Why Pitod is a genderless fashion brand, not a unisex one: a conversation with Pitod founder Pedro Trajano

Genderless fashion – a concept challenging traditional clothing norms – still has a long way to go. Pedro Trajano, a pioneer in this space, shares his insights about why genderless fashion is an important distinction to unisex fashion and the practicalities of genderless design…

Live Frankly: Pedro, let’s start with the fundamentals, what is genderless fashion?

Pedro Trajano:  Genderless fashion is about creating garments that anyone, regardless of their gender identity, can feel comfortable wearing. It’s a departure from the binary constraints of “men’s” and “women’s” clothing. 

Great. And how is this different from unisex fashion?

Pedro: For me, unisex fashion is designed to be suitable for both sexes. This still ascribes to two genders. But, what if you don’t conform to those binary genders, what do you do? It’s more than what your frame is, it’s about how you feel. 

Genderless fashion transcends traditional gender norms. The focus is on creating a shopping experience that someone of any gender can enjoy – they’re able to find clothes that are an expression of themselves and feel confident wearing them.

How do genderless clothing designs differ from traditional clothing designs?

Genderless fashion prioritises fit and comfort for all body types, rather than adhering to stereotypical male or female silhouettes. It’s about finding a balance — neither overly fitted nor excessively loose — to accommodate diverse body shapes without conforming to gender stereotypes.

Got it. So, when it comes to a garment like a t-shirt, can you explain how this influences the design or shape?

In the case of t-shirts, you would never find a ‘slim-fit’, for example. The design won’t be overtly ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. The length will sit somewhere below the waist, depending on the size you’re buying. The emphasis is on a generic fit that suits a variety of body types. The aim is to create a silhouette that neither accentuates masculine nor feminine features excessively, but instead offers a neutral, relaxed fit that feels comfortable and looks effortlessly stylish on anyone.

Are there differences in sizing charts for genderless clothing?

There can be. At Pitod we tend to size our garments from XXS – 5XL. We’ll provide a chart with sizes for chest, length etc so people can choose the right size for them. For us, a size label is a reference point. Someone might want a tighter or looser fit, so can size up or down according to preference. 

I have mannequins that are all different shapes. I try the designs on each mannequin to make sure they look good on every single one of them before listing anything on the site – that’s the basis of genderless fashion for me.

Pitod’s best-sellers:

T-shirt Dress

Available in black.

£55.00

Shop Now

Flamingo T-Shirt

Available in three colours.

£32.00

Shop Now

Sleeve Hoodie

Available in five colours.

£89.00

Shop Now

You use the term non-binary on your website. Is there a difference with genderless and non-binary?

Yes. You wouldn’t call someone ‘genderless’. Each human being has a gender, even if it’s a non-binary gender. So, you can be a non-binary person and buy genderless clothing.

Thanks for clarifying. You use sustainable materials and ensure ethical production of your clothes. Why is this important to you?

It’s important to me because we need a planet to live on! I would hate to think that I am part of a generation that just helped destroy the planet instead of trying to build it back to where it’s supposed to be. 

How does genderless fashion intersect with sustainability and ethical production?

For me, sustainability and ethical production are integral to the ethos of genderless fashion. I would like to think a person who is non-binary, and cares about being empowered even though they are different according to the rules of society, also cares about the rights of others and living in harmony with the natural world.

Our ethical commitments align with our values of personal expression.  Genderless fashion represents a departure from norms, offering inclusivity, authenticity, and sustainability.

What inspired you to create a genderless fashion brand?

I’ve always worked in the fashion industry. This and my personal experiences as a gay man have led me to question the status quo. There are so many structural problems in the industry, from unrealistic beauty standards that portray the fantasy of a perfect person that doesn’t exist in real-life to unsustainable practices that are consuming the planet. I felt compelled to be part of a positive change.

Thank you, Pedro, for so passionately being part of that change.

My pleasure. This is about more than about clothing — it’s about challenging norms and building a more inclusive future for all.

Pedro Trajano is the founder of Pitod, a genderless and sustainable fashion brand focused on creating inclusive, eco-friendly clothing. He started Pitod to address a growing trend in fashion that separates different concepts like sustainability and non-binary styles, aiming instead to combine these elements into one accessible brand. Pedro is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions, using ethical manufacturing practices, and creating a more inclusive environment in fashion.