Unisex Designing is a unique and emerging field in the creative industry that focuses on designing products, apparel, and accessories that can be used or worn by all genders. Unlike traditional fashion, which often categorizes clothing and accessories as male or female, unisex design emphasizes inclusivity, comfort, and versatility. This field has gained prominence in recent years due to the shift in consumer preferences toward gender-neutral fashion, sustainable design, and minimalistic lifestyles.
The scope of unisex designing extends beyond clothing. It encompasses accessories, footwear, home décor, lifestyle products, and even cosmetics. Designers in this domain are required to blend creativity with functionality while ensuring that the designs appeal to a broader audience without conforming to gender stereotypes. This makes unisex designing a highly innovative and socially relevant career path in India.
To pursue a career in unisex designing, candidates generally need to fulfill certain academic and creative requirements. Most institutes offering courses in this field look for candidates who have a strong interest in art, fashion, and design. The common eligibility criteria include:
Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) in any stream from a recognized board. Some institutes may prefer students with a background in art, fashion, or design, but it is not always mandatory.
Age Limit: There is usually no strict age restriction, but candidates must meet the minimum age requirement specified by the institute, often 17 or 18 years.
Portfolio/Entrance Performance: Many design institutes require candidates to submit a creative portfolio showcasing their skills and ideas. This helps evaluate the applicant’s design thinking, creativity, and originality.
Some advanced or postgraduate courses may require a bachelor’s degree in design, fine arts, or related fields along with work experience or a strong creative portfolio.
India offers several entrance exams for design courses, which can also lead to specialization in unisex designing. These exams are highly competitive and test candidates on creativity, visualization, drawing skills, and logical reasoning. The most prominent entrance exams include:
NID Entrance Exam (NID DAT): Conducted by the National Institute of Design, this exam evaluates candidates for undergraduate and postgraduate design programs. It includes a preliminary test assessing creativity and design aptitude, followed by a main test for shortlisted candidates.
NIFT Entrance Exam: The National Institute of Fashion Technology offers design courses with an option to focus on gender-neutral fashion or product design. The Creative Ability Test (CAT) and General Ability Test (GAT) are part of the selection process.
UCEED: The Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design is for candidates seeking admission in design programs at IITs and other design institutes. It tests visualization, drawing, design thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Other State or Private Institute Exams: Many state-level design colleges and private institutions also conduct entrance exams for design programs. These exams may include portfolio assessment, creative tasks, and personal interviews.
Preparing for these exams requires practice in sketching, creative problem-solving, observation skills, and understanding design concepts.
Candidates interested in unisex design can choose from a variety of programs ranging from diplomas to postgraduate degrees. Common courses include:
Bachelor of Design (B.Des): A 4-year undergraduate program that covers fashion design, product design, accessory design, and lifestyle products.
Master of Design (M.Des): A postgraduate course for advanced specialization in gender-neutral or inclusive design.
Diploma and Certificate Programs: Short-term courses focusing on specific skills such as sustainable design, textile design, and unisex fashion styling.
The curriculum typically covers design thinking, pattern making, fabric studies, accessory design, trend analysis, and digital design tools. Internships and live projects are often a crucial part of these programs, providing hands-on experience in creating unisex collections.
A career in unisex design opens doors to multiple sectors, including fashion brands, lifestyle product companies, footwear brands, and e-commerce platforms. Professionals can work as:
Unisex Fashion Designers
Product and Accessory Designers
Textile and Fabric Designers
Brand Consultants for Gender-Neutral Collections
Freelance Designers and Entrepreneurs
With the rise of gender-neutral trends, sustainable fashion, and inclusive lifestyle products, the demand for skilled unisex designers is expected to grow rapidly in India.
To excel in unisex designing, candidates need a combination of creative, technical, and analytical skills. Important skills include:
Creativity and Innovation: Ability to think beyond gender norms.
Drawing and Visualization: Effective sketching of ideas and concepts.
Knowledge of Materials and Fabrics: Understanding versatility and functionality.
Digital Design Skills: Proficiency in software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD tools.
Trend Awareness: Ability to anticipate market trends and consumer preferences.
Unisex designing is not just a career but a movement toward inclusivity and creative expression. For students passionate about designing for all genders, this field offers immense scope to innovate, influence trends, and shape the future of fashion and lifestyle in India.
