Do you love shopping? What girl doesn’t! Whether it’s a new lipstick or a cute pair of shoes, it’s a lot of fun to splurge on your female self, isn’t it?
Even with all the online shops, there’s nothing like hitting the mall to do some good old-fashioned shopping in person.
But maybe you’re wondering where you should spend your hard-earned money?
In this article, I share the 7 best trans and crossdresser friendly stores to shop at. These retailers support transgender causes and/or have gender inclusive policies – meaning they are truly worthy of your business.
Note: I focused on U.S. retailers since that’s where I’m based. Please share in the comments if you have any international shops to add!
1. SEPHORA
Sephora is like a candy shop for girls and I could easily spend half my salary there.
Besides the amazing assortment of beauty products, they also offer mini makeovers and beauty classes. At one point, Sephora even offered skincare and makeup classes specifically for the transgender community.
While these classes are no longer listed on the site, they have launched a dedicated online group called Trans is Beautiful. I love Sephora’s philosophy of inclusivity and acceptance.
2. LUSH
LUSH is the best smelling store at the mall with their amazingly-scented natural beauty products.
Here’s another reason to love them: In early 2018, they ran a two week #TransRightsAreHumanRights campaign, featuring quotes from their transgender employees in all the windows of their North American stores.
They also distributed a guidebook called How to Be a Trans Ally in their shops and online.
3. Torrid
I’ve heard from so many of my blog readers that Torrid is one of their favorite places to shop at! This retailer is known for its affordable and trendy plus-size clothing.
Just as importantly, they are welcoming and supportive of their transgender and crossdressing customers, so you can always feel comfortable going in to shop.
4. Target
A few years ago, Target was at the center of controversy for its inclusive transgender bathroom policy. I’m pleased to see that they have not backed down and their inclusive policy is still proudly displayed on their website.
Aside from that, Target is a great place to shop for stylish, affordable fashion and beauty products – pretty much everything you could need for your feminine self.
5. Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant is another popular plus-size retailer. While their clothing style is more classic and mature, they are also known for their gender inclusive atmosphere.
As an added bonus, Lane Bryant offers a wide range of sizes from 10-40W, making them a favorite of plus size crossdressers and transgender women.
6. Macy’s
Macy’s is another corporate giant that is out and proud with its inclusive policies, including gender friendly changing room policies. Macy’s is also a big supporter of LGBTQ Pride Month and LGBTQ-owned brands.
Macy’s continues to be one of the best places to shop for cosmetics, lingerie, women’s clothing, and shoes. This is one department store chain I hope stays around for a long time.
7. Nike
Nike might seem like an unlikely store to have on this list, but I’ve included them for their very cool commercial featuring transgender vogue dancer Leiomy Maldonado. Check out the video below:
If you’re in the market for some cute workout leggings or a sports bra, Nike should definitely be the first place you look!
What are YOUR favorite places to shop at?
I love that these retailers support the transgender community on a corporate level, but they aren’t your only options.
Helpful sales people and supportive shops can be found almost anywhere if you look. (And if somebody doesn’t treat you with respect, take your business elsewhere!)
What are YOUR favorite places to shop at? Do you have any great shopping experiences to share?
Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
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Sephora is having a class this Friday Oct 19th in Houston! Now to work up the courage to go……
No retails for me: I hit the thrift shops instead.
I’m Clementina. I live in Chiang Mai, Thailand. All of the shops in Thailand are transgender friendly.
Hi Clementina, you are so lucky to live in Thailand. I was there a few years ago and just loved the open accepting attitude towards transgender people.
I like to shop at Macy’s or JC Penney. The women at Macy’s never have a problem with letting me use the dressing room, and they are really nice. Plus they have a great selection. JC Penney has really good bargains. I’m wearing a Worthington skirt and top right now and they are great quality and inexpensive. I also love DSW for shoes.
Another great store is Nordstrom, yes they are little expensive than Macy’s but they are known for their customer service. They are also great for the trans audience. I have been shopping there for so many years and never had any problems. There return policy is also fantastic if it has a tag on it you can bring it in for refund. Go check them out!
Totally agree on Nordstrom – in addition to what you’ve said above, they have an awesome ‘order in advance and pick it up’ program, which is fantastic for me as I need to be somewhat discrete. And although a bit on the pricey side, I’ve found that their sales can make things pretty affordable !
Here in the UK I love New Look, their shoes go up to size 9 uk sizing, they also have tall range, they are open to trying clothes on if dressed en femme or in male mode, I try to,pick a time when it’s quiet but the staff are really friendly, Primark also has a great variety of clothing and is incredibly inexpensive.
Living the past 9 years on Prince Edward Island, Canada, I have been pleased to be accepted when dressed En Femme or in drab shopping for my feminine clothes. How Bazaar! has been very welcoming as have Suzy Shier, Urban Planet, Alia-TanJay, and many small privately owned shops. Only once did a young clerk giggle with her friends when I asked about some boots for me at Aldo Shoes but other times I have been welcome.
I thought this blog was about online stores. I am still looking for a site that caters to my size. I have been unable to find a bra with a band size of 52 🙂
Try Herroom.com They have a variety of bras for all shapes and sizes.
“Avenue”.
Check them out online. They cater to big girls.