Finding Your Style: A Guide for Trans Men and Non-Binary Folks

Finding Your Style: A Guide for Trans Men and Non-Binary Folks

Figuring out what to wear can be a lot, especially when you're trying to find a style that actually feels like you. For trans men and non-binary folks, personal style is about looking good, sure. It's also about feeling at home in your own skin. Here are the tips I come back to most. They're all about comfort, showing who you are, and keeping it doable.

1. Embrace DIY Fashion: Crop Your Own Clothes

One of the easiest ways to make your clothes your own is to crop them yourself. That goes for t-shirts, hoodies, button downs, sleeve lengths, shorts and pant lengths. When you cut your own tops, you control the length and fit, so they work for your body and your style. Cropping shirts can:

• Highlight your waist, lengthen the look of your legs and create a boxier silhouette.
• Offer a casual and edgy look.
• Allow you to repurpose old, thrifted or oversized shirts and give you more options when selecting shirts at a store.

For t-shirts I like to start with one that is two sizes bigger than what I normally wear. This will give you room to move around in. All you need is a pair of sharp scissors and some creativity. I also like using a clear ruler. Pre-wash your garment. Measure twice and cut once to get the desired length. If you are cutting t-shirt fabric add 1/2 to allow for curl. If you are going to hem the item add 1" for 2 1/2" folds. You can also experiment with different hem styles, like straight cuts, raw edges, or curved hems. 

2. Opt for a Looser Fit

Tight, clingy clothes can often be uncomfortable and unflattering if they highlight areas of your body that you're not comfortable with. A looser fit can:

• Provide a more relaxed and comfortable feel.
• Help you avoid drawing attention to specific body parts.
• Create a casual, laid-back look that is easy to wear.

When shopping, look for clothes that have a relaxed fit. This could be oversized shirts, loose pants, or flowy jackets. If you're shopping in the women's section try one size up. Just remember, looser doesn’t have to mean baggy and shapeless. Look for pieces that still have some structure and style.

3. Choose Non-Clinging Fabrics

Fabrics that cling to your body can be uncomfortable and make you feel self-conscious. Go for materials that drape well and don't stick to you, like:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Rayon
• Jersey

These fabrics breathe, and they come in lots of styles for both casual and dressier days. You can move around freely in them, which makes it a lot easier to relax in your clothes.

4. Tailor Your Clothes

Tailoring is the secret to clothes that fit just right. It costs less than buying new clothes all the time, and it makes the clothes you already own more comfortable and longer lasting. Benefits of tailoring include:

• Customized fit: Your clothes fit your body, not some standard size chart.
• Enhanced comfort: Avoid the discomfort of ill-fitting garments.
• More confidence: It's easier to feel good in clothes that fit well.
• Extend the longevity of your clothing. Having a garment that fits you the way you like will encourage you to keep your clothes longer.

Look for a local tailor and start with a few key pieces, like pants or jackets. Over time, you can build a wardrobe of tailored pieces that make you feel great.

5. Invest in Quality, Not Quantity

It's tempting to frequently buy new clothes to keep up with trends, but investing in quality pieces will save you money and hassle in the long run. Quality clothing lasts longer, fits better, and feels more comfortable. Tips for building a quality wardrobe include:

• Choose classic, versatile pieces that won't go out of style.
• Invest in staple items like a well-fitted pair of jeans, a versatile jacket, and a few quality shirts. *Remember you can have sleeve, torso and leg lengths hemmed by a tailor.
• Take care of your clothes by following proper washing and storing instructions.
• Thrift Stores offer great low cost style. Especially for DIY cropping, working out what fits and exploring styles that work for you.

6. Explore Gender-Neutral Brands

More brands now make gender-neutral collections that focus on fit and comfort instead of old-school gender rules. They usually come in a wide mix of styles and sizes, which gives you more room to dress like yourself. Check out some popular gender-neutral brands or sections in larger stores.

Final Thoughts

Finding your style as a trans man or non-binary person takes some trial and error, and that's part of the fun. It's about more than clothes. It's about showing who you are and feeling good while you do it. Try different styles, fabrics, and fits until something clicks. Your style is yours, so wear it proud.

Happy styling!

Auston Bjorkman, Fashion Designer / Creative Director