Queer Fashion Brands, Online Shops

February 5, 2023 4:25 PM

My wardrobe needs a refresh. I want to support queer designers and affirm my own queer style. Hope me!

I'm in my mid 30s, half a year post-partum, and identify as genderqueer femme.

My style aspirationally skews subversive in terms of performing and undercutting feminine norms. Femme, with an edge.

I favour fitted, bodycon styles in stretch fabrics - pencil skirts, jeggings - tailored jackets, cool t-shirts and oversized shirts. Nothing floral or ditsy, lots of black, metallic, geometric and strong colour in teal/purple/green. My current favourite piece is a black luxe hoodie with tons of fringe on.

Thanks to the pandemic and parenthood, I have no idea where to source new pieces from. Historically, I have bought a lot of vintage but I don't have the time to trawl anymore.

I'm based in the UK, mainly shop online, and can spend some money on this (max couple of hundred for a special piece, eg).

Please share your favourite queer fashion shops, brands, and designers!

posted by thetarium to Shopping (11 answers total)

Zero Waste Daniel
posted by cushie at 5:51 PM on February 5, 2023

Maybe a little more to the gender neutral to butch side of things, but Wild Fang also has some more femme leaning pieces.
posted by brookeb at 5:56 PM on February 5, 2023 [5 favorites]

I wore a beautiful Kallmeyer suit to a wedding recently that had made me look (and feel) like Marlene Dietrich. I have it on good authority that I broke hearts just by existing that night. 10 out of 10 would do it again.
posted by minervous at 6:34 PM on February 5, 2023 [6 favorites]

Ugh I was hoping you would get more answers to this as that's a pretty aspirational description of how I'd like to style myself. This is a tough niche in fashion though! I have had multiple acquaintances try to start genderqueer "for us, by us" fashion lines and just not get enough traction to build a business.
posted by potrzebie at 11:15 PM on February 5, 2023

Gender Free World!
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 11:50 PM on February 5, 2023 [1 favorite]

TomboyX
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 11:51 PM on February 5, 2023

Geo Print Black Short Sleeve Shirt at Gender Free World
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 11:53 PM on February 5, 2023

It's difficult to find a brand that markets itself as genderqueer and also does bodycon--the market is mostly adapting traditionally masculine styles like button ups to smaller or curvier bodies. So I'll recommend Marcella with the caveat that it's not explicitly queer-marketed--feminine, lots of stretch materials, geometric cuts, and black. You might also like some of Official Rebrand's pieces, which are edgy and have the bonus of being recycled.
posted by kingdead at 5:11 AM on February 6, 2023

I have a suspicion Rebirth is not exactly what you're looking for, but might have some pieces that appeal. I found them via Autostraddle, and if you're able to spend time on this, you might find more things by scrolling through some of their shopping coverage.
posted by dizziest at 9:05 AM on February 6, 2023

Peau de Loup
Wildfang
posted by anotheraccount at 9:58 AM on February 6, 2023

Fashion Brand Company
posted by mwahlalala at 11:00 AM on February 6, 2023