As more parents raise gender-neutral children — or, at least, expose their children to non-binary gender cues like hairstyles and character traits — it only makes sense for millennial parents to introduce their little ones to gender-neutral clothing.
We’re not talking pink dresses on boys here (although those are amazing, too); rather than gender-nonconforming clothing that subverts traditional gender-presentation roles, gender neutral clothing is just that: neutral. Sartorially neutral shades like grey, yellow, and white reign, and androgyny is king/queen. Gender-neutral (AKA unisex) clothing aims not necessarily to challenge gender stereotypes, but to avoid them altogether. This is an especially important feature for parents who want to teach their children from birth that there’s no such thing as a “boy color” or a “girl toy.”
Particularly in children’s clothing, we often see stereotypical gendered imagery everywhere from pajamas to everyday attire. Seemingly innocuous messaging can take a turn for the weird — if not downright damaging — when sailboats and dinosaurs are only printed on “boys’ wear” while florals and rainbows are only printed on clothing “for girls.” Subconsciously, fast-fashion retailers are imposing passivity on girls and (often toxic) masculinity on boys, and we are not here for it.
Thankfully, there are plenty of chic clothing brands working to change that. Add the must-have unisex pieces ahead to your kids’ wardrobe this fall for ultimate comfort and ease — no stereotypes necessary.
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Fearless Dreamer Pajamas
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s arguably the most commonly asked question a child is confronted with by the time they’re preschool-aged. Dr. Harriet Tenenbaum, who studies gender identity at the University of Surrey in England, told The NY Times that children begin to categorize their gender by age 2 or 3 — and pick up gender cues from toys and books. So, when they’re faced with this query, they may answer according to what they’ve seen or heard about a boy or girl’s stereotypical profession; boys may say they want to be doctors, while girls may say they want to be ballerinas.
Fearless Dreamers, founded by Maurice Rahmey, offers uniform pajamas for any child who wants to be a doctor, astronaut, or superhero. Each cotton PJ set comes with a book that incorporates the child’s “career choice” and promotes gender equality.
Fearless Dreamer cotton pajamas, $29.99 at Amazon.
Finn + Emma
Natural wood, organic cotton, and eco-friendly dyes are the glue that holds this chic baby brand together. Finn + Emma sell printed garments for parents raising kids of any gender. The brand offers comfortable onesies and T-shirts up to size 4T — adorned with solid gray, white, and baby-blue hues. A line of adorable graphic onesies with sayings like “giggle” or “chunky” is something babies of any gender can relate to, too.
Biggie graphic tee, $19.00 at Finn + Emma.
H&M
One of the more popular baby retailers, H & M carries unisex clothes for adults and kids. The brand’s neutral-color long-sleeved wrapover onesies are perfect for everyday. If you’re looking for covered-feet leggings, bib overalls, or cotton sweatpants, look no further: H&M is stocked with a myriad of comfortable basics. The collection is also perfect to gift a friend who hasn’t revealed her baby’s sex yet — or doesn’t intend to.
5-pack side-fastener bodysuits, $11.99 at .
Burt’s Bees Baby
When most people think of Burt’s Bees, they think of skincare. But what you probably don’t know is that the multi-faceted company also has its own baby/toddler clothing line. Burt’s Bees’ gender-neutral category is filled with festive onesies for Halloween and the winter holidays. Perfect for fall weather, the “bear mountain” and “peaks and valleys” prints even come in sizes for babies who aren’t quite ready to hike, but still want to enjoy the view.
Burt’s Bees Baby girls’ sleeper pajamas, from $10.42 at Amazon.
Bash + Sass
Inspired by her own two kids, Irene Lee created a unisex kid’s clothing line for all “little minimalists” ages six months to 12 years. Bash + Sass is for the cool kids on the block who are into street style, culture, and of course, playtime.
Lee’s lastest designs incorporate four prints of adorable little monsters that represent patience, confidence, spontaneity, and optimism. “With today’s social and political climate, it’s important to start teaching kids at a young age about self-confidence, helping others and being proud of who they are no matter their skin color, gender or family makeup,” Bash + Sass says on its site.
Monster top, $38.00 at Bash + Sass.
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