Androgynous, gender-fluid, gender-neutral, and gender bending are just a few of the ways the latest menswear fashion trends are being described. And whether it’s a way of life for you, or you’re simply experimenting with a new style, these designers have made it their mission to create something for everyone, regardless of gender or identity.

My own foray into menswear actually started way back in middle school – I preferred baggy khakis and vintage oversized men’s button downs riddled with abstract patterns to the curve-hugging feminine wares that I opted for just a couple of years later. And for reasons unknown, I escaped ridicule for my clothing choices, or was oblivious to such ammunition at the time, and was able to experiment generally judgement-free. Needless to say, the pendulum swung both ways, and has since landed somewhere very comfortable on the spectrum.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky as I was to have had the opportunity to experiment without the bullying and shaming that often accompanies anything outside of what society deems “normal.” But with the emergent positive media coverage of transgender people, gender fluidity, and androgynous fashions, these small victories are shaping the future for a less hostile world. Fortunately, there are a few great designers already at the helm of such gender-neutral fashions and they’re specializing in menswear – some that’s even fabricated to fit the female body proportionately – so let’s take a look at a couple of these trendy trailblazers.

Kirrin Finch

After deciding to “join the movement that rejects traditional stereotypes and gives people the freedom to be their true selves,” Kirrin Finch was realized. As the brainchild of two women who share the desire to bring menswear designed to fit the female form, coupled with clothing that is also ethically-produced using materials like organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles, this team is making their mark in the LGBT community and beyond.

The fledgling company, established in 2015, already appears to be off to a great start, both in terms of intention and design. Laura Moffat and Kelly Sanders Moffat, the owner-operators, were tired of the either too baggy or too tight appearance of the button downs available on the market, not to mention the hyper-feminine look of most pieces, which they were trying to avoid. And stemming from that obvious need, the Kirrin Finch shirt was honed into what it is today. With attention to increasing the bust and removing the girly details like darting, the shirts are designed to fit like a glove.

Make these button down tops work for summer by rolling up your sleeves and pairing them with Bermuda length shorts and boat shoes or sandals. If it’s really warm, then wear it unbuttoned layered over a thin tee or tank. These would also work great paired with khakis in a business casual setting, for a brunch date, or as a wedding guest.

Brave GentleMan

Brave GentleMan’s latest collection is showing the versatility of the company’s menswear by using women as the muses in a recent photo shoot for the seasonal campaign. This, however, is completely the norm when it comes to this business’s budding clientele. The owner, Joshua Katcher, informed Ecouterre that it is not uncommon for the company to receive requests from women for the menswear to come in ladies sizes. And with the acceptance of androgyny expanding, it only makes sense for Brave GentleMan to include customers from all walks of life. Specializing primarily in tailored designs that would be perfect for the office, cocktail, or evening out, these blazers, trousers, shoes, tops, and more, will have you looking dapper no matter the occasion. What’s equally as impressive, though, is the company’s serious dedication to sustainability and the inclusion of unique vegan materials.

With the idea that “ethical fashion is not an aesthetic,” but rather a “methodology,” Brave GentleMan does not believe animals should be used in fashion production, and therefore opts to use materials such as vegan “future-wool,” made from recycled cotton and polyester, “future-silk,” made from recycled water bottles, and “future-leather,” a high-tech microfiber that is EU-Ecolabel Certified. The gender-bending biz even goes so far as to have buttons made from corozo (tagua nut) and uses low-impact dyes. The company’s employees receive fair living wages and while also taking care to remember adjacent ecosystems during manufacturing.

Make these separates work for summer by layering for the office – wear a shell under your blazer for easy removal to and from the office or meeting. If you’re heading out on the town, team a set of trousers with a sexy fitted tucked-in tank and a pair of heels for a menswear-inspired outfit that still features feminine flair.

Have you ever faced and/or overcome adversity because of your fashion or lifestyle choices? Share your stories with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Models via Brave GentleMan

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Whether you go for sexy or androgynous when styling these menswear-inspired eco-fashion picks, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, women all over the country are thinking about the men in their lives and perhaps even shopping for gifts for them. Why not take it a step further and dress the part as well. With these menswear-inspired eco-savvy picks you will be the coolest girl on the street. You can either go for sexy with dramatic eye makeup, red lips and big hair or do the androgynous thing, with minimal makeup and hair pulled back into a messy low ponytail. Either way, it’s time to borrow from the boys.

Hank Rey Org. Shade Blue Jeans by Nudie Jeans Co.
Loose-fitting denim in a very washed out light blue shade is totally right this summer. These, by Nudie Jeans Co., are made from Turkish organic cotton denim and have organic trims as well. The wash and abrasions are done using old school techniques that cause minimal environmental impact. Roll them up and wear with killer heels or low Doc Martens.
$225, Nudie Jeans Co.

Vegan 3 Eye Gibson Dr. Martens
These classic 3-eye Gibson shoes by Dr. Martens are completely vegan. Recent advances in materials and manufacturing processes has allowed these classic worker boots to be made entirely from animal-free materials without compromising quality and durability. Felix microfiber uppers emulate the good qualities of leather in texture and breathability, and the shoes are built on traditional Dr. Martens soles with all synthetic glues and materials.
$115, Moo Shoes

Tiboli Beater
Melissa Dizon, the designer of Eairth, is known for her innovative use of draping, slashing, tucks and multi-seaming. This version of a classic wife-beater (side note-we despise the name of that garment) features a V-shaped mix of materials that gives it a flattering feminine edge — perfect for pairing with those other, more loose-fitting men’s-inspired pieces. Organic materials, mixed with a strong artisanal mentality, the use of natural dyes and age-old manufacturing processes ensures that each piece is one of a kind.
$68, Juno & Jove

Half Bar Globe Watch Pendant by Love Nail Tree
This timeless piece is a throwback to the times when men all used to wear their watches on chains instead of their wrists. Maybe your grandfather once did? Honor that heritage by wearing this brass necklace, made from a working vintage watch. Love Nail Tree is an LA-based company that aims to use storytelling to “move people to action and inspire a deep change within them.”
$36, Love Nail Tree

We Are All Smith Hoodie
This unisex pullover hoodie by We Are All Smith is something a girl would give to her boyfriend just so she can borrow it, and what’s wrong with that? Made from a natural fleece alternative and dyed with low-impact dyes, it offers both comfort and warmth with a distinct sustainable appeal. At this time it’s only available in size large, but that’s totally fine with us.
$69, Smith Town Market

Honest By Recycled Wool Caban Coat
This impeccably cut navy blue coat is designed by Bruno Pieters and comes in a limited edition of 20 pieces. Made out of recycled wool and entirely finished with organic cotton bias tape, it features both unique, sharp tailoring and a comfortable oversized fit. A pioneer in fashion industry transparency, Honest By lists the actual production cost and total carbon impact of all materials combined, which for this piece is 5,74 kg of CO2 — the equivalent of driving a car for 22.3 miles or using a classic light bulb for 220,77 hours.
$1,009, Honest By

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