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Did you notice a change in how kids are dressed these days? There’s a rising trend that’s shaking up the world of children’s fashion: gender-neutral (or unisex) clothing. Finally, we’re moving away from the preconceived notion that boys should wear blue and play with trucks, while girls should wear pink and play with dolls. Thanks to this shift, kids are slowly getting liberated from stereotypes, which allows them to explore and express their personalities freely, starting with their clothing choices!
Let’s dive into what this trend is all about, why it’s important, and how it’s reshaping how we think about dressing our children! ;-)
What is gender-neutral clothing?
Gender-neutral clothing refers to apparel designed without the traditional distinctions of “boys” or “girls” categories. These clothes are made to be worn by any child, regardless of gender, and often feature neutral colors and simple designs.
The goal is to provide options that do not impose gender norms, allowing your kids to choose what they like based on their personal preferences rather than societal expectations. This type of clothing encourages individuality and breaks down the barriers created by traditional gender-specific fashion.
The rise of gender-neutral kids fashion in 2024
While gender-neutral fashion is not new, it has been gaining popularity over the years, reflecting a cultural shift towards inclusivity and self-expression.
In the 1920s, the “flapper” style emerged as a symbol of emancipation, with Coco Chanel designing clothing that allowed women to break free from traditional gender roles, sporting short haircuts and wearing straight silhouettes.
Back in the 1960s and 1970s, unisex clothing emerged as a movement to cross gender lines. In her book Sex and Unisex: Fashion, Feminism, and the Sexual Revolution, the University of Maryland professor Jo Paoletti highlights how it was a sort of rebellion against rigid gender stereotypes of the 1950s and the evolving roles post-World War II.
By the 1980s, women’s suits borrowed from men’s attire and symbolized women’s rising authority and equality in the workplace.
Today, gender-neutral fashion has become more than just a trend—it’s also a movement promoting diversity and inclusivity. The LGBTQ+ community has played a pivotal role in popularizing gender-neutral clothing, challenging traditional views of gender in fashion with more fluid and non-binary styles.
Brands and stores like Zara or GapKids are mixing things up and releasing unisex lines, while leading designers such as Gucci or Prada are integrating unisex elements into their collections.
Celebrities, both adults and children alike, have also helped promote gender-neutral fashion. For instance, Willow Smith, the daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, performed at PacSun’s store to help launch the brand’s first gender-free, sustainable collection “Colour Range”. The brand chose her due to her bold self-expression and free style, which according to them, made her the perfect fit. Reflecting this open-minded approach, Pink has expressed her belief in a household where boys can wear dresses and girls can flip dirt bikes, raising her children Willow and Carey in a boundaryless environment where they can be whoever they are. Similarly, the actress Olivia Wilde wrote on NBC’s THINK “I do really try to make sure that neither of my kids put themselves into binary categories. I think that’s a parent’s job, and it’s something I wasn’t as keenly aware of before I had kids”.
Younger parents are also bringing their new perspective to the table, raising children with a heightened awareness of how gender norms impact their development and self-expression.
Benefits of gender-neutral clothing for children
Promoting inclusivity and diversity
Gender-neutral clothing helps kids embrace diversity by breaking free from old-fashioned ideas about what boys and girls should wear. It encourages acceptance of everyone’s unique identity. It sends a message that every child should feel accepted and valued, regardless of how they identify. This movement aims to create a world where children can comfortably be themselves.
Encouraging self-expression
When kids wear unisex clothes, they have the freedom to show the world who they really are. Whether it’s choosing colors, patterns, or styles that resonate with them, these clothes empower kids to express their individuality confidently. This freedom encourages creativity and self-confidence from a very young age, helping children develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth.
Practical and versatile options
Gender-neutral clothing isn’t just about breaking barriers—let’s not forget to mention that it’s incredibly practical! These clothes often feature simple designs and neutral colors that work for any occasion, making them easy to mix and match. Parents appreciate the versatility, as these outfits can be shared between siblings or passed down without worrying about outdated trends. Plus, choosing unisex clothing helps reduce waste and save money, making it a smart choice for environmentally-conscious families! ;-)
Why parents are choosing gender-neutral clothing
Parents want the best for their children, don’t they? And that should start by giving them the freedom to express themselves and who they really are through their fashion choices. It empowers kids to break free from outdated stereotypes and explore their unique identities confidently, at their own pace.
“We have to let our children choose their clothes. It makes no sense to buy them something if they’re not going to wear it afterwards. (...) For me, it’s about finding a middle ground where the child feels comfortable and good-looking, and the mom is happy to see them looking good too!”, says the founder of Coco Au Lait, Erica Elias.
How to incorporate gender-neutral clothing into your child's wardrobe
Start by looking for brands like Coco Au Lait that promote inclusivity and diversity through their designs. Look for designs that prioritize comfort and functionality. Explore local and online retailers offering unisex collections.
Also, encourage your child to explore different styles and, with an open mind, let them share their preferences. Involve them in the shopping process to ensure they feel empowered and comfortable in their clothing choices.
How Coco Au Lait is leading the trend
At Coco Au Lait, we’re dedicated to challenging the norms of children’s fashion by offering timeless designs that prioritize your child’s comfort. Children value practicality; they want clothes that feel good and allow them to move freely, not something dictated by society’s expectations based on their gender.
Our goal is to empower kids to express themselves authentically through their clothing choices, regardless of whether society sees it as boyish or girlish.
As Pride Month just ended, we want to emphasize how important it is to teach kids about inclusivity and individuality, not only towards others but also towards themselves. It’s crucial to build an environment where children feel free and safe to express who they are without fear of judgment.
Gender-neutral clothing is a step towards a more accepting and understanding society. It encourages our kids to embrace their true selves, and even get creative! How fun is that? ;-)