UNCONVENTIONAL IS THE NEW NORM, A CLOSER LOOK AT GENDER-LESS FASHION

By: Srishti Sharma

Fashion has long been a reflection of societal norms and values, including gender roles and expectations. Historically clothing has been strongly associated with binary gender identities where masculine and feminine styles and colors would dictate what is deemed appropriate for each gender. However, in recent years there has been a major shift towards creating a more inclusive fashion world through gender-neutral and ‘label-less fashion’, which seeks to break free from gender association and gender stereotypes, offering clothing options that can be worn by all genders.

From high-end designers to independent small businesses, fashion brands are both subtly and boldly embracing gender-less fashion. Seattle-based TomboyX is advocating for equal representation and celebration of all people by offering gender-neutral underwear and loungewear. They are a queer-founded brand dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ+ community year-round by authentically defining inclusive fashion.

Retailers are also listening to the voice of consumers. H&M, the world’s second-largest fashion retailer launched a gender-neutral clothing line in 2016 called “& Other Stories,” featuring clothing and accessories intended to be worn by people of any gender identity. Similarly, high-end brands such as Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs have also been incorporating genderless style into their collections.

Gypsy Sport is another brand pushing the boundaries of gender-neutral fashion since its inception in 2012. The brand produces runway shows featuring models of all genders wearing avant-garde designs challenging traditional gender norms.

Inclusive fashion is also breaking tradition in media and PR campaigns. Traditionally women have been styled to adorn items of clothing such as bustiers, skirts, dresses and corsets, which are now being styled on male and non-binary models and celebrities for marketing campaigns, magazine covers and on social media accounts. From wearing a dress on the cover of Vogue to wearing sheer shirts, sequins and skirts for red carpets and concerts, notably Harry Styles has become the face of gender-neutral fashion. Kristen Steward and Zendaya have been slaying it at red-carpets and movie premiers with their sharp pant-suits, bomber jackets and even casual sweat-pants. Indian actor Ranveer Singh has also been challenging conventional styles by walking the red carpet in a frilled skirt, nose ring and flaunting a ‘shirt on skirt’ look for the cover of GQ.

The rise of label-less fashion is also reflective of a broader cultural shift towards sustainability and ethical fashion. By designing clothing that is not tied to traditional labels, fluid fashion reduces waste and over-consumption. It promotes a more minimalist approach to fashion, where people can invest in high-quality pieces that can be worn for years, rather than constantly purchasing new pieces that are tied to seasonal trends or gender-specific styles. These styles are often designed with simple silhouettes, neutral colors, and minimal embellishments, allowing for greater versatility and inclusivity.

Comfort is a leading factor for the growing popularity of gender-neutral clothing. Westernized women’s clothing have traditionally been uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, which has led many women in the direction of looking for more comfortable fitting clothes, often in the men’s section. However, fluid fashion goes beyond unisex t-shirts, oversized hoodies, and androgynous suits. It is certainly not a passing trend but a reality and necessity for many.

Propelled by Gen-Z and the general ‘wokeness’, the future of gender-fluid fashion is not just about clothing, but also about promoting greater acceptance and celebration of diverse gender identities. It encourages people to break free from traditional ideas about what is considered “appropriate” clothing for their gender and to explore their own personal style and expression.

Label-less fashion has the potential to challenge and dismantle harmful societal labels and stereotypes. By promoting clothing and accessories that are not tied to traditional gender categories, label-less fashion encourages people to break free from limiting societal expectations and norms. It can help promote greater self-esteem and confidence among people who may have previously felt excluded or marginalized by the fashion industry.