Does treating clothes as strictly “men’s” or “women’s” hold back personal style? Join Preston and Jack as they explore how open-minded shopping can offer better fits, colors, and fabrics. Watch the whole conversation below to hear exactly what they think.
Breaking Gender Labels in Classic Menswear
Inside the Discussion: Breaking Labels for Better Style
Preston and Jack recount how a pair of £7 Primark espadrilles, bought in the women’s section, became the most-worn summer shoes in Jack’s rotation. They move on to velvet slippers shared between partners and a “ladies” Cartier Tank that finally looks proportionate on a slender wrist. Each anecdote proves that good design outlives marketing labels and that cost-per-wear plummets when you’re willing to cross aisles.
Are you dressing correctly?
What You’ll Learn (and Why It Matters)
Preston and Jack reveal the marketing twists that pushed once-unisex staples into the “ladies” aisle, and how reclaiming them instantly widens your palette of colors, textures, and sizes. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a simple checklist for spotting quality, gender-neutral gems in any store, lowering cost-per-wear while projecting a confidence that outshines every label.
“Repetition legitimizes, so if you can tie it into other elements of your outfit… then people will look at you and think, ‘Oh, everything is of a piece there in that outfit.’”
Preston Schlueter, Special Contributor at Gentleman’s Gazette
Highlights from this Video
“Ultimately if it can be worn in a way that you think is stylish and is in line with those classic style principles that we all know and love, then who cares about the origin?”
See how the conversation flips the “men’s vs. women’s” debate on its head in under a minute.
“A lot of these are displayed with the pattern out because that’s where all the work’s gone; the artisans want to show all of the skill that’s gone into making this.”
Watch the artisans’ work come to life—and find out what makes a scarf collectible.
“Just an everyday knock-about watch on my wrist for less than ten dollars—I’m more than happy to slip this on and forget about it.”
Watch this quick story and rethink what makes a watch truly worth wearing.
“There’s the vanity element of sizes—it’s just to help the store clerk get you the right sort of fit.”
See the reality check that frees you from worrying about label measurements.
“Do you think then that there is maybe an unfair balance in how men and women respectively can wear clothes?”
“It’s about being willing to just put aside that attitude of self-consciousness of ‘Oh, what if somebody sees me in the ladies’ section?’ but if you’re picking up something that truly serves an outfit, then that’s really the more important point.”
Preston Schlueter, Special Contributor at Gentleman’s Gazette
What We Were Wearing
Jack channels relaxed collegiate charm with a flecked brown-tweed sport coat and a light-toned button-down. A loosely knotted silk neckerchief replaces the tie for weekend nonchalance, while Fort Belvedere’s Dark-Blue Hand-Crafted Linen Pocket Square with Navy X-Stitch Edge peeks from the breast pocket, adding a crisp shot of blue that echoes the neckwear’s pattern. Round tortoiseshell frames complete the scholarly, yet never stuffy, look.
Preston opts for mid-century Ivy-style elegance, featuring a charcoal-gray herringbone jacket, a light-blue OCBD, and a dark paisley wool tie. On his lapel, a Magenta Mini-Clove Boutonniere from Fort Belvedere supplies a discreet jolt of color that harmonizes with the tie’s burgundy notes. A folded navy pocket square and tortoiseshell glasses keep the ensemble grounded in timeless style.
Ask the Expert
How can I tell if a “women’s” item will fit me?
Ignore the label and check the measurements against pieces you already own—waist width, chest width, sleeve length, or watch lug-to-lug are far more reliable than a gender tag.
Won’t scarves or jewelry from the ladies’ section look too feminine?
Fold or drape them simply, echo one of the colors elsewhere in your outfit, and treat the piece the way you would any classic accessory; repetition of color or metal tone makes it look intentional, not costume-y.
Are women’s shoes shaped differently?
In unisex styles like espadrilles or velvet slippers, last shapes are nearly identical; just focus on length and width. For structured footwear, try it on in person or check return policies.
How do I style a silk neckerchief without looking theatrical?
Stick to restrained patterns, use a simple knot, and let just a hint peek above your collar—treat it like an ascot’s casual cousin.
Can a tailor adjust women’s garments for a male frame?
Yes. Most alterations (waist suppression, sleeve length, trouser taper) are gender-agnostic. A good tailor will follow your body, not the garment’s original tag.
Any quick tips for overcoming the mental block of crossing aisles?
Enter with a goal: color, fabric, or fit. When you’re hunting specifics—say, a 36 mm watch or a silk scarf in autumn tones—the “men’s” versus “women’s” signage fades into the background.
“Wear what you like, wear what you feel good in, wear what you feel confident in—and that confidence will project.”
Jack Collins, Senior Content Manager of Gentleman’s Gazette
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