As loungewear continues to be the foundation of modern style, it's not surprising that many of us look to sportswear brands for dictating trends and designing versatile wardrobe staples. And, this is precisely what New Balance's latest collection is all about.
While New Balance is already the authority at creating things we really want to wear (who can forget the iconic dad sneakers), the masters at elevated basics have gone and created an entirely new unisex range that not only makes us want to replace our loungewear wardrobe — a major win — but also isn't bound by traditional gender norms.
Wanting to move beyond the artificial limitations imposed by gendered clothing, New Balance's Uni-ssentials collection was designed to offer their customer an even more expansive view of versatility when it comes to both their wardrobes and their personal identity. The ultimate aim was to design a unisex range that was reimagined and modern, opening the door for authentic inclusivity.
The range is backed by New Balance Australia's brand ambassador Tash Sultana, the gender fluid multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer, engineer, CEO, Co-Founder and Director of Lonely Lands Agency and Lonely Lands Records.
Of the new collection, Tash said, "There has and always will be people like me who don't fit into the typical gender norms. We have always felt a divide in the world by not being represented and being told we either need to dress like a girl or act like a boy."
“New Balance is a brand that is taking a step into the future by supporting gender inclusivity, and I’ve been proudly wearing my Uni-ssentials apparel range and XC-72 sneakers since they launched."
Covering all bases, the collection includes everything from cotton tees to bike shorts, cropped hoodies and the most expertly cut French-terry sweatpants we've ever tried. Also launching in tandem is the new unisex XC-72 sneaker, designed in three colourways to perfectly complement every fit.
Unlike other unisex lines, which often rely on oversized silhouettes, New Balance has taken an entirely new approach to unisex sizing. Instead, each piece has been constructed using the overlapping measurements of traditional men's and women's sizing. The end result? Clothing that's effortless, versatile and wearable for all.
Keep reading below to shop our favourite pieces from the collection and check out the entire New Balance Uni-essentials range here.
Image credit: New Balance