Fashion industry opinions and How they can be changed for inclusivity

[HDrhodes14]

I recently came across a few articles that explained the fashion industry aren't more inclusive to people who are transitioning or those who are genderless - and I wanted to start a thread because it was quite a general article and I wanted to know what people thought about it specifically and their opinions.

I also wanted to know was there any specialised garments that would make someone feel more comfortable with their process?

Please feel free to comment if you are comfortable doing so - and there will be no hate in this thread, I just want to hear individual voices

Thank you!
- Holly

Heres the link to the articles I read so you can have some context -

How entrepreneurs are designing a trans-inclusive future through clothing

“The predominant response that I've had has been--they've waited their whole lives for this,” said NiK Kacy, who launched a footwear company that makes smaller-sized masculine dress shoes.

www.pbs.org

Trans fashion exists, but does the fashion industry know?

Annabel Conger ’21 stares at a small mirror, assessing a pair of dark blue, baggy overalls. This is the fourth outfit Conger has tried on in the past 20 minutes before joining a crowd of students in…

www.stanforddaily.com

 

[Katie]

There are some companies that market specifically to transgender and gender diverse people. Two that I know of are En Femme Style (you can find a banner ad for them at the bottom of the home screen, and Dapper Boi.

The best thing I have found is a tailor’s tape measure and using retailer’s and manufacturer’s measurement tables to find properly fitting garments.

 

[HDrhodes14]

There are some companies that market specifically to transgender and gender diverse people. Two that I know of are En Femme Style (you can find a banner ad for them at the bottom of the home screen, and Dapper Boi.

The best thing I have found is a tailor’s tape measure and using retailer’s and manufacturer’s measurement tables to find properly fitting garments.

Ah thank you so much, that makes so much sense - one of the things that really got to me about these articles was that they really highlighted the fact that the industry responded, but so terribly. and I felt for those who felt that they were not being represented.

 

[Katie]

One of the challenges for these companies is designing for market segments that are large enough to be profitable. There just aren’t a ton of transgender people in the world, and many of us opt to purchase our clothing as cheaply as possible at thrift shops or Walmart. If we all purchased our clothing from specialty manufacturers and retailers, we would see more options.

One of the the obstacles I have ran into with the trans specialty manufacturers is they usually make clothing that just doesn’t suit my taste or needs. For places that market to trans women, you mostly find ultra femme or formal type clothing. Things that I wouldn’t want to wear everyday around the home or office. And this in turn drives me to Salvation Army and Walmart to find the clothing that I actually would want to wear everyday.

So, what’s the solution? I honestly don’t know. The manufacturers are backed into a corner trying to sell garments that will be profitable with very low volume sales. That is a really tough position to be in.

 

[HDrhodes14]

I get what you mean - So if you had options with say like a streetwear brand or even a high end brand. That accommodated for both or neutral genders would that be something that would help support the community. Just making it as inclusive for everyone as possible - but having said that I know the industry has its issues already with inclusivity because of what you mentioned the sales bracket, market, etc...

 

[Confused]

While I don't wear anything different at this point, this is probably not too far in the future. I would not be interested in formal clothing. It would only be everyday wear.

Nobody wants to be in business today unless the profit is huge. I used to run a small company as part of a larger corporation. They had an expected profit every year that increased from the previous year. I think our population is more than the .6% number, but not large enough to get their attention.

Hugs,
Mike

 

[TonyaJanelle]

From the trans feminine perspective anyway, one thing would just be to add a few more sizes and for retailers to carry them in store. Old Navy and Penneys have tall sizes, but only online. Target offers a lot of their shoes in a size 12, but you never see those in store. Shouldn't be hard to make room for those on the shelves.
And its not just for trans women, I see plenty of women close to my height that must have the same issues.

 

[Katie]

It’s tough because as a demographic, transgender people are not as wealthy as other population segments. Selling garment at a higher than big box retail price is tough when your target demographic isn’t typically able to afford higher priced clothing.

 

[HDrhodes14]

Ahh that so interesting! Thank you so much every one, it's so lovely talking to you and getting your opinion as I am really interested in fashion and the industry - so to be able to talk about inside workings against the more emotional point of view is so so inspiring and interesting.