With 1.2 million people in the U.S. identifying as non-binary, it is more important than ever for fashion brands to embrace gender inclusivity. In fact, the future of fashion is genderless, according to a report that 36 percent of consumers purchased clothing outside of their gender identity in 2022.
To celebrate PRIDE month and gender inclusivity, fashion experts at JOOR have teamed up with inclusivity expert Michelle Chung at We The Future of Fashion to give their best tips for brands to embrace gender-neutral fashion.
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Five tips to embrace gender-neutral fashion
1. Implement the Four Cs
Clothing, community, culture, and customer experience; for brands beginning to embrace gender inclusivity, having gender-neutral clothing is the first step. Brands should try to use neutral language, and incorporate terms like “androgynous”, as segmenting fashion into gender labels puts consumers into traditional gender roles they may not want.
Brands should implement diversity inwardly by allowing groups of people to be part of the creation process, connecting with customers through social media, for instance, and allowing them to be a part of your brand’s core values.
2. Don’t take the term ‘neutral’ literally
Non-binary clothing is the first step to becoming gender-neutral, but that doesn’t mean styling with neutral colors and bland palettes. Brands should focus on creating expressive unisex fashion, so consider adding bold colors and prints to allow people to express their personalities.
“Continually challenge the archaic belief systems that we have built around gender,” said Chung, in a news release. “Fashion plays a principal role in self-expression and can be an essential component of gender expression.”
3. Make shoes and accessories gender inclusive too
With global search volumes for ‘men’s heels’ reaching 9.4K per month*, it is more apparent than ever that consumers want to bend gender norms in fashion. Michelle at @wtfoffashion touches on the cross-over between size inclusivity and gender inclusivity, suggesting that brands should also consider implementing larger sizes into collections, including shoes and accessories, to ensure everyone has a choice that suits them.
4. Show diverse models
Much like plus-size fashion, a vital part of marketing clothes to consumers is to show the clothing being worn; in terms of gender-neutral clothing, you should consider showing the clothing on diverse models, such as non-binary people. However, this only begins to scratch the surface.
“True inclusivity exists throughout the entire process. Brands must employ diversity throughout every stage,” Chung said. “It is crucial to hire and include people that you are producing for. Different perspectives are necessary throughout the process, from inspiration and ideation to implementation.”
5. Be authentic and receptive to customers
A primary aspect of becoming a more inclusive brand is to ensure you listen to consumer wants and carry inclusivity through your brand’s core. Don’t just think about an outward approach; ensure you are connecting to your customers with longevity.
“Each brand must strategize and tailor its approach to gender inclusivity to ensure authentic representation in pragmatic practice and consumer perception. There are plenty of instances where brands have tried their best to tap into a new market in the name of inclusivity, only to have it backfire due to a lack of tact,” Chung added.
*statistic from ahrefs keyword explorer (06/12/23)
FAQs
One of the most powerful tools for promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion is collaboration. Brands are partnering with diverse influencers, models, and designers, amplifying voices that have been underrepresented for far too long.
How can fashion brands be more inclusive? ›
One of the most powerful tools for promoting diversity and inclusion in fashion is collaboration. Brands are partnering with diverse influencers, models, and designers, amplifying voices that have been underrepresented for far too long.
How do you show gender inclusivity? ›
Avoid gender-specific words like father or mother that make assumptions about the families that students come from. Instead, ask about family, parents or guardians. Use the personal pronoun "they" in the singular to be more inclusive when the gender of the person you are referring to is unknown or irrelevant.
What is gender-inclusive clothing? ›
It is a slightly older term that indicates that a garment or clothing line is intended to be worn by anyone across the gender spectrum. Unisex clothing is frequently described as gender inclusive. It often indicates a fit that is accommodating for different body types due to the clothes' shapes.
What is inclusive fashion? ›
The inclusive fashion movement seeks to obliterate the societal and structural barriers that prevent everyone from having equal access to fashion. It's about celebrating diversity, promoting body positivity, and creating adaptive clothing that caters to all individuals.
Why are brands being more inclusive? ›
Diversity and inclusivity are no longer just buzzwords. They are powerful movements shaping the way in which brands engage with their audience. Inclusive marketing acknowledges the richness of human diversity; welcoming customers to experience brands with a new level of authenticity.
What is diversity and inclusion in fashion? ›
Inclusivity and diversity enable fashion to become a platform for social change, wide acceptance, and understanding of diverse communities. Breaking Beauty Standards: The fashion industry has promoted narrow beauty standards while favoring a limited range of body types and appearances.
What is gender inclusivity? ›
Gender inclusion is a concept that transcends mere equality. It's the notion that all services, opportunities, and establishments are open to all people and that male and female stereotypes do not define societal roles and expectations.
Why is gender-neutral fashion important? ›
By challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes, gender-neutral fashion encourages self-expression, celebrates diversity, and fosters a sense of inclusivity. As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, gender-neutral fashion will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry.
What is gender inclusive design? ›
Gender inclusive design is an approach to development that learns from the experiences of women and girls in order to build inclusive, healthy, child friendly, climate resilient places that are socially and economically prosperous.
To better understand what inclusion is, consider these examples:
- Creating a sense of belonging. ...
- Nurturing empathetic leadership. ...
- Offering employees development opportunities. ...
- Developing a collaborative environment. ...
- Making sure employees feel valued. ...
- Invest in educating leaders. ...
- Create two-way communication channels.
It's an authentic leadership style that rules out discrimination, bias and favor based on color, race and other protected characteristics and allows employees to feel valued for their own input.
Is Gucci an inclusive brand? ›
We uplift each other by recognizing, respecting, and celebrating what makes us different. Inclusion at Gucci means creating and ensuring a sense of belonging where each individual is valued and treated equitably, allowing everyone to contribute, thrive and develop as who they are.
How can the luxury industry become more inclusive? ›
By embracing diversity in their marketing efforts and in all outreach, luxury brands can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity while expanding their customer base. Luxury brands can leverage their influence and resources to support causes and initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity.
How do you make a product more inclusive? ›
How to Make a More Inclusive Design?
- Step 1: Recognize Exclusion. Exclusion happens when we solve problems using our own biases. ...
- Step 2: Learn from Diversity. When experiences don't serve people the way they should, people adapt. ...
- Step 3: Solve One, Extend to Many.
The inaugural Fashion Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) report, released today, finds that only 9% of executive and 11% of so-called power roles, which include chief executive, chief financial officer, chair and creative director positions, are held by people of colour.
How can we make the beauty industry more inclusive? ›
By celebrating diversity through their marketing campaigns, brands pave the way for a more inclusive future within the beauty industry. This approach not only fosters acceptance among consumers but also encourages other companies to follow suit, driving progress towards a more equitable and diverse beauty industry.
1. Implement the Four Cs
3. Make shoes and accessories gender inclusive too
“True inclusivity exists throughout the entire process. Brands must employ diversity throughout every stage,” Chung said. “It is crucial to hire and include people that you are producing for. Different perspectives are necessary throughout the process, from inspiration and ideation to implementation.” 