Shopping for clothes is meant to be joyful. It is about finding pieces that make you feel confident, beautiful, and authentically you. But sometimes finding clothes that fit both your body and your spirit feels like navigating a maze blindfolded.
I’ve had the privilege of working with many trans women throughout my styling career, and I’ve learned that the “perfect fit” isn’t just about measurements- it’s about finding clothes that affirm who you are and help you show up in the world exactly as you choose to.
Today, I want to share some of the brands, tips, and insights that have helped my clients build wardrobes they absolutely love. Because everyone deserves to feel amazing in their clothes, and that includes you.
The Real Talk About Shopping as a Trans Woman
The fashion industry hasn’t always made it easy. Standard women’s sizing can be frustrating when it doesn’t account for a variety of body proportions. Finding clothes that fit shoulders, torsos, and hips in a way that feels good can be a challenge.
These aren’t problems with your body. These are problems with a fashion system that’s been too narrow in its thinking. And thankfully, more and more brands are waking up to create beautiful, inclusive options.
What Makes Clothing Trans-Friendly?
After working with the organization Youthphoria and helping to style dozens of trans and non-binary youth, here’s what I look for from brands when it comes to serving trans women:
Size Inclusivity
Extended sizing that goes beyond just making the same cut in bigger sizes. They understand that bodies are beautifully diverse and create cuts that work for a variety of proportions.
Thoughtful Design Details
Things like longer torsos in tops, strategic draping, adjustable features, and silhouettes that enhance the features you want to highlight while creating the shape you’re looking for.
Gender-Affirming Undergarments
The foundation matters. Brands that offer padded bras, breast forms, shapewear, and other undergarments designed specifically with trans women in mind are what I look for.
Inclusive Approach
Companies that explicitly welcome and celebrate trans customers, use inclusive language, and feature diverse models in their marketing.
My Favorite Brands for Trans Women
The websites that I’m sharing below cover the sizing spectrum as well as the gender spectrum. Additional bonuses: a lot of these brands strive for representation in their models in addition to their size inclusivity, and most also highly value sustainability. Additional caveat: None of these brands are perfect, and it’s important to mention that as you begin to shop.
These photos were taken for Youthforia, an event I support each year with styling services
For Undergarments and Foundation Pieces
Carmen Liu Lingerie
As a transgender woman herself, Carmen Liu’s London-based lingerie brand creates designs specifically with transgender women in mind. Her GI Collection was noted for being the first of its kind to help with tucking. All orders come in discreet packaging, which is such a thoughtful touch.
Origami Customs
When off-the-rack doesn’t work, custom-made can be a game-changer. Origami Customs offers personalized lingerie, swimwear, and activewear that cater to all bodies, genders, and identities. Their inclusive sizing approach and commitment to creating garments that make every person feel affirmed means you can get pieces tailored exactly to your measurements and preferences.
CantiqLA
This Los Angeles-based lingerie company was created by Chelsea Hughes in 2015 to make inclusive lingerie for everyone, regardless of shape, race, or gender identity. Their gender-fluid collection features handcrafted pieces available in sizes XS to 6XL.
Urbody
Trans, queer, and woman-owned, Urbody serves the entire gender spectrum and creates fit templates tailored to all bodies. Their lace compression pieces are particularly popular, and they come in sizes XS through 4X.
Paxsies
Paxsies creates gender-affirming undergarments, including padded underwear. Their products are designed to help trans individuals feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, offering a range of sizes and styles to suit various needs.
RodeoH
RodeoH are pioneers in creating gender-affirming harnesses and underwear that are both comfortable and functional. Their products are designed with all bodies in mind, offering innovative solutions for those looking for specialized undergarments that can help create the silhouette you’re looking for.
Even More Trans Friendly Clothing Brands
En Femme
This brand gets it. En Femme specializes in creating clothing and accessories specifically for transgender women and those who identify with femininity. Whether you’re looking for everyday pieces or something glamorous for a special night out, they understand the unique fit considerations and style preferences of their customers. They are committed to making every person feel beautiful and confident.
The Phluid Project
As the world’s first gender-free store, The Phluid Project merges fashion with activism in the most beautiful way. Their range of apparel and accessories defies traditional gender norms while creating an inclusive space for everyone. It’s shopping with a purpose, and their pieces are as stylish as they are meaningful.
FLAVNT Streetwear
This Austin-based independent brand creates inclusive and empowering clothing for the LGBTQ+ community. They reject the traditional gender binary and focus on producing clothes that transcend gender labels, while actively giving back to the community through partnerships and donations.
Peau de Loup
Peau de Loup seeks to provide gender-fluid clothing that is outside of the binary. All of their products are built from short runs of upcycled fabrics, creating limited-edition styles that are sustainable and unique. Peau de Loup is committed to challenging gender norms in fashion and promoting inclusivity for all.
‘Big Brands’ with Trans Friendly Items
ASOS
Trendy clothes with sustainable options and extended sizes!! In addition to carrying clothes from a size 00 to a 28, they have petite lengths, regular, and tall length options for a lot of their pants. One of our Youthphoria participants constantly struggled with finding pants that fit her, because she is 6’2″, but because of the tall option in ASOS, I found multiple perfect options for her! Their men’s sizing goes up to a 48″ waist, and they have shirts in XS-4XL, making them incredibly inclusive across the size spectrum.
Torrid
Torrid carries clothing from sizes 10-30 with lots of feminine styles that work beautifully for trans women. Their focus on inclusive fashion means they understand how to create flattering silhouettes for curvier bodies, and their designs celebrate femininity in all its forms.
Madewell
Similar to Abercrombie, Madewell sells jeans that are as small as a 000 and go up to a 24. They’re known for their quality denim with cuts that work well for a variety of body types. Their commitment to inclusive sizing makes them a reliable option for finding well-fitting basics.
Old Navy
Old Navy has made significant strides in size inclusivity, offering most styles from XS-4X and sizes 0-30. They’re particularly great for basics like t-shirts, sweaters, and casual dresses that can form the foundation of your wardrobe (while staying budget-friendly).
Beyond Brands: Building Your Trans-Affirming Wardrobe
Start with the Foundation
Invest in good undergarments first. The right bra, shapewear, or padding can completely transform how clothes fit and how you feel in them. Don’t compromise here- these pieces are worth the investment.
Focus on Fit, Not Size
Sizes are just numbers, and they vary wildly between brands. Focus on how clothes actually fit your body rather than the number on the tag. If you’re shopping online, pay close attention to size charts and return policies.
Build Your Confidence Colors
Remember my color analysis work? Finding colors that make your eyes sparkle and your skin glow is just as important for trans women as anyone else. When you know your perfect palette, shopping becomes more strategic and you’ll always look radiant.
Don’t Forget the Details
Accessories, shoes, and finishing touches can make a huge impact on your overall look. A great handbag, the perfect earrings, or shoes that make you feel powerful can elevate any outfit.
The Confidence Factor
Confidence is about feeling like the truest version of yourself, and finding the clothes to match.
When you put on an outfit that fits well, reflects your personality, and makes you feel beautiful, something shifts. You stand a little taller. You smile a little brighter. You show up more fully as yourself.
And that energy? That’s what true style is about.
Your Style Journey is Uniquely Yours
Ready to explore your style with someone who truly gets it?
As a queer stylist, I’m here to listen, affirm, and help you create a wardrobe that feels like you– no explaining, no judgment, just genuine understanding from someone in the community. Let’s make clothes a source of confidence, not stress.
These photos were taken for Youthforia, an event I support each year with styling services
P.S. Want more personalized style guidance? Check out my styling packages or tune in to my podcast on Apple or Spotify where we talk all things style, confidence, and authenticity!
