Comfortable in Menswear

Strolling into the men’s section to look for clothes is something I do quite often for someone who, umm how do I put this, does not identify as male… Even though I don’t have the broad shoulders, narrower hips, and thicker arms that are factored into the menswear fit, I frequently find myself browsing men’s loungewear, outerwear and graphics — these pieces are so versatile that they honestly could be marketed as unisex. 

Boxy Layering

Once it gets this cold, a hoodie no longer keeps me warm enough and it’s time to pile the layers on. A bright oversized hoodie offers a pop of color to the otherwise all black outfit. You can easily chuck on men’s outerwear over a men’s hoodie, as women’s outerwear is usually too tight to fit around the thick boxy layer. Streamline the look with some tight leggings for a contrast in fit and black boots for an insulated and mildly edgy look.

Dressing in a Man’s World

I often find a lot of women’s business professional clothing to be restricting and sweat-inducing. Usually I suck it up and wear a tight blazer, but if you’re talking business casual, I take this opportunity to wear something more loose fitting. I paired a clean cut blouse with a more flexible and oversized cardigan. For bottoms, I belted loose trousers so that my legs wouldn’t be constricted. This silhouette compliments the woman’s figure by cinching at the waist and elongating the legs.

Lounging Around

Thus far, most of the menswear I mentioned are tops, but don’t be afraid to venture into bottoms as well. While it is easier to find menswear bottoms that fit loosely as pajamas, don’t be afraid to wear them out of the house too! These sweatshorts are a perfect example of bottoms that do not need to fit perfectly. Though I probably would not wear this particular outfit to impress, these are my ideal pajamas! Women’s pajama shorts don’t often offer enough coverage for my liking and don’t come with such deep-set pockets. I paired the sweatshorts with a comfortable men’s graphic on top and some cheap slides.

A more conventional take

If sweatshorts aren’t quite your thing, opt for some classic sweatpants.

The sizing may be completely different (for example I usually find that size small is the perfect oversized fit, while I can be a medium in women’s clothing), but once you’re comfortable with the idea of wearing men’s clothing, a whole new world of styles is suddenly available to you! With the chillier weather, figure-hugging clothing is no longer enough to keep you warm. Opt for the baggier fit and delve into the world of menswear!

Photography By Lena Zhou

Words by Alice Zhao