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I am a firm believer that clothes have no gender, and this is a hill I am more than happy to die on. However, this does not change the fact that I feel more comfortable when I wear more ‘masculine’ clothing.
This doesn’t mean I never wear dresses or skirts. I do, and I enjoy them. Everyone can. As I say, clothes have no gender. Simply put, masculine clothing makes me feel like me, and that I look like the person I am supposed to be.
So, if what I’ve said makes sense to you, keep reading.
For a start, don’t be afraid of buying clothes from the men’s section, if you’re looking to buy something new. ‘Mens’ clothes are often better made, sturdier, and cheaper (because we live in a world where the pink tax bites us all). Honestly, it was a hangup I had, and it took me a long time to get rid of it. But I am incredibly happy that I did.
So, what to buy?
Don’t be afraid of experimenting with whatever will make you comfortable. However, there are some good staples to start off with. I would recommend some basic t shirts, some nice button downs, and some long sleeve tees as well. It may sound silly, but I’ve also found baggy denim knee shorts to be a great fit for me.
When buying new tops, going a size or two bigger that you normally would will make a slightly bulkier silhouette, which is great for looking for masc.
Now, jeans and trousers are tricky, as clothes made for women tend to run to the tight side. They’re also generally tailored for curves, which means they’ll fit, but won’t give you the look you want. If you feel that way, that’s why you’re reading this.
Getting ‘mens’ jeans that fit you may be tricky as a result. However, don’t be afraid of having a go, and don’t get discouraged if finding the right garment for you is tricky. It’s a journey, so don’t be afraid of a little trial and error.
However, if you hate trying on loads of clothes (God knows I do), then take a look at baggier women’s jeans, like boot or straight cuts.
Also,as a pro tip, the Holy Grail of masc clothing (at least for me), is cargo trousers. Baggy fit, sturdy, lots of pockets, and they go with everything. My favourites are from Bershka, and they have a 10% student discount.
Working with what you’ve got
When working with the clothes you have, layering is your friend. Flannel t-shirts on top of tees, short sleeved tops on top of long (a la Sheldon Cooper, but more fabulous), and big hoodies give you a more androgynous silhouette, and will hide your chest.
If you want to explore concealing your chest more completely, sports bras are good for small chests. However, the fullest compression will come from wearing a chest binder. There are lots of options for all bodies and budgets, which can seem slightly overwhelming.
Thankfully, we have a handy binding guide below, with everything you could want to know.
You can also make some modifications to the women’s clothes that don’t feel the best for you. Turning your too-tight jeans into cut-off shorts is a great start, and think of all the fun you can have with the fabric scraps! As an example, I made a cool tote bag.
For t shirts that cling on more than you would like, you can make yourself a cool, slightly baggier muscle tee. Just lie the top flat, and carefully trim the bottom, until it hangs to your liking. Take it slow. It’s good to try it on at this stage. From there, you can cut a 45° line from the armpit out to the edge of the sleeves, so it doesn’t cling.
There are also heaps of Youtube videos, online communities, and amazing fashion creators to help you. The best way to present is to wear what works for you, and find your own definiton of comfortable.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
