Breaking all stereotypes, gender-neutral fashion makes its way into children's clothing, and it is here to stay. From FashionUnited we decipher a social change driven by millennials.
What started out as a trend on the men's and women's
collection runways is no longer just a niche statement. Children's fashion
is abandoning its old-fashioned cliché of pink and blue, and is opening the
doors to unisex garments that allow self-expression and a neutral concept of
gender identities.
While John Lewis picked up the pulse in 2017 by removing
boys and girls labels from his garments, other industry players have since introduced
a wide variety of similar initiatives. Old Navy, Carter and Target are
among the forerunners, but many new brands have taken off by showing that
children's clothing can be stylish without being designed with a boy or girl in
mind.
Unisex colors like gray, beige, black, white or peach are
imposed to break with the parameters based on tones. Boys can wear
whatever they like thanks to minimalist, print-free garments that free them
from social expectations based on their gender.
Genderless children's clothing focuses on the functional
aspect of fashion rather than the decorative, allowing children to play freely
in clothing that does not restrict movement.
In the last decade, the rules on how to dress as an
individual and therefore as a child have been relaxed. Mainly thanks
to the genderfluid movement , stores no longer have to
tell customers what is for boys or girls.
This social change has many advantages for children: more
autonomy, greater self-expression and a more open mind, as well as fewer
imposed stereotypes that can affect their development. Instead, it
highlights more important values, among which creativity and individuality
stand out.
Functional garments at Monty & Co.
These same notions are reflected in Leigh Montague's
collections for the unisex children's clothing brand, Monty & Co. The
British designer creates functional garments - which are handcrafted in the UK
- that is inspired by workwear and that they represent a sense of purpose.
From dungarees and denim overalls to utility jackets, the
collections are made from strong natural fibers that allow wear and tear over
the years. These pieces are designed with practicality and versatility in
mind, two fundamental pillars of unisex children's clothing.
Genderless minimalist clothing is designed with fewer
patterns and prints, as well as less flashy colors, adding a sense of calm and
simplicity for children that nurtures their senses. The economic aspect is
another advantage, since it allows parents to pass the clothes from generation
to generation, regardless of the gender of their children.
With retail at the forefront of cultural changes, it has
become necessary not only to support trends, but to reflect social movements
that break stereotypes and create awareness around genderless clothing.
The rise of millennial parents - and their frustration -
contributes greatly to the rise of genderless children's clothing. This
has become especially attractive to them, as parents are prioritizing spending
their money on brands that align with their values. As they become
parents, consumers in this generation are more likely to shop with brands that
focus on inclusivity and drive change.
The fact that retailers take action in the face of this
growing demand sends a positive message to a generation that tends to look for
brands that share their beliefs. The group behind the Let Clothes Be
Clothes campaign calls on UK retailers to end the use of gender stereotypes in
the design and marketing of children's clothing. Many unisex brands, such
as Tootsa, JJ Jiraffe, Shapes of Things, and Fred and Noah, are committed to
positive change for kids and are driving the industry down this path.
Do not forget the economic impact of genderless
children's clothing. This sector brings novelty without compromising the
planet, there is less clothing that is thrown away and ends up in landfills,
and the carbon footprint caused by manufacturing is reduced. In addition,
it becomes a way for brands and retailers to attract more consumers and
increase their profits.
Genderless children's clothing does not have to replace
the entire range of children's fashion, but rather represents a social change
with a global positive impact. Of course, gender-neutral clothing can be
an offer equal to gender pieces. The ultimate goal is self-expression, and
both propositions should blend in to allow consumers to embrace their true
individuality, regardless of their age group.
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