Welcome to the new era of fashion, where gender neutrality and sustainability reign supreme. In the wake of Sam Smith's "I'm not here to make friends" music video, the internet can't stop talking about what "real" men should be wearing. But hold up, what does "real" even mean? Let's not forget that throughout history, men have worn long wigs, dresses, skirts, and even high heels. So why is everyone suddenly an expert on gender-appropriate fashion? At SANVT, we're all about breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, unisex fashion, gender neutrality, and sustainability. In other words, we're ushering in a new era of fashion that's all about expressing ourselves through our unique style.
Despite the fashion industry's notorious reputation for human rights violations, environmental destruction, animal cruelty, and contributing to climate change, we do believe that fashion is still an art form that allows us to express ourselves to the world. And in a supposedly enlightened, egalitarian, and inclusive society, shouldn't we be able to dress however we want? Apparently not, since a man in a dress still manages to make headlines and cause scandals, especially if he doesn't conform to society's ideals of a "perfect" body.
Although we've come a long way in terms of women being able to wear pants without raising eyebrows (let's not forget that this was considered scandalous just a century ago), we still have a way to go in terms of promoting inclusivity and acceptance in fashion – and society as a whole. So let's take a quick trip down memory lane to understand where this concept of "traditional" men's fashion even came from.
The History of "Real" Men's Fashion
While fluid, metrosexual, and androgynous masculinity is often scoffed at in 2023, let's not forget that in the 80s, masculinity was defined by tight shorts, crop tops, and sneakers with pulled-up tennis socks. In the 70s, it was leather bell bottoms and open silk blouses. And if we look even further back to the 18th century, masculinity and wealth were expressed through pastel tights, high heels, wigs, and ruffled robes. In the 16th century, balloon-shaped pantaloons worn over white stockings were all the rage, and even in ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt, embroidered dresses, skirts, and robes were what defined "real" men. It's time to break free from outdated concepts of masculinity and femininity, and instead question our own biases and stereotypes.
Gender-Neutrality in Fashion
In recent years, breaking stereotypes and promoting gender-neutrality in the fashion industry has become a major trend. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gender-neutral, gender-fluid, non-binary, transgender, and androgynous identities have become more celebrated. And this cultural shift is reflected in the world of fashion. Gender-neutrality in fashion refers to clothing that can be worn regardless of gender stereotypes. It's all about creating clothes that are suitable for all body types and genders. That's where SANVT comes in, with its sustainable and timeless unisex collection of basics.
But gender-neutrality and unisex clothing mean much more than just a social trend. They represent a deeper desire to challenge traditional gender roles and create a more inclusive society. Clothes shouldn't be a marker of a person's gender, but an expression of their personality and individual style. And, in our opinion, style has nothing to do with gender!
What does gender neutrality have to do with sustainability?
It's simple: awareness. For decades, the fashion industry has been infamous for its unethical and environmentally-damaging practices. But now, people are waking up to the consequences of the fashion industry's actions and are looking for sustainable, eco-friendly, and socially responsible fashion alternatives. This newfound awareness is also tied to a desire for alternative lifestyles. After all, conscious fashion consumers want to make the world a better place, and that starts with accepting others and being inclusive of all sexualities, gender identities, and backgrounds.
Gender neutrality & sustainable fashion: Conclusion
The rise of gender-neutrality and unisex clothing represents a shift in the fashion industry towards more environmentally conscious and socially responsible practices. By choosing sustainable and inclusive clothing, we as consumers can encourage companies to adopt more eco-friendly and socially responsible production methods.
At SANVT, we're all about breaking stereotypes, embracing gender-neutrality and sustainability. Check out our unisex collection in our online shop and learn more about our efforts towards sustainability, climate neutrality, and fair production.