Companies have been making efforts for years to create products that cater to both genders equally.
Despite these efforts, there is still a lack of gender-neutral products available in the market today. This is mainly because it requires extensive research and planning to design products that suit the needs of people from different genders.
When creating clothing lines, companies need to consider body types, sizes, shapes, and colors that appeal to all genders. In this article, I will discuss what companies can do to develop gender-neutral products.
Gender-neutral product development process
The first thing companies should do when developing gender-neutral products is to identify their target audience. They should understand who they are trying to sell to and what their customers want. To achieve this, businesses can conduct surveys and interviews with potential buyers to gain insight into their preferences. Once companies know their customers' tastes and preferences, they can start developing products that meet those needs.
Another critical aspect of developing gender-neutral products is understanding the difference between sex and gender. While sex refers to biological differences such as male or female, gender refers to societal expectations of how men and women should behave. Companies should keep this in mind while developing products since society has different norms for men and women regarding fashion, beauty, and grooming products. As such, companies should ensure that their products do not reinforce stereotypes but promote self-expression and individuality.
Companies must use inclusive language and imagery when advertising their products.
Instead of using pronouns like he/she/his/her, they should use neutral terms like they/them/their. This helps create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of their gender identity. Similarly, companies should avoid using images of models based on traditional gender roles, such as a man cooking dinner or a woman doing household chores. These messages can be harmful to individuals who don't fit into these molds.
Material selection
Material selection is another crucial factor when designing gender-neutral products. Companies should select materials that appeal to all genders without alienating anyone.
Companies can use neutral colors like black, white, gray, brown, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple, and turquoise. They should also avoid patterns that are traditionally associated with one gender or another, such as floral prints for women or geometric shapes for men. Instead, they can use abstract designs that appeal to both genders equally.
When selecting fabrics, companies should consider factors such as comfort, durability, and ease of maintenance. They should choose materials that feel good against the skin and don't require too much upkeep.
Cotton is a versatile fabric that fits well in many situations while still being comfortable and easy to care for. Other options include linen, denim, canvas, silk, velvet, and leather.
Companies should also consider sustainable materials when developing their products. Sustainable materials are those that do not harm the environment during production or disposal. Companies can source organic cotton, recycled polyester, hemp, bamboo, jute, and other natural fibers. Using sustainable materials helps reduce waste and supports eco-friendly practices.
Design elements
Design elements play an essential role in making products appealing to both genders. Companies should ensure that their products have universal features that don't favor any particular gender. This means using simple lines, clean cuts, and minimalistic design. They should avoid overly feminine or masculine details like ruffles, lace, frills, or sharp edges. Neutral colors are also important since they don't convey a specific message about gender.
Companies must ensure that their products are practical and functional. The product's design should be user-friendly, with no hidden compartments or unnecessary features. It should also fit various body types without feeling restrictive or uncomfortable. A good example is jeans designed to fit all sizes and shapes equally. Another excellent example is sportswear that doesn't specify whether it's for men or women but focuses on functionality and performance.
Promotion and marketing
Promoting and marketing gender-neutral products require a different approach from traditional marketing methods. Instead of targeting one gender, companies should use gender-neutral language and imagery when advertising their products. They can showcase people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and abilities using the product. Companies should also emphasize the versatility of their products rather than focusing on how they look.
If a company makes a shirt
What can companies do to create gender-neutral products?
Companies must take a proactive approach to creating gender-neutral products by conducting market research on product design, branding, packaging, advertising, and customer service to better understand and meet their customers' needs and preferences. They should involve various stakeholders, including employees from different departments and backgrounds, when developing new products or services. Additionally, companies can promote inclusivity through communication channels such as social media, websites, and store displays that showcase diverse people using their products.