By Meghan Serceki
Clothing is a universal language that allows us every day to put out a message to the world — to express who we are. However, the clothing industry has been dominated by gender norms, making people feel uncomfortable wearing clothing that blurs those lines and therefore limiting this form of expression.
Recently, more and more clothing brands are breaking through the gender binary and creating fashion that allows for everyone to express themselves and feel comfortable. Here are a few and where you can find them:
“THIS BRAND IS FOR THE COMING OF AGE, SHAPED BY, AND FOR AN AUDIENCE WHO DEMAND SOMETHING DIFFERENT FROM FASHION.”
COLLUSION has clothing and accessories of all kinds, allowing customers to search by clothing type and collection rather than ascribing certain styles to “men” or “women.” On top of that, they have inclusive sizing and are committed to sustainability.
2. Human Nation
“IT’S OUR GOAL TO CREATE GOOD BRANDS THAT EMBODY LOVE, RESPECT & CARE.”
From The House of LR&C, Human Nation is a gender-inclusive brand that works for every body. They have a numerical sizing system, focus on sustainability, and encourage feedback from their customers to help them on their mission. Unlike COLLUSION, they do not sell dresses, but their collection is large and impressive nonetheless.
An added bonus of buying from Human Nation is that 3% of every purchase goes to the Why Not You Foundation, “a nonprofit dedicated to education, children’s health and fighting poverty, empowering today’s youth to lead with a why not you attitude.”
“A SAFE SPACE THAT INVITES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND GENDER IDENTITIES TO ENJOY OUR CLOTHING.”
Lonely Kids Club is an Australian-based company that produces their clothing in small batches with local artists and designers. Each item comes with an original drawing and printed by the Lonely Kids founder. They don’t limit their sizing, marketing, or styles to any one gender identity, and actively promote sustainability and mental health resources (see “The Stigma of Seeking Help”).
You can also join their private Facebook group they monitor to keep it a safe environment for people to post, share, and reach out for help if they need it!
“UNDERWEAR THAT ANY BODY COULD FEEL COMFORTABLE IN, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY FELL ON THE GENDER SPECTRUM.”
TomboyX offers underwear, activewear, loungewear, and more for all bodies and everyone’s needs. From compression tops to period underwear and boxers, they create functional and quality products for all with sizing based entirely on one’s measurements rather than on one’s assigned sex.
“TO GIVE ALL PEOPLE A CHANCE TO EXPLORE AND EXPRESS THEIR TRUEST SELVES WITHOUT FEAR OF JUDGEMENT, OR THE LIMITS OF TRADITIONAL GENDER IDENTIFICATION.”
The Phluid Project partners with creators who share their values in inclusivity and purpose. They highlight queer, trans*, Black, Latinx, and women-owned brands and run their own foundation to further support their mission.
Besides clothing and accessories, they also spotlight gender-neutral fragrances and beauty products. All sizes are inclusive, and you can rest assured that you’re supporting a company that cherishes visibility for all.
These are just a few of the brands that are supporting gender-inclusive clothing. Others that have started collections for all include Old Navy, Dr. Martens, and Levis. There are plenty of options out there, and supporting them will encourage more liberation in retail going forward.
Fashion is a way of presenting yourself to the world as the person you are, not something that should limit you or make you feel like someone you’re not. I hope this gave you a good place to start!
