Throughout different periods in Western history, men and women have both embraced what today is considered to be androgynous fashion. Prior to the Industrial Revolution and before the decline of the aristocracy in the late 18th century, aristocratic men indulged in cosmetics, preferred perfectly coifed hair and powdered wigs, and adorned themselves in lace, velvets
Androgyny Definition The term androgyny is derived from the Greek andro (man) and gyne (woman). The popular conception of androgyny is a blend of male and female characteristics or a person who is neither male nor female. Psychological androgyny refers to men and women who exhibit both masculine and feminine attributes. Androgyny Background and History
Feminine traits, those characteristically associated with women, include helpfulness to others, gentleness, warmth, and emotionality. Masculine traits, stereotypically associated with men, include assertiveness, self-reliance, achievement orientation, and independence. Traditionally, psychologists viewed femininity and masculinity as opposite roles of a single bipolar continuum: the more feminine a person was, the less masculine that person could be.