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 do know where 3 of these stores are located where I live. In Reno we used to have a store that was geared mostly for the transwoman but also had cis female customers. It was a bigger boutique with just about everything a ‘woman’ would need. It closed down. There are many transgendered and transwomen here in Reno but I guess not enough of us yet to keep a good shop open. I did know a sales ‘girl’ that worked there. We also had several smaller boutiques but they closed also. I do some shopping at our large indoor mall and I always shop as a woman cuz I live as a woman. I always have courteous service at Victoria’s Secret and other women’s shops and boutiques. I did use to enjoy shopping at Fredericks of Hollywood when they had a shop here. No problem with using the fitting room when you want to try something on but they did have a policy of if you rip it or damage it, you buy it!
thanks for letting me know bout target’s fitting room’s was unaware of trans room’s n target might start shopping there however most my shopping is at walmart i find half thing’s im looking for other than that other ways of shopping finding bargains i need or looking for
Torid.
How about shoes for transwomen. Payless has the larger sizes but the shoes arent very good. where can we get cute shoes
I usually hit up either Lane Bryant or Avenue for shoes. I shop at both anyway, and at least the stores near me are very accommodating. But, their shoe selection is great for girls like us. I can almost always find something cute in my size.
The best place for women’s shoes in men’s sizes is at Janet’s Closet near Detroit. http://www.janetscloset.com
have u tried shoe source or shoe city nanxy should know sometimes have pay good money for shoes that last or good quality but if your looking for quick fix or cheap buys go n try yard sales n such
I enjoy Payless shoes as well as Adittionelle
Hi Lucille
I’d like to add Victoria’s Secret to the list of places to shop.
The staff of sales counselors are very transfriendley and cater to their customers weather their genetic or crossdressers girls.
I’ve been shopping at the Victoria Secrets in the Florida Mall in Orlando many times for lingerie and clothing getting help for whatever it is that I’m looking for.
This particular store has tissue paper panties in the fitting room so that you can put them on and try on panties without having to worry about it being unsanitary if someone else has tried them on first.
This is the only store that I have found that offers this option.
I hope that you can pass this along and maybe other stores will add tissue paper panties in their fitting rooms in their stores
It sure makes trying on panties before purchasing them to see if they fit and how they look before paying for them
Hi Lucille
I wanted you to know that the guidance on where to shop is top-notch. I am particularly taken with Lush. I do use them in the U.K
, and I have now signed up for updates, on Lush Life website.
Extremely inspirational.
Regards, Richard
Thank you, Richard! Always so lovely to hear from you. I’m a big Lush fan, too. 🙂
I found this lovely outfit at Hot Topic (or at least the dress and dress coat) and their services to be very helpful