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 love Kohls, Dressbarn and for makeup Younique (online).
I absolutely love shopping at Macy’s! They have such a great variety of clothes. And the sales ladies are always great to work with and help me pick out outfits. It’s also fun interacting with other women there as well who are shopping where we can compare styles and opinions! Here I am the other day at Macy’s trying on some dresses. What do you think?
Very very gorgous love your dress
Old Chicago Pizza. I work full time for them, and they are very transgender supportive (as are all the subsidiaries owned by Craftworks). If you ever have a problem, with an employee or other customer, report it to management. Also a great place to work if you are trans, great insurance during transition and like I said before – very supportive.
Hi Everyone,
I agree that here in the UK it is about being open, honest and having a laugh. You need to have a bit of a judge of character but most shops are fine as long as you are not creepy and furtive, act like you belong and bit of humour and confidence.
Marks and Spencer are very good. I have bought some very classy dresses from ROMAN. The MAC counter staff are amazing, consequently I have some gorgeous MAC makeup. Kryolan are very good. I keep a few really decent photos of myself on my phone and recently had the whole MAC counter staff gathered round and they were genuinely interested in what I do.
Society is gradually getting round to the fact that inanimate objects like clothes and makeup is in fact genderless. Girls can wear trouser suits, boys can wear skirts, we can all wear what we want!! Hooray!! But it is a slow process. Be careful.
Souixe
Here on the east coast, I find Boscov’s has the best selection for casual wear and lingerie. They had a buy one get one for a penny expensive bras sale in May and I showed up for a fitting. The clerk took me in the back and gave me the full measurement and asked me what my taste in bras were. She brought back six different bras to try and I bought all six, delighted with both the fit and the personal service.
Evans for shoes .
alas- Fashion Bug is out of business-at least in Florida-they were the best. Try Ross Dress for Less. Good prices and all in one place size-wise
Ross is TG friendly and is known as “Crossdress for Less,” a takeoff on their slogan.
I have found that staff in most women stores are helpful if you are respectful. Being tall my favourite store in Canada is Long Tall Sally where I have had excellent service both en-femme or in drab. I have also shopped frequently in local dress shops and boutiques where the staff have also been extremely helpful. I usually shop en-femme now but I will check out a new store if I am out and about in my man guise. As many girls have said, quietly telling the shop assistant that you are buying for yourself will do the trick, especially if you shop at quieter times.
Thanks for a great newsletter Lucille and good luck shopping to everyone.