As the cooler months roll in, many of us instinctively turn to hoodies and sweatshirts for their warmth and comfort. For the transgender community, these garments often serve an additional purpose—they provide a sense of safety, helping to cover or manage gender incongruence and dysphoria. For many, oversized hoodies can feel like armor, offering a refuge from discomfort. But beyond their utility, hoodies and sweatshirts can also be elevated into stylish, empowering fashion statements.
Fashion is deeply personal, and it’s essential to recognize that clothing doesn’t have to follow traditional gender stereotypes. Whether you want to express masculinity, femininity, or a blend of both, fashion should work for you—and you alone. Hoodies and sweatshirts can be versatile, comfortable, and stylish without compromising your sense of identity or safety.
As an older transgender woman who has recently begun her social transition, I’ve often used baggy clothes to hide my body. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, I found solace in the looser styles of the goth and grunge eras. These trends allowed me to avoid clothing that felt too revealing, which helped me manage my dysphoria before I fully understood it. Now, I still hold on to these familiar, comfortable styles, but I’m learning to style them in ways that affirm my gender while allowing me to express my personality.
Here, I’ll explore how to elevate your favorite hoodie or sweatshirt—from cozy comfort to chic statement pieces—whether you’re dressing for a casual day out, an evening event, or just for yourself.
Fashion is Fluid: Breaking Free from Gender Stereotypes
The beauty of fashion is that it allows you to express who you are, free from the constraints of traditional gender norms. For transgender individuals, fashion is not about fitting into a box labeled “masculine” or “feminine”—it’s about finding what makes you feel comfortable and authentic.
- For Transgender Women: An oversized hoodie can be just as feminine as a flowing dress, depending on how you style it. You don’t need to follow strict notions of what’s considered “feminine.” Layer your hoodie with fitted jeans or a skirt to create a look that feels both soft and stylish. Pairing it with subtle accessories, like delicate necklaces or a scarf, can help balance out the oversized silhouette.
- For Transgender Men: Oversized hoodies can help you feel comfortable while still presenting a masculine look. You don’t need to wear tight or fitted clothing to affirm your gender. Go for boxy cuts and darker colors, and add structured layers like a bomber jacket or leather coat to emphasize a more rugged, masculine appearance.
- For Non-Binary Individuals: You have the freedom to mix and match elements of masculine and feminine styles—or to blend them into something all your own. Experiment with oversized, unisex hoodies and pair them with more fitted bottoms or layered pieces that strike the right balance for your identity.
Fashion is a space for self-expression, so don’t feel pressured to conform to any stereotypes. Choose clothing that resonates with who you are, regardless of societal expectations.
Finding the Right Fit: Comfort Meets Style
When it comes to hoodies and sweatshirts, the fit is key to how you’ll feel in them. Many transgender individuals choose oversized clothing to manage dysphoria or create a sense of protection. But comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style—there are ways to combine the two so that you feel secure and stylish.
- For a Feminine Look: If you want a more feminine silhouette but still prefer oversized clothing, try pairing a loose hoodie with fitted bottoms like leggings or skinny jeans. This contrast can subtly emphasize your figure without being too revealing. You might also opt for cropped hoodies that highlight your waist while still giving you the comfort of a relaxed fit.
- For a Masculine Look: If you’re a transgender man looking to present a more masculine appearance, oversized hoodies can help downplay curves. Look for hoodies with a boxier cut and structured shoulders, which can help broaden your silhouette. Pair them with straight-leg or cargo pants for a more traditionally masculine aesthetic.
- For a Non-Binary Look: You can mix oversized and fitted pieces to create a look that feels balanced and gender-neutral. Layer a loose-fitting hoodie over a longer, more fitted top, or pair it with tapered trousers for an outfit that plays with both volume and shape.
No matter how you choose to wear your hoodie or sweatshirt, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your clothing.
Layering for Warmth, Style, and Comfort
Layering is one of the easiest ways to elevate a hoodie or sweatshirt while maintaining comfort. For many transgender individuals, layering offers the added benefit of allowing you to conceal parts of your body that cause discomfort or dysphoria while creating a stylish, well-thought-out look.
- Jackets and Coats: A hoodie layered under a leather jacket, trench coat, or denim jacket can create a chic, versatile outfit. For a more feminine look, try pairing your hoodie with a long coat or blazer, while a bomber jacket or utility coat can give off a more masculine or androgynous vibe.
- Scarves and Accessories: Accessories like scarves, hats, and bags not only enhance your look but can also help shift attention away from areas that make you feel uncomfortable. A bold scarf can add personality while drawing attention to your face, and a beanie or cap can add a casual, street-style element.
Layering allows you to stay comfortable while experimenting with different textures and styles, helping you create an outfit that reflects who you are while keeping you warm in the cooler months.
Playing with Colors and Patterns
As someone who grew up in the goth and grunge eras, I’ve always been drawn to darker colors and looser styles that helped me feel less conspicuous. However, as I’ve begun to embrace my identity more fully, I’ve also started to explore how color and pattern can help express my personality and affirm my gender.
- For Transgender Women: Don’t feel limited to traditionally feminine colors or patterns. Darker shades, bold prints, and structured cuts can still create a feminine appearance. If you’re drawn to floral patterns or pastels, go for it—but you can also mix those with more neutral or darker pieces to create a style that feels true to you.
- For Transgender Men: Dark, earthy tones like black, navy, and olive green can enhance a masculine look, but you can also experiment with bolder patterns, like camouflage or stripes. Don’t feel boxed in—your comfort and confidence come first.
- For Non-Binary Individuals: Colors and patterns can help you express your identity without adhering to any particular gender norm. Try color-blocking for a bold, modern look, or opt for neutral tones like grey, beige, and cream for a more understated, androgynous style.
Fashion is a tool for self-expression, and playing with colors and patterns allows you to create outfits that reflect your personality, regardless of societal expectations.
RELATED: Seasonal Color Palettes: Finding Your Perfect Hue
Accessorizing for a Personal Touch
Accessories can take your hoodie or sweatshirt from casual to stylish in an instant. Whether you’re looking for something more masculine, feminine, or androgynous, accessories allow you to put a personal touch on any outfit.
- For a Feminine Look: Add delicate accessories like layered necklaces, hoop earrings, or a scarf. A crossbody bag or chic tote can also give your outfit a more polished look. Pair your hoodie with heeled boots or ballet flats to enhance the feminine vibe.
- For a Masculine Look: Simple, minimalist accessories like a leather bracelet or watch can add a touch of masculinity without overpowering your outfit. A backpack or messenger bag pairs well with an oversized hoodie, and combat boots or high-tops can give you a rugged, masculine edge.
- For an Androgynous Look: Unisex accessories like beanies, chain necklaces, and gender-neutral bags can complete your outfit without leaning too heavily toward any particular gender aesthetic.
Accessories help you express your unique style while giving you the flexibility to shift your look based on your mood or the occasion.
RELATED: Accessorize with Confidence: Tips for Trans and Non-Binary Individuals
From Day to Night: Transitioning Your Look
One of the greatest things about hoodies and sweatshirts is their versatility. With a few simple tweaks, you can take your look from a casual daytime outfit to something more polished and chic for evening events.
- Daytime Look: Keep it casual and comfortable with your oversized hoodie paired with jeans or joggers and sneakers. Add minimal accessories, like a beanie or crossbody bag, for a laid-back, street-style vibe.
- Nighttime Look: To elevate your look for an evening out, swap your casual bottoms for tailored pants or a skirt. Add bold accessories like statement earrings or a structured bag. Swap out your sneakers for heeled boots or sleek loafers to instantly add sophistication. You can also layer your hoodie with a long coat or blazer to pull the look together.
The ability to shift your look from day to night allows you to express different sides of your personality and adapt to any situation without compromising comfort.
Confidence is Key: Dress for Yourself
Ultimately, the most important thing is how your clothes make you feel. For many transgender individuals, clothing is a way to navigate gender incongruence or dysphoria, but it’s also a powerful tool for self-expression. Whether you’re using fashion to blend in or stand out, the goal should always be to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.
- For Transgender Women: You don’t have to follow traditional rules of femininity. An oversized hoodie can be just as affirming as a dress or skirt—what matters is that you feel good in your clothing.
- For Transgender Men: You don’t need to wear fitted, structured clothing to present as masculine. Comfort is key, and if an oversized hoodie helps you feel more confident, that’s exactly what you should wear.
- For Non-Binary Individuals: Fashion is your space to explore and experiment. Mix masculine and feminine elements as you see fit. There are no rules here—only what makes you feel most like yourself.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, hoodies and sweatshirts are far more than just cozy loungewear. They can be styled to reflect your personality and gender identity while keeping you comfortable and confident. Whether you’re breaking free from traditional gender norms or finding a new way to express yourself, the key is to feel good in what you wear. Fashion should be an empowering tool, and with a few styling tweaks, your hoodie or sweatshirt can go from casual comfort to a chic statement that reflects your true self.
