Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Genderless Kei Fashion

Have you ever heard of Japanese Genderless Kei fashion? If not, listen up, ’cause it’s a fantabulous subculture. Genderless fashion is all about expressing yourself without sticking to any kinda gender rules. Now, when it comes to Japanese Genderless Kei fashion, it takes things up a notch. It’s blown up huge in Japan and it’s a rad way to explore your gender expression and sexual identity. This fashion isn’t just about clothes. It’s about breaking free from the usual norms and stereotypes. MTF, FTM, non-binary — it doesn’t matter; it’s a space where folks like us can play with our identities and just be ourselves. Trust me, diving into this style can be a game-changer for your whole look and how ya feel about yourself.

Japanese Genderless Kei: A History

Before the era of TikTok where anything can go viral overnight, there were magazines.

Japanese Genderless Kei specifically boomed with the 2015 Tokyo Girls Collection.

Some simply call it “Genderless,” and point to the beauty of androgynous aesthetics. Because why stick to one gender when you can mix it up?

Though there are female participants in this fashion movement, there are more men who practice Japanese Genderless Kei.

It was primarily pushed by:

• Old cultural beliefs about sexuality and Japanese gender roles

• Manga and anime characters (feminine men and masculine women)

• No direct relationship to one’s sexuality (most Japanese Genderless Kei enthusiasts are hetero)

Japanese Genderless Kei is so fun since it has no rules. You just literally need to look androgynous!

Japanese Genderless Kei and No Rules

When I say Japanese Genderless Kei has no rules, I really mean it. But while there are no rigid rules, there are some staples that you’ll see pop up again and again.

Think of these as your go-to tools whenever you try to be as androgynous as you can.

Here are a few must-haves that are perfect if you’re an MTF crossdresser.

Oversized clothing

Men and women are often divided based on their physical appearance.

When the onlooker can’t see your body shape, how can they assume, right?

Baggy clothes let you hide your body and fall deeper into the realms of ambiguity.

An oversized denim jacket or a baggy pair of pants effortlessly obscure the body’s shape, letting you play with silhouettes without sticking to gendered outlines.

Feminine Makeup

An MTF crossdresser should take advantage of the magic of makeup when adopting Japanese Genderless Kei.

It doesn’t have to be full-face makeup, just using one obvious feminine makeup style is enough.

• Start with a good base — think foundation and concealer to even out your skin tone.

• Experiment with eyeliner. A winged liner can really make your eyes pop, regardless of your gender. Prefer the barely-there shades, like soft browns, peach, and pastel pinks.

• Got some eyebrow gel? Use it. Bold brows are good. Thin brows are OK too. Or shave your whole brows — if you can style it, go for it!

• If you’re feeling extra, throw on some highlighter for that glow.

Makeup in Genderless Kei isn’t about “enhancing” features either. It can be a part of it, but it’s mainly more about making a statement.

Cutesy Accessories

Accessories are another key player.

You have a choice here depending on the aesthetic you’re going for, you can do the kawaii accessories of lace, pink, and frills or the badass accessories with fishnets, chunky jewelry, and studs.

Short Wigs

To achieve that androgynous appeal, go for shorter wigs.

Long, flowy wigs can also work, but only if you tie them into high ponytails or buns reminiscent of the time of the samurai lords.

The fun thing here is you can go for one wig today, and another the next day.

Footwear

Footwear is the ultimate clincher. Platforms, chunky boots, and even sneakers with a quirky design can up your game.

For MTF crossdressers, this is especially cool ’cause you can choose footwear that complements the look you’re going for, be it more fem, masc, or anything in between.

Shoes really do tie the whole outfit together, ya know?

Nail Art

As a bonus, lemme tell you why you should never underestimate the power of nail art.

Whether it’s a simple polish or more intricate designs, your nails can be another canvas for expressing your style and shaking up gender norms.

Genderless Kei Fashion and Breaking Gender Boundaries

Let’s get into the fundamentals of Japanese Genderless Kei.

Makeup and Aesthetic Choices

Japanese Genderless Kei says the obvious: Makeup is for everybody.

The trick is to blur whatever binary notion of gender there is — just do the crossover.

So, for instance, men can borrow from the kawaii aesthetic and tone it down to still dance in the middle of gender lines.

It can also be as bold as you want. Just imagine a man wearing all pink but still walking with swagger and stone-faced.

Body Image and Confidence

I know, I know, it’s not easy to just throw caution in the wind and wear whatever.

‘Cause it’s not easy to be able to love your body 100% when society always slaps you with its picture of what’s the “ideal” body.

That’s exactly what Japanese Genderless Kei assumes to battle. It focuses on loving your body just the way it is.

Tall, short, thick, thin — it doesn’t matter.

This fashion subculture embraces all body types.

It’s a space where everyone can feel good about themselves. Forget those BS “beauty standards.”

Building that confidence, tho, I won’t say it isn’t a journey.

So start with clothes that make you feel comfortable. Then slowly get out of your comfort zone.

A tip from yours truly: put on clothes you like, and don’t look in the mirror.

Maybe a glance, but don’t linger and find “flaws.” That’s just destructive behavior! Stop subscribing to society’s checklist of “beauty.”

Public Perception and Social Impact

Adopting Japanese Genderless Kei can be a bold move, especially if you’re not one to change your fashion to something so attention-grabbing.

Sometimes, people might not get it. Society’s still catching up anyway.

Expect to get a few puzzled looks. Worse, you may even get some negative comments.

But fuck it, right? You’re pushing boundaries and showing the world that gender norms are so passé.

Realize this: You’re just one of the stars in this movement’s universe.

You’re not just changing your look — you’re part of an ongoing revolution.

Every time someone sees you in your Japanese Genderless Kei attire, it makes them question the status quo and think differently about gender and sexuality.

There’s great power in that. For every hater out there, there are tons of folks who support and admire your courage.

Practical Tips for Starting Your Genderless Kei Journey

As someone who had the fashion transition from common crossdressing to genderless kei, here are some practical tips to follow.

• Don’t jump right in — prefer clothes that feel good on ya. When you’re just beginning and you force yourself, your brain will always link Japanese Genderless Kei fashion to discomfort. So don’t stress too much if ya don’t get it right the first time. Fashion is all about experimenting — have fun with it.

• Finding your perfect Genderless Kei style can be intimidating. So start small, begin with familiar styling methods you’ve done before. Like wearing XXXL sweaters and tees. Layering is another super huge in Genderless Kei.

• Get bold with your colors — Japanese Genderless Kei is NOT about blending in. Don’t be afraid to mix and match bold, vibrant colors.

• Don’t limit yourself, explore different styles within the Japanese Genderless Kei fashion world. Play with different silhouettes, textures, and patterns. Don’t be afraid to mix masculine and feminine elements together.

• Experiment with makeup and hair. Japanese Genderless Kei is not just about clothes, but also about overall style.

Where to Shop

Online stores are your best mate. Sites like YesStyle and Taobao have tons of genderless fashion pieces.

For crossdressers, you’ll want products to help you sell your feminine presentation.

Go get a pair of jiggly boobs and sexy hips. To truly embody your feminine persona, wear a pregnant belly!

You can also check out local thrift stores for some unique finds.

Grab a statement piece like a loud, polka-dotted jacket. You can also make your own by buying old clothes and maybe spray painting them.

You now have an original piece!

Outfit Ideas for Genderless Kei Fashion

This is where I share with y’all my fave Japanese Genderless Kei looks. From the subtle to the loud and bold, you’ll have an idea of what to go for!

Kawaii Soft Boi

This is hella fun ’cause ya get to rock pastel colors and look like a sweet snack.

Think oversized sweaters in baby pink or mint green — super comfy.

Pair that with some cute shorts or a pleated skirt. Yeah, why not a skirt? Gender’s just a social construct anyway.

Add stuff like chokers, cute hairpins, and fluffy socks. Throw on some glittery eyeshadow and pucker those lips with peach matte lipstick.

You’ll look so adorbs, everyone will wanna be around ya.

Ready for Business Kei

Start with polished hair, either slicked back or trimmed into a neat bob.

A fitted pink polo is your go-to top, but throw an oversized darker-shade polo over it.

Leave it open for a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe.

The pants can be baggy for that breezy, relaxed effect, like what Geto had in JJK!

High socks add a quirky touch, while Oxford shoes complete the ensemble with a dash of classical elegance.

Punk Rock Androgynous

Punk rock androgynous style is all about clashin’ and mixin’ up stuff.

You wanna be a rebel, huh? Grab a pink leather jacket, ’cause that’s a must-have.

Then, pair it with a band tee — like that old Nirvana shirt ya got stashed somewhere.

Don’t forget the ripped jeans, the more rips, the better! Top it off with some combat boots, and you’re solid.

This style says, “I don’t give a fuck,” and you truly should not!

Oh, and ya gotta accessorize. Studs, spikes, and chains — pile ’em on! Throw on some vibrant pink eyeliner, blush, and cherry-flavored gloss.