A Guide to Gender Neutral Clothes
As a mum of two, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out how to dress babies and toddlers. Whether it’s for the first time or the fourth, dressing little ones can be overwhelming, especially when you want to avoid falling into traditional gender stereotypes. That’s why I’ve embraced gender neutral dressing for my children, and today I’m excited to share my experience and some tips with you.
If you’re a parent who’s unsure how to begin, you're in the right place. I know how tricky it can feel - especially when you're still figuring out your baby’s personality and needs. With gender neutral clothing, not only do we get to break away from the pinks and blues, but we also create a more inclusive and versatile wardrobe for our little ones.
Gender Neutral Dressing: Why It's Worth Considering
If you’re new to the concept of gender neutral dressing, it’s basically all about clothing that doesn’t follow the traditional conventions of boy or girl outfits. Think about clothing that’s designed to be unisex, allowing your baby or toddler to wear pieces regardless of their gender. It’s about comfort, style, and practicality—qualities that matter far more than gender in those early years.
Quick Checklist for Gender Neutral Baby Clothes:
- Neutral colours like greys, whites, blacks, and earth tones.
- Simple, non-gendered patterns (think stripes, polka dots, or animal prints).
- Soft, stretchy fabrics for comfort.
- Gender-neutral accessories like hats, bibs, and socks.
- Clothes that are easy to mix and match.
Start with Basics: Colour and Patterns Matter
When it comes to dressing your baby or toddler in gender neutral clothes, colour and patterns play a big part. I remember being overwhelmed with all the pastel pinks and blues when I was first starting out. It felt like every store only had one or the other for newborns. Gender neutral dressing opens up a world of possibilities!
I started with basic, neutral colours like white, grey, and beige. These tone work great for both boys and girls and can easily be paired together. Plus, they don't scream "gendered" in any way, which was exactly what I was looking for. When you opt for gender neutral colours, you can easily mix and match pieces, creating a wardrobe that’s as versatile as it is stylish.
For patterns, I found that prints like stripes, polka dots, or simple geometric shapes worked well. These are fun but not overly feminine or masculine, which makes them perfect for a gender-neutral wardrobe. Of course, you can also choose soft animal prints -bears, lions, or pandas - something that works equally well for both boys and girls. Several of the brands we stock at Borro have a fantastic gender neutral offering, such as Turtledove London, and Claude and Co.
Comfortable Fabrics Are Key
When dressing your little one, comfort is non-negotiable. Babies and toddlers are constantly moving, so the fabric of their clothes needs to be soft and breathable. Look for materials like organic cotton or bamboo that are gentle on your baby’s skin and allow for plenty of movement. Whether it’s a stretchy onesie, a soft cardigan, or a cosy pair of bottoms, comfort should always come first.
One thing I wish I knew earlier was how important fabric was in helping with nappy changes and movements. Stretchy and soft fabrics (think a good ribbed cotton) made everything so much easier, and I’m sure my babies appreciated it as they moved around or had to be changed on the fly.
Versatility Over Trendiness
I’m sure many of us have found ourselves buying the cutest little outfits, only to realise later they’re not as practical as we thought. When it comes to gender neutral dressing, I highly recommend focusing on versatile pieces that can be worn over and over. Things like zip-up onesies, comfy joggers and leggings, soft sweaters, and tops are all items that I constantly turned to. These pieces are easy to layer and pair with different accessories, which makes them perfect for any situation.
This is another reason why I set up Borro. When you’re not sure what styles or types of clothing will work best for your little one, it’s great to be able to try different options without the commitment of buying everything. In fact, many of the most popular items at Borro are those that work equally well for both girls and boys, and it's why we stock beautiful clothes from brands that embrace gender neutral styles.
Final Thoughts: Dressing Your Baby with Confidence
Whether you're new to parenting or a seasoned pro, embracing gender neutral dressing for your baby or toddler is all about flexibility and comfort. The most important thing is that your baby feels happy and comfortable in whatever they’re wearing, and you don’t feel pressured by societal expectations.
By renting clothes, you can try out a range of styles before deciding what works best for your baby, take advantage of great value on top quality brands, without being tied to the fast fashion cycle.
Remember, dressing your little one shouldn’t feel like a challenge—it should be about finding the pieces that make both of you feel good and comfortable. Whether it’s a neutral-toned onesie or a cosy sweater, go with what feels right for your family.
If you’re curious about renting baby clothes or just want to explore more options, check out Borro, where you can get started today!