Why I’m Moving Away from the Term "Gender-Neutral" for My Kids' Clothing

Why I’m Moving Away from the Term "Gender-Neutral" for My Kids' Clothing

For years, at Kid's Stuff [Trucs d’enfants], I’ve described my designs as gender-neutral kids' clothing. It was my way of saying: “No stereotypes here. No boxes. Just clothes that kids can wear freely, no matter their gender.”

But, I’ve been questioning whether that term really fits what I do.

Is "gender-neutral" the right word?

When I create a lilac turtleneck, or a bright pink t-shirt — am I really making "gender-neutral" clothing? Or am I simply making colorful, joyful, comfortable pieces that kids can move in, play in, and love — no matter how they identify?

Because let’s be honest: no one is shocked to see a little girl in blue or camo.
But a boy in pink? That still gets comments.

And that’s exactly why I’ll keep including those so-called “feminine” colors in my collections — and why I’ll keep showing them on boys, too.

Why I’m ready for a new word

The term "gender-neutral" often brings to mind something kind of... neutral. As if everything has to be gray or beige to be acceptable to all.

But that’s not what I do.

I create clothing for kids that’s full of personality, color, and expression. I want them to feel free — not neutralized.

So I looked for a word that better reflects that spirit.

And here’s what I landed on:

✨ Libre-genre

It’s a French-made-up word (I’m from Montréal after all), but it holds a powerful meaning:
It doesn’t erase gender — it opens it up. It unties it from the stereotypes. It liberates it.

Libre-genre clothing is about freedom. To be yourself. To love color. To express your mood, your style, your imagination — without being told “this is for girls” or “that’s for boys.”

That’s what true freedom looks like to me. And that’s what I want to pass on to the kids who wear Kid's Stuff [Trucs d'enfants].

What do you think?

Does libre-genre speak to you? Do you use other words to describe inclusive or stereotype-free clothing for kids?

I’d love to hear from you — whether you’re a parent, educator, fashion lover, or someone who just cares about raising confident, free-minded kids.

This brand is not just mine — it’s something I build with you.

Let’s rethink children’s fashion, one outfit at a time 💛