Butch woman seeks officewear shopping recommendations

January 25, 2022 9:02 AM

I am a 31yo tall, butch woman, around a size 14 in women's sizes, looking to do a wardrobe refresh. I've got casual wear mostly covered, but want more blazers and button down shirts (simply cut, not overly feminine aka no ruffles or anything like that, but patterns are a-ok and even encouraged), and need a new place to buy a ton of pairs of the same comfortable, straight or tapered leg, navy blue, slacks. And maybe some grey and khaki colored ones as well. Where do y'all shop? Where would you recommend I check out? I have shopped heavily at H&M and Uniqlo in the past and am looking to branch out.
posted by bridgebury to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

For the trousers, check out the Robell Marie. They are incredibly comfortable and quite flatterring, and you can get them in the colours you mention. They don't have pockets which is the only downside but honestly the comfort makes up for it. Oh and the length is 31 inches if that's long enough for you? I'm short and buy the petite (29 inches) myself.
posted by hazyjane at 9:30 AM on January 25, 2022

I love the button-downs from Wildfang, Kirrin Finch, and Peau de Loup, though they're all somewhat pricier than H&M/Uniqlo.
posted by Jeanne at 9:42 AM on January 25, 2022

We have similar clothing needs in terms of style of being tall - while lately they have an annoying amount of ankle-pants, Banana Republic is still my go-to for tall-size pants for work. They regularly have sales so it's possible to get them 50% off if you're patient. Ann Taylor is more expensive but another reliable option for tall sizes, but not terrible when on sale. Both have a mix of feminine and non-feminine blouses.
posted by coffeecat at 10:05 AM on January 25, 2022

I've been really pleased with pants that I've gotten from Old Navy of all places. I like that a lot of their pants have regular/tall/petite options. I also recently got some simple blazers that look nice but are also super comfortable to wear.

I've bought button up shirts from them before, but I was less happy with the quality/comfort of those.
posted by litera scripta manet at 10:23 AM on January 25, 2022

If you want nicer professional clothing, MM La Fleur has a lot of sizes and classic cuts. I use their clothing for basics that get worn at least once a week. They have held up very well for 3+ years. The one piece that had a loose thread, they replaced immediately at no cost.
posted by chuke at 10:52 AM on January 25, 2022

Take a look at Universal Standard — they focus on good-quality neutral basics for a wide range of body types, and IIRC they often have longer inseam options on their pants.
posted by fifthpocket at 11:26 AM on January 25, 2022

I'd recommend Bonobos for pants. Not sure if you need it, but they have shorter inseams on men's simple pants.

I buy most of my button down shirts from JCrew or Gap. They always have big sales. I never buy anything "slim", but stick to classic styles for button down shirts and a men's medium fits me pretty well, sometimes I wear a large. Depends on the brand. Target's house brand can have some decent options.
posted by jdl at 1:26 PM on January 25, 2022

For button up I strongly recommend Johnny Bigg (or the smaller sizes equivalent Tarocash). I am a very busty butch woman and their shirts have enough stretch to not gape and fit me better than any women's shirt I own. They come in a huge range of patterns as well.
posted by geek anachronism at 3:48 PM on January 25, 2022

Dickies makes some basic chinos/khaki type business casual pants that run tall. I got mine at Walmart, which only stocks "Regular" length but that is 32"! I am average height, 5'6", and had to take in a massive hem. Tall sizes have a 34" inseam. It's not the heavy duty fabric of their workwear pants but still plain, comfy, not wrinkly, and with with decent-sized pockets.
posted by gang of puffins at 9:59 PM on January 25, 2022

If this were me I'd go to the nearest Kohl's and buy some Haggar Expandable Waist pants. They have an elastic in the waist which means that if you buy to fit your hips, they don't fall down. They're super comfy, they have huge pockets, and if you're lucky you can find them in a straight leg. I'm assuming, unlike everyone above, that you want to buy men's pants, like I do as a fat butch person. It can be done, it's just harder. The cool person who runs ButchMag also does style posts that you might find helpful -- she dresses well in the small plus range and always looks handsome! I believe that she primarily wears men's Dockers in certain fits.

I also buy all of my (men's) buttonfront shirts at Old Navy in the classic, not slim fit. Slim does not work with my chest. Classic is boxy but I'm okay with that. You might be able to size up and get a slim fit if you have broad shoulders. I did that successfully at a smaller size than I am now. Good luck!
posted by possibilityleft at 11:32 AM on January 26, 2022

As an AFAB person who prefers to wear men's pants, I've had success with Target's Goodfellow "tech chino pants" (different fabric composition than plain "chino pants"), specifically the "athletic" and "slim straight" (not just "slim") fits.

I have spent a packet on some Kirrin Finch shirts, and the nine-button front does help keep the placket closed over the chest, but my go-to with cheaper button downs is fashion tape (this can leave adhesive residue on the fabric, which is why I don't do it with expensive shirts).
posted by icebergs at 12:32 PM on January 26, 2022

Putting in another plug for Peau de Loup! They have designed their button up shirts to be customizable in the fit with some minor tailoring (so cool!).


https://www.peaudeloup.com/

I really like their focus on ethical production and inclusive styles and sizing. They produce shirts with fun patterns as well as very classic work wear.
posted by forkisbetter at 8:51 AM on January 29, 2022