7 exciting labels championing gender-bending clothing 

In the age of tastemakers such as Harry Styles and Asap Rocky, style transcends the rigidity of gender. There are no rules anymore, and designers are placing renewed emphasis on genderless clothing that demonstrates broad versatility and endless wearability. This chimes in with the growing awareness about fluidity in fashion along with our consumption and its impact on the environment. But unlike shrugging on your man’s shirt or blazer, these consciously crafted creations carry a sense of sartorial excitement and a distinct character – a parade of punchy hues, a hint of indigenous embroidery, or unique handloom fabrics. A shared wardrobe ultimately hints at a sustainable approach towards dressing, and we can get behind designs that lend themselves to their wearer effortlessly, gender no bar.

Prxkhxr

Heady graphics meet exuberant colours for a more is more aesthetic at Prxkhxr. With an arsenal of matching co-ords and dad shirts that have found a hype army in the millennials and Gen Z, their standout prints—developed in-house—are a trademark of the label. Their matching co-ords have a decidedly laidback vibe, while their enduringly cool shirts can be draped over the trusty jeans and Tee combo to boost basics. One outfit, two people, and endless possibilities.

Harago

A love letter to ancient textile techniques, Harago gives timeless crafts a timely approach. Exquisite hand-woven fabrics sourced from the far corners of India form the canvas for indigenous hand embroidery like kantha, cross-stitch, sujni, and suf. Designer Harsh Agarwal often looks to his mother and grandmother’s textile archive to dig up bedsheets and curtains, remastering them into covetable one-off pieces. While they call themselves a menswear label, their diaphanous shirts and understated separates are not off-limits for women.

Naalgo

Punchy prints and mood-boosting brights form the basis of Naalgo’s seasonless and genderless clothing. Ikat is their calling card, and they reimagine the indigenous craft through contemporary silhouettes. Their signature ikats are interspersed with patchwork, tie-dye, kalamkari block-prints, and one-of-a-kind pieces fashioned out of deadstock. Bright and bold, their boxy shirts and billowy shorts have amassed a loyal following in the cool kids. 

Wunderhaus

Unearthing unique handloom from across the country, India’s wealth of diverse and rich fabrics take centre stage at Wunderhaus. From Bandha Kala – a rare ikat to handwoven Jamdani cotton handspun in Ponduru, Andhra Pradesh, the label backs the rural weaver community by sourcing directly from them. The summer-stamped lightweight shirts and floaty shorts are perfect for an elevated (and ethical) approach to everyday dressing.

Johargram

Founded on the arts, crafts and textiles of Jharkhand, Johargram works closely with the Mehar community to highlight the artistry and intricacy of handloom. Taking traditional items worn by locals in the region like Betra Luga, Biru Gamcha, and the Kukhna Shawl, they transform it into streetwear. Think unisex bomber jackets, trench coats, and airy shirts that have unbridled styling potential and can be a shared asset.

Two Point Two 

Hinging on the idea of inclusivity, Two Point Two's genderless clothing caters to all bodies and everybody. The label specialises in surface development from applique and embroidery to threadwork, elevating every design with their attention to visual and tactile detail. Using leftover fabrics to ensure zero-waste production, their sharp tailoring and scene-stealing jackets infused with big energy are must-haves to complement those with an even bigger personality. 

23n69e

Loud and proud prints and hues encapsulate 23n69e’s aesthetic. Techniques like marbling, Ajrakh, block-printing, and other resist dyeing processes are used extensively, at times together, to create eye-catching patterns using natural dyes. Their easy shirts and impactful shackets have a genderless appeal and are wardrobe heroes that you (and your man) can throw on and go when in doubt.

Also Read:

12 pieces to start building a capsule wardrobe of gender-fluid fashion 

5 genderless designers shaking up the fashion industry