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Shopping for queers: clothes-shopping on every budget

As queers, our clothes and how we present ourselves to the world hold a special importance when it comes to conveying whom we’re into and who we are. Just ask Judith Butler. So we’re going to go through a few of our favourite places to shop, both in Vancouver and online (the internet is dangerous) when we’re looking for clothes.

From consignment and thrift stores to more mainstream brands, you’ll get a variety here. It’s nice to have options.

Wildfang

It’s hard to talk about queer fashion without mentioning Wildfang. Started by two women who used to work at Nike, Portland-based Wildfang has quickly become one of the most popular places for androgynous and more masc-of-center queers to jazz up their wardrobe.

TomboyX

When it comes to undies, TomboyX is the place to go for your boyshorts, briefs, boxer-briefs and more. What’s nice is that these are designed by queers for queers, so you’re likely to find better fits here—no more prowling around the men’s underwear section.

Aerie

But if you do happen to be into thongs and cheekies, Aerie (American Eagle’s underwear offshoot) is known for its body-positive advertising featuring—wait for it… zero Photoshop airbrushing on their models. Just bodies in their natural glory. And the fact that their sales went up after they switched to these ads? That gives us major hope in humans.

F as in Frank

If you’re looking for vintage clothing in Vancouver, Main Street is a good place to hit up. It’s good for vintage anything, really. F as in Frank in particular has a great selection of clothing from decades past, from throwback jerseys to dad jeans (or mom jeans)—and their renowned Fill-a-bag-for-$10 sales are epic.

Value Village

Thrifting is fun too when you’re on a budget, and your neighbourhood Value Village is an underrated place to hit up if you’re looking for old-school basics or some plaid to round out your closet.

Front and Company

Further up Main Street, you’ll run into Front and Company, an awesome and well-curated consignment store (which has new stuff too). They do carry home decor stuff and higher-end brands as well, like Maison Scotch, so come here if you’ve got money to blow.

Simons

Originally from Quebec, Simons has a range of clothing to choose from—both from their own house brands and also featuring designers like Raf Simons and McQueen. What’s even better? They have a gender-neutral section as well for those of who aren’t into labels. Our only complaint is that they have only store in BC: in West Van’s Park Royal Mall.

Dutil Denim

We love jeans. And Canadian tuxedo jokes aside, a well-fitted pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe. Dutil’s where you can find yours. It’s a denim institution in Vancouver’s Gastown, with jeans piled everywhere, all the way up on to the walls. Their selection is vast, so whether you’re looking for some basic Levi’s or dry Japanese selvedge that fades and molds to your body (you might need to save up for these if you’re not living the #privilegelife), make a stop here.

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