Clothes are more than just fabrics we wear to protect us from the elements. To many, these are a medium of expression that allows people to express their individuality by following fashion trends or starting their own.
Fashion trends helped people embrace their personalities through textures, patterns, colors, and more. And with the rise of radical ideas, wherein people are breaking free from constricting social norms, fashion evolves with them. One prime example is the rise of genderless fashion.
Brands and clothing manufacturers indeed produced many clothes and other accessories with gender constructs in mind. However, genderless fashion takes the usual shapes, textures, and colors and favors a fluid design to fit various body types to promote inclusivity.
Yet 2023 isn’t the only year when genderless fashion became popular. It was already prevalent throughout history, though gender wasn’t the category people emphasized. For instance, history claims that the heel shoe was invented for men to wear to imply their upper-class status. It signified extravagance that only men who didn’t have to work for their survival could afford.
The genderless fashion we know today focuses more on the male and female construct–and it’s here to break those barriers.
One of the many reasons genderless fashion has been popular among the public is because of its comfort. Historically, women’s clothing was often uncomfortable or inconvenient. For instance, corsets hindered their breathing, and modern pants or dresses have shallow pockets or none at all. It’s not surprising that women search for pieces in the men’s section, like the boyfriend jeans that are baggy, comfortable, and with deep pockets for more convenience.
Athleisure brands embraced genderless fashion, giving consumers the leisure they sought in these products.
In the meantime, this fashion movement allowed the public to play with available pieces on the market to emphasize or take away attention from themselves.
Those who prefer to hide their body shape or just want the comfort of loose clothing lean toward oversized products. It’s also a staple in streetwear, a famous fashion movement, wherein people don jeans, tees, hoodies, or other garments that are one or two sizes larger. The boxy or draped effect brings a casual and edgy vibe that draws attention to the clothes themselves.
However, those who prefer the opposite of loose and relaxed can still find structured options. Matching tops and bottoms with neutral colors or muted patterns can bring a sense of elegance to the wearer. It’s also versatile enough that people can throw on different accessories to create an ensemble to fit almost any occasion.
When playing with genderless fashion pieces, people can explore designs, patterns, and colors to express themselves or find a structure that matches their body type, skin color, or other preferences. Some details can create interest in certain areas.
Genderless fashion brings new opportunities for the public to enjoy clothing and accessories while staying comfortable and expressing themselves. It gives people more freedom to embrace their individuality and empowers brands in the fashion industry to become more inclusive when producing pieces.