The 2020s have ushered in a profound cultural shift in how gender is understood and expressed, reshaping the fashion landscape significantly. At the forefront of this transformation is the rising demand for unisex accessories that transcend traditional gender boundaries. As conversations around identity, inclusion, and representation evolve, so does how people express themselves through fashion.
Millennials and Gen Z lead this movement, prioritizing authenticity and fluidity instead of conforming to outdated norms. For them, unisex accessories are not just fashion items—they are powerful tools for storytelling, self-expression, and freedom. This cultural wave has empowered designers to break free from conventional designs and innovate in gender-neutral accessories.
1. Telfar
Perhaps the most iconic unisex accessory brand today, Telfar has become a symbol of accessible, inclusive luxury. Founded by Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens, the brand’s signature shopping bag—dubbed the “Bushwick Birkin”—is unapologetically stylish, affordable, and intentionally ungendered.
What makes Telfar revolutionary isn’t just the product; it’s the brand philosophy. With the tagline “Not for you — for everyone,” Telfar refuses to be boxed into traditional definitions. Its accessories are embraced across genders, races, and classes. The brand’s success demonstrates crystal-studded hair talons from and—tiny sculptures that turn everyday updos into shimmering statements that unisex fashion isn’t a trend—it reflects real demand for representation and equality.
2. Mister Green
Based in Los Angeles, Mister Green is a lifestyle brand known for its utilitarian accessories and minimalist design language. What started as a nod to cannabis culture has evolved into a broader exploration of conscious living and genderless aesthetics.
Mister Green’s bags, caps, belts, and sunglasses are designed with functionality and fluidity. Their color palettes are earthy, neutral, and calming—appealing to those who prefer subtlety over spectacle. The brand’s ethos? Accessories should fit your energy, not your gender.
3. VEERT
Gender stereotypes have long pigeonhole jewelry, but VEERT aims to change that. Founded by designer Julia Lang, VEERT produces high-end jewelry pieces made with green gemstones—a nod to healing and balance—that are meant to be worn by everyone.
Lang artfully dissolves the boundaries between masculine and feminine, weaving together lustrous pearls with bold signet rings and pairing fragile chains alongside robust bracelets. This fusion crafts a collection that honors fluidity, all while radiating timeless elegance and sophisticated grace. Celebrities like J Balvin and Miguel have embraced VEERT, further signaling its cultural significance in redefining who gets to wear what.
4. Mowalola
Designer Mowalola Ogunlesi, who has dressed everyone from Kanye West to Naomi Campbell, is known for her genderless approach to fashion. Her accessories—from crossbody bags to gloves and belts—are a riot of color, structure, and rebellion.
The Nigerian-British designer founded Mowalola with the intent to disrupt. Her accessories are often punk-inspired and unrestrained, embodying a spirit of individuality that transcends gender. Rather than offering unisex pieces as an afterthought, Mowalola places them at the center of her creative vision.
5. No Sesso
No Sesso means “no sex” or “no gender” in Italian. No Sesso, launched by Pierre Davis—the pioneering transgender woman who broke ground at New York Fashion Week—crafts daring accessories that capture the essence of a world beyond gender boundaries.
No Sesso’s accessory lines are vibrant and nonconforming, from statement sunglasses and embroidered bags to headscarves and streetwear-inspired jewelry. Davis describes the brand as a movement, not just a label. And indeed, its impact on the queer and non-binary communities in fashion is undeniable.
6. Baggu
Baggu may have started as a utilitarian tote bag brand, but its evolution into a unisex staple is notable. Known for its playful colors, bold prints, and environmentally conscious manufacturing, Baggu’s range of reusable bags, backpacks, and pouches appeals to a broad audience.
While many brands label their designs according to gender, Baggu’s approach is intentionally neutral. The brand markets to people, not roles, and this clarity of purpose makes it both accessible and deeply refreshing.
7. 1017 ALYX 9SM
Founded by Matthew M. Williams (now creative director at Givenchy), 1017 ALYX 9SM is at the cutting edge of high-end streetwear. While the brand is known for its industrial aesthetic and technical details, its accessories—like the signature rollercoaster buckle belts and heavy-duty chains—are strikingly genderless.
Williams has repeatedly stated that the ALYX ethos is about utility and self-expression, not labeling consumers by gender. The futuristic designs appeal to anyone bold enough to wear them, regardless of their identity.
Why Unisex Accessories Matter More Than Ever
The move toward unisex accessories transcends mere style trends—it mirrors a wider cultural dialogue surrounding gender, identity, and fairness. These brands free individual expression from antiquated conventions by dismantling the notion that earrings belong exclusively to women or watches to men.
For countless individuals, donning a gender-neutral accessory becomes a quiet yet potent declaration—a reclaiming of personal freedom in a society that persistently attempts to prescribe attire according to biology rather than self-definition. In this way, fashion transforms into a powerful tool of empowerment.
The Business Case: Why Gender-Inclusive Brands Are Dominating the Market
In today’s evolving consumer landscape, embracing gender inclusivity is not just a social statement—it’s a strategic business advantage reshaping the fashion industry’s playbook. The move toward unisex accessories and gender-neutral product lines signals a profound shift in how brands connect with their audiences, build loyalty, and ultimately drive profitability.
1. Consumer Demand for Values-Driven Brands
Modern shoppers are increasingly motivated by more than just aesthetics or price—they want to support brands that reflect their values. Numerous market research studies show that brands promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility generate stronger emotional connections with consumers. Gender-inclusive marketing resonates deeply with a broad demographic, including Gen Z and Millennials, who prioritize authenticity and ethical business practices.
By adopting unisex accessories, brands tap into a cultural zeitgeist that values equality and fluidity. This alignment fosters trust and loyalty, turning customers into long-term advocates. The result? Strengthened brand equity, increased customer loyalty, and a more robust market presence.
2. Wider Market Reach with Streamlined Offerings
From an operational standpoint, shedding rigid gendered product divisions allows brands to streamline their collections. Instead of creating separate lines for “men” and “women,” designers can focus on versatile pieces that appeal to gender identities. This consolidation reduces design duplication and production costs, leading to more efficient supply chains and less inventory waste.
Simplified product lines also mean clearer messaging and more cohesive brand identities. When customers see a seamless, inclusive range, the brand values everyone rather than catering to narrow segments. This universal approach opens doors to broader market appeal and taps into underserved demographics, including nonbinary and gender nonconforming consumers, further expanding potential customer bases.
3. Innovation and Creative Freedom for Designers
The shift toward gender-neutral accessories isn’t just good for business—it liberates the creative process. Freed from the limitations of conventional gender norms, designers gain expansive creative liberty to explore innovative shapes, materials, and visual styles. This creative liberty often leads to fresh, innovative designs that resonate in a crowded marketplace.
Brands that embrace this flexibility are better positioned to set trends rather than follow them. By breaking down gender binaries, they foster a culture of inclusivity that attracts top talent and encourages bold experimentation—key drivers of long-term brand relevance and success.
4. Economic Efficiency and Sustainability Gains
In addition to cutting costs and expanding markets, gender-inclusive product strategies can contribute to sustainability goals. Streamlined production often means fewer wasteful overproductions tied to segmented lines, reducing excess inventory that is usually discarded.
Moreover, designing versatile, timeless accessories that transcend fleeting gendered trends encourages longer product life cycles and greater consumer investment in quality pieces. This approach aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion choices, enhancing brand reputation and reducing environmental impact.
5. Competitive Differentiation in a Crowded Market
As more brands enter inclusivity, gender-neutral accessories become a vital differentiator. Brands that authentically embed gender inclusivity into their ethos and products stand out amid a sea of generic offerings. This differentiation fosters media attention, influencer partnerships, and social buzz—valuable assets for modern marketing strategies.
Early adopters of gender-inclusive lines often become leaders in the conversation around identity and fashion, positioning themselves as forward-thinking and culturally aware. This leadership can translate into stronger brand relevance, especially among younger, socially conscious consumers who influence broader market trends.
What’s Next for Unisex Accessory Design?
Accessories are evolving into a realm of boundless fluidity, rich diversity, and bold imagination. Look forward to an uptick in partnerships between gender-neutral labels and visionary artists, musicians, and activists who champion inclusivity and inventive expression. Cutting-edge advances in sustainable fabrics and 3D printing are unlocking unprecedented opportunities for bespoke, avant-garde creations that seamlessly shift and grow with the wearer’s unique sense of self.
As digital fashion and AR filters evolve, the idea of trying on accessories without assigning them a gender becomes more intuitive. In the metaverse and beyond, identity will be increasingly defined by personal expression rather than gender conformity, pushing unisex design from niche to norm.
The Rise of Unisex Accessories and Boundless Self-Expression”
Unisex accessory brands are more than style trailblazers—they are cultural leaders rewriting what it means to be fashionable in an era of transformation. By defying gender categories and embracing design for all, these labels open a world of possibilities, proving that self-expression should have no borders.
Whether it’s a bold ring, a fluid tote, or a sleek watch, the future of accessories lies in freedom—freedom to wear what speaks to you, no matter who you are.
Fashion is no longer about fitting into a box. Thanks to these groundbreaking brands, it’s about breaking the box altogether.
