Our Design & Fit
Account
If you’ve been using “masc” and “androgynous” interchangeably when talking about style, you’re not alone – but they’re actually different aesthetics. Your personal style might shift between the two depending on your mood, the occasion, or whatever feels right for you that day.
That’s why we’ve written this guide to help you understand masc fashion: what it is, how it differs from androgynous style, and how you can use the concept to build your dream wardrobe.
Whether you’re exploring masculine-leaning looks for the first time or looking to up your game, here’s the complete guide to masc fashion.
Masc vs. Androgynous Fashion: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between masc and androgynous fashion will allow you to develop your personal style. Let’s break down what sets them apart.
What Is Masc Fashion?
If masc is a new term to you, don’t worry — the concept isn’t. You’ve likely heard it described as tomboy, butch, or simply masculine style.
Masc fashion draws from traditional menswear. Think structured blazers, straight-leg dress pants, button-down shirts, and clean silhouettes that create long, uninterrupted lines rather than emphasizing or creating curves.
Common elements include looser fits and tailored pieces like suits and vests. When it comes to accessories, you might reach for bow ties, pocket squares, leather belts, simple jewelry, and other items that don’t feel distinctly feminine or “femme.” The overall effect is crisp and recognizably masculine, no matter who’s wearing it.
What Is Androgynous Fashion?
Androgynous style blends or transcends traditional masculine and feminine elements, and doesn’t lean strongly one way or the other. This aesthetic might pair elements like suspenders with a feminine blouse or crop top, or a menswear-style wristwatch with dainty pearl earrings.
If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry — we promise you’ve seen androgynous fashion in action before! Think:
- Billy Porter’s iconic tux jacket and skirt combo
- Julie Andrews in “Victor/Victoria”
- Janelle Monáe in a suit and pompadour
In other words, it’s about combining or playing with masculine and feminine elements in one outfit. Experimenting with these aesthetics can create looks that are not only layered, but also interesting and fun to wear.
Check Out: Androgynous Outfit Ideas for Styling Menswear
Who Can Wear Masc Fashion?
Androgynous fashion pulls from both sides of the gender spectrum, often embracing elements of both. By contrast, masc fashion is more strict about how it borrows from traditional “men’s” clothing and accessories.
So, who can wear masc styles?
The short answer: Anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, can wear masc fashion.
Fashion doesn’t define your gender, just your look. Nonbinary, cis, transmasc, and transfemme folks can all dress masc. For some people, embracing “masc fashion” is a way to express anything from queerness to masculinity to gender-nonconforming identities.
When it comes to queer fashion, it’s all about the look and what you personally find beautiful, handsome, or cute.
Masc Fashion 101: How to Build Your Wardrobe
The secret to creating a stylish masc wardrobe isn’t having everything, it’s finding the right basics so you can mix, match, and multiply your options.
Creating an Outfit
Building a masc wardrobe works best when you think in terms of categories rather than individual pieces. Here’s how to get started.
- Begin with basics: Well-fitting chinos or dress pants, a few quality button-downs, and one versatile blazer. These are the backbone of almost every masc outfit and can be mixed and matched endlessly.
- Add layers: Start with a cardigan or sweater and add a vest for instant polish. Layering creates visual intrigue and lets you adapt the same base outfit for different seasons and occasions.
- Mix it up: Polos for casual days, shorts for warm weather, a good belt. These pieces fill in the gaps, giving you options for relaxed occasions and climate variations.
- Finish with details: Ties, pocket squares, and quality accessories. These finishing touches let you express personality and elevate any outfit from basic to intentional.
Start with one solid article of clothing from each category, then build out from there. Keep your color choices simple to increase your ability to mix and match.
Fit Guidance
Creating your ideal masc silhouette is all about knowing what to look for and when to make adjustments.
When evaluating how well something fits your body, check the following:
- Shoulders: The garment should sit at your natural shoulder point.
- Chest and torso: Fabric should lie smooth without pulling or gaping.
- Sleeves: Should end at your wrist bone for dress shirts, and slightly shorter for casual shirts and blazers.
- Waist: Pants should sit comfortably at your preferred waistline without bunching. Shirts should have enough room to move without looking too baggy.
- Collar: Should lie flat against your neck without gaping or feeling restrictive.
- Pants: Should have clean lines with no pooling at your ankles or bunching at the seams.
Shoulders and chest are difficult to alter, so focus on getting them right from the beginning. Sleeves, hem length, and waist can usually be adjusted by a tailor at an affordable price.
Outfit Formulas and Styling Tips
Once you have some go-to outfit combinations in your closet, it will take the guesswork out of getting dressed, whether you’re going to work or a night out on the town.
Use the below style formulas as guidance for what’s appropriate to wear – but with plenty of room to express your unique style.
Nine to Five
Dress pants + button-down + blazer + dress shoes
Dress pants create clean lines, and a button-down offers versatility for layering. Adding a blazer instantly elevates the formality, and don’t forget your dress shoes for a flawless, workplace-appropriate ensemble.
Casual Day
Chinos + polo + high-top sneakers + belt
The chinos give you structure without the formality of dress pants, while the polo adds a collar for polish but keeps things relaxed. High-top sneakers provide comfort, while the belt pulls everything together.
Weekend Outing
Linen shorts + camp shirt + casual shoes + sunglasses
Linen shorts provide movement and breathability, the camp shirt is relaxed but with the structured detail of a collar, and casual shoes provide maximum comfort for walking. Finish it off with your favorite pair of sunglasses for functionality and a touch of effortless cool.
Date Night
Dress pants + sweater or cardigan + loafers + watch
Dress pants are fancier than casual chinos, while knitwear (like a sweater or cardigan) offers sophistication while being softer and more approachable than a blazer. Loafers strike the right balance between refined and relaxed, and a wristwatch shows attention to style.
Next, we’ll show you some of our favorite pieces you can wear when putting together some of these looks.
Essential Masc Fashion to Help You Get Started
Now that you understand the basics of masc fashion, let’s talk specifics. Here are some standout pieces that make incredible outfits.
Double Jersey Camp Shirt
Breezy, effortless, and sharp. This camp shirt is made for warm days and easy nights with its short sleeves, relaxed fit, and spread collar. The soft double jersey fabric gives it structure without stiffness. Toss it on with jeans or shorts for a clean, put-together summer outfit that works every day of the week.
Johnny Collar Polo
A fresh twist on the classic polo. This lightweight knit has a relaxed fit, textured stitch, and that iconic Johnny collar for just the right amount of retro edge. Wear it solo with dress pants for a crisp daytime look or slip it under a blazer when the sun goes down.
Blue Stone Cardigan
A classic made modern. Knit from 100% cotton, this cardigan features a timeless herringbone pattern on the body, framed by solid-color long sleeves for contrast. The V-neck silhouette makes it easy to layer — buttoned up with dress pants for a sharper look, or open over a t-shirt for effortless style.
The Georgie Vest
A single layer that changes everything. Throw the Georgie Vest over a tee or button-down and instantly sharpen your look. Clean lines, masc energy, and a timeless vibe — this is the piece every closet should have on standby.
The Quinn Chinos
Classic tailoring meets everyday ease. With a tapered fit, versatile colors, and just a hint of stretch, the Quinn Chino is built to take you from 9-to-5 to whatever’s after — always sharp, never stiff.
The Parker Chino Shorts
Tailored yet relaxed, these chino shorts hit mid-thigh for a modern fit that feels fresh without trying too hard. Pair them with a tee and sneakers for everyday wear, or add a button-up or sweater when the breeze picks up.
Finch Suit Blazer
Limited-run, capsule suiting with character. The Finch Collection brings together textured fabrics — recycled blends, linens, and wool mixes — in separates designed to mix, match, and show off your unique style.
Reversible Leather Belt
Two belts in one, and both are timeless. Smooth black on one side, classic brown on the other, with a zinc buckle to tie it all together. This is the belt you’ll reach for every day: sharp enough for work and casual enough for weekends.
Final Style Tips
There are several ways to present more masc, and suits are just one of many options. Stick to these style tips to create the look you want:
- Honor your personal style: Choose silhouettes that feel like you. If you like streetwear, think jogger pants with well-cut hoodies or streamlined sweaters mixed with high top sneakers. Prefer a more polished vibe? Go for straight-leg dress pants and a perfectly tailored blazer, sharp-collared button-downs, and thoughtful details like ties and pocket squares.
- Consider the fit: If you were assigned female at birth (AFAB), look for pieces designed for your body type that skip feminine details like curved seams and darts. This gives you the masc silhouette you want without compromising fit.
- Embrace flexibility: You don’t have to commit to a look full time or make it your lifestyle. You can wear a skirt one day and a suit the next. Your style aesthetic might change year to year or day to day, depending on your mood and the occasion.
We’re always sharing our latest style tips and obsessions on our socials @kirrinfinch, so follow us for outfit inspo from other stylish members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Embracing Masc Fashion on Your Terms
At Kirrin Finch, we believe style is a creative expression. We invite you to explore style as an artistic experiment, a way to communicate something about yourself to the world on a particular day. You do you — and we’ll help you make it happen.
Shop our full line of masc and androgynous clothing to find your look today.
