It’s getting close to the fall shopping season, so why not support the LGBTQ+ designers community while refreshing your wardrobe? Get fierce looks for everything from underwear to business attire, all from brands owned by LGBTQ+ innovators.
Wildfang
This queer-owned apparel company out of Portland, Oregon, has become a favorite with celebrities like Tegan and Sara, Lizzo and Evan Rachel Wood since its debut a decade ago. The brand’s flagship coveralls come in sizes ranging from XS (0) to 3X (24-26) and fashionistas will find everything from tailored button-ups to suits and casual wear.
Humankind
Humankind’s tuck-friendly adult swimwear was at the center of the Target Pride line controversy and was pulled from store shelves as far-right backlash ramped up. However, founder Haily Marzullo’s gender-expansive swimwear company is going strong without the help of a big box store. With the motto, “Wear what suits you,” shoppers can pick up swim tops, including those with built-in compression, bottoms and unisuits.
Kirrin Finch
“Gender defying fashion” company Kirrin Finch was started by Laura Moffat and Kelly Sanders Moffat after the couple experienced a frustrating search for wedding attire. The brand is known for its high-end suiting, blazers, shirts and slacks. Sizing starts at XS and goes to 3XL (about a standard size 20-22) and the website offers a robust breakdown of fits and sizing examples.
TomboyX
You’d be hard-pressed to find a queer closet without at least one TomboyX item. The brand, started by wives Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez, offers popular and colorful underwear and swimwear for various body types. TomboyX has expanded into loungewear and casual apparel, with T-shirts, shorts and workout gear options.
Brandon Blackwood
Designer Brandon Blackwood is known for his chic handbags and accessories. Buyers can find colorful and quirky mini trunk bags, colorful totes and duffle-style bags for any occasion or daily use. Most bags are between $200-$300, making them one of the more affordable designer brands. Brandon has recently expanded his line to include shoes and swimwear.
Flavnt Streetwear
Started by twin siblings Chris and Courtney Rhodes, Flavnt is “made by queers, for queers.” Casual wear T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts are Flavnt’s specialty, and you’ll find quality-made items with sayings like “Proudly queer” “Protect Trans Folks” and the timely, “Queer Barbie.”
O.R.T.T.U.
For fashion-forward queer folks, O.R.T.T.U offers lines of contemporary and sometimes daring fashion. Shoppers will find tailored slacks with flair, shirts with Orttu’s signature star-neck lapel, and many see-through tops. This menswear is playful and refuses to conform and describes itself as “apparel for men who think differently, feel deeply, and dress to show the world their individuality.”
Rufskin
If you are looking for beachy vibes and throwback styles, check out California-based Rufskin. Rufskin has been making fashion “to enhance the individuality of the male form” for the last 20 years. Think Tom of Finland meets Malibu Ken in the best possible ways.
GC2b
This trans-owned company has become the trusted name in binders for trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. GC2b offers a variety of binding options in skin tones but also bright colors and designs. The company has donated over 35,000 binders to people worldwide thanks to their 2b Care mission.
Garcon
Fans of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” may recognize Garcon, as they were the briefs worn by the Season 15 Pit Crew. Garcon offers several styles of underwear sizes S-XL, including jockstraps and boxer briefs, with optional matching harnesses.
And Our
And Our is a nonbinary-owned fashion label “that creates romance, pleasure, and play for Queer people.” Unlike many unisex and gender-nonconforming brands, And Our leans into flowery, soft shapes and designs with abundant tulle and lace. Sections are divided by “Romance,” “Pleasure” and “Play” and offer sizes from S to XXXL, so grab your measuring tape to get an accurate fit from their handy guide.
Do you have a favorite queer fashion brand? Email us at newsisout@locoalmedia.org.