# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Buy online! Search results for: 'neoprene'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Up to 70% off sale in Reserved is on! Buy online our Winter Collection in amazing prices! View thousands of products for women, men and kids in our special offer.

# data[].attributes.headline
Pros and cons of manufacturing in China 

# data[].attributes.subject
Pros and cons of manufacturing in China 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Co-Founder of Thread Experiment

9 min read

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

With all the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the Chinese economy right now, some companies who manufacture their products in China are starting to worry how it may affect their business. So now's a good time to revisit the pros and cons of manufacturing your goods there.*

* Before you start writing "USA! USA!" in the comment section below, please read the entire article and realize this column is written from a pure business-decision perspective.

Pros

1. Lower costs

Yep. We all know this one.

And, yep, there are probably some instances where, when you factor in shipping and duties, the costs of manufacturing domestically are possbily competitive. But, generally speaking, it's cheaper to manufacture in China (and for a variety of reasons). Not much more needs to be said.

Before you dismiss the importance of manufacturing your product for less, I would recommend speaking to anyone who has ever worked a day in retail. He or she will undoubtedly tell you that lower cost almost ALWAYS results in better sales. (And please don't give me the "What about Burberry? What about Louis Vittuon?" because those companies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in marketing to help boost the brand as a luxury product. And you won't.)

So, the point is, the lower cost of manufacturing in China is an enormous "pro" as to why you should manufacture there.

2. Better Service

Admittedly, I'm writing this column as the opinion of ONE person with experience. And, in MY experience, Chinese manufacturers are far more likely to give you better service from the outset as a small startup than domestic manufacturers.

In the two retail businesses I've started, I reached out to domestic manufacturers first. In both situations, I either never received a phone call back from the person I spoke with or I was simply told that I was too small of a business for them to work with. This was my experience with each of the five to seven American factories that I spoke with. Who knows? Maybe yours will be different.

On the other hand, I never had difficulty finding a Chinese factory that was willing to work with me as a smaller company ("smaller company" = I'm not Walmart). The only time a factory refused my business was because I couldn't meet their high minimum requirements (more on this later in the 'Cons' section.) But if I could meet their requirements, then they wanted to do business.

Trust me, you can't take for granted that just because you're willing to pay for goods, someone is willing to make them for you.
Related: Your Brand Is Not Too Good For That
3. Higher Output/Quicker Time

I never experienced a factory in China that was unable to produce a large order for me. Most times, when a Chinese factory tells you they can produce your order in four weeks, they produce your order if four weeks.

Based on andecdotes from colleagues of mine (since I've never manufactured in the U.S.), I've heard this isn't necessarily the case in the U.S. On several occasions, I've heard the common complaint that domestic manufacturing capacity was limited in capacity or time or, at the very least, not nearly as robust as Chinese factories.

When I've worked with factories in China, I haven't run into this issue. In fact, their quick and aggressive turnaround times are impressive. I know some of you may claim unfair labor treatment as the reason for this, but if you have ever actually done business in China before, you know that many (but not all) of the factories indeed operate properly and pay their laborers a fair Chinese wage.

4. Duplication Capabilities

I'm not here advocating that you copy anyone. In fact, depending on what you're doing, you're more than likely going to find yourself in litigation if you do.

But for whatever it is that you're manufacturing, you don't always need to reinvent the wheel, at least for some of it. For example, if you're manufacturing shirts and you like the fit of Shirt Brand ABC, then buying Shirt Brand ABC and asking your Chinese factory to duplicate its dimensions and fit is an easy way to begin your product-building process.
Quite frankly, no one does that better than the Chinese.

Cons

1. Finding a Factory

The #1 reason why people don't manufacture overseas seems to be that it's just not easy to find a factory. But it's also not that hard. There are several ways to find a factory and I go into detail on how right here. Sorry. I'm too tired to type it all again.

2. Language/Communication

For years, I've told people I'm bilingual.

I speak English and I speak Chenglish.

Chenglish is that hybrid language that you'll have to learn to communicate with your factory. Don't get me wrong. My hat's off to the Chinese who have done an incredible job learning our language. But they certainly haven't yet mastered it, and, as a result, you'll have to try to deduce what they're talking about at times. But you will. Just remember to use the same words to refer to something as they do.

Communication goes beyond language. The Chinese are very precise. They are very literal. They will take very seriously every word you say. So be careful with the words you choose. Use photos to help illustrate your points. Use webcams for meetings when necessary. Make sure you approve each step along the manufacturing process to ensure they are making your products properly. Especially at first.

3. Stigma

Let's face it: consumers have a lower opinion of products made in China. Ironically, they are almost always willing to pay less for something even if it's manufactured in China. (Don't believe the surveys you read about from time to time. People shop with their wallets before they shop with their patriotism.)

So expect some negative comments and feedback from time to time about the fact that your products are made in China. And learn to ignore them.

4. Higher Minimums

Chinese factories work are far lower profit margins than those in the U.S. As a result, they are almost never able to accommodate one-offs and, generally speaking, their minimums are often higher than other countries. If the number is so high that you cannot sustain your business manufacturing in China, then you need to consider manufacturing elsewhere. It's that simple.
Related: Why the Second Time Isn't So Easy Either
5. Shipping (Expense and Time)

The cost of shipping from a remote city in China (where most factories are) versus the cost of shipping from somewhere in the U.S. will be drastically different. So you'll have to do the math on the "landed cost" (i.e., the final cost of your goods once they have arrived at your front door plus the duty cost you'll pay to the U.S. government) to determine the final price. Then compare it to the final costs (after paying shipping) of your domestic factory and you'll have an apples-to-apples analysis on how much money you're saving manufacturing in China.

Then there's the time difference. Shipping by sea takes at least 30 days. Naturally, shipping domestically can literally be one day. So depending on what you're selling, this may make a big deal. And consider the lost sales you'll have during that possible 29-day period when you don't have your goods in stock.

Depending on the size of your goods, you may opt to have them shipped by air from China. It's more expensive, but you can get your products at your front door in two to three days. And sometimes, the cost of shipping by air is still less than the lost sales you'd have if you waited the 30-day ocean shipment time.

Again, it's all about the math.

6. Quality of Work (Sometimes)

China gets quite a bad rap for poor quality in manufacturing. In my experience, their manufacturing quality is not necessarily any worse (or better) than that in the U.S. But that all depends on the goods, too.

Again, from anecdotes and conversations, my understanding is that manufacturing more highly sophisticated goods (e.g., electronics) can be riskier than something simpler such as textiles (e.g., clothing). For the goods I've worked with (textiles), it's a big reason why China made sense for me.

Yet, with any factory -- overseas or domestic -- it will be important to stay on top of quality control because mistakes happen and shortcuts are made no matter where the factory is located. I used an agent when manufacturing in China who was reponsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the manufacturing of our goods along the process. You may want to do the same. The cost is minimal and the benefits are priceless.

7. Unpredictability (Economic and Political)

I remember reading a book 15 years ago about the risks of working with factories in China and they listed "Unpredictability." I thought to myself, "Oh come on. What are the odds?"

Well...the odds are that economic or political factors may indeed play a role. I remember through the years of the Great Recession, we got unexpected price hikes that were caused by anything from currency exchange to the cost of oil. In fact, one year, the Chinese government actually mandated that prices be raised by factories! I remember talking to colleagues and, yes, we all got unexepctedly nailed for these increases.

So expect some of the same if you decide to work with Chinese factories. And while many of the price hikes can be palatable, they'll still throw you off and you may feel blind-sided.

Pros vs. Cons

Remember that when balancing the pros and cons, it's not an equal-weighting system. Depending on your business and your products, some factors weigh more heavily than others.

But please do not EVER let the intimidation of working with a factory of China be the reason you don't do business there. That seems to be a barrier to entry for many and it should never be.
Related: Get Your Product Figured Out First

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Pros and Cons of Manufacturing in China

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Co-Founder of Thread Experiment 9 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. With all the volatility and uncertainty surrounding the Chinese economy right now, some companies who manufacture their products in China are starting to worry how it may affect their business.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It seems like everyone in the sewing world is talking about scuba - and I don't mean the kind with the snorkel. Scuba fabric, a stretchy double knit that is similar to a ponte, has been making its way onto runways for years and now fashion sewers are starting to experiment with this fun fabric.

One of the reasons designers love scuba is the body that it gives to garments, as you can see in the below image. Scuba is made with a very fine knit gauge and smooth thread, which gives it an extremely smooth finish. The finish also gives the color a matte quality. The term scuba is often used interchangeably with the term neoprene. Neoprene is a similar feeling fabric, but with one major difference: the word neoprene refers to a thin piece of foam. This foam is then sandwiched between two thin layers of knit to create neoprene fabric. While the fabrics behave similarly, neoprene fabric can be less comfortable to wear because that thin piece of foam can get very warm for the wearer.

Scuba is easy to sew - it is a medium weight fabric that can take some man-handling. And, while you can sew the entire thing on a serger, if you don't feel like finishing seam allowances or hems, don't worry - this fabric will never fray! I am eager to try sewing with scuba myself, especially since we have gotten in some incredibly fun scuba fabrics. But, I can't decide which project I want to try first. Will you help me? I've chosen three options, which you can see below. Let me know which project you would most like to see and the one with the most votes wins!

​I think I can recreate this fun ready-to-wear jacket using our West End top. They both have hoods and zip fronts, and I actually prefer the shorter sleeve of our West End. I would like to jazz up the fabric by using our black and white polka dot scuba knit. This might be my favorite option (I love polka dots!) but check out the others below...

​As soon as I saw this neon yellow top, I thought of our Barcelona pattern - they even both have a tie at the bottom! The bright yellow makes this top such a statement piece, but I think I would like to go more classic with it. Our black/grey scuba would be just the thing - a cozy black top that would go wth everything! And, I could alternate colors, highlighting the pieced neck of the Barcelona.

And for my final project option, the Chicago coat! I mean, this coat is a must-have for any wardrobe, and mine is seriously lacking. While the coat on the left is made in a classic grey, I think I would punch it up and try a statement piece, using our vintage floral scuba fabric. How great would that look, paired with black boots? What do you think I should try? Comment below letting me know if you prefer the West End, Barcelona or Chicago so I can get sewing!

If you are nervous about sewing with Scuba, Linda is here to help. In her Craftsy class, You Can Sew That: Taming Tricky Fabric, she has a special tutorial on sewing with scuba. But that isn't the only fabric she covers in the class, there are six chapters that touch on everything from openwork fabric to laminate. Use this link to get 50% off the price of the class!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It seems like everyone in the sewing world is talking about scuba - and I don't mean the kind with the snorkel. Scuba fabric, a stretchy double knit that is similar to a ponte, has been making its way onto runways for years and now fashion sewers are starting to experiment with this fun fabric.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
start slideshow

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that's often used to make wetsuits, hence its alternative name "scuba." It's also used in electrical insulation and drum practice pads, but don't let the industrial uses scare you off. Neoprene has become increasing popular as a material to wear on the street (not just in the sea) because many of the qualities that make it great for use in factories, like stain resistance and general durability, make it great for clothing, too.

The fabric is thick and doesn't breathe, making neoprene a perfect addition to your winter wardrobe, and the thickness also allows for creation of structured pieces that look out of this world. The weight of neoprene also means form-fitting skirts and dresses are more forgiving. You'll never run the risk that your bodycon skirt or tight leggings are accidentally a little bit see-through. The material is always opaque, and its resiliency means it doesn't really stretch out. Neoprene also holds photorealistic patterns well, so it's not uncommon to see huge florals or intricate pattens splattered all over a dress or a sweatshirt. Did I also mention it's incredibly comfortable?

If all these benefits of neoprene aren't enough to convince you to buy all scuba everything, here are 15 pieces of clothing - from a jumpsuit to knee-high boots - that should do the trick.

More Slideshows

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
15 Pieces To Make You Fall In Love With Neoprene

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
start slideshow Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that's often used to make wetsuits, hence its alternative name "scuba." It's also used in electrical insulation and drum practice pads, but don't let the industrial uses scare you off.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Made in the UK? The pros and cons of outsourcing clothing manufacture overseas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alison Lewy, author of Design Create Sell , our new guide for fashion start-ups, has already talked about how you go about selecting the right manufacturer for your fashion business. But should you use a UK supplier or one based overseas?It is usually practical and cost-effective to produce goods overseas if you are ordering large quantities, writes Alison (right).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
View and analyze results from the Gender Neutral Clothing SurveyMonkey survey. See actual response data, text summaries and word clouds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Gucci's men's and women's catwalk collections have been moving closer together stylistically

Luxury fashion is changing and we can thank (or blame) the internet and social media for that. Trends now circumnavigate the globe before a catwalk show has even finished and brands are being forced to respond.

The benefits the social media conversation brings in terms of brand storytelling and demand creation are undeniably huge. But such instant circulation has also left the old catwalk model (two seasons, separate mens' and women's shows, clothes delivered to stores six months later) appearing increasingly irrelevant.

The recent autumn/winter 2016/17 shows were accompanied by a raft of announcements around changes to the time-tested model, with the tendency towards "see now, buy now" grabbing most headlines.

But slow fashion is not going down without a fight and this week slow fashion stalwart Gucci surprised many with the news it would combine its separate men's and women's shows into one mega-event from next year but was continuing to back "see now, buy later".

This is a seismic shift in fashion

Combining men's and women's shows may not seem like big news to some outside of fashion. But for a venerable house like Gucci it is seismic. The seasonal fashion show is the lynchpin of any luxury collection, building buzz and generating a tsunami of free publicity. Changing it is a big move.

Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele says the new strategy "seems only natural" and "will give me the chance to move towards a different kind of approach to my storytelling."

"In its essence, this is about closely aligning the Gucci menswear and womenswear offers to present a unified message and to tell a clearer brand story at a single moment in time," says Sue Evans, head of catwalks at research firm Stylus. "The old approach of men's and women's shows several months apart just doesn't work when Michele has brought the two collections so close together style-wise."

Kat Towers, head of culture at LOVE, says the gender blend is part of a growing movement in fashion.

"In a world of gender fluidity, gender neutrality is becoming mainstream," she says. "More brands are taking this approach to design and marketing, from Jaden Smith in Louis Vuitton ads [pictured above] to Zara's Ungendered line.

"The millennial audience is less interested in separate female/male stories and is seeking out brands with a strong identity and direction."

She adds: "Let's not forget combining the two shows has commercial benefits too. It's more cost-effective. Ultimately, this is a movement we will increasingly see more of and one marketeers should pay attention to."

Slow-burn approach

One thing Gucci's announcement was not was a sign that it is signing up to the insta-fashion movement as embraced by brands such as Tom Ford, Vetements, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, and (most famously) Burberry. Gucci made it clear it remains committed to "see now, buy later".

Dr Paul Marsden, research psychologist at the London College of Fashion, author of Connected Marketing, and digital strategist at Syzygy, thinks this makes sense for Gucci.

"The experiential component of what people buy is increasingly important," he says. "Anticipation is part of the experience. Insta-fashion kills an experiential dimension.

If brands are pursuing a luxury strategy, instead of a fashion strategy, the core product silhouette shouldn't change too often

"If luxury is about 'status-consumption', signalling rank and privilege through the consumption of scarce resources, then 'see now, buy later' makes sense if the consumption of the exclusive show experience is part of the overall experience. Insta-fashion works for the masses, but the sweet anticipation of luxury works for the elite few.

"On the other hand, if the move is to prop up an archaic retail channel, then [Gucci] is the King Canute of fashion."

Insta-fashion vs fast fashion

Burberry, by contrast, is moving with the demands of the masses. The digitally savvy British brand is the standard bearer for sped-up luxury fashion.

Like Gucci, it is combining its four annual men's and women's shows into two events. Unlike Gucci it is making the product available instantly. Yet, despite the surface differences are the Gucci and Burberry approaches fundamentally opposed?

"Both will be showing collections in advance to buyers and both will be creating season-neutral product that can be worn by their customers whether they're in Bermuda in December or Siberia in July," says Evans of Stylus.

"The biggest difference, and the one that marks them out as following very distinct paths, is that Gucci wants to continue to create slow-burn desirability while Burberry is backing instant gratification."

While some in the luxury sector feel that offering instant gratification means luxury is too closely emulating the mass-market, some marketers disagree.

Daniel Williams, luxury and lifestyle planner at Leo Burnett London, thinks Burberry's "see now, buy now" move is actually a step away from the disposable fashion of the high street. It may be insta-fashion but it isn't 'fast fashion', he believes.

"The branding and economic considerations of a seasonless fashion calendar are high and wide-ranging," he says. "Luxury brands are evolving the way they push product. I think we'll see them focusing their collections into capsule pieces that can be worn all year (and by both genders) with system functionality.

"That is to say, a heavy-jacket that's styled seamlessly with base layers for an outfit that can work in the height of summer and the depths of winter."

He adds that this enables luxury brands to promote their core products through the year.

"If they're pursuing a luxury strategy, instead of a fashion strategy, the core product silhouette shouldn't change too often. There should be small detail changes. Think the Burberry trench as an example."

Yet while both the Gucci and Burberry approaches have their backers, one thing is clear - the traditional catwalk model is splintering, says Sue Evans.

"Gucci is going for a men's/women's combo but not for insta-fashion, Burberry has 'buy now' joint men's and women's shows.

"Some labels are showing their collections via lookbooks or video-only shows. And most are sticking to tradition. It means the next set of shows this autumn will be interesting to say the least. To paraphrase Bette Davis in All About Eve: 'Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy season'."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gender neutrality, insta-fashion: why Gucci and Burberry are splintering the catwalk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Luxury fashion is changing and we can thank (or blame) the internet and social media for that. Trends now circumnavigate the globe before a catwalk show has even finished and brands are being forced to respond. The benefits the social media conversation brings in terms of brand storytelling and demand creation are undeniably huge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
As the LGBTQ+ community gains visibility, the gender binary seems less and less inclusive, especially when it comes to clothing. Thankfully, some designers have taken on the task of creating gender-neutral pieces for everyone, and androgynous pieces for masculine-identified women. Unfortunately, many of these brands are high-end and difficult to find, but it won't be long until this wave makes it into the mainstream-I just know it.

1. 69 Worldwide

This provocative Los Angeles-based brand, which defines itself as a "non-gender, non-demographic clothing line," carries comfortable and cutting-edge unisex pieces. You can find them in their Downtown LA appointment-only showroom and online.

2. Toogood London

Faye Toogood, a British interior designer, and her sister Erica, a fashion designer, started Toogood clothing more as a movement to redefine fashion than as a consumer brand. Their edgy "unisex outerwear" is available on select websites like FarFetch, but honestly we're just obsessed with their artistic lookbooks.

3. NotEqual

The premise of NotEqual is "genderless form and individuality." In an effort to "push boundaries while offering rational fashion," the brand's collections and projects include designs to die for, with bold lines, colors and patterns suitable for anyone. You can find the online shop on NotEqual's official website.

4. TILLYAndWILLIAM

Created by designers Jessica Lapidos and Tom Barranca in Brooklyn, NY, TILLYAndWILLIAM "began as an experiment in gender neutral clothing." The fashion collective's minimalist designs are available online and in a handful of stores in New York and Massachusetts.

5. One DNA

All the sleek pieces in One DNA's first ever collection, inspired by travels to Iceland, are unisex and can be worn front-to-back. They are designed to be worn year-round by "all genders, ages and races." Talk about inclusive!

6. Marimacho

" Marimacho " is an offensive Spanish term for "butch," essentially. In line with queer tradition, creators Crystal and Ivette González-Alé reappropriated the term to designate their "classic fashion for the unconventionally masculine." Their suits, loungewear and colorful swimwear are meant to fit masculine-identified women better than menswear ever can.

7. Sharpe Suiting

Originally funded through Kickstarter, Sharpe tailors custom suits to the LA androgynous community, namely "butch women and trans men." The brand even trademarked its suiting process, Andropometrics™, taking genderqueer fashion to a whole new level.

8. Rad Hourani

Canadian designer Rad Hourani describes his work as "an attentive study of the human body that celebrates neutrality as a defining human trait." All of his simple clothes are unisex-and friggin' gorgeous, if you ask us.

9. VEEA

VEEA is "high-end menswear fashion made to fit women." The brand's high-quality dress shirts are declined in tailored and loose fits and available on VEEA's website.

10. Gender Free World

Gender Free World is a relatively new UK-based label founded in 2015 on the basis of ethical principles. The brand's mission is to fit bodies in a way that high-street clothing cannot. It's the anti "one-size-fits-all" model. Their shirts are designed with "a gender neutral sensibility to fit body shape. A looser cut with left over right buttoning and a hidden bust button to avoid gaping in the chest area."

11. Muttonhead

Muttonhead is a Toronto-based brand whose intent is to counter "fast fashion" with "slow design" and local, fair-trade manufacturing. The website and Toronto brick and mortar carry "unisex apparel made for everyone" at prices that aren't extortionate.

12. FLAVNT

FLAVNT Streetwear is an Austin brand for "men, women, and everybody in between." As the name suggests, its founders intended their clothes to promote body confidence and self-love for all-concepts that in an ideal world would have nothing to do with gender. Their cool as fuck designs are modeled by members of Central Texas' Queer community, all of whom are given proper introduction on the site, a rarity in the world of fashion.

Brands for genderqueer individuals are being created left and right, but they are still part of a marginal market and often far beyond our college budgets. At least, while you wait for unisex collections to pop up in a brick and mortar near you, you can order them online from these brands-or just stare in awe at the ones with a steeper pricetag.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 Gender-Neutral Clothing Brands You Need to Know About

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As the LGBTQ+ community gains visibility, the gender binary seems less and less inclusive, especially when it comes to clothing. Thankfully, some designers have taken on the task of creating gender-neutral pieces for everyone, and androgynous pieces for masculine-identified women.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
FashionFixDaily.com | Fashion News | Beauty Tips | Shop Our Style

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
|Gender neutral fashion is all about diversity, feminism and style. Get the inside knowledge on why High Street Fashion Brands are jumping on this bandwagon!

Article by Fashion Fix Daily guest writer Aleah Kristine.

Eagle-eyed shoppers were quick to spot something different in Zara's new collection on its website. The Independent detailed that some of their clothes are presented by members of both sexes, despite being categorised as belonging to a specific gender. For instance, a coat bearing the Zara Man label also appears on the selection of women's outerwear.

Zara's latest collection is further proof that gender-neutral clothing continues to be a big hit in the fashion world. In fact, some industry experts have said that unisex clothing is not just a trend; it's now the norm in fashion. GQ claim that the right question to ask is not 'Why bend the gender rules?' but rather, 'Why not?' They pointed out that closing the gender gap in fashion is not revolutionary - it's evolutionary. It reflects how modern society is becoming more relaxed in terms of perceptions about gender.

Some even argue that the widening acceptance towards unisex clothes serves as another step for promoting gender equality in general. It comes in light of the fact that gender-neutral clothing provides people with more options for self-expression.

In truth, identity is the main reason why more people are now embracing gender-neutral fashion. The distinctive line that separates the identities, which can be expressed by a man or woman, is now blurred. While it's become more acceptable for women to be seen wearing clothes traditionally associated with men, actresses such as Emma Watson, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Aniston display non-conformity by attending red carpet events in suits. On the other hand, there are men who now wear skirts and dresses even during regular days, with celebrities like Jaden Smith, Kanye West, and David Beckham at the forefront. The daring choices of such personalities help spread the message of gender-neutrality: expressing yourself and not allowing the status quo to dictate who you should be.

The movement has influenced even some of the titans in the industry. Take Part reports that other major fashion labels such as Gucci, Prada, Givenchy, and YSL have included androgynous clothing in their ranges. This initiative, coupled with the celebrities who embrace the style caused a trickle down effect. Other non-high fashion labels, like the streetwear brand American Apparel, are now incorporating the trend as well in the majority of their high-profile clothing ranges.

What's more, unisex clothing is not just limited to adult wear. Fashion retailer John Lewis recently removed the 'Girls' and 'Boys' labels on their children's clothes earlier this year, favouring the more gender-neutral "Girls and Boys" section.

But like Zara, John Lewis is not the first to introduce unisex clothing for children. Kate Pietrasik, the founder of gender-neutral clothing line Tootsa, revealed her reason for starting the children's clothing brand in an interview with the Telegraph. It stemmed from her frustration that there was a clear gender divide in infant wear. "I was dismayed to find baby clothes restricted to pink and blue, and even segregated by gender into separate aisles within the stores," she said. This motivated her to create colourful, age-appropriate, and hard-wearing clothes that kids, regardless of their sex, will enjoy wearing.

Given that the projection is for the continued proliferation of gender-neutral clothing in the future, you can expect bolder clothing ranges to make their way to fashion stores in the months ahead.

Header Image by Tegan & Sara - Shop the collection at Wildfang. Proceeds to the Tegan and Sara Foundation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why High Street Fashion Brands are Going Gender Neutral

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Article by Fashion Fix Daily guest writer Aleah Kristine. Eagle-eyed shoppers were quick to spot something different in Zara's new collection on its website. The Independent detailed that some of their clothes are presented by members of both sexes, despite being categorised as belonging to a specific gender.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Search results for 'unisex' - Selfridges | Shop Online

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shop the null range from our null department for a wide range of null products | Available to buy online from Selfridges.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We've teamed up with the brand Eytys to create a unisex collection of chunky-sole footwear, boxy T-shirts & crewnecks, vinyl jackets, raw denim jeans & more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Is John Lewis at the frontline of modern gender politics? It has never seemed so before, but judging by the reaction to the department store's announcement last week that its own-brand children's clothes will no longer be divided by gender, some people clearly see the retailer as radical. There will now be no separate sections in the stores, nor such binary labels on the clothes themselves; instead, the labels will read "girls and boys" or "boys and girls".

The conversation over whether clothing should be more gender-neutral does not just apply to childrenswear - over the past decade there has also been a marked rise in gender-neutral clothing for adults. Some high-end designers such as JW Anderson, Rick Owens and Rad Hourani have championed gender-neutral clothing, while a raft of smaller companies run by young designers, such as Rich Mnisi, are pushing the idea that men's and women's clothes should be obsolete categories. This approach has also filtered down to the high street - H&M and Zara have both created non-gendered ranges.

The British designer Katharine Hamnett has a long history of exploring non-gender-specific clothing, and her newly reissued collection features unisex shirts, sweatshirts and silk all-in-one suits. She says that, in the past, when women stepped on to more traditionally male sartorial territory - wearing military-inspired clothing, for instance - this "was about appropriating male power". Now, she says, a move towards equality means women "may be feeling more comfortable with themselves"; in other words, they may have the freedom to wear what they like. (It is still far less common for men to seek out traditionally female clothing.)

Chloe Crowe, brand manager for Bethnals, a London-based unisex denim brand, says that when they have run pop-up shops, men and women in couples have come in and bought jeans that they can share. The company was launched in 2014 by Melissa Clement, a former senior denim buyer for Topshop, who borrowed her partner's clothes a lot and wondered why men's and women's categories had to be different. The core styles of her brand - skinny, straight and relaxed - are cut the same for men and women. "It's just clever pattern cutting," says Crowe. "With denim, it can vary so much depending on your body shape. One woman is not going to [fit in] the same pair of jeans as another woman. I think it makes things a lot more simplistic, and it's about the style and design rather than your sex."

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Clothing by Gender Free World.

The growth of the brand follows more awareness and discussion around gender fluidity and what it means to reject the male/female binary. A study for the Fawcett Society last year found that 68% of young people believe gender is non-binary. "When Bethnals lauched, there wasn't a lot [about gender]," says Crowe. "More brands have released gender-neutral clothing. It has filtered its way to the mass market. There seems to be a huge demand for it."

"You don't look at food and say it's going to be eaten by a man or a woman, so why should it be any different for clothes?" says Tanmay Saxena, founder and designer of LaneFortyfive. The clothing Saxena designs is mostly bespoke tailoring, including shirts and waistcoats; about 60% of his customers are women. The clothes are the same styles for men and women, in the same fabrics, and while the shirts and smocks are cut the same, only the fit for trousers is slightly different.

He has been working on the label for about three years, but formally launched it last year. "I couldn't find clothes that suited my own style. The basic idea was I would make something that I can wear but at the same time, it has to be irrespective of gender. That idea was always in my head."

The shirt company GFW Clothing - GFW stands for Gender Free World - has three fits, designed to fit different bodies rather than the broad terms "men" or "women". Lisa Honan co-founded the brand online less than two years ago and opened a shop in Hove earlier this year.

Initially, she says, it was borne out of frustration at not being able to find shirts she liked. "I'd look in the men's aisle and see great patterns and short-sleeved shirts, and then you'd go to the women's aisle and they were blousy, they've got puffs or are lacy." The men's shirts, she says, didn't fit her "because I've got a woman's body. It got me thinking why is [there] a man's aisle and a woman's aisle, and why do you have to make that choice? You're not able to make many purchases without being forced to define your own gender."

Will we ever get to the point where we don't have men's and women's sections in shops? "I would love that," says Honan. "It's about expressing your style and being able to choose what you want without having to be told that, because of your sexual characteristics, you have to shop in a certain way."
Topics

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Joy of unisex: the rise of gender-neutral clothing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Is John Lewis at the frontline of modern gender politics? It has never seemed so before, but judging by the reaction to the department store's announcement last week that its own-brand children's clothes will no longer be divided by gender, some people clearly see the retailer as radical.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shirts designed with a gender neutral style. Your one stop gender free clothing store designed for who you are and not restricted by gender. Children's gender n

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why Expensive Is Fear of God Track Pants Fear of God Track Pants Blue Vans Fear of God Track Pants Fear God of Jeans Celebrity Fear of God Track Pants Fear of God Track Pants Blue and Yellow Fear of God Track Pants with Two Colors Fear of God Motorcycle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This month, H&M added its name to a growing list of fashion heavyweights abandoning the idea of gender-specific clothing and marketing. It's a change that's been happening on the catwalk for a number of years, with designers such as J.W.Anderson, Wales Bonner, Rick Owens and Craig Green presenting collections that aren't limited by traditional gender constraints and silhouettes. More recently, many of the industry's biggest luxury brands, including Gucci, Burberry, Tom Ford, Paul Smith, Margiela and Vivienne Westwood, started combining men's and women's collections - essentially moving away from the long-established binary blueprint of 'menswear' and 'womenswear' shows. Today's young tastemakers are also sparking conversation by disrupting ideas of what we 'should' all be wearing. Young Thug, for example, was heavily praised for wearing a dress on the cover of mixtape 'Jeffery', while Jaden Smith made headlines last year for starring in Louis Vuitton's SS16 womenswear campaign.

H&M's 'Denim United' expands on this trend, attracting praise for its denim dress marketed at all gender identities - a sure indication that 'gender-specific' clothing is already a narrower category than we often assume. "With this collection we are rethinking the mindset around 'his' and 'hers' clothing, blurring borders and challenging norms," explains an H&M spokesperson. "Traditional thinking is revisited with menswear and womenswear borrowing both materials and silhouettes from each other."

Contextually, this change in mentality is long overdue. As trans-visibility continues to rise and education surrounding non-binary identities filters into mainstream discussions, it seems more basic than ever to allow arbitrary factors like sex and gender to define what we 'should' and 'shouldn't' be wearing.

These shifts in mentality do, of course, have wider political implications. Not only do these changes progress cultural discussions of gender, they are also desperately needed in order to protect the public safety of trans and non-binary people. Shopping in clothing sections divided by gender can be difficult and, at worst, dangerous for gender-variant people, an anxiety which writer Shon Faye brilliantly summarised last year in an article for Dazed, featuring the perspectives of interviewees worldwide.

Fashion professor Dr. Benjamin Wild argues that the current fascination with unisex and genderless marketing is intrinsically linked to today's cultural climate; "I think the creation and marketing of clothing as 'unisex' reflects current anxieties about gender and, more generally, the increasingly unclear and unstable notions of ethnicity and religion, etc. in our globalised world. It is little surprise that people would want their clothing to reflect shifting perceptions of self, and I think it is a good thing that such choice exists." He is, however, quick to point out that these discussions should be part of an ongoing narrative that aims to shift perceptions, as opposed to a new trend. "While people may now talk more about 'unisex clothing', I wonder how many really think about what that means, and this applies to the companies who market their products as 'unisex' too."

The reality is that unisex clothing, at least for now, has to be rooted in a certain set of loose silhouettes and neutral colour palettes to stand a chance of mainstream acceptance - the 'gender-neutral' aesthetic is not one characterised by bold prints, abstract patterns and unconventional shapes, at least not yet. Still, many of us already dress in an eclectic fusion of menswear and womenswear; creativity always finds a way to thrive outside of the gender binary. For now, it's enough that these influential brands are challenging dominant mentalities and inching ever closer to the reality of a progressive fashion industry that truly caters to all.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Will Unisex Collections Ever Become Mainstream?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This month, H&M added its name to a growing list of fashion heavyweights abandoning the idea of gender-specific clothing and marketing. It's a change that's been happening on the catwalk for a number of years, with designers such as J.W.Anderson, Wales Bonner, Rick Owens and Craig Green presenting collections that aren't limited by traditional gender constraints and silhouettes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Brand: H&M x Eytys

Model: The footwear component of the collection includes the Trekk Shoe, Trekk Boot, Sneaker in Suede, Sneaker in Canvas, Runner, and Pool Slider. As far as apparel, the all-Swedish collaboration includes a range of graphic T-shirts, outerwear, pants, and accessories that you can check out in the galleries above and below.

Key Features: The forthcoming H&M & Eytys line features genderless shoes, clothing and accessories for adults, as well as a selection for kids, fully designed in collaboration with the H&M in-house team.

Release Date: Available now

Price: Ranging from $24.99 for T-shirts up to $199 for the boots

Buy: H&M

Editor's Notes: Speaking on both brand's shared Swedish heritage, H&M Designers Ross Lydon (H&M's Acting Head of Menswear) and Ann-Sofie Johansson (H&M Creative Advisor) noted "It wasn't a deciding factor but more about feeling and leveraging our shared history and culture. We both share a pared-back design aesthetic and a no-fuss approach. Ultimately, the shoes and clothes created by Eytys have a versatility and a ubiquity that befits their wardrobe staple status, and their emphasis on detail, quality and price also aligns with what H&M values. It was a very natural and easy-going collaboration - the mutual respect for each other was apparent from the start."

Creative Director and Co-Founder of Eytys, Max Schiller, told us "[The collaboration] initially started as a discussion between myself and H&M's Head of Design, designer to designer. The idea was design-led from the beginning, with an open brief that presented an opportunity of creating something interesting. The fact that the scale would be unlike anything else we have worked on before was also appealing. Collaborations have always been a part of our process and we are drawn to projects that feel authentic and passionate. We like the unexpected when choosing a partner."

H&M x Eytys / H&M x Eytys
To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, follow @Highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, check our sneaker release date calendar and subscribe to our sneaker chatbot on Facebook to receive lightning quick updates to your inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
H&M x Eytys Unisex Collection Is Available to Cop Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Brand: H&M x Eytys Model: The footwear component of the collection includes the Trekk Shoe, Trekk Boot, Sneaker in Suede, Sneaker in Canvas, Runner, and Pool Slider. As far as apparel, the all-Swedish collaboration includes a range of graphic T-shirts, outerwear, pants, and accessories that you can check out in the galleries above and below.