CBS News recently reported that gender neutrality is a significant fashion trend amongst members of Gen Z. In fact, for today’s youth, it seems individualism is a far more important factor in style than traditional gender norms.
The term “gender neutrality” is just that, not specific to either gender, and it’s no surprise that Gen Z aligns with it. Gen Z has made it easier for their peers to redefine themselves as neither male nor female—allowing them to express themselves in any type of clothing or accessories without worrying about breaking gender “rules.”
19-year-old Jaden Smith, actor and son of Will Smith, is a Gen Z Icon and advocate for the gender neutral lifestyle. Smith appears in the Louis Vuitton’s 2016 Spring-Summer Women’s line, modeling different skirts and handbags.
In a new survey of 1,000 12 to 19-year-olds, J. Walter Thompson Intelligence found that 82% agreed that gender doesn’t define a person as much as it used to. Shocking? Not necessarily. Gen Z celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Ruby Rose are leading the way and breaking down barriers—both publically stating that they are “gender fluid.”
Facebook now allows 59 different gender identities, including but not limited to, Custom. Other websites such as OkCupid are following in Facebook’s footsteps, showing their users they are “gender neutral” and that this trend is here to stay.
Gender lines are beginning to blur. If you are interested in adapting to fit this new market, here are some ways to incorporate gender neutrality into your business:
- Adapt like Facebook and offer genderless identity choices.
- Intermix male and female clothing and organize by brand name and size.
- Provide the option of gender neutral dressing rooms.
- Use “Unisex” to label clothing and accessories
Generational trends are ever evolving and affecting almost every business. Want to know how to use these trends to grow your business? Contact The Center for Generational Kinetics to learn how we transform generational challenges into fuel for fast growth.
Contact Us here to see how we can help you through our research, speaking, or Millennial and Gen Z consulting.
What do you think of #GenZ and their attitude toward gender? Let us know on Twitter at @JasonDorsey or @WhatTheGen and don’t forget to add your #generation!
