Masculinity and Fashion

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One pathway into the deconstruction of masculinity is through menswear.

On the runway we are seeing multiple trends arise that are generally more adopted in womenswear, such as: skirts, dresses, long day-spa coats, and colourful jumpers.

Fashion is always evolving due to our social, political, and economical climates. However, it is incredibly interesting to see just how menswear, as well as womenswear, is evolving to become more gender neutral. Many of these pieces might normally be seen as more feminine since they are normally marketed towards women.

However, it is inspiring to see how many designers and stylists are taking initiative to push for this inclusivity in the fashion industry. Men should be able to enjoy shopping, wearing flamboyant and extravagant items, as well as basic staples that make them happy. Whether that be a skirt or a dress, or jeans and a t-shirt. Fashion is all about expressing oneself, and with this idea of breaking down gender barriers in fashion, we are allowing people a safe space to explore at their own pace

THE FUTURE OF MASC ULINITY

The future of masculinity will evolve throughout time in relation to our world around us. It has fluctuated through strict definitions to multiple definitions to now being deconstructed as an idea.

According to a study done by GQ, about 32% of men believe that masculinity is in crisis, 35% didn't agree with it being in crisis, and 33& was impartial to the statement. So where does this leave men in the midst of defining their own sense of masculinity?

Going forward, it's important that GQ continues to spread awareness of this growing idea of defining your own masculinity. As the leading men's global publication, they need to continue to talk about it, ask questions to their readers, and strive to make their platforms a safe space for men to express themselves however they wish.

GQ has been addressing the trend of masculinity shifting gears from a traditional mold into a more interpretive one for about two decades now. However, it would be in GQ's best interest to truly capitalize on helping other men look at this idea and teach them how to take it into their own hands. Whether that be through conferences, ted talks, fashion advice, parental advice, etc, it's imperative that they stay active with this trend. It's going to continue to be around us for the foreseeable future, and GQ should continue to embrace it for years to come.

"And that, maybe, sums up where we are: a feeling that we know we should change, but don’t yet know what that change looks like; where we know the rules aren’t what they were, but the new rules have not yet been set. "

THE FUTURE OF MASCULINITY

In terms of fashion, we recommend that fashion brands start listening to what men want to see more of. It would be interesting to see all brands create pieces that are both androgynous but also are more creative and whimsical. Perhaps make pieces that are multi-dimensional, be able to "customize" a shirt with a collar, buttons, sleeves, ect. and make it more masculine or feminine based on the person buying it.

It would also be interesting to explore the idea of having fashion brands make separate collections of "feminine menswear" with skirts, kilts, dresses, blouses, purses, etc. Start with it online to see if there is any interest, but just explore the idea of some men maybe wanting to purchase menswear with a twist. Within womenswear, there are a plethora of options for more feminine, masculine, and unisex pieces, and that's why women are so much more comfortable dressing themselves. However, being able to give men various opportunities to express themselves through fashion would be a great starting point to let them explore a side of the industry that is not normally accessible to them.

It is important that while exploring this trend of deconstructing masculinity and other gender norms, we leave things open to interpretation. We must keep things creative, whimsical, and fluid; making sure that we don't take ourselves too seriously. Times are changing, and always will, so we need to take this trend in stride and use it as a time for growth, learning, and exploration.

There isn't one right or wrong way to define masculinity today, but we need platforms to relay this message and show that they're actively interested in deconstructing it with the rest of us.