In recent times, a new phenomenon has emerged among men who are redefining masculinity through fashion and online presence. Dubbed the “performative male,” they curate a persona that showcases their supposed feminist values, high-brow tastes, and emotional sensitivity.
Characteristics of the performative male include carrying tampons for women’s needs, wearing baggy trousers with Japanese selvedge denim, Vivienne Westwood necklaces, and tote bags with feminist slogans. They often pretend to be fans of artists like Sally Rooney, Joni Mitchell, and Angela Davis, despite having little knowledge of their work.
TikTok has become a platform for women to mock and critique these men, labeling them as “performative males.” Content creators are using humor to skewer the archetype, with some even creating videos showcasing what it’s like to date a performative male.
While some see the performative male as a positive attempt to redefine masculinity, others view it as a form of performative theatre. Dr. Ashley Morgan, a masculinities expert, notes that this new era of masculinity is more inclusive, but also problematic when men use these aesthetics for ulterior motives – to attract women.
The rise of the performative male has been linked to the softboi archetype from the late 2010s and the manosphere. While both share similarities in their emphasis on emotional sensitivity, the performative male goes further by performing a range of theatrically framed traits, including toughness and incompetence.
As traditional masculinity is under threat, men are seeking new ways to inhabit masculinity. The performative male offers a way to experiment with public performances that showcase their supposed enlightenment. However, this raises concerns about the true intentions behind these performances.
Experts argue that the perceived end goal of many performative males is to woo women who will be attracted by their feminist theatrics. Dr. J’Nae Phillips notes that this phenomenon shares similarities with the trad wife movement, which re-stages femininity in a hyper-stylised way.
Ultimately, the rise of the performative male raises questions about the nature of masculinity and performance. While some find it humorous or endearing, others view it as a form of shallow posturing.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2025/aug/22/labubus-bell-jar-tampons-performative-male-attracts-attention