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 think any store is great if you bring a friend!
Down here in Australia, while Sephora has been around for a number of years now, and a number of *woman have talked about the makeup classes, it’s most often followed by a “but here’s why I wouldn’t go…” but I think I’ll look into it because of this post 🙂
For younger people I’d recommend Cotton On and Jay-jays for friendliness, and K-mart or Big W for affordability for anyone. Although Target is mentioned in the list and the comments a lot, I’ve always had very unfriendly staff. But might just be unlucky on my part though.
Victoria’s Secret is a good place for transgender women, I shop there every few months and they are very nice and supportive I haven’t Tried any clothes on in the dressing room yet
I love Victoria’s Secret, Rue-21 and CATO’s they have a lot of clothes that I just love
I 2nd the recommendations of Torrid & Dress Barn, especially Torrid. I have gone in while in male mode & they open a dressing room for me & are very helpful. This is across the board: 5 stores in Southern California & 2 stores in the Phoenix AZ area. Their staff is apparently very well trained when it comes to dealing with us girls & I salute them!
Hi everyone – I feel like a sales lady at Macy’s, but I do have to recommend them once again for their great service and variety of women’s clothing. I also would recommend Calvin Klein as a brand that I never have to worry about the size or their many styles in clothing they offer to women. I wear a size 12 and can be assured that any CK dress I try on will fit perfectly. Here I am today as a matter of fact. Have fun!
Thank you so much for this. My most difficult hurdle thus far is asking for help with clothing in a store. I’m sure I can find the kind person, just hard to ask. I’m looking forward to my first bra, and I’m getting close to needing one. Things are bouncing around now. Love it.
Thank you for everything and your on-going help.
I have shopped at Maurices and Victoria’s Secret and had many positive experiences. Victoria’s Secret can be intimidating at first but the sales associates I have dealt with have always been friendly and helpful, even when asking to be fitted for bras for new breast forms.
Catherines
CJ Banks
Torrid
Lane Bryant
Dress Barn
I have found all to be trans friendly and SA’s to be very helpful. Just be courteous, friendly and respectful–they will treat you the same.
Hi Lucille, thanks for the tip on the Classes for Confidence at Sephora. I just signed up for a class. Looking forward to going. My favorite places to shop are Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret. I also love to get dresses and lingerie online from Amazon