The 9 Best Places to Buy Gender-Inclusive Formalwear

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

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:

• The Holden Minimalist Shirt for $109
• Maddox Black Vest for $149
• Corporal Sue Slacks for $169

Shop suiting at Haute Butch

Kirrin Finch

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:

• Lavender Dress Shirt for $150
• The Georgie Olive Dress Pants for $195
• The Georgie Navy Suit Blazer for $380

Shop suiting at Kirrin Finch

Suit Shop

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’re in need of 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:

• Men’s Burgundy Suit for $224
• Women’s White Tuxedo for $249
• Women’s Light Blue Suit for $199

Shop suiting at Suit Shop

Duchess Clothier

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:

• The Essential 2pc Suit for $1,250
• The Classic 2pc Suit for $1,450
• The Deluxe 3pc Suit for $2,150

Shop suiting at Duchess Clothier

Bindle & Keep

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:

• Tier 1 2pc Suit for $1,195
• Tier 2 2pc Suit for $1,395
• Tier 3 2 pc Suit for $1,595

Shop suiting at Bindle & Keep

ASOS

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:

• Yaura Plus Bridesmaid Drape One Shoulder Maxi Dress for $160 (Save $55)
• Bridesmaid Satin Wrap Dress for $35 (Save $66)
• ASOS Edition Curve Satin Ruche Halter Neck Maxi Dress for $185

Shop evening dresses at Asos

Anthropologie

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:

• By Anthropologie Ruffle One-Shoulder Slim Dress for $170
• The Somerset Mini Dress: Floral Appliqué Edition for $170
• Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress from $218

Shop dresses at Anthropologie

Azazie

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:

• On the Guest List Black One Shoulder Maxi Dress for $33 (Save $6)
• Dazzling Brilliance Champagne Sequin Maxi Dress for $70 (Save $12)
• Azazie Kaleigh for $129

Shop dresses at Azazie

Amazon

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:

• Lalagen Cold Shoulder Evening Party Dress from $43
• Lisueyne Women’s Business Suit Set for $130
• J Kara Pop Over Beaded Dress for $219

Shop formalwear at Amazon

One Final Note

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect outfit still, consider checking 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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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.