Understanding Gender Neutral Sizing
Determine if a universal fit is the right strategy for your brand
New designers often confuse gender neutral sizing with profitability or use it as a competitive edge to sell their brand, but in reality, universal sizing has some limitations. Knowing the facts before making this decision will ensure the success, and fit, of your brand.
Gender neutral refers to a system of sizing that is fit to the same size chart for both genders, rather than separate charts for men and women. However, the shape of a 36” chest on a woman is a very different than a 36” chest on a man. The patterns that fit around these two body types are thus also different. Materials that stretch may be more forgiving. However if not patterned correctly, some areas may be overstretched while others are not which still results in discomfort for the wearer.
Before deciding to make your design gender neutral, consider the following:
The fit will never be as flattering as having separate size charts.
Currently, there is no average or standard size chart available for unisex.
Customers may be confused about which size is right for them.
Men and Women have different preferences for style, fabrics, and design which can make gender neutral unappealing.
Your creativity may be restricted by needing to keep the style, materials, and colors gender neutral.
You won’t be able to create tailored designs; they must remain a slouchier, baggy look.
Fashion is an expression of culture, social, and personal tastes. Gender neutral may be too bland for some consumers.
Gender neutral is a size range of its own, so if you plan on future releases of new designs that aren’t unisex, you will be creating separate size ranges for men’s and/or women’s anyway.
Overall, gender neutral sizing has a place in the market, and it could be a great way to minimize costs by having fewer patterns, but there are complex issues when it comes to fit. Just be sure you are choosing gender neutral sizing as a brand decision and not as a competitive edge in the market, and you should meet with success!