2025 is indeed a year filled with internet slang and unique terms. One of the buzzwords frequently discussed is performative male. This term, which has emerged among today’s younger generation, is widely used by netizens on social media. Many are curious about what performative male actually mean. It is often interpreted as a particular mindset, especially in the realm of fashion. So, what does this term really mean? And why has it become a perspective in fashion?
Performative Male Definition
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What is a performative male? Summarized from the various sources, this term closely related to the idea of the “nice guy”. But it can also refers to a man who tries to present a more feminine side of himself. The term stands in contrast to performative masculinity, which refers to behaviors adopted by men to appear more masculine in front of others.
In a broader sense, the performative male term refers to a man who pretends to like things that are typically considered to appeal to women. A simple example would be a man who shows interest in feminism, K-pop, tote bags, books, or matcha. Things that are commonly associated with female preferences. When a man deliberately showcases these interests in public to gain female attention, he may be described as a performative male. The main goal behind this behavior is to attract women.
This kind of behavior often doesn’t reflect the person’s true personality but is instead a calculated strategy to gain attention or leave a particular impression on a targeted woman. People with performative male characteristics usually sacrifice their genuine identity in favor of crafting an image or personal brand that they believe will appeal to women.
For example, a man may suddenly claim to enjoy music or activities popular among women, even though he never showed any interest in them before. Once he succeeds in getting a woman’s attention, this type of man often begins to change gradually.
This shift can create tension in a relationship when the woman realizes that his earlier behavior was just a mask, a performance, rather than an authentic expression of who he really is.
Is it Really A New Sensation in Fashion?
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According to Cosmopolitan, the phenomenon of the performative male isn’t actually new. It’s just that the social context and how it looks have evolved with the times. In the past, the term wasn’t as popular as it is now, but the concept of men pretending to understand women’s issues or leveraging the “sensitive guy” image for personal gain has existed for a long time.
In the era of second-wave feminism (from the 1970s onward), there were men who called themselves allies of the women’s movement. But they used that stance to get close to women or avoid criticism of their own behavior. They appeared to support emancipation while still engaging in mansplaining, love bombing, or evading emotional responsibility.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, there was the rise of the “bohemian guy” or sad boys, who loved reading poetry, listening to experimental music, or portraying themselves as broken, mysterious men. Examples include male characters in movies like Reality Bites or High Fidelity. They seemed “deep” and emotional but were still manipulative.
The concept of performative masculinity stems from historical changes in fashion and social norms. John Carl Flügel’s idea of the “Great Masculine Renunciation” describes how men shifted from flamboyant dress to more modest styles, reflecting democratic values and inward-focused masculinity.
However, scholars argue this view oversimplifies history, as men have continued to engage with fashion, even in subtle or restrained ways.
Performative Male Outfit Inspirations
Although controversial, the outfits of those labeled as performative males can be interesting, vibrant, and bold. Their fashion staples are stylish and versatile, emphasizing quality, fit, and timelessness. If you want to emulate their style, here are some outfit inspirations to consider:
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Playful yet polished, this performative male look mixes a bold printed bomber with tailored trousers and polka-dot slip-ons for a quirky, confident statement.
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Soft and expressive, this feminine male look pairs sunflower-embroidered denim with mustard corduroys and painted Converse, blending whimsy with quiet confidence.
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This performative male outfit, pairs a bright striped polo with floral-painted jeans and classic Converse, blending boyish charm with artistic flair.
That was an explanation of the term performative male, which has been gaining popularity recently. So if someone asks what a performative male is, the term refers to men who display or do things typically liked by women, with the main goal of attracting their attention.
It doesn’t mean you can’t show your feminine side by wearing colorful pieces. Such as floral shirts or pastel colored jackets, when trying to elevate your fashion style. Fashion is limitless, there’s no right or wrong in fashion.
If you’re looking for any new colorful threads, discover plenty of high quality fashion items at ZALORA Malaysia.