Cross-dressing

Cross-dressing is the act of wearing clothes traditionally or stereotypically associated with a different gender.

Socialization establishes social norms among the people of a particular society. With regard to the social aspects of clothing, such standards may reflect guidelines relating to the style, color, or type of clothing that individuals are expected to wear. Such expectations may be delineated according to gender roles. Cross-dressing involves dressing contrary to the prevailing standards (or in some cases, laws) for a person of their gender in their own society.

From as early as pre-modern history both men and women have cross-dressed in order to disguise themselves or pass as another gender, for reasons varying from comfort, entertainment, or self-expression. Cross-dressing has appeared in theater performance traditions globally, including Kabuki and Drag, as well as British Pantomime, where it is traditionally utilized for comedic effect.