Can we please get more cool looking outfits for male characters?

[Iscah]

The issue with specifically making unisex gear and hairstyle designs is that it risks leading to most gear being designed to be either feminine or androgynous. [...] More variety in general would be neat and as part of that variety I think it's best that gender locks remain in place for some gear so there's stuff that can specifically be designed with the male models in mind.

“Equippable by all” doesn’t need to mean “unisex clothing”. It can mean making masculine clothes and feminine clothes and letting players equip whatever things they want.

[ErryK]

“Equippable by all” doesn’t need to mean “unisex clothing”. It can mean making masculine clothes and feminine clothes and letting players equip whatever things they want.

Unfortunately while it doesn't need to mean it, the XIV gear design team refuses to build around male bodies as the male bunny outfit is the best example about how androgynous/feminine clothing will be prevalent.

Another good example is the chest gap on the Hellfire Striking/Fending set, clearly that was designed for a more feminine chest, but it worked well for male Roegadyn and Highlanders.

The design devs think it's icky to accentuate and build around male features/bodies but approve risqué gear for females. What's hilarious is that it's sexism, females are 'normal' to have the opportunity to look like harlots, but males? Nope, no such thing as a male getting dressed in risqué gear. I doubt it's JP culture either considering JP servers asked about it in the recent visit Yoshi did.

[BillyKaplan]

I doubt it's JP culture either considering JP servers asked about it in the recent visit Yoshi did.

Individuals within society asking for a thing does not mean it adheres to society's norms. It's a culture that's very old fashioned despite it all, very sexist, and highly homophobic and transphobic. I can easily see why a male developer hailing from that society would feel uncomfortable dressing up male charas in outfits considered 'sexy', as unprofessional as it is.

[Hestzhyen]

Individuals within society asking for a thing does not mean it adheres to society's norms. It's a culture that's very old fashioned despite it all, very sexist, and highly homophobic and transphobic. I can easily see why a male developer hailing from that society would feel uncomfortable dressing up male charas in outfits considered 'sexy', as unprofessional as it is.

As far as I know, Japan has a "don't ask, don't tell" approach to gay/trans rights- do your thing, but keep it out of sight. And don't expect special treatment or acceptance by the majority (basically, stay closeted unless you know for a fact you can be yourself in present company). It's not any better than the aggressive gay bashing we're used to, but considering that there's a huge emphasis on cuteness over there compared to Western cultures (yes guys can be included in that too, especially for media marketed to women), it's a bit strange that we're stuck with what we've got. The Japanese are well aware that men can wear more than pants and long shirts/armour. We can only speculate as to the "why" since SE's not going to share their internal design guidelines with us but there's no harm in people adding their voice in asking for change. Maybe SE will reconsider some of their principles if we raise a big enough stink about it. And kindly tell their devs to get over it for an outfit or two. :P

[Ayer2015]

Individuals within society asking for a thing does not mean it adheres to society's norms. It's a culture that's very old fashioned despite it all, very sexist, and highly homophobic and transphobic. I can easily see why a male developer hailing from that society would feel uncomfortable dressing up male charas in outfits considered 'sexy', as unprofessional as it is.

Which becomes problematic when you market your product to a global audience.

[Alleo]

Which becomes problematic when you market your product to a global audience.

Especially when NA alone is now bigger than JP so maybe they should start thinking a bit more globally.

[ErryK]

Aion Armor concepts:

The Aion gear is all I'd love to see for male armor in this game. It's masculine, it's cool, it's stylish. I'm hoping one day male gear will look like this, rather than what we're getting right now.

Individuals within society asking for a thing does not mean it adheres to society's norms. It's a culture that's very old fashioned despite it all, very sexist, and highly homophobic and transphobic. I can easily see why a male developer hailing from that society would feel uncomfortable dressing up male charas in outfits considered 'sexy', as unprofessional as it is.

Then maybe the culture is the problem... perhaps they can look into replacing the individuals who refuse to change for their consumers, rather than saying "deal with it" to the person paying them for a service. But I would assume in this day and age, people would be a little bit open to the idea.

Which becomes problematic when you market your product to a global audience.

This, basically.