In my experience, I’ve discovered that for many people, the idea of gender neutrality is a difficult one. I’ve found that many people struggle with the absence of gender or the lack of binary restriction. After all, gender has been a fundamental aspect of human society for centuries, and it continues to play a significant role in shaping how we perceive ourselves and others. This binary classification system has been deeply ingrained in modern cultural norms and values. But despite our reliance on the gender binary, its end has come. Gender no longer means what previous generations are accustomed to, and we’re ushering in a new wave of self-identification, one that relies on the self, as opposed to our predecessors’ dyadic expectations.
While gendered clothing has its place in the industry, there must be room for expressions that lie outside a gendered limitation. To promote gender neutrality in the fashion industry, several steps can be taken. One of the most important is designing and producing gender-neutral clothing lines that are not restricted to traditional binary gender norms. While this may provide some difficulty for designers, the alteration of silhouettes and lines is possible. Brands like Wildfang and Industry of All Nations have mastered sustainable, gender-free clothing, highlighting the individual above all else. While gender, in many ways, defines our roles, expectations, and behaviors in society, it does not need to define our outward expressions.
As we’ve known for quite some time, fashion shows are a great way to promote a designer (beyond social media of course), meaning Campaigns and fashion shows can be used to promote a wider variety of gender expressions, as well as showcase the diversity of gender. Some brands like Chromat launched a swimwear line dedicated to trans people, which walked the Spring-Summer 22’ runway. More established brands and even luxury ones are beginning to grow in inclusivity (though likely slower than hoped). That being said, for established brands to expand their vision, they have to make sure they are going about it the right way. Collaboration with non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals can help ensure inclusivity and authenticity. Education and partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations can further promote and support gender neutrality in the industry while maintaining the natural legitimacy of the effort.
To achieve gender neutrality in the fashion industry, we must address the negative impacts of classic gender norms and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society. But while we promote a more diverse field, we must take into account a wider range of body sizes and shapes. This means offering clothing with the capacity to fit larger bodies (of all gender expressions) or even offering customizable clothing options that can cater to individuals. While gender can often become a defining feature, I believe it crucial that we focus more on highlighting the individual as opposed to merely one feature, as best we can.