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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Now where can I go get shoes in two different sizes, born with a club foot and have a really difficult time buying any shoes anywhere that really fit, I inquired at the local john floueog store here flat out refused to even consider doing so! And Target always checks the box to make sure the shoes are the same size!
I love Avenue. Their shoes always fit and several store managers know me by name. I have gone in there cross dressed and in male mode many times only to be met with courtesy and respect. Also I have had good experiences at Macy’s, Torrid, Payless Shoes, Lane Bryant and JC Penney.
For shoes (11W or 12 normal) my first go-to place is Nordstrom-Rack. Lots of lovely heels and flats up to size 13!! Lately found a series of gorgeous Vince Camutos. DSW has also been a good source for shoes. For apparel I often have success at local individual and privately owned stores, when the sales start. That’s where I find special things not available in the humdrum Dept stores. Overall I find the female shop attendants most helpful and gracious, nearly everywhere. Attitudes have changed rapidly since (say 2000). For great apparel do check out COS and Peruvian Connection as well. Thanks Lucille. Your blog is most helpful. Love.
I love Payless for in Their inexpensive shoes and have found cute clothes an Target and Macy’s but I would really like to get a bra fitting with my breast forms..
Would Victoria’s Secret be a good place to get fitted?
MAC has been great! I have had 2-3 lessons/make-overs there and they have been great.
I love shipping at Victoria Secret too. Very friendly, non judgmental. They’re always looking for different lingerie pieces for me to try, and making very helpful, and fashionable, choices. There are several female staff there who know that I dress. I usually try to go there at least once a month. Also, I’ve had some pretty good experiences at Payless too.
If American Apparel was still a retail store, I would recommend you go there. There had a nice selection of clothes. Little pricey, but still good selection. Currently, I can only online order from them. Great bodysuit!
Dress Barn , Payless , Fashion to Figure , NY & Co. , Forever 21 , ANY Thrift Store – Have all been very helpful for me
Lucielle, your emails are always such a welcome part of my Friday… And the article you posted today about the 5 best places to shop has influenced me to take that step i’ve wanted to for years. I booked a Sephora MtoF makeover for three weeks from now and I’ve never been so excited. Thank you. As for comments on shopping locations, I’ve always loved Target. They have nice displays and everything a girl could want. Also, Payless Shoes have never been a problem. The staff is helpful and prices are very affordable. I’ve also never had a problem at VS, and in fact at one store the salesgirl was so helpful she let me use a changing room. It was wonderful, and what girl wouldn’t want to spend a night alone in one of those stores trying on every piece of clothing they have…?