PFLAG Portland meetings are a safe place to find support, community, and …shopping tips
At our last in-person meeting, a simple question—Where can I find clothes for my nonbinary teen?—received an outpouring of answers and advice. Attendees shared their need for shops with gender neutral dressing rooms, a wider range of sizes within traditional masc and femme clothing (i.e. smaller sizes of masculine designs and larger sizes of feminine designs), and affirming staff and alterations experts.
We are grateful to have so many LGBTQIA+ welcoming clothing stores in Portland. This list is not comprehensive but reflects the tried-and-true experiences of Portland PFLAG members, who requested that this list be shared in our newsletter.
Thrift & Alter: Make it new to you
Bust up the gender binary at one of the city’s many vintage and consignment stores. While many shops continue to organize clothing by gender, you’ll see people of all genders, ages, and styles perusing racks throughout the store.
SE Hawthorne (32nd to Cesar Chavez) is a reliable shopping district with blocks of resale clothing shops. Favorite stops include House of Vintage, Red Light Clothing Exchange, 2nd Street, and Crossroads. Special shoutout to I Want Seconds, which features plus size resale. Don’t forget to take a short detour on 37th to check out Buffalo Exchange.
Jollieffe’s (Beaverton) all ages consignment
William Temple House Thrift Store (NW) features clothing and other items with purchases supporting low-cost counseling and free food for Portland-area neighbors
Sincere Studios (NE) is Portland’s first and only non-profit sewing studio and was founded by Frances Andonopoulos (they/them). Check to see if they are offering discounted alterations by students.
Closets: Your purchases and donations help the LGBTQ community and others in need
The Q Center (N). This LGBTQIA+ community center and resource hub offers a gender-affirming career closet that helps those newly working or interviewing for jobs access clothing that embodies their authentic self.
Radical Abundance Thrift Shop (N). This shop sells affordable used clothing, and all proceeds go towards care grants for BIPOC & trans community members after operating costs are met.
Bombshell Transformations (N). In addition to style consultations, this beauty and wellness center offers a free clothing closet and is dedicated to serving the Trans community and their allies.
Special shoutout to Beyond These Walls (NE). Their Care Closet provides care packages to LGBTQIA+ people, which include clothing items like tops, pants/skirts, socks, underwear, and a seasonal jacket or coat. They accept donations of gently used clothing, new socks, underwear, toiletries, and winter clothing. Donations can be dropped off at the Q Center.
Retail: So fresh, so clean
Wildfang (SW) offers stylish clothing that’s a favorite among AFAB and non-binary individuals. “Queer and female founded, we are on a mission to rethink gender norms and how they show up in fashion.”
Muji (SW) is a Japanese retailer that features minimalist design clothing with natural colors.
Fred Meyer. Yes, the grocery store. Larger stores, like the NE Weidler location, give kids the rare opportunity to explore a range of clothing styles while parents shop for groceries. Kids appreciate the independence and the chance to find their own (affordable) styles without pressure from adults.
Macy’s (various locations)
Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom (various locations). Nordstrom offers free alterations of any items purchased at the store.
Duchess Clothiers offers “custom clothing for every body and every occasion.”