December 27, 2024
By Ben Rose
For decades, fashion has been a tale of binaries—divided neatly into "menswear" and "womenswear." But what if we’ve outgrown those divisions?
In recent years, as we unknowingly began shopping for gender-neutral clothing, we’ve witnessed significant changes in the fashion world. While clothing loses its gendered identity, terms like “androgyne,” “gender neutral,” “gender fluid,” “non binary,” and “unisex” have become much more popular, signaling a shift in our collective perspective on fashion.
Breaking Down Boundaries
Ever think about how much fashion reinforces old-school gender stereotypes? Pink for girls, blue for boys—the rules start young and stick with us. However, genderless fashion is offering people the freedom to express themselves however they want.
Movements such as LGBTQIA+ advocacy, feminism, and evolving gender theory have all played an important role in reshaping the conversation around fashion. Today, we are witnessing the profound impact of these cultural shifts—fashion is becoming for everyone, regardless of gender.
What once felt revolutionary is now becoming mainstream
If you’ve been scrolling your favorite shopping sites or following the latest runway collections, you may have noticed clothes are no longer grouped strictly by gender. Many designers and brands are organizing styles by fit or aesthetic rather than “male” and “female,” while today’s fashion icons—from red carpet celebrities to TikTok influencers—boldly experiment with looks that blend traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” elements. What started as a subculture is now reshaping global trends, giving rise to a wardrobe revolution.
A Legacy of Trailblazers in Genderless Fashion
While genderless fashion feels cutting-edge, its roots run deep. Looking back, it’s clear that cultural icons laid the groundwork for this movement by challenging norms through style.
Coco Chanel's Revolutionary Trousers
The shift began with visionaries like Coco Chanel, who introduced trousers into women’s wardrobes in the early 20th century. At a time when societal norms dictated that pants belonged to men, Chanel redefined fashion, placing comfort and practicality above conventions.
Yves Saint Laurent's "Le Smoking" Tuxedo
The 1960s brought us a bold statement with Yves Saint Laurent's iconic "Le Smoking" tuxedo, captured in a striking photograph by Helmut Newton. The image of a woman owning her power in a tailored men’s suit challenged the very notion of gender-restricted clothing.
The Androgynous Power of Rock 'n' Roll
The stage became another frontier for genderless fashion in the 1950s, thanks to Elvis Presley, whose sleek, romantic wardrobe introduced an androgynous energy to rock 'n' roll. This inspiration paved the way for Jimi Hendrix to wear heels and Mick Jagger boldly sporting a Mr. Fish dress at Hyde Park in 1969.
David Bowie’s Legacy as the "Androgynous God"
No one embodied androgynous fashion as dramatically as David Bowie. Through his Ziggy Stardust persona, complete with vivid costumes by Kansai Yamamoto, Bowie blurred lines between male and female aesthetics. His bold interpretation of fashion became the anthem for rebellion against societal norms, demonstrating the boundless freedom of self-expression.
Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto’s Fashion Movement
Japanese designers Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons) and Yohji Yamamoto took the conversation to Europe in the early 2000s. Their avant-garde designs, which embraced fluidity and eliminated gender constraints, introduced the global audience to what fashion could signify when detached from traditional labels.
Redefining Fashion in Today’s Culture
The story of genderless fashion continues, with modern icons carrying the torch. Billy Porter consistently dazzles on red carpets, pushing boundaries with unapologetic ensembles that reimagine masculinity and femininity. Kid Cudi’s floral dress tribute to Kurt Cobain or Ezra Miller’s fashion moments illustrates how style remains intertwined with individuality.
Beyond celebrities, luxury brands like Gucci and Marc Jacobs have launched collections symbolizing that fashion doesn’t belong to one gender. Brands such as No Sesso encapsulate these values by designing eco-friendly collections under the motto, "It doesn’t matter how you define yourself."
Style Trends Shaping Genderless Fashion
Wondering how to add gender-neutral pieces into your wardrobe? Start here:
- Oversized everything: Baggy jeans, roomy shirts, and boxy blazers that combine comfort and cool.
- Unisex accessories: Jewelry, hats, and bags that work for any look and personality.
- Sustainable materials: More collections are using recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and planet-friendly options.
- Normcore vibes: Every day staples like graphic tees, sneakers, and denim get a gender-neutral refresh.
It’s a fresh, minimalist approach to fashion where what matters most is expression, not conformity.
The Colors and Textures Changing the Game
Genderless fashion throws the old “pink for girls, blue for boys” rulebook out the window. From muted earth tones to neon brights, anything goes—and it’s all about self-expression. Fabrics are just as diverse, combining traditionally “masculine” pieces like denim with “feminine” textures like silk to create unique, unexpected designs that go beyond labels.
Why This Matters to Society
This shift is a reflection of changing societal values. Clothing has long been a tool for expressing identity, and by removing labels, genderless fashion emphasizes the beauty of individuality and inclusivity. It acknowledges the complex ways people define themselves and fosters a culture of belonging.
More importantly, genderless fashion addresses a broader social narrative. It challenges the hierarchies and stereotypes that have historically limited personal expression, creating space for people to explore and evolve freely.
The Future of Fashion is Genderless
Genderless fashion challenges us to rethink everything we know about style to reimagine what it means to dress and to view fashion as a passport to individuality. The question is not "What should I wear?" but rather "Who do I want to be, and how will I show that to the world?"
At COPALA, we see fashion as a language of authenticity— one label we should all wear proudly. With timeless, sustainable designs that break traditional norms, our pieces are made to fit every individual, not categories. Because at the end of the day, fashion should be about expressing who you are—and that doesn’t fit into a single box.