Addressing the Stigma that Men Aren’t Fashionable

Growing up I have always been told that women are more fashionable than men. Society suggests that females spend more time on their appearance, from makeup to clothing. The amount of times that women hear that most men lack style isn’t right, so we decided to uncover this belief.

The way others discuss boys’ fashion choices can be closely correlated with how one would describe the current status of crocs; irrelevant. Guys who wear stylish outfits are automatically labeled as feminine and those who lack in this department are seen as lazy. When walking around campus, women are predominantly dressed up in the newest trends as most males continue to adorn themselves with pastel chacos and the same fraternity shirt they wore the day before.

Is it because women are more creative?

In a study conducted by Proudfoot and colleagues, it was found that there is no gender bias within creativity rankings with fashion. Therefore, the idea that women are more creative or artistic than men is contradicted. There is also little space given to menswear in fashion, as well as there not being many style role models for boys to look up to. In viewing most clothing brands, it is clear that more emphasis is placed on their newest womens collection rather than men.

Most men take their inspiration from comfort or sports celebrities, whereas women are more consumed with the aura of designer houses. Maybe the street style athletic look that males dominate is overseen from women. It is true that a fresh sneaker and good hair can make almost any outfit. When you look at this aspect of streetwear fashion, males are as stylish as females.

Is it because males don’t really care about their appearance anyways?

As a female, I talked to some men around campus for their ideas on the stigma that males are not fashionable. In an age where being a cool kid means not having any motivation or concern, some guys don’t want people to know that they care about their appearance. Others are secretly afraid of being labeled as “feminine” if they show any passion for how they come across. This can be determined from gender norms or generational ideals.

“Most teenage boys believe that as long as they’re covered up it doesn’t really matter. But it totally does. An outfit says a lot about a person”

- Evan, ‘22

“We don’t feel the need. Kinda a confidence thing. Like I don’t go out of my way to get nicer clothes or work harder in the morning cause I’m confident enough in my look as is”

- Jacob, ‘22

It seems as if the truth is more complex than the accuracy of a simple stereotype. Although they may not be diving into the spring trends of fringe and animal prints, men relate their style by wearing Yeezys and a Supreme sweatshirt.

At the end of the day, straight men should acknowledge that it is sexy when they work on their outfit. It shows that they care, and no one should be judged for caring. Let’s give men the space they deserve to express through fashion without criticizing them. After all, being fashionable does not determine one’s sexuality preferences or their personality.

Men of Elon, let’s see your style! Tag us @theedgemag on Instagram for a chance to be featured and become a campus style icon.