I was reading this and could hardly believe the rigidity of the gender stereotypes we have to deal with.
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/S...=1119503544848Among those who believe that there is reason and wisdom (behind the rulings of Islam) -- and they are the majority -- are some who answer that Islam has forbidden silk so that people will keep away from it for the sake of Allah, so they will be rewarded for that. Others reply that it's basically created for women, as is the case with gold jewelry, so it's forbidden for men lest it corrupts them by making them resemble women. Some scholars maintain that silk is forbidden because of what it may lead to in the way of pride and showing-off. Others relate the ruling (prohibition) to its having effect of femininity on men, as it goes against his masculinity and manliness. This applies to all men, even the most masculine and chivalrous of them. Whoever is too dense to understand this should just submit to the Wise Law-maker. (Provision of the Hereafter, 4/80)