Fashion has always been divided, broken up and categorised when it comes to gender. Right from an early age, boys are made to wear blue as kids and pink is always regarded as the feminine colour, often reserved for girls. Societal stereotypes continue to categorise fashion by gender well through an individual’s lifetime: Ever heard of the phrase “She wears the pants in the relationship”?
But is that really the only way to use fashion? To help compartmentalise and differentiate men from women by forcing wardrobe choices? The notion itself is slowly turning into a regressive idea. With a plethora of brands venturing into a genderless sense of style, the line of differentiation in fashion is slowly fading out. Fashion trends, both on and off the runway, have often helped free women as well as men from social and gender stereotypes, be it the rebellious mini skirt phase of the ‘60s or the power dressing trend from the ‘80s.
The Rise of Gender-Fluid Fashion
Gender-fluid fashion is one such trend that has resurfaced in a new form, keeping in mind the cultural Indian attires that are common between men and women. Be it the dhoti, kurta or pajamas, traditional Indian outfits bear a resemblance in silhouette for both men and women. While these silhouettes still continue to stay a classic for most men and women, the new-age take on genderless fashion sees a bit of a modern twist. Oversized basics, wide trousers and lounge sets have proved helpful in blurring the line between gender-based fashion. That said, with more men opting for silhouettes that are typically used to dress women has been a welcome fashion moment in recent years.
When it comes to Indian brands, here are a few that have used contemporary silhouettes to create clothing suitable for both men and women, thus acing gender-fluidity and freeing us of gender typecasts.
Bloni
Image Source: Instagram/bloni.atelier
This four-year-old label by designer Akshat Bansal has been setting genderless yet stylish goals for all. In his recent collection, the designer made use of sustainable materials to create silhouettes that were suited for all genders. This included long layers, kimonos, kurtas, as well as shirts.
Bobo Calcutta
Image Source: Instagram/bobocalcutta
Truly making inclusivity fun, is a vibrant label, Bobo Calcutta. The brand incorporates stunning, colourful prints in its gender-fluid clothes, making the category even more diverse and worthy of show stopper moments.
The Pot Plant
Image Source: Instagram/thepotplantclothing
The Pot Plant is not only gender-fluid, but also eco-conscious. The brand uses fabrics sourced from artisanal communities to make clothes for both men and women. Their silhouettes are free-flowing yet wearable, including a wide range of free size garments, pants, shirts and asymmetrical pieces.
Two Point Two
Image Source: Instagram/twopointtwostudio
The brand describes itself as “Gender-Agnostic a.k.a. All-Inclusive”, and very rightly so. This street style worthy brand does not just score high points for fashion and aesthetics, but is also eco-conscious. Winner of the global fashion initiative “Future of Fabric” contest, the brand recently created a set of four pieces that can be worn in 9 different ways, promoting reuse and garment longevity.