BY JAY AQUINO

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

“Men shouldn’t wear this. Women shouldn’t wear that." It’s the kind of outdated gender policing most of us have heard—whether from family, friends, or social media. Traditionally, men’s style has been boxed into narrow expectations: simple shirts, jeans, chinos, and dark muted tones that exude masculinity. It’s all about looking sharp and simple—no glitters, no florals, and definitely no skirts. However, more men today are choosing to step out of the “basics-only” comfort zone, exploring the expressive potential of fashion and pushing past old norms.

In places like Japan, gender-neutral street style has been thriving for years, particularly in avant-garde hubs like Harajuku. In contrast to the West, where the evolution of masculine fashion expectations has been slow, Japan's subcultures view fashion as art, creating pieces that not only tell a story but also embody self-expression. Jennifer Robertson of CNN states that there is an increasing number of Japanese men who identify as genderless, and they are expanding their fashion and beauty choices; they used makeup, dye and style their hair, and carefully shape their eyebrows. In addition, they confidently go from one indie boutique to the next, changing style norms along the way.

Brands like Telfar and Gucci are leading the charge with collections that embrace a genderless aesthetic, resonating with consumers who value pieces for their design, not their label. For example, Telfar’s slogan, "Not for you—for everyone," captures a mindset that feels perfectly timed. It’s fashion that steps beyond restrictive categories, crafted for people who want their clothes to represent who they are, not what society says they should be. This open-mindedness is especially magnetic for Gen Z and Millennials, who have grown up questioning stereotypes and valuing personal freedom.

High-profile figures like Harry Styles, Lil Nas X, and Jaden Smith are diving into gender-neutral style with an infectious boldness, showcasing skirts, accessories, and vibrant colors once confined to the “feminine” side of the closet. They bring gender-neutral fashion to the mainstream and make it part of the standard—not an exception—in street style, and when these icons step out in styles that defy expectation, they’re doing more than turning heads; they’re helping shift societal perceptions around gender and the way we dress.

For fashion designers and luxury brands, this trend toward gender-neutral fashion also presents practical and economic benefits. Designing collections that appeal across gender lines allows brands to streamline production, save on operational costs, and even improve sustainability. With a single, all-inclusive line, brands reduce excess materials, cut down waste, and lower their environmental impact. It’s fashion that’s smarter and more eco-conscious, something the industry desperately needs. 

But gender-neutral fashion is about more than just design; it’s changing how people think. When brands commit to inclusivity, they encourage a more accepting culture, reflecting and reinforcing values of equality. For younger generations raised in a time of evolving gender norms, it’s a welcome shift. Gender-neutral style is creating a world where people aren’t just free to dress as they please—they’re celebrated for it.

As our cultural attitudes continue to evolve, gender-neutral streetstyle will play a crucial role in fostering a world where everyone can dress without constraint, where clothing becomes an art form that celebrates individuality, and where the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics blur into one inclusive canvas. And as this shift continues, the streets are becoming a runway for the future, where creativity reigns and people are free to show up as their truest selves.

Telfar - Medium Shopping Bag - Black - 11,789.73 PHP

Photo credit: Telfar

Gucci - Gucci Jackie 1961 Small Shoulder Bag - 222,059.26 PHP

Photo credit: Gucci

Alexander Wang - Logo-Embossed Track Jacket - 34,727.18 PHP

Photo credit: Alexander Wang

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Prices in this article is not the actual price of the product. This is only to give our audience some guide. The prices were extracted from Nike's, Adidas 'and On's website and it was converted to peso on November 2, 2024 using the exchange rate at that time.