Gender Neutral Fashion: Everything You Need to Know
Gender neutral fashion is on the rise, and it’s about time. With more and more conversations surrounding gender fluidity and non-binary concepts, it’s important to support those who are just trying to be themselves in a world full of hate and discrimination. Fashion is extremely powerful because of the statement it makes. When you pick out an outfit, you are choosing how to present yourself to the world. People make first impressions based on your appearance and clothing is very much coded in a way to suggest the type of person you are.
So, it was only a matter of time before gender neutral fashion became more important. Even big retailers like H&M are jumping onboard. According to Fast Company, “more than a third of Gen Z strongly agreed that gender did not define a person as much as it used to.” With more and more understanding of what gender and identity means, there must come changes to the way we present ourselves given what we identify with.
On the other hand, gender neutral clothing can do the opposite of making a statement by promoting the idea of looking generic. In many sci-fi films set in the future, men and women alike are dressed in the same clothing and all look very similar to one-another. Everybody looks the same so nobody has to worry about what statement their clothing makes. This just reinforces the power that clothing has.
Luckily, I don’t foresee any way in which our society would forego fashion in an effort to make everyone look the same. Fashion is a strong form of expression that develops from an early age. That’s why I personally think gender neutral clothing options is especially important for children. So many kids are taught from an extremely young age how a girl or a boy is supposed to act, what colors they’re supposed to like, and what toys they’re supposed to play with. It’s crucial to start breaking down those gender stereotypes so we can raise kids to be inclusive, loving, and accepting of both who they are and who others are. Just last year, Céline Dion launched her gender-neutral children’s line based on these very tenets.
Now that I’ve gotten all of that off my chest, are you ready to get your gender-neutral shopping on? Here are some of our favorite brands:
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With chunky knits and sweat suits, these basics are great for everyone. They can be dressed up or down and leave tons of room for accessorizing.
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Eckhaus Latta explores prints and unique silhouettes that suit all body types.
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We love One DNA for their fresh take on gender neutral style. They implement bright colors and cool silhouettes that don’t sacrifice on style.
Rad Hourani screams Japanese street-style in the best way possible. Clean cut lines, monochrome color palette, and a baggy-yet-minimal aesthetic.
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Think all-American workwear for all. We especially love Bethnal’s denim range!
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Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s life as a conformist rebel, Wilde Vertigga is unconventional, individualistic, and very, very cool. We love the unique lines and fresh take on what gender neutral fashion can be.
Cover image via OB Fashion