Inclusive Fashion: The Rise of Gender-Neutral Clothing
The emergence of gender-neutral clothing is a response to a growing demand for more inclusive fashion. Traditional gender norms have long dictated what people wear based on their gender identity. This has resulted in a binary clothing system, with designs and styles marketed towards either men or women. However, this binary system has been challenged recently as people have become more accepting of diverse gender identities and expressions.
Gender-neutral clothing offers an alternative to this binary system by creating designs that are not limited by traditional gender roles. This means that anyone can wear them, regardless of gender identity.
The designs are often simple, minimalist, and free from gendered details like ruffles, frills, or overly masculine cuts. Instead, they focus on functional and comfortable designs that are made to fit all body types.
The popularity of gender-neutral clothing can also be part of a broader movement toward inclusivity and diversity. As more people become aware of the need for greater representation and acceptance of diverse identities, fashion brands are responding by creating more inclusive designs. This has led to a surge in gender-neutral fashion brands as designers seek to cater to this growing demand.
Missoni is a well-known fashion brand experimenting with gender-neutral clothing for several years. The brand's designs are known for their bold patterns and bright colors, and they are designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender identity. Angelia Missoni, the brand's creative director, unveiled her spring show at the Bagni Misteriosi, a giant public pool in the Porta Romana neighborhood of Milan, with over 1,000 guests. Her childhood memories of summer inspired her to capture nature in the patterning, making that cascaded throughout her 2020 collection.
Missoni's gender-neutral designs have been embraced by the fashion world and have helped to inspire other brands to follow suit.
WILDFANG is another brand that has been at the forefront of the gender-neutral fashion movement. The brand was started by a group of ex-corporate workers who were tired of conforming to traditional gender norms and wanted to create clothing that was more inclusive. WILDFANG's designs are known for their relaxed fit and functional details, such as pockets in all their unisex blazers.
TomboyX is a sustainable clothing brand specializing in unisex undergarments for all body types. The brand's designs are made without harmful chemicals and are produced using a water recycling program. TomboyX is committed to ethical manufacturing and maintains close relationships with suppliers and factories.
Big Bud Press is an LA-based brand that creates premium unisex goods from XXS through 6XL. Big Bud Press's garments are known for their vibrant colors and unique designs. The brand prioritizes local sourcing and ethical manufacturing and designs genderless clothing designed to accommodate all body types.
Riley Studio is an eco-conscious apparel brand that sources recycled and regenerative materials from waste such as recycled polyester and ECONYL® Yarn. The brand's designs come with a lifetime repair warranty and can take your old pieces to recycle into new ones.
Kirrin Finch is a clothing brand specializing in menswear-inspired designs produced in partnership with fair and ethical factories. The brand utilizes low-impact dyes, all-natural fabrics, and organic materials and is committed to making dapper styles accessible to all.
Origami Customs is a handmade swimwear and lingerie company specializing in gender-affirming garments. The brand partners with closed-loop and family-owned partners for deadstock, local, and recycled fabrics and produces garments tailored to fit a range of gender identities.
