Best brands to find suits, dresses, and gender-inclusive formalwear

Best brands to find suits, dresses, and 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

Cream-colored pants, a black vest, and a white button-up shirt.

Credit:
Reviewed / Haute Butch

Haute Butch makes it simple to find menswear-inspired styles without compromising fit.

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:

Product image of Haute Butch Holden Minimalist Shirt

Haute Butch Holden Minimalist Shirt

Look stylish on prom night with the Haute Butch Holden Minimalist Shirt.

Product image of General Jane Vest

General Jane Vest

To add some dapper finish to your look, top off the shirt with a stylish vest.

Product image of Leon Windowpane Slacks

Leon Windowpane Slacks

Available in three colorways, these plaid pants are stylish and come in a variety of sizes to suit any body.

Shop suiting at Haute Butch

Kirrin Finch

A lavender dress shirt, olive slacks, and navy blazer.

Credit:
Reviewed / Kirrin Finch

Kirrin Finch specializes in suits designed for women and non-binary bodies.

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:

Product image of Kirrin Finch Frankie Lavender Classic Dress Shirt

Kirrin Finch Frankie Lavender Classic Dress Shirt

Look lovely in lavender with the Kirrin Finch Classic Dress Shirt.

Product image of Kirrin Finch The Georgie Olive Dress Pants

Kirrin Finch The Georgie Olive Dress Pants

Complete your look with the Georgie Olive Dress Pants.

Product image of Kirrin Finch The Georgie Suit Navy Blue Blazer

Kirrin Finch The Georgie Suit Navy Blue Blazer

Suit up with the Kirrin Finch The Georgie Suit Navy Blue Blazer.

Shop suiting at Kirrin Finch

Suit Shop

A white tuxedo, a burgundy suit, and a light blue suit.

Credit:
Reviewed / Suit Shop

Suit Shop has plenty of gender- and size-inclusive options for your next formal event.

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 need 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:

Product image of Suit Shop Women's Light Blue Suit

Suit Shop Women’s Light Blue Suit

Keep it classy in the Women’s Light Blue Suit.

Product image of Suit Shop Men's Burgundy Suit

Suit Shop Men’s Burgundy Suit

Look sharp head to toe in the Suit Shop Men’s Burgundy Suit.

Product image of Suit Shop Women’s White Tuxedo

Suit Shop Women’s White Tuxedo

Wear white from head to toe with the White Tuxedo from Suit Shop.

Shop suiting at Suit Shop

Duchess Clothier

Blue suit and Turquoise blazer

Credit:
Reviewed / Duchess Clothier

Duchess Clothier makes made-to-measure suits and accessories.

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:

Product image of Duchess Clothier The Essential Two-Piece Suit

Duchess Clothier The Essential Two-Piece Suit

Suit up with The Essential Two Piece Suit from Duchess Clothier.

BUY NOW

at Duchess Clothier

Product image of Duchess Clothier The Classic Two-Piece Suit

Duchess Clothier The Classic Two-Piece Suit

Keep it simple with the Classic Two-Piece Suit from Duchess Clothier.

BUY NOW

at Duchess Clothier

Shop suiting at Duchess Clothier

Bindle & Keep

A blue suit, a green suit, and another light blue suit.

Credit:
Reviewed / Bindle & Keep

Bindle & Keep is one of the best-known suit-makers for individuals across the gender spectrum.

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:

Product image of Bindle & Keep Tier 1 Two Piece Suit

Bindle & Keep Tier 1 Two Piece Suit

Go business formal with the Bindle & Keep Tier 1 Two Piece Suit

Shop suiting at Bindle & Keep

ASOS

A blue gown with a leg slit, a sage green midi dress, and a lemon-yellow satin gown.

Credit:
Reviewed / Asos

Asos has a staggering number of dresses, suits and more in a wide range of colors and sizes.

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:

Product image of Asos Little Mistress Bridesmaid Plus Satin Wrap Dress

Asos Little Mistress Bridesmaid Plus Satin Wrap Dress

Go green with the Little Mistress Bridesmaid Plus Satin Wrap Dress.

Product image of Asos Design Curve exclusive satin off shoulder high split maxi dress in orange

Asos Design Curve exclusive satin off shoulder high split maxi dress in orange

A high leg slit and flowing, off-the-shoulder design make this sultry dress a winner for your next formal event.

Product image of ASOS DESIGN Curve plisse fallen shoulder midi dress in rust

ASOS DESIGN Curve plisse fallen shoulder midi dress in rust

Luscious pleated fabric makes this dress a great, lightweight option for proms and weddings alike.

Shop evening dresses at ASOS

Anthropologie

A red dress with a bow, a pink jumpsuit, and a peach gown.

Credit:
Reviewed / Anthropologie / Dolan Left Coast / Vineet Bahl

Shop Anthropologie for dresses for all of your upcoming events.

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:

Product image of Eloquii Tie Strap Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Eloquii Tie Strap Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

This stylish jumpsuit will add just a touch of fun and fancy-free style and a splash of color.

Product image of By Anthropologie Ruffle One-Shoulder Slim Dress

By Anthropologie Ruffle One-Shoulder Slim Dress

Look chic with the By Anthropologie Ruffle One-Shoulder Slim Dress.

Product image of Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress

Look divine in the Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress.

Shop dresses at Anthropologie

Azazie

A sequined gold gown, black dress with a leg slit, and a mauve gown.

Credit:
Reviewed / Azazie

Azazie’s bridesmaid dress section is a goldmine of fabulous dresses, and their Try at Home program makes it easy to shop.

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:

Product image of Azazie On the Guest List One-Shoulder Maxi Dress in 'Blushing Pink'

Azazie On the Guest List One-Shoulder Maxi Dress in ‘Blushing Pink’

Think pink with the On the Guest List One-Shoulder Maxi Dress in ‘Blushing Pink.’

Product image of Azazie Kaleigh Dress

Azazie Kaleigh Dress

Turn heads in the Azazie Kaleigh Dress

Product image of Azazie Cheryl Bronze Cross Back Jumpsuit

Azazie Cheryl Bronze Cross Back Jumpsuit

Every eye will be on you in this striking bronze jumpsuit.

Shop dresses at Azazie

Amazon

A burgundy suit, black lace dress, and a blue gown.

Credit:
Reviewed / Amazon / Lalagen / Lisueyne / J Kara

Amazon has plenty of options when it comes to gender-inclusive formalwear, but do your research first.

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:

Product image of Lalagen Cold Shoulder Evening Party Dress

Lalagen Cold Shoulder Evening Party Dress

Make a twirl in the Lalagen Cold Shoulder Evening Party Dress.

Product image of Partvece 2 Piece Business Suit Set

Partvece 2 Piece Business Suit Set

This suit comes in a four colors in a variety of sizes to suit every body.

Product image of J Kara Pop-Over Beaded Dress

J Kara Pop-Over Beaded Dress

Shine bright in the J Kara Pop-Over Beaded Dress

Shop formalwear at Amazon

One Final Note

If you’re still having trouble finding the perfect outfit, consider checking out 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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