Limits Crossed: A Deep Dive Into Unisex and Gender-Fluid Fashion

Oct 4

4 min read

If you’re tuned into Fuss, we recognize that you delve deep into the world of fashion to grasp its underlying intricacies. While the term ‘gender-fluid fashion’ is not a recent introduction, our understanding of its essence has only expanded in recent times. We now appreciate its significance for individuals who identify as non-binary or those who simply reject societal norms when it comes to dressing.

Is fashion inherently tied to genders? Fashion, as an art form, serves as a means to express individuality, creativity, and personal taste. Consequently, the paramount aspect of being true to oneself is dressing for one’s body and personal satisfaction.

Today, at Fuss, we embark on a thorough exploration of gender-fluid fashion, aiming to elucidate the distinctions between gender-fluid and unisex fashion. So, let’s get it started Fussy.

What Is Gender-Fluid Fashion?

Outside of the limits and presumptions, gender-fluid fashion is finally making headlines. With Gen-Z consumers wielding social media as a tool to assert their individuality, it has become increasingly common to witness a blurring of traditional boundaries dictating what men and women should wear.

The bold minds and personalities of today’s youth are instigating a positive transformation within the fashion industry. They are constructing a bridge between trendy and unconventional ideas, solidifying a new era for the future of fashion. Moreover, it’s not just the youth; high-fashion brands have also committed to reshaping the fashion landscape.

Renowned names such as Gucci, Altuzarra, J.W. Anderson, and even Telfar have firmly set their intentions on paving the way for genderless fashion. Their efforts aim to support communities and embrace the fluidity that defines modern fashion. This is a big step in creating a more accepting world.

What Is Unisex Fashion?

Before we dive deeper, let’s take a short look at the history of Unisex Fashion.

With the significant shift in culture through the counterculture movements of the ‘60s and 70’s, unisex fashion grounded itself as an expression of freedom, challenging ingrained traditional norms and shaking the fashion realm to its core. While our society has now widely accepted the term ‘unisex’ and its entailings, we don’t often get to see genderless lines forefronted by luxury fashion houses. However, recently, this has begun to change, with Gucci and Pacsun crafting genderless collections, appealing to those who appreciate, and advocate for unisexual apparel. Before this giant leap with Gucci’s MX, Adidas, the renowned shoes and sportswear giant, had launched a genderless collection, collaborating with superstar singer, Beyonce.

Later, in 2020, Adidas established its first-ever gender-neutral concept store in Soho, London, steering away from its classic distribution model to appeal to Gen-Z. Now, it’s more than apparent that our society has positively changed and evolved; not only by embracing those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community, but also catering to those who embrace their non-binary outlook and individualistic style. Long gone are the days of boxy-cuts and neutral palettes; designers and creative directors welcome the ever-changing spirit of fashion, adapting their skills and creativity to pioneer the snowballing of inclusivity and diversity. Do you feel included yet, fussy?

What Is the Difference Between Gender-Fluid Fashion and Unisex Fashion?

Well, while these two words are often used interchangeably, here’s a foolproof guide to what makes them different. It’s subtle, yet impactful, to say the least.

Unisex Fashion:

Unisex fashion typically refers to clothing items, styles, or designs that are marketed for all. Unisex garments are often designed to fit a wide range of body types, mostly cut and styled in standard sizes featuring a one-fits-all color palette. This wide range often includes garments like oversized t-shirts, hoodies, and jeans. Furthermore, unisex fashion is common, provided by many brands in the market, whether brick-and-mortar or high-end. However, the term ‘unisex’ is quite outdated, often projecting an image of casual menswear. Thus, gender-fluid or genderless fashion conjures a stronger image of fashion completely devoid of any gender implications.

Gender-Fluid Fashion:
Gender-fluid or genderless fashion goes a step further than unisex fashion, including clothing that is entirely devoid of gender-specific characteristics. Therefore, gender-neutral clothing does not conform to traditional masculine or feminine stereotypes in terms of design, silhouette, or style. Instead, gender-neutral fashion aims to offer clothing options that are free from gender labels and allow individuals to express themselves authentically, regardless of their gender identity.

Which Brands Offer Gender-Neutral Apparel?

Several luxury and major brands offer gender-fluid apparel and collections, aiming to blur the lines between womenswear and menswear through innovative designs and captivating styling.

For instance, Prada’s witty take on ambisexuality through its 2016 menswear collection, Maison Margiela’s abstract collection that relied on diagonal cuts for the Autumn/Winter 2019 Paris Fashion Week, or its All Gender ready-to-wear collectionthat trasforms a full-blast wardrobe of essential staples into avant-garde expressions.

These groundbreaking collections paved the way for other premium brands to embrace gender-fluid fashion, inspiring many to contribute to the landscape such as, Celine, Balenciaga, Rick Owens, Thom Browne, and many more.

What Is the Future of Gender-Fluid and Unisex Fashion?

Now, as more conversations spark on gender-binary issues, inclusivity, innovation, and societal expectations, we all recognize that the future of gender-fluid fashion is bright. While its not a brand new phenemonen–the 90’s have been a major influence in its growth– gender-fluid and unisex fashion still has a long way to go. However, Gen-Z proudly leads the way for it to anchor its impact in contemporary fashion.

In fact, according to Tom Fung, who is an assistant professor at the Fox School of Business, traditional brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers may reevaluate their product lines and store layouts to accommodate gender-fluid shoppers. Aligned with this prospect, 2024 Spring/Summer Paris Fashion Week closed out with a clear message. Ending the fashion month was Duran Lantink, renowned for his gender-fluid designs, signaling what’s to come next in fashion.