Give them your coins ASAP.
There’s no better way to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community — in Pride month and beyond — than offering tangible support through shopping from Queer-owned fashion brands. The journey for LGBTQIA+ rights has been an uphill climb, and there’s still a long way to go. Even now, 53 years since the Stonewall uprising, there is much to be done to ensure safe, prosperous, equitable lives for all LGBTQIA+ people.
Every June, it feels like every brand under the sun drops its own Pride collection. While they may donate some proceeds to LGBTQIA+ nonprofits and causes, the best way to show your support is to give back to the community directly. Spending your money at small, Queer-owned businesses ensures that your coin is actually going to LGBTQIA+ people. It also helps support local economies and carve out more room for marginalized creators.
This summer, level up your summer aesthetic with trendy T-shirts, joggers, and swimsuits — oh, my! — from Queer-owned fashion brands. You can find your entire summer wardrobe — as well as future ‘fits — at one of the options below. And, since we should be supporting marginalized creators year-round, I recommend bookmarking each of the 15 Queer-owned brands below so they’re top of mind whenever you feel like doing a little shopping.
We at Elite Daily only include products that have been independently selected by our editors. We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Wildfang
Wildfang creates durable workwear with actual pockets, so it’s pretty much the full package. In all seriousness, the brand is also committed to humane working conditions and sustainability, as well as giving back. Since the brand launched in 2012, it has donated $500,000 to humanitarian causes.
Humankind
Chlorine-tested and quick-drying, Humankind specializes in swimwear, but you can also score some comfy loungewear from this brand as well. It can be hard to find genderless pool ‘fits, but Humankind has you covered with a number of styles and prints.
Stuzo Clothing
The LA-based clothing line Stuzco Clothing features harnesses, t-shirts, sweaters, candles, and more, all with funny one-liner graphics. The gender-free options come celebrity-approved, with the likes of Ruby Rose, Lena Waithe, and Tiffany Haddish sporting ‘fits featuring the line.
Fang
Soft fabrics and fashion-forward silhouettes are a touchstone of Fang’s aesthetic. Spend some time shopping this brand and you’ll end up with a closet full of pieces you’ll want to lounge in on the couch *and* wear out on the town.
Phlemuns
Although it’s on the pricier side, Phlemuns, a Black-owned and LA-based brand, has some of the coolest streetwear styles out there. It mixes different lengths, contrasting prints, and cutouts for silhouettes you’ve never seen anywhere else.
Dfrntpigeon
Dfrntpigeon is a Portland-based brand that helps homeless LGBTQIA+ youth by empowering them through graphic design. Each T-shirt is designed and hand-printed by at-risk young adults. Along with T-shirts, the brand also offers bodysuits, pins, and stickers.
Dapper Boi
The gender-neutral brand Dapper Boi has a wide selection of stylish basics every wardrobe needs. With a focus on creating clothes that fit everyone comfortable, each item runs in sizes XS to 4XL
Urbody
Get your workout on with Urbody. Whether you like to exercise in bike or compression shorts, a skort, or leggings, Urbody has you covered.
The Peach Fuzz
Bucket hats, tie-dye T-shirts, pins, and stickers are all available at The Peach Fuzz. The brand’s founder, Elizabeth Hudy, also focuses on raising money for charities so there’s an entire section on The Peach Fuzz’s site filled with products that have a portion of proceeds going to different charities.
HOMOCO
HOMOCO not only makes clothes that are bursting with color but also strives to use recycled and sustainably harvested fibers whenever it can. Pop on one of the brand’s short-sleeved button-downs or boldly printed swim trunks and you’re going to be the raddest person at any beach, pool, or lawn party in HOMOCO threads.
gc2b
Gc2b, a trans-owned company, is dedicated to designing comfortable, swim-friendly, safe, and fun binders. The brand also has a collection of vibrant shorts, t-shirts, and more. As if that wasn’t enough, gc2b has also sponsored over 100 LGBTQ+ organizations and donated over 6,000 chest binders to people in need.
Otherwild
Otherwild is a queer, woman-owned store, founded in 2021, that showcases the work of different artists and creators. Alongside its cute apparel, Otherwild also sells home goods and home cleaning products, making its online store a great one-stop shopping destination.
TomboyX
Founded by wives Fran and Naomi, TomboyX creates underwear that works for all bodies, no matter where you fall on the gender spectrum. The brand added swimwear to its lineup in 2021, so you can be your most comfortable self on the beach.
Lockwood 51
With slogans like “Homosexual Tendencies” and “To All The Corporations Cashing in on Gay Pride Don’t Think We’ve Forgotten,” Lockwood 51 has the shirts that’ll say exactly what's on your mind. As a self-described “movement to empower queer youth,” you can trust Lockwood 51 to continue to keep it oh-so-real.
This article was originally published on
