From K-pop stars to luxury brands, 2026 sees a rise in men experimenting with women’s fashion and accessories
In 2026, the lines between men’s and women’s fashion continue to blur, with more men embracing traditionally feminine styles and accessories. This shift has gained momentum in recent years, exemplified by the viral success of a women’s Oxford shirt from Uniqlo’s JW Anderson collaboration. The shirt, with its cropped, boxy fit and slouchy silhouette, became a hit with both men and women, demonstrating that great style transcends gender norms.
In Singapore, the moment became a talking point when Australian influencer Joe Fletcher shared his thoughts on the shirt. He urged those dismissing it as “a women’s shirt” to rethink their views, calling out the absurdity of such a narrow perspective. His words echoed a growing sentiment in the fashion world—where comfort, versatility, and fit matter more than the category of clothing.
Breaking Gender Barriers in Fashion
While historically, women wearing men’s clothes—think oversized shirts and boyfriend jeans—has been widely accepted, the reverse has not always been true. However, 2026 marks a turning point in this longstanding trend. More men are now exploring slouchy knits, cropped jackets, skirts, and even jewelry initially designed for women.
This shift is partly fueled by frustration with the limitations of traditional menswear. Rio Furqan Saini, creative director of Major Minor Agency and BBTBC Studio, notes that menswear often feels “formulaic” and limiting. Women’s fashion, by contrast, offers “a wider playground of proportions, textures, and tones.” It’s not just about breaking boundaries—it’s about finding designs that express individuality.
Celebrity Influence on Genderless Fashion
As more male celebrities integrate women’s fashion into their wardrobes, the concept of genderless style is gaining popularity. G-Dragon, the long-time Chanel ambassador, has become an icon for men’s gender-fluid fashion, regularly incorporating Chanel’s women’s jewelry and tweed into his performances. During his Ubermensch World Tour, he performed in a Chanel crystal-embroidered suit, showing that luxury women’s wear can easily be redefined for men.
Similarly, Wang Yibo, another Chanel ambassador, has made headlines for wearing the brand’s women’s collections during public appearances, cementing his role in the gender-fluid fashion movement. His choice to wear a black tweed jacket layered with pearl necklaces at Chanel’s Fall 2025 show was a masterclass in androgynous chic.
In K-pop, Yeon-jun of TXT has openly embraced skirts, advocating for men to wear them. He even posted on Instagram, “It’s so comfortable. Men can also wear skirts,” challenging gender norms and inspiring fans to experiment with their own wardrobes.
Why Women’s Fashion Appeals to Men
For many men, the appeal of women’s fashion lies in the versatility, proportion, and detail that women’s clothing often offers. Unlike menswear, which can be restrictive, womenswear offers a broader array of options. Louis Zhang, a marketer, turned to women’s denim after struggling to find jeans that fit well. “Women’s jeans fit me better—especially mom jeans, which have a roomier cut,” he explained, highlighting that men’s clothing doesn’t always offer the same range of fits or colours.
Saini also finds that women’s garments like Margiela 0 vintage jackets and Ami Paris pleated wool shorts are more flattering and dynamic compared to menswear. These garments offer movement and intrigue, showcasing how proportions and bold prints can elevate a look. “Women’s fashion tends to be more expressive and boundary-breaking,” he says.
Accessories: A Gateway into Women’s Fashion
For many men, the entry point into women’s fashion doesn’t have to be full clothing—it can start with accessories. From pearl necklaces to brooches, men are adding subtle but significant feminine touches to their outfits. Nick Teo, a local actor, shared his early experiences of borrowing accessories from his wife, Hong Ling, explaining that even small details like crystal-studded rings can enhance a look.
Luxury brands are paying attention. In 2024, Louis Vuitton launched Les Gastons Vuitton, its first fine jewellery collection for men. This collection, while designed for men, acknowledges how the lines between men’s and women’s jewelry are becoming increasingly fluid. Similarly, Tiffany & Co. and Dior Men are incorporating pieces like crystal brooches and hardware-inspired accessories that blur gender lines.
Fashion Runways Embrace Gender Fluidity
On the runways, designers are erasing the lines between gendered clothing. Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s Spring 2026 collection, for instance, combined lace, corsetry, and fluid silks—worn interchangeably by male and female models—challenging traditional ideas of gendered dressing. Meanwhile, Acne Studios offered androgynous tailoring in its latest collections, mixing sharp leather jackets and suede blazers with a sensual, fluid aesthetic.
Retail brands like Uniqlo have also responded to the demand for genderless clothing. Their collaborations with designers like JW Anderson feature versatile pieces such as unisex jackets and trousers, showing how affordable brands can embrace gender-neutral styles without the high-fashion price tag.
3 Pieces to Shop from the Women’s Section
- Balloon Pants: Comfortable and sculptural, these pants create a balanced proportion for both tall and shorter frames. Pair with a simple cropped jacket for a fresh, gender-neutral look.
- Structured Cropped Jackets: Perfect for experimenting with proportion, these jackets add sharp structure to the shoulders and define the waist, pairing well with high-waisted trousers.
- Statement Earrings or Brooches: Accessories are an easy way to incorporate femininity into your wardrobe. A simple pearl earring or crystal brooch can instantly elevate an outfit, making it more personal and stylish.
