Updated Date 2022, Oct 18

By Rashmi Goel

Fashion is ultimately about self-expression, so any label or garment can be used to cultivate a personal style. In the fashion industry, categories such as "menswear" and "womenswear" have long existed in tandem with the gender stereotypes that come with them. Gender-neutral clothing is no exception to fashion's long history of challenging conformity. In this design, preconceived notions are rejected, such as women wearing women's clothes or men wearing men's clothes. Gender-inclusive clothing does not discriminate between men and women. When one thinks of genderless clothing options, images of boxy sweatshirts, masculine-style clothing, brown or beige casual clothing, or loungewear usually come to mind. While these clothes are very comfortable, a gender-neutral garment does not necessarily need to be free of bright colors, frills, ruffles, and drop crotches to be static neutral.

Several brands are abandoning the gendered associations with these features altogether. By including them, they are changing the way wearers perceive these silhouettes so that they are no longer associated with gender. Rather than checking off boxes for an overall look, it allows wearers to express their own individual style. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have made it easier than ever to spot gender-neutral clothing labels. Therefore, whatever it is you are looking for, whether it is a comfortable and baggy sweatshirt or a blouse, you will find it here, you don't have to go searching in the women's section. Here are brands you can look to for inspiration.

Tanner Fletcher

On their storefront, Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell write, "We believe that style and home must work together, and we design to bridge the gap between the two." Tanner Fletcher, an emerging New York-based brand that specializes in responsibly designed ready-to-wear, handbags, pillows and other small accessories, pushes the boundaries between masculinity and femininity. They combine past eras of interior design and fashion to create a type of style that is more appropriate to the twenty-first century. Wardrobes and homes are more closely connected than one might think, which is why they design to bridge these two worlds. The Tanner Fletcher brand is an ongoing evolution of style and vision combined with the highest quality materials. As designers, they strongly believe that people should surround themselves with pieces they love and are inspired by, without unnecessary labels.

Girlfriend Collective

Founders of Girlfriend Collective wanted to ensure that they were as transparent as possible. There are so many companies that claim transparency, but don't deliver. Each element of the process, from raw materials to facilities to partners, are carefully selected. They also learnt quickly that high-end fit and feel don't depend on the cost, it depends on time. Thus, they take the time to ensure that every single one of their designs is so beautiful you won't just cycle through it the next time you open your closet. Furthermore, they wanted to connect with people who cared just as much about where their clothes came from as how they looked.

Daniela Uribe

Having studied at the prestigious London College of Fashion Cordwainers Footwear design school, Daniela Uribe has worked with some of the biggest names in the field of footwear in London and New York. A combination of her expertise, training and creativity has resulted in the development of a revolutionary footwear brand that is both stylish and comfortable. Daniela's Glamourland embraces all. Daniela Uribe is deeply committed to inclusivity. Whenever and wherever glamor and grace are present, Daniela Uribe welcomes them. Italian footwear is ideal for those who are ready for lavish, prominent shoes that restore the paradigms of beauty and comfort. She says her comfortable footwear has a cushioned insole and extra metatarsal padding to provide genuine, real comfort. Her shoes always have a striking and refined look, without ever sacrificing her style. Daniela Uribe's recent collection features sculptural heels and chain-link accents, the latter of which represents unity by mixing disparate materials in one shoe. Sizes up to 45 are available.

Yuk Fun

A label that creates illustrated gifts for awesome people who love color, animals, and fun. Design duo Lucy Cheung and Patrick Gildersleeves founded Yuk FUN in 2014 while studying art & design at Leeds Metropolitan University. Currently, they run a home studio in Portslade-by-Sea on the south coast of England where they screen print, make clothes and draw. YUK FUN products are made in small batches and we personally use them every day.

Joseph Altuzarra (ALtu)

Altu World

Founded by Joseph Altuzarra, ALTU challenges traditional notions of dress through an adolescent's curious eye and uninhibited expression of gender. The term "genderful" incorporates the diversity of an individual's presented identity and encourages positivity within the range of gender presentations and expressions. Joseph Altuzarra started a new chapter in 2021 when he introduced a second label, Altu, featuring gender-neutral dresses with cutouts, oversized sweaters, and leather separates. As Altuzarra explained about the launch on Instagram, "Altu began as a way for me to experiment with progressive ideas and concepts, like the limitations of the gender binary. This brand is very personal to me, and is a reflection of my identity, sexuality, and ever-evolving perspective." As a brand, the label describes its items as "genderful," which promotes gender equality and expression while promoting positivity. They are simply cool.

Telfar

As seen in the label's footwear, knits, and puffers, the slogan "Not for you but for everyone" is honored. Regardless of what you are looking for, Telfar is bound to have something you'll want to add to your wardrobe. Fashion designer Teffar Clemens founded the brand TELFAR. He was born in Queens, New York, to Liberian parents. Clemens was five when he moved to Liberia with his mother and four siblings. In the aftermath of the second Liberian civil war (1999-2003), the family returned to live in the United States. After moving to New York in 2002, Clemens pursued a modeling career. A self-described "vintage snob," he began to create his own collection of deconstructed and reconstructed clothes in 2003 and began selling them in Lower East Side and Soho boutiques in New York City. He founded his own fashion label, TELFAR, in 2004. TELFAR's collection combines unisex designs with a focus on comfort and simplicity. Claremens has had notable success with his brand, including winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Prize.

Pangaia

Founder and face of Pangaia, Miroslava Duma is a well-heeled instagram celebrity turned investor. Pangaia's vision was to develop materials science products that make innovations of everyday use. The goal is to demystify science and showcase breakthroughs in a way that is accessible. The company also wanted to completely revamp their sustainability approach, so they created a new business model, with the aim of launching new technologies and accelerating their global adoption. Innovation and science are always the driving forces behind everything they do. They strive to accelerate the world's transition to responsible production through a global collective. In terms of sustainable fashion, Pangaia may be the most inspiring brand of the moment. The product works as closely as possible to Mother Nature's resources, and does not depend on trends or seasons. It is 100% vegan, organic, biodegradable, and scientifically made. It's easy to understand why Pangaia's luxurious loungewear has proven popular among celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Justin Bieber, Pharrell Williams and Jaden Smith, with less fashion brands and more material science movement.

Breda Studio

As a lifestyle brand established in 2009, BREDA creates reimagined classics that combine modern elements. Timepieces are designed to be cherished-to collect stories, to live long lives, and to be discovered again and again. As a brand with a vision based on self-expression, BREDA is dedicated to creating collections, collaborations, and conversations that celebrate individuality and personal style. The intent of BREDA is to inspire, exploring new ways to build upon our collaborative community and provide a platform to share the stories of passionate creators. They believe in progress and making time for the things that add real value to the world - they are on a mission to make the most of their lives. Finally, BREDA aims to spark and encourage cultivated conversation while building a versatile and lively community. As a result of our team-driven design approach, we have evolved methods, materials, and supplier partnerships that enable us to provide truly elevated products without a traditional markup, yet at a fair price. Creating accessible products that are simple can allow customers to adapt and express themselves freely. Timepieces aren't exempt from gendered patterns: Men get steel sport watches with larger faces, while women's watches are dainty and sweet. No matter whether you prefer a thick metal wristwatch with a rectangular face or a circular sport watch made from recycled materials, Breda offers a wide range that is free of labels.

Harris Reed (Fluid)

Harris Reed

Hailing from half-America, half-Britain, Harris Reed aims to create conversation with fluid designs. Reed understood the transformative power of clothing and how it relates to identity and liberation from a young age due to developing a strong sense of self. As a student at Central Saint Martins, Reed attracted the attention of Harry Styles, Solange, Alessandro Michele, and Ezra Miller, resulting in high-profile press and interviews, and since graduation he has continued to dress VIPs in his demi-couture creations. During Reed's design process, he is influenced by the social and political issues that he feels most connected to, and the work is built by evaluating the responsibility that fashion has to spark discussion in relation to the injustices that are prevalent today, while remaining true to the brand's ethos of gender fluidity and inclusivity. Reed uses his platform to share his personal values, to help those seeking acceptance and self-love - fashion has a huge role to play in pushing the world towards a more expressive and accepting place. One of the crucial figures in the new generation of creatives, his work combines genres from fashion, film, beauty, culture, and the digital world with a gender fluid perspective.

The Frankie Shop

The Frankie Shop NYC and Paris have long been hailed as the go-to places for stylish, affordable items. The fact of the matter is, every woman should be able to wear the garments that she inspires designers to create - no matter how high the rent gets! The Frankie collection is set to inspire the girl who enjoys affordable, luxe-looking basics that fit her city lifestyle; whether by taxi, subway, bike or cobblestone. The collection incorporates classic shapes and timeless details. Perfect for any occasion or casual wardrobe with a bit of flair. Among the designers provided by Frankie Shop Online are Rachel Comey, Caron Callahan, LOQ, Karen Walker, as well as international products from countries like Australia, Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, and many more.

Jacq.Ny

Jacq.ny

They are restricted, limited, and told what they should wear by gender norms. Their goal is to dismantle that way of thinking and champion inclusion on all levels. JACQ is a collection created with love for all identities to feel extraordinary in everyday life. Wearable, tonal colors with tailored accents and unexpected details make our pieces a great addition to any closet. This brand offers something unique, but still subdued and comfortable enough to be worn on a daily basis. Fashion shouldn't be gender-based, and everyone should be able to express themselves. Through implementing solutions to counterbalance the negative environmental and social impacts of manufacturing, we aim to create a sustainable future. Fabrics such as viscose twill and cotton twill with a peachy wash are made from recycled and organic materials. In addition to recycled hang tags and dust bags, circular sustainable purchases are also made with recycled hang tags. Jacq's sustainable direction aims to improve the well-being of global communities on a social, economic, and environmental level. Dressing gender neutral as a member of the LGBTQ community is comfortable, powerful, and confident.

Stefano Pilatei (Random Identities)

Random Identities

Random Identities is a ready-to-wear brand founded by Stefano Pilatei in 2017. Pilati served as Yves Saint Laurent's head designer from 2004 until 2012. In late 2012, he left YSL for the Italian house of Ermenegildo Zegna, where he was responsible for couture collections until February 2016. As part of that role, he was also responsible for the Agnona brand (women's clothing) for Zegna until July 2015. Zegna created Ermenegildo Zegna Couture for him. Zegna Couture was the first collection that Pilati showed during the Milan menswear collection in June 2013. His catwalk collections were praised but rarely produced over the next few years. His departure from Agnona occurred in 2015. Likewise, he resigned his position with Zegna by February 2016. Pilati uploaded 17 looks to his personal Instagram account using his self-created brand, Random Identities, in 2017. The first black trans model to model for a major menswear house will be Fatima Jamal in the Random Identities show in Florence in fall 2020. From then on, Stefano Pilati has been working as Creative Director in Berlin and Milan for his own brand.

Christian Louboutin (Our Angels)

Christian Louboutin

An attitude of its own. As a true expression of self-expression and unapologetic style, our angel's capsule rejects labels and preconceptions to embrace the joy of being one's true authentic self, without compromise. Taking cues from glam-rock icons, each piece is designed to heighten the presence - and silhouette - of the person wearing it. Rich brocades and stylish embroidery adorn the couture variations of black leather or leopard-print, velvet, and satin. With the maison's largest size range to date, this collection is a powerful statement of representation and inclusivity. There is a gender-fluid aesthetic even in red bottoms. With the launch of the Our Angels capsule in February, Christian Louboutin applied its signature red-carpet glam to footwear in its widest size range yet (sizes 36 to 46). Featuring sky-high platforms in patent leather, heeled booties in animal prints, and knee-high satin boots with crystal embellishments, these shoes are made to stand out.

One DNA

The Black-owned, queer-owned brand OneDNA creates unisex ready-to-wear in small, thoughtful batches. Its button-down shirts and coordinating boxer shorts had us smitten last summer. Currently, its fleece separates and cable knits are perfect for transitional weather. One DNA also curates select unisex vintage items on its site as an alternative. Gender-neutral pieces from One DNA blur the line between menswear and womenswear. Vogue and other fashion magazines around the world have featured their designs. WWD has mentioned One DNA as leading the unisex trend, and Highsnobiety recently profiled the owners. Select items from One DNA's continuing collections are produced in small batches at the brand's ateliers in New York City, and eco-friendly options are offered on a regular basis.

Bode

BODÉ, originally a menswear brand—the first designed by a woman to show at New York Fashion Week: Men's—has evolved into a brand that anyone can wear. Emily Adams Bode knew how to blend traditionally feminine techniques such as quilting, mending, and appliqué into "menswear" that looks undeniably cool on whoever wears it. Bode is a menswear brand that evokes the past from the study of personal narratives and historical techniques. Fashionable workwear silhouettes come together with feminine traditions of quilting, mending, and appliqué to create collections. Each piece has a story and is unique. As an entrepreneur in the menswear industry, she is paving the way for women. It began with a collection of one-of-a-kind garments made entirely from antique textiles in 2016 and continues to refresh American menswear through storytelling and preservation. Bode has received multiple awards, including: 2021 cfda menswear designer of the year, 2020 woolmark prize: karl lagerfeld award, 2019 lvmh prize finalist, 2019 cfda emerging designer of the year, 2019 business of fashion 500, and Forbes 30 under 30.

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