How to be a femboy

In recent years, the term femboy has been appearing everywhere from TikTok trends to online communities to fashion discussions. While the word might sound new to some, the idea of men or boys embracing femininity in their expression is nothing new. Cultures around the world have long celebrated soft masculinity, cross-dressing, and gender bending aesthetics.

But in today’s world, “femboy” has become its own identity and style. Being a femboy isn’t about being transgender (though some trans people identify with femboy aesthetics), nor is it necessarily about sexuality. At its heart, being a femboy is about embracing femininity in your own way while still identifying as male.

If you’ve ever been curious about how to look, act, or feel like a femboy, this guide is for you. I’m going to walk you through the mindset, style, fashion, grooming, and lifestyle elements that can help you embrace the femboy identity with confidence.

This isn’t about rules it’s about freedom. So take what feels right for you and leave the rest behind.

What Exactly is a Femboy?

Before we dive into how to become one, let’s clear up the definition.

A femboy is typically someone who identifies as male but chooses to express themselves in a feminine way through clothing, behavior, grooming, or overall aesthetic. Think of it as blending the softness and playfulness of femininity with the core identity of still being male.

Some common traits you’ll see in femboys:

• Wearing skirts, crop tops, or other “traditionally feminine” clothes.
• Liking makeup, painted nails, and styled hair.
• A playful, cute, or gentle way of presenting themselves.
• Confidence in mixing gender norms without caring about strict rules.

The beauty of being a femboy is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You could be a jeans-and-hoodie guy most days and pull out the thigh-high socks on weekends. Or you could live the femboy aesthetic daily. It’s your call.

Step 1: Shift Your Mindset

Being a femboy starts in the mind, not in the closet.

If you’ve grown up in a society where masculinity is treated like a rulebook, you probably feel nervous about breaking out of it. You may hear voices in your head saying things like “men don’t wear skirts” or “makeup is for women.”

Here’s the truth: clothes don’t have gender, people do. Fabric doesn’t know if it was stitched for a man or a woman. Styles are just cultural agreements. And if cultures can change, so can you.

• Start small by questioning those old beliefs. Ask yourself:
• Do I like this style because I like it, or because society told me to?
• What’s stopping me from trying on a skirt or painting my nails?
• Am I living authentically, or am I just trying to “fit in”?

Confidence comes from self-acceptance. Before you even pick out your first femboy outfit, remind yourself that you have the right to explore your own expression.

Step 2: Grooming and Self-Care

One of the trademarks of the femboy look is clean, soft, and well-maintained grooming. You don’t need to look like an Instagram model, but taking care of yourself goes a long way.

Here are some basics:

Skin Care

Healthy, glowing skin makes any look pop. Start with a simple skincare routine:

Cleanse daily (morning and night).

Moisturize to keep your skin soft.

Use sunscreen it prevents wrinkles and keeps your skin even-toned.

You don’t need expensive products; consistency is more important.

Hair Care

Femboys often experiment with hairstyles: long, wavy locks, cute bobs, or even well-styled short cuts. Try something softer than the typical “buzz cut” associated with traditional masculinity. Consider dyeing your hair pastel pink, silver, or blonde if you’re adventurous.

Body Hair

This part is personal. Many femboys shave or wax their legs, arms, and chest for a smoother, more feminine vibe. Others prefer to keep some body hair while still embracing the fashion. Do what makes you comfortable.

Nails

Painted nails instantly give off femboy energy. Start with basic colors like black or white if you’re shy. Move on to pinks, pastels, or glitter when you’re ready.

Step 3: Master the Femboy Wardrobe

Now comes the fun part: clothes! Fashion is the playground where femboys thrive.

Here are some staples to consider:

Tops

Crop tops: These are iconic in femboy culture. They highlight your waist and give a playful look.

Oversized sweaters: Pair with short shorts or a skirt for a cozy, cute vibe.

Tank tops and camisoles: Lightweight, breezy, and feminine.

Bottoms

Skirts and dresses: Yes, you can wear them. Start with pleated skirts they’re popular in the femboy community because they pair well with thigh-high socks.

Short shorts: Show off those legs.

Leggings: Comfortable and stylish, especially in pastel colors.

Accessories

Thigh-high socks: A femboy classic. They elongate your legs and add a touch of cuteness.

Chokers: Perfect for giving an edgy yet feminine feel.

Earrings: Small hoops or studs can completely change your face aesthetic.

Footwear

Sneakers (chunky or cute pastel ones).

Mary Janes or ballet flats.

Boots (pair with skirts for a confident look).

Step 4: Experiment With Makeup

Makeup isn’t mandatory, but it can enhance your femboy aesthetic.

• Start with subtle steps:
• Concealer to cover dark circles or blemishes.
• Lip gloss or balm for a soft, kissable look.
• Mascara to open up your eyes.
• Eyeliner for a bold, playful edge.

As you get more comfortable, explore blush, eyeshadow palettes, or full glam looks. Makeup is an art form you don’t have to master it overnight.

Step 5: Embody the Vibe

Being a femboy isn’t just about the look it’s about the energy you give off.

Personality Traits Often Associated with Femboys

Playful and flirty.

Gentle and kind-hearted.

Confident in breaking norms.

Sometimes shy and cute, sometimes bold and daring.

Of course, you don’t need to “act” a certain way. But embracing softer body language like smiling more, sitting with crossed legs, or speaking in a warm tone can complement your style.

Step 6: Community and Inspiration

If you’re exploring the femboy identity, you don’t have to do it alone. Online communities are full of people sharing tips, fashion inspo, and personal stories.

Places to look:

TikTok (search for #femboy).

Reddit communities like r/femboy.

Instagram accounts that showcase femboy fashion.

Seeing others embrace the lifestyle makes it easier for you to step into it yourself.

Step 7: Deal With Criticism

Here’s the tough part: not everyone will understand or accept you. Society still struggles with men embracing femininity.

You might hear comments like “that’s not manly” or “why are you dressed like that?” Remember these comments are about their insecurity, not yours.

Tips for handling criticism:

• Stay calm and confident. Don’t let them see you shaken.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends.
• Remind yourself that breaking stereotypes is brave.

At the end of the day, authenticity matters more than fitting into someone else’s definition of masculinity.

Step 8: Mix Masculinity and Femininity

A great femboy look isn’t always about going fully feminine. The magic often happens when you mix elements.

Examples:

A masculine hoodie with a pleated skirt.

A sharp jawline with soft pastel makeup.

Combat boots with thigh-high socks.

Blending contrasts makes your style unique.

Step 9: Build Confidence Slowly

You don’t need to jump into full outfits right away. Start small.

• Wear painted nails at home.
• Try on skirts in private before wearing them out.
• Slowly introduce pastel shirts or softer colors into your wardrobe.

Over time, you’ll feel braver about expressing yourself in public.

Step 10: Make It Your Own

At the end of the day, being a femboy isn’t about checking off a list. It’s about self-expression.

Some femboys are hardcore into makeup and skirts. Others just like pastel hoodies and painted nails. Some embody the aesthetic only online, while others live it daily.

The point is: do it your way.

Final Thoughts

Being a femboy is about more than clothes or makeup it’s about breaking free from rigid expectations and embracing softness, playfulness, and authenticity. Whether you go all-in with thigh-highs and chokers or just dip your toes in with a crop top now and then, you’re still valid.

So if you’ve been curious about trying it out, start today. Experiment. Play with your look. Build confidence step by step. And remember: there’s nothing wrong with a boy who wants to be cute.

The world is full of rules, but your identity doesn’t need to be one of them.