never left. But now, they’re more visible than ever.