The 9 Best Places to Buy Gender-Inclusive Formalwear
These retailers go beyond the binary with stylish formal clothes
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Whether you’re headed to a wedding or getting ready for prom, finding the perfect formal attire can be one of the most fun–and stressful–times to shop. This is especially true for those who don’t match the cookie-cutter gender expectations of the fashion industry.
Even so, finding the right gender-inclusive formalwear can also be one of the most rewarding purchases you can make. For those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, finding the perfect formal outfit can feel like your very own movie makeover montage, and the gender euphoria that comes with it is priceless.
If you’re eager to discover your own red carpet-ready look, we’re here to help. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best places to shop for gender-inclusive formalwear. While we focused primarily on the needs of transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming consumers when creating this list, it will be a worthy read for anyone looking to push the gender boundaries at their next big event.
Haute Butch
Haute Butch makes it simple to find menswear-inspired styles without compromising fit.
Sizes: XS-6X
Price: $$
Haute Butch is the “go-to destination for butch and androgynous style seekers that prefer menswear-inspired finishes, without compromising proper fit.” As a queer, Black-owned business, the creators understand firsthand the struggle of finding a suit that fits right, feels right, and isn’t sexualized the way much of women’s fashion tends to be. They also offer an inclusive range of sizes, making it possible for most consumers to find a new favorite outfit.
Haute Butch has a wide variety of button-down, gap-free shirts that are made to comfortably fit around feminine curves without drawing attention to them. They also offer an impressive range of vests, slacks, and more casual clothing. For those hoping to get a custom suit, virtual consultations are available to talk directly to the people behind the clothes. With prices for custom suiting starting as low as $695, you can look great without breaking the bank.
Our top picks from Haute Butch:
Look stylish on prom night with the Haute Butch Holden Minimalist Shirt.
To add some dapper finish to your look, top off the shirt with a stylish vest.
Available in three colorways, these plaid pants are stylish and come in a variety of sizes to suit any body.
Kirrin Finch
Kirrin Finch specializes in suits designed for women and non-binary bodies.
Sizes: 0-24, XS-3XL
Price: $$-$$$
Kirrin Finch was founded by couple Laura Moffat and Kelly Sanders Moffat to help close the gap in suits for women and non-binary bodies. As two women who frequently dressed in button-downs and bow ties, they were familiar with the struggle of finding a fit that felt right.
Kirrin Finch offers a wide range of formal attire that leans masculine with suits, button-down shirts, slacks, and blazers. Though the formal pieces may be on the higher end of some shopper’s budgets, the brand also has a sustainable fashion-friendly “pre-loved” section of their website devoted to customers reselling their items for about half the cost of a new piece.
Our top picks from Kirrin Finch:
Look lovely in lavender with the Kirrin Finch Classic Dress Shirt.
Complete your look with the Georgie Olive Dress Pants.
Suit up with the Kirrin Finch The Georgie Suit Navy Blue Blazer.
Suit Shop
Suit Shop has plenty of gender- and size-inclusive options for your next formal event.
Sizes: 00-24, XS-3XL
Price: $$-$$$
For those looking for a mix of masculine and feminine styles when it comes to suits, Suit Shop may be the perfect solution. Women-founded and owned, this store offers everything from blazers to tuxedos at a reasonable cost. Because the site is split into the fashion standard of “men’s” and “women’s” clothing, this shop may feel a little less welcoming to gender non-conforming shoppers who are tired of wandering a section that isn’t targeted at them. However, if you need a full suit or tuxedo and the gendered sections don’t phase you, the prices and quality make it worth the time to sort through.
Our top picks from Suit Shop:
Look sharp head to toe in the Suit Shop Men's Burgundy Suit.
Wear white from head to toe with the White Tuxedo from Suit Shop.
Duchess Clothier
Duchess Clothier makes made-to-measure suits and accessories.
Sizes: Custom
Price: $$$$
If you’re shopping for a suit that is tailor-made to your body, Duchess Clothier has you covered. Their slogan is “clothes for every body,” and they are committed to making every customer look and feel their best. Their made-to-measure suits can be purchased as a two- or three-piece set, or they can be bought as separates. Other accessories like bow ties, ties, and bags are also available. Duchess Clothier offers virtual consultations as well as in-person fittings. If you’re in the Portland, OR area, consider swinging by for a more personal touch.
Our top picks from Duchess Clothier:
Suit up with The Essential Two Piece Suit from Duchess Clothier.
Keep it simple with the Classic Two-Piece Suit from Duchess Clothier.
Shop suiting at Duchess Clothier
Bindle & Keep
Bindle & Keep is one of the best-known suit-makers for individuals across the gender spectrum.
Sizes: Custom
Price: $$$$
Bindle & Keep is well-known in the world of custom suits and is even the subject of a 2016 HBO documentary, Suited. If you’re looking for the perfect 2-piece suit for a special event, Bindle & Keep has a selection of offers available. Much like Duchess Clothier, Bindle & Keep sells their custom suits as separates or as a set. Along with their standard suits, they offer vests, overcoats, and shirts as optional purchases. Though they prefer to see clients at their Brooklyn, NY building, they also offer virtual consultations.
Our top picks from Bindle & Keep:
Go business formal with the Bindle & Keep Tier 1 Two Piece Suit
ASOS
Asos has a staggering number of dresses, suits and more in a wide range of colors and sizes.
Sizes: 0-26
Price: $-$$$
For those looking for dresses and more feminine-leaning styles, ASOS is a great place to start your search. They offer options that work well for those who are plus-sized and/or tall and have a wide variety of styles to choose from. ASOS is another brand that splits its website by gender, so for those looking for the perfect dress, you’ll have to venture into the “women’s” half of the site. However, there are some great suit options in the women’s section as well, which will appeal to those who are looking for that route instead. For those on a tight budget, the sale section is worth a glance because you’ll find dresses as low as $18.50.
Our top picks from ASOS:
Go green with the Little Mistress Bridesmaid Plus Satin Wrap Dress.
A high leg slit and flowing, off-the-shoulder design make this sultry dress a winner for your next formal event.
Luscious pleated fabric makes this dress a great, lightweight option for proms and weddings alike.
Anthropologie
Shop Anthropologie for dresses for all of your upcoming events.
Sizes: XXS-3X
Price: $$-$$$
For those looking to make a bolder statement with their feminine-leaning styles, Anthropologie is there to bring a little extra flair. Whether you’re looking for a dress or jumpsuit, there are options available in just about every color of the rainbow. While some of the more elaborate pieces can get more expensive, many of their outfits cost under $200. You also get to skip the awkwardness of selecting a gender before you can shop, as the whole site is organized by style rather than splitting shoppers into binaries.
Our top picks from Anthropologie:
This stylish jumpsuit will add just a touch of fun and fancy-free style and a splash of color.
Look chic with the By Anthropologie Ruffle One-Shoulder Slim Dress.
Look divine in the Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress.
Azazie
Azazie’s bridesmaid dress section is a goldmine of fabulous dresses, and their Try at Home program makes it easy to shop.
Sizes: S-3X, A0-A30
Price: $-$$
If you want to stay budget friendly while searching for the perfect dress, Azazie might be just what you’re looking for. Its prices are hard to beat with select styles offered as low as $39. Even better, because they specialize in bridal parties, there are many customization options to choose from. Prop tip: to see the greatest variety of options, try searching in the Bridesmaid dresses section even if you’re looking for a different special event!
One of our favorite aspects of Azazie is their Try At Home Program. The brand will send you up to three dresses to test out before you commit to purchasing. If you’re new to shopping for formal dresses, this is a great way to see what style suits your body best without venturing into a store or spending big on an item that you may not love. It’s worth noting that the site references shoppers as women frequently, so if that will trigger feelings of gender dysphoria, you may want to steer clear. However, if you can get past the category names, the prices and customization options make Azazie well worth the look.
Our top picks from Azazie:
Think pink with the On the Guest List One-Shoulder Maxi Dress in 'Blushing Pink.'
Every eye will be on you in this striking bronze jumpsuit.
Amazon
Amazon has plenty of options when it comes to gender-inclusive formalwear, but do your research first.
Sizes: XXS-4X+
Price: $-$$$
If you’re up for a bit of digging, Amazon is always worth a try. Though figuring out the right search term might take a bit of trial and error, the vast variety of prices, styles, and sellers makes it an ideal place to find exactly the right look. Just be sure to read the sizing charts carefully and check reviews before purchasing–they can often advise you on whether something is true to the fit listed and whether it looks like the picture shown.
Our top picks from Amazon:
Make a twirl in the Lalagen Cold Shoulder Evening Party Dress.
This suit comes in a four colors in a variety of sizes to suit every body.
One Final Note
If you’re still having trouble finding the perfect outfit, consider checking out places like Etsy and Shein. The variety in both is great, though much like with Amazon, be sure to do your homework before committing to any large purchases. For cheaper options that you can try on, visit your local thrift stores to see what’s available. You never know what you might find.
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