History
Unisex apparel describes clothing that can be worn by both men and women.
The term “unisex” appeared in the 1960s, even though, throughout history there have been many cultures that had developed unisex clothing. One of the biggest unisex pieces of clothing of the 20th century were the blue jeans, which led to a certain homogenization of clothing and a clothing barrier blur. As women started wearing more and more men’s clothes in the 20th century, now we see another type of sexual revolution, as more and more men tend to wear clothes insipired by designs that were originally made for women.
However, unisex clothing does not mean women wearing men’s clothes and vice-versa, but it refers to clothes that have not been polarized to one part or another and that can be worn by both men and women. This being said, it’s hard not to look at least a little androgynous when wearing unisex clothes, as they were not made for a specific gender.
Who should wear unisex clothes
Unisex clothes are perfect for anyone who wishes to express his/her androgynous side or who is simply trying to do something different than what he/she has done so far.
Gender non-specific clothes are also great for children in two instances: first, if you are expecting to have a baby and you do not know what gender it will be, you can opt for unisex clothes, and second, if your child is older, but you don’t want to force him/her into a gender archetype (boys in blue, girls in pink and with a lot of lace).
How to buy unisex clothes
Shirts
When it comes to shirts, unisex pieces are usually made after the men’s size guide, so women should look for smaller sizes than the ones that fit them in the lady’s department. Also, make sure you check the neckline and collar. Men’s shirts usually have higher necklines and collars that are tighter than those found on women’s shirts. Women should expect unisex shirt to fit loosely around the upper back and shoulders.
Even though this is not a rule, most unisex shirts or jackets will have the buttons on the left side.
Pants
When purchasing unisex clothes, you should keep in mind that your probably not going to find well-fitted items. Unisex pants for example are mostly sweatpants or pants made from a fabric with a high level of elasticity. However, if you buy pants that are made from a fabric that is not very elastic, you should evaluate the inseam measurement. The inseam refers to the total length of the pants as measured from the crotch to the end of the leg. Getting pants with the right inseam will ensure their fit. If you are unsure of your measurements, go to a tailor or ask a family member for help.
Outwear
It’s probably easiest to buy unisex outwear, since unisex jackets and hoodies are widely available to consumers.
When you buy unisex pieces, keep in mind that you might be tricked by the size. This is why you should try them on or convert the measurements. There is no standard “human size”, so this is why you always need to check the size, and transform it. Note that standard sizes change from time to time, so it’s best to always try things on and keep what fits your body! Don’t forget that you can always ask a tailor to modify your clothes as you choose.
Shoes and accessories
When it comes to accessorizing, there is a very wide range of products out there that you can buy. If it’s chains, bracelets, or anything else, very simple things are usually the best. Belts are the most widespread unisex accessory, but you have to be careful with the sizing guide. As we said, trying it on is the best way to go.
When it comes to shoes, these are usually scaled for either men or women, so make sure they fit you right. Size conversions differ from brand to brand, so look up a size conversion chart which should be offered by the manufacturer of the shoe you wish to purchase. It may also be necessary to convert shoes from U.S. to European sizes.
Conclusions
The issue with unisex clothes is that they will inevitably give you an androgynous look, as they are not made for either the woman’s body or the male body. So, if you are trying to emphasize your v-shape as a guy or your waistline as a woman, unisex clothes might not necessary be the way to go, unless you are in the presence of somebody of the other gender who is wearing the same thing: then the differences will be really visible.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. What do you think of unisex clothes? Do you like to wear them or do you prefer clothes tailored for your gender? What do you make of people who always tend to wear unisex clothes? Share your comments with the community in the space below!
11 replies on “The Guide To Unisex Clothes (B)”
I don’t know if you made a joke about dressing an opposite gender +1 for the evening in the same clothes you are wearing to prove a point, but I think that would actually be really cool, the clothes would look totally different on your bodies anyway, like in the pictures you posted hehe 😀 I think unisex clothes look as good on one as they do on the other, I often think of trying some out but I never get out of my dresses or skirts, I don’t even wear jeans, this can be my new year resolution.
Oh and guys, where are the sharing buttons? I can’t seem to find them on the post.
Hy Amira,
Our comment was from the “serious joke” category. You are right, a man and a woman dressed up the same standing side by side create a very interesting picture, which is why we chose to showcase these photos.
Also, the sharing buttons are on the left of the post as usual. Scroll up and down if you can’t see them, but they should be there. Is anybody else experiencing this?
I can see the share button fine, which are linked to other sites. I think Amira means the button for WordPress, which I can’t find!
Also I haven’t seen very many androgynous clothes, but I’m thinking of shopping at the men’s section now. I find the clothes cheaper than women’s, especially those of the same quality, and I’ve stumbled on great stuff when shopping with guy friends.
Hy! Thank you for the comment! We’re curious how shopping in the men’s department will work, that’s a fun idea!
Also, regarding the share button, we run on a self-hosted site, linked to wordpress.com, so that wp.com users can simply place comments or like the posts, but not all features are available, the reblog button is one of them.
However, you can always do it manually, by copying the link of the article into a new post you make!
Thank you for all your feedback!
Best wishes,
F&F
No worries, thanks so much for coming back with such a detailed response!
Im not saying unisex clothes can’t be cool, I just think that sometimes they can confuse people as of wehter a person is a man or a women without the person dressing up in unisex clothes going for it, which is why unisex clothes can be confusing!
We see your point, this is why it is important to own your image, so that people don’t mistake you for someone else!
Very interesting read! And, I love Tilda Swinton!
We are fans of hers as well!
I can say I actually found some unisex pants that fit me very well.. But I am a thin dude.
It’s great to hear you found a pair of pants that fit you off the rack!