Androgynous, unisex fashion is not new, so what is it about Zara’s, “Ungendered” clothing line has people talking? The answer is its title: unGENDERed.
Brands like American Apparel have had unisex options in circulation for what seems like forever. The word “unisex,” however, implies that the clothing is to be worn by either males or females. This binary gender labeling leaves no room for anyone in-between genders. Thus, the difference between “unisex” and “ungendered” is not just a matter of semantics, but for many, the difference means having their identity erased or accepted.
Zara’s new “Ungendered” minimalist collection consists of simple, loose-fit, muted colored T’s, tanks, sweatshirts, jogging trousers, and jeans – all under $50.
However, one must question if ZARA’s Ungendered line is progressive enough. The new merchandise seems to only be marketing traditional male clothing at women, reinforcing the now socially-acceptable “masculine” view of androgyny. Taking the “boyfriend” out of “boyfriend jeans” is a step forward in the sense that doing so reinforces the idea that clothes don’t need to be gendered (A maroon, chunky, loose-fit sweatshirt is a maroon, chunky, loose-fit sweatshirt on anyone – male, female, or non-binary). But what about marketing traditional female clothing towards men to develop wider acknowledgment and acceptance of a “female” view of androgyny? These are the questions that need to be asked so that the gender-fluid movement does not lose its context (LGBT community) and become solely mainstream, consumer culture marketed by the fashion industry.
Regardless of your opinion on Zara’s new ungendered clothing line – be it utter excitement over new comfy sweatshirts and baggy jeans, indifference due to the non-compelling design of the clothes, frustration with its somewhat reserved representation of ungendered clothing, or anything in between – people are talking about it. Switching from “unisex” to “ungendered” is undeniably a positive change for diverse gender expression and non-binary acceptance. And with over 2,000 stores worldwide, Zara’s new release of an ungendered clothing line is definitely a step in the right direction, but it could be a bigger (better) step.
Images courtesy of: Zara