Tomboy is a type of girl who exhibits characteristics or behaviors considered typical of a boy. Common characteristics include wearing masculine clothing and engaging in games and activities that are physical in nature and are considered in many cultures to be unfeminine or the domain of boys. This aesthetic often features feminist themes. Tomboys are free-spirited, tough, sassy, and wild. They love to do fun things and be free to live the way they like. They are also often more chill and quiet in comparison to other girls.
The tomboy concept has developed over the years, as stated in this article. Around the 1840s-1860s the tomboy concept was actually rooted in racist and misogynistic ideas. Since white people feared that their race would die out, they became concerned for the health of white women and therefore encouraged them to lead more active and typically male life styles. This was also thought to prepare them for marriage and motherhood. This later linked to third wave feminism.
Over time, Tomboys have actually been considered to be superior to so-called Girly-Girls in an attempt to “change stereotypes”. Ironically, this has created an equally harmful stereotype, saying that women can only be “cool” or “interesting” if they’re more masculine leaning in their style and lifestyle than feminine.
Of course, this is ridiculous as there is no clear divide between Tomboys or Girly-Girls. Most women embrace both, regardless of tropes and stereotypes in popular books and media. It should always be remembered that womanhood is a complex and multifaceted experience that differs from person to person.
Some tomboys identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community and are lesbian and/or queer, and tomboyism is often associated with Butch/Stud Lesbianism and rejects traditional gender norms for girls and women, who identify with a more masculine identity. However, you do not need to be LGBTQ+ to be a tomboy. Anybody of any background, lifestyle, and orientation can be a tomboy.
Contents
Fashion
Tomboy fashion consists of feminine outfits modeled after masculine fashions. Things such as:
- Oversized shirts
- Boyfriend jeans
- Distressed stuff
- Combat Boots
- Sneakers
- Dad hats
- Camo clothing
- Tie-Dye clothing
- Leather jackets
- Flannel
- Carhartt
- T-shirts with a rock or metal band's logo and name on it
- clothing torn from physical activity
Often times, however, it can be paired with more feminine fashion accessories, such as gold hoop earrings.
Stores
Contrary to popular belief, many tomboys still like shopping, albeit usually not at the same stores or types of stores as girly girls. However, there can sometimes be overlap.
- Hobby Lobby
- Michael’s
- Eddie Baeur
- Bass Pro Shops
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Hot Topic
- Spencer’s
- Spirit Halloween
- Forever 21
- Urban Outfitters
- H&M
- American Eagle
- Hollister
- Abercrombie and Fitch
- Aeropostale
- Ace Hardware
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Best Buy
Makeup/Hair
Tomboy-style makeup can be anywhere from none at all to heavy. Some makeup styles can include:
- Light eyeshadow
- Mascara
- Eyeliner
- Bronzer
- Tinted lip balm
- Filled/defined brows
Popular Tomboy hairstyles are things like messy buns, short cuts, natural, and ponytails.
Media
TV Shows
- Daria
Movies
- Bend It Like Beckham
- Foxfire
- Girlfight
- Hard Candy
- Just One of the Guys
- The Legend of Billie Jean
- Tomboy
Music
Genres popular within the aesthetic include:
- Blues rock
- Psychedelic rock
- Jazz fusion
- Southern rock
- Jam bands
- Progressive rock
- Heavy metal
- Hard rock
- Hardcore punk
- Hardcore hip hop
- Thrash metal
- Grunge
- Outlaw country
- Reggae
Activities
- Sports
- video games (especially ones in the action adventure genre)
- colors which are viewed as more "masculine" - ex. blues, greens, grays
- physical activity such as climbing or running
- hunting
- fishing
- camping
- hiking
- canoeing and kayaking
- taxidermy
- horseback racing
- collecting pocket knives
- treasure hunting
- stargazing
- yardwork
Contrary to popular belief, not all tomboys are "dumb" or "hate school." Many tomboys like academic subjects that involve action or adventure such as history, geography, geology, biology, paleontology, astronomy, anthropology, archaeology, and photography. Some of them also like action and adventure books as well as technology and engineering.
Culinary
- Granola bars
- Oatmeal
- Trail mix
- Game meat
Many tomboys also like to drink beer, whisky, or vodka but other alcohols such as wine, margaritas, and martinis are a bit too girly for them.
Resources
External links to help get a better understanding of this aesthetic.
Communities
Vendors
Gallery
