Masculinity once came in hard edges – stiff collars, oversized watches, gym shoulders, and a no-feelings policy. Today, in cafés, offices, concerts, even weddings, men are softening. The soft man aesthetic celebrates gentleness, emotional openness, and expressive style: pastels, breezy linens, crochet knits, pearls, tote bags, and skincare without irony. It’s not just fashion-it’s a mindset. Less performing masculinity, more living it.
Dr Chandni Tugnait, MD (AM), psychotherapist, coach & healer, says, “Culturally, this marks the rise of ‘integrated masculinity’, where strength and softness coexist. Men are learning to protect without dominating, to lead without silencing, and to feel without fracturing. The result is deeper friendships, more conscious relationships, and a quiet rewriting of what it means to be a man — a responsive, reflective, and real masculinity that doesn’t need to prove itself.
Soft man starter pack
- Pastel-coloured linen shirts
- Light-knit or crochet vests
- A good tote (canvas or jute works)
- A basic skincare routine: cleanser + moisturiser + SPF
- Saying “I felt…” instead of “It’s fine”
Why this shift now?
A blend of global cultural influences – K-dramas, Gen-Z fashion, digital creator culture – plus the pandemic’s emotional reckoning.
When the world paused, many reconsidered: Who am I performing for? The answer seems to be: no one. This is men returning to themselves.
‘Being a man no longer means being rough’
“Men today have begun to truly accept themselves. Being a man no longer means being rough, dark, or mysterious. This generation is softer, more romantic, and open-hearted, and that shift is reflected beautifully in fashion. Pastels and softer tones feel light and calming, especially in a country like India. Not every man has to be macho; most are simply living honest, everyday lives, and that authenticity is what makes modern men so aesthetic,” says Hitendra Kapopara, a stylist.
‘Vulnerability isn’t weakness’
“For the first time in generations, masculinity is allowed to exhale. Rigid definitions tied to stoicism, self-reliance, and emotional suppression are giving way to something more human. Today’s men are learning that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it lets them express what earlier generations were taught to bury. Phrases like “I need help” or “Can we work this out?” are replacing competitive language. This softer masculinity doesn’t undo strength; it broadens it. Emotional transparency, compassion, and self-reflection no longer diminish identity, quietly reshaping friendships and romantic relationships,” adds
Dr Chandni Tugnait.
The articles, news features, interviews, quotes, and media content displayed on this page are the property of their respective publishers and media houses. All such materials have been sourced from publicly available online platforms where our name, views, or contributions have been referenced, quoted, or featured.
Gateway of Healing / Dr. Chandni Tugnait / Others (as applicable) does not claim ownership over any external media content reproduced or linked here. The purpose of displaying these articles is solely for informational use, record-keeping, and to acknowledge media mentions related to our work.
Full credit for authorship, editorial content, and intellectual property rights belongs to the original publishers, journalists, and media organizations.
If any publisher or rights holder wishes to request modification, updated attribution, or removal of any content featured on this website, they may contact us at
info@gatewayofhealing.com,
and we will take appropriate action promptly.
Read the Article on Author's webpage - CLICK HERE
