A man written by a woman is the internet’s favourite archetype. Thoughtful. Well-dressed. Emotionally fluent. Whether that’s true is up for debate, but one thing feels increasingly undeniable: some of the most exciting menswear right now is being imagined by women.
For years, fashion has treated womenswear as the main event. The It bags, cult shoes, viral runway moments and endless trend reports have all revolved around women’s wardrobes, while menswear has largely stayed in its comfort zone of impeccable tailoring, neutral palettes and subtle seasonal updates. That’s finally beginning to shift, and many of the designers leading the change are women.
Untethered from traditional ideas of masculinity, these founders are shaping wardrobes for a generation that’s curious, style-conscious and unafraid to challenge convention. Ahead, meet the women-owned brands rewriting what men wear, one impeccably cut piece at a time.
RAFU’D
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Founded by Shaishavi Mehta in 2022, RAFU’D is proving that menswear can be as expressive as it is wearable. Rooted in Indian folklore, mythology and textile traditions, the label transforms cultural narratives into contemporary pieces through hand-drawn prints, vibrant colours and artisanal craftsmanship. “Rather than simply drawing inspiration from an art form or myth, we build entire worlds around them,” says Mehta, whose collections blur the line between fashion and storytelling.
As a woman designing for men, she approaches the category without preconceived notions of masculinity, instead prioritising individuality and emotion. “Great design isn’t really about gender, it’s about emotion, self-expression and connection,” she says, a philosophy that has resonated with customers, with men making up nearly 70 per cent of the brand’s clientele.
Lovebirds
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Co-founded by Amrita Khanna in 2015, Lovebirds was born from her lifelong affinity for masculine dressing. Her love for strong shoulders, crisp collars, and impeccable tailoring continues to shape the label’s menswear, resulting in pieces that feel both architectural and effortlessly wearable. More than just a fashion brand, Lovebirds has evolved into a multidisciplinary design studio, creating a distinct design universe through thoughtful proportions, material exploration, and community-driven collaborations.
As Khanna explains, she’s “less interested in traditional masculinity and more interested in creating versatile pieces people can make their own.” That philosophy reflects her belief that the future of menswear isn’t about rigid definitions but greater freedom. “Designing menswear isn’t about redefining masculinity; it’s about expanding the possibilities of self-expression.”
EKÁ
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Emerging from a deep engagement with textiles, craft communities and a desire to create a different fashion language, EKÁ was founded by Rina Singh in 2011. After years of working alongside artisan communities across India, Singh built the label around the belief that craft isn’t simply a decorative detail but the very foundation of design. Long before slow fashion became an industry buzzword, EKÁ was championing handwoven textiles, block prints and thoughtful craftsmanship, creating clothes that transcend seasons rather than chase them.
That same philosophy extends to its menswear, where relaxed silhouettes, understated tailoring and exceptional fabrics encourage men to express their individuality with ease instead of following trends. As Singh explains, the focus is on “ease, functionality and exceptional textiles,” designing pieces that seamlessly fit into everyday life while carrying a quiet richness that is “felt rather than declared.”
Taarini Anand
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Drawing from India’s vast artistic legacy, Taarini Anand launched her namesake label in 2025 with the belief that Indian art deserves a place in everyday wardrobes, not just gallery walls. Each collection begins with a cultural reference, whether it’s a poem, painting or craft tradition, translating it into artisanal ready-to-wear that feels contemporary and effortlessly wearable.
The brand’s experimental spirit extends to its craftsmanship, incorporating unexpected materials like ceramics alongside hand-knitted textiles that blur the line between art and fashion. Rather than designing through the lens of gender, Anand begins with curiosity, allowing colour, proportion and silhouette to evolve organically across menswear and womenswear. “I’m less interested in who the clothes are meant for and more interested in whether someone puts them on and feels like a more interesting version of themselves,” she says, a philosophy that perfectly captures the label’s fresh approach to modern dressing.
Ahluwalia
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Few labels fuse personal identity and craftsmanship as seamlessly as Priya Ahluwalia’s namesake brand. Drawing from her dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London upbringing, Ahluwalia creates menswear that feels deeply rooted in culture while remaining unmistakably contemporary. At its core is a commitment to giving vintage and surplus textiles a second life through intricate patchwork and textile techniques, making many pieces entirely one of a kind.
Inspired by art, music and literature, the label extends beyond clothing through books, films and creative collaborations, positioning menswear as a vehicle for storytelling as much as style. The result is a wardrobe that feels thoughtful, culturally rich and distinctly modern.
NorBlack NorWhite
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Born from a journey back to their roots, NorBlack NorWhite was founded in 2010 by Toronto-born duo Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar. What began as an exploration of India’s craft traditions has grown into one of the country’s most recognisable cultural platforms, celebrated for reimagining heritage textiles like Bandhani through bold, contemporary design.
Working closely with artisan communities, the label champions craftsmanship while constantly pushing it into fresh territory, proving that tradition and experimentation can coexist. Beyond clothing, NorBlack NorWhite’s vibrant universe spans creative collaborations with global brands, musicians and cultural institutions, all while amplifying women and independent voices. At its heart, the label is driven by a simple philosophy: respect the past, question the present and create for the future.
Perona
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Backed by a family legacy of leather craftsmanship dating back to 1993, Perona blends artisanal expertise with a clean, contemporary design language. Co-founder and designer Shruti Mangla envisioned the homegrown label as a reflection of modern minimalism, where timeless silhouettes meet meticulous craftsmanship.
From responsibly sourced premium leather to precision-led manufacturing, every piece is designed with longevity in mind, balancing function with understated elegance. Sustainability sits at the heart of the brand, alongside a commitment to empowering its artisan community through initiatives like Project Samarth, which supports the education of workers’ children. Guided by the belief that its creations are “not a product, but a personality,” Perona crafts elevated everyday essentials that are made to be lived in for years to come.
