Lesbian type
Androgynous
Curated, artsy, in between, and always a little mysterious
What is a androgynous lesbian?
An androgynous lesbian is a lesbian or sapphic person whose style blends masculine and feminine cues into something in between or hard to categorize. The look is often minimal, curated and a little artsy. Androgyny is about presentation, and androgynous people can be any gender, including women and nonbinary people.
Signature traits
The androgynous look
- Oversized shirts and wide trousers
- Monochrome outfits, lots of black
- Sharp haircuts, bleached or buzzed
- Chelsea boots or chunky sneakers
- Silver jewelry and one statement piece
- Thrifted and vintage finds
Androgynous in love
Androgynous lovers often take their time. She may seem cool at first, then turn out to be playful and sentimental once she trusts you. Dates might involve a gallery, a record store, a strange little restaurant or a long walk through the city. Many androgynous people dislike rigid roles in relationships and prefer to build their own way of doing things together. Show interest in her world, her playlists and her opinions on fonts, and you will get the warmest version of her.
Where the word comes from
Androgyny has a long history in queer culture, from women in tailored suits in early 20th century cabarets to the gender bending fashion of the 1970s and 1980s. In lesbian communities, androgynous became a common way to describe people who did not fit neatly into butch or femme. Today it overlaps with fashion, art and nonbinary identity, and many sapphics use it simply to describe a style that floats somewhere in the middle.
Myths about androgynous lesbians
A big myth is that androgynous means nonbinary. Some androgynous people are nonbinary, and many are women who simply like an in between style. Another myth is that androgyny means one specific look, usually thin, white and short haired. Androgynous people come in every body, race and age. A third myth is that androgynous people are cold. The style can look aloof, but the person inside is often very warm. Do not judge a black turtleneck by its cover.
Signs you might be androgynous
- Strangers sometimes cannot tell how to gender you, and you find it kind of fun.
- You think in outfits as whole compositions, not separate pieces.
- You shop in every section of the store.
- Neither butch nor femme ever quite fit, but 'in between' does.
- Your favorite color is black, or maybe gray, or maybe one exact shade of olive.
Androgynous vs futch
A futch usually shows both femme and butch elements clearly at once. Androgynous style tends to smooth those elements into something neutral. Futch is lipstick plus flannel. Androgynous is a perfect oversized coat that does not pick a side.
Androgynous style ideas
- Wide leg trousers, a tucked white tee and a long coat.
- A crisp shirt buttoned to the top, no tie.
- A buzz cut, a bleached crop or a sharp bob.
- One interesting accessory, like a signet ring or architectural earrings.
A note on gender
Your style does not decide your gender, and your gender does not decide your style. An androgynous woman is a woman. An androgynous nonbinary lesbian is a nonbinary lesbian. If you want to explore more words, the glossary is a good place to start.
The androgynous date night
Androgynous sapphics often love dates that feel like a little discovery: a small cinema, a late night bookstore, a new exhibit or a bar with good lighting and better records. Conversation matters as much as the place.
If you are dating one, bring curiosity. Ask about the jacket, the zine on her shelf or the band on her shirt. You will get a long, delighted answer.
Androgynous people often show love through taste: a mixtape, a book with notes in the margins, or a carefully chosen gift that proves she was really listening.
Who androgynouss often click with
Are you a androgynous?
30 statements, about 3 minutes. See how much androgynous you really are, and what else is in the mix.
Take the free testAndrogynous FAQ
What does androgynous mean for a lesbian?
It describes a lesbian or sapphic person whose style mixes masculine and feminine cues into something in between. The look is often minimal and intentional. It is about presentation rather than gender identity, so an androgynous lesbian may be a woman, nonbinary or describe herself in another way entirely.
Is androgynous the same as nonbinary?
No. Androgynous is a style, while nonbinary is a gender identity. Some nonbinary people dress androgynously and some do not. Many women are androgynous in style and still identify firmly as women. The two can overlap, but one does not imply the other.
How do I dress more androgynous?
Start with neutral colors and shapes that are not strongly coded either way: straight trousers, oversized shirts, simple coats and clean boots. Then play with proportion and texture. Keep accessories minimal and choose a haircut you love. Most of all, wear what makes you feel like yourself.