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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I started shopping at maurices.the first store help was rude.but I tried another maurice near by and it was very pleasant and helpful.easy to talk to when I told I had girly feelings and life changes .
I really like Maurice’s especially the one close to where I live only problem is maybe getting caught but the sales ladies are very nice and friendly
Omg yes. That was the first store that was super friendly. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted. When I tried it on I didn’t like the style at all. It was a Sunday in Utah so the store was dead. She let me try on whatever. I would ship around the store in each outfit. Try walking in different shoes. I bought a few things. I walked out of there in a black and white stripped tunic, black leggings, black crop cardio and white knit flats. It looked super cute. I still had to drive home 10 hours. I wore that the rest of the day. It was the first time I had lots of confidence going out. Since then I have done way more. I even took a flight with two lay overs wearing a cute blouse, shirt and tights (love) with little booties and a cardi again to hide my shoulders.
I found out that the Victoria’s Secret store in the Orlando mall is very accommodating to crossdressers to the extent that they offer tissue paper panties in the fitting room so that you can try on panties before you purchase them
I was quite surprised to find that they offer to let you see if you like the panties that you are thinking about buying
I have found Torrid and Lane Bryant very friendly….Torrid manager was the first manager would encouraged me to use the dressing room….she was so supportive and comforting it ended up being the first time i used a dressing room in public….Lane Bryan workers are equally welcoming…both store recognize me when i walk into the store and greet me by name with a smile
Hi! So glad to have read this article. Over my 2-3 year stint into transition (currently on HRT) I have found my favorite places to shop in AND out of dress. My number 1 choice for clothes shopping, especially for newer trans & big & tall would Rainbow, hands down. Huge selection from sexy to office apparel, to lingerie & heels they have everything you will need to get started or polish of a look with the perfect handbag. Best of all there is not hardly a single item in the store over $20. Most being around $5-10. Their clearance racks have huge amounts of XL – XXXL and S sizes for the smaller & taller fems. And if you have a big foot they almost always have size 11 – 12 heels in stock and marked down usually.
Another store very similar to Rainbow is City Trends. The carry a HUGE selection of what I will call hip hop/pop culture type clothing and all usually marked down or on clearance as well. But City Trends has a much bigger shoe section than Rainbow, carrying everything from hip female sneakers to thigh high lace up heels & boots.
Another great discount store is Forever 21, they hugely support the LGBT community and have probably the largest selection out of these 3 chains. From skimpy/dirty outfits(my personal fav) or reserved & stylish they offer everything. Sizes from XS to XXXXXL in some items. While slightly pricier than the above 2 listed their inventory is always stylish and on the front of current fashion trends.
I hope this helps some of you girls out there afraid to step out on that initial shopping trip to grab that first spicy outfit. These stores have all been great and accepting to me and I’m sure they will be the same to you. Feel free to come say hi on Twitter @AvaDbb69 (more sites linked there)
XO’s!
Ava
thank you new places to shop
I just adore the fashions at Venus.com. Yes, it is an online retailer but the selections and prices are fabulous. They always offer free returns.
Macy’s I get. But they closed locally. I don’t think there is a Sephora or Lush local. There is a Target. But finding clothing items for someone over 6 ft. Tall and 200 lbs. is very difficult. Even on line shopping is a crap shoot. Any other suggestions?
Try Lane Bryant, Avenue, Torrid, Long Tall Sally and last but not least Elloqui if you have the pocket book. Try outlets for the above And Hanes stores are great too. Ann Taylor and Dress Barn are very helpful as well. Be polite, be considerate of others in the store, and don’t make as scene. Try items on and always ask if you can do so. Lane even has a fashion service to assist you.
Lucille I just got home from Krogers and it’s the first time in a long time I have been out dressed and I passed as a woman I even got a complaint about my heels it really felt great thank you Jennifer
You got a complaint about your heels it really felt great? Ooooh, you got a compliment.
I shop at Ross, Honey K,Charlotee Russe among a few. Sometimes I use the Mercari app. There is a lot of great finds on that app and it is very user friendly. You can even negotiate prices as well. Enjoy. Happy shopping everyone.