Inclusive Clothing and Accessories
Every winter I get sucked into the “one-size-fits-most” lie. Spoiler: “most” never means my cousin, my best friend, or anyone in my group chat. Shopping for clothes means obsessing over size charts, pronouns, and the difference between “gender-neutral” and “gender-inclusive”—which, by the way, no store agrees on. Last year, I nearly gave up and just bought everyone socks (again).
Size-Inclusive Apparel
Universal fits? Yeah, right. Most “gender-neutral hoodies” fit two people and leave everyone else out. Good On You’s 2024 guide says only 27% of brands offer extended sizes. Not exactly progress.
TomboyX and Big Bud Press get name-dropped a lot—waistbands that actually stretch, shirts that don’t choke you, and pants that don’t assume you’re shaped like a stick. I checked their size charts twice before buying, but “size-inclusive” finally meant my friend with PCOS didn’t have to do gymnastics to get dressed. Look for elastic waistbands, custom inseams, and flat seams—my friend says it’s a game-changer for comfort.
Unisex Jewelry and Accessories
Jewelry that ignores gender marketing is finally happening. “Unisex” shouldn’t mean “plain and boring.” Automic Gold does minimal engravings and real adjustable bands, not just “big rings for guys, tiny for girls.” Their sizing kits saved me a trip to the jeweler for my nephew’s graduation.
I sent a chain necklace from Kinn Studio with a magnetic clasp (mobility win), and the person wore it all summer without realizing it was “breaking binaries.” Leather crossbody bags with removable straps? Anyone can use those. Bags aren’t gendered—show me the rulebook if you disagree.
Non-Binary Fashion Labels
“Genderless” is the new marketing buzzword, but half the time it’s just a boxy men’s tee. Actual non-binary gifting? Urbody and Wildfang work with non-binary designers and use dysphoria-reducing cuts (no darts, hidden panels, you get it). Wildfang’s suits have real pockets, not just fake stitches. Feels like someone with an actual body designed them.
Fashion Theory’s 2023 survey said 68% of non-binary and trans shoppers found most “neutral” lines uncomfortable—yeah, I believe it. I’ve worn “neutral” tees that somehow made me look more binary. Pro tip: use the live chat for fit photos or stretch info; saved me three returns last year. If you say you’re “inclusive,” show real measurements, not just one model in every photo.
Celebrating Diversity Through Gifts
One last thing: some “inclusive” gifts end up just feeling… off. You get a mug that says “For All Of Us,” but who exactly is “all”? Gifting gets complicated fast. Nobody wants to be boxed in, but nobody wants to be left out, either. And I still don’t know if I’m doing it right.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Owned Brands
So, does anyone actually spot a rainbow candle and immediately think, “Ah, social progress!”? Doubt it. Unless you slap a note on it, people just see a candle. I go out of my way to buy from queer-owned shops—mostly because, and I had to double-check this, 38% of Americans (Pew, 2023—yes, I was mid-scroll) say they feel better when their money’s not just padding some random CEO’s yacht fund. But let’s be real, rainbow capitalism is a joke. If you’re just sticking a rainbow on a bath bomb and calling it “inclusive,” that’s not allyship, that’s lazy branding.
I’ve picked up custom socks from a trans artist, subtle Pride enamel pins (because, come on, who doesn’t have a jacket?), and I’ll always root for actual small businesses over big-box rainbow-washers. When you support LGBTQIA+–owned brands, you’re investing in real representation, not just some marketing department’s idea of “diversity.” Got burned once by “gender-neutral” skincare—blue bottle, smelled like a barbershop, so, neutral for who, exactly? Anyway, if you’re shopping online like me, check if the founders actually talk about their community ties, not just chasing a trend.
Culturally Respectful Selections
Oh wow, the “diversity” puzzle. That happened to me. Someone gifted me this thing with a bunch of flags, like, “Look! Inclusion!” Uh, what? Missed the mark. Gifting across cultures is a minefield. You can’t just toss za’atar or turmeric into a box and call it meaningful unless you know the person actually cooks with it. Otherwise, it’s just a random spice.
I’m way more comfortable picking up crafts or books from BIPOC-owned shops—or, honestly, just a gift card so people can buy what they want. Dietary restrictions? Religious practices? You can mess that up so fast it’s almost impressive. I once sat through a DEI seminar (yep, took notes, don’t ask why) and the only thing that stuck was: check if the seller actually knows what they’re talking about, culturally. Otherwise, you’re just buying regift material for the next office party.