The
site for all things Transgender in the Chicago Area
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The
site for all things Transgender in the Chicago Area
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CHICAGO STORES This page is dedicated to listing any retail store that is Transgender Friendly in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs. Some of these stores are Transgender Specialty stores, some are Fetish stores, but most of them are run of the mill, mainstream retail stores that are owned or operated by open minded people. If you know of a store that should be listed here but is not, please e-mail me with the details and I'll add it! I do my best to make sure this list is kept current, but before you plan on visiting them it's always a good idea to phone first to make sure they are still around. |
| TG SPECIALTY SHOPS |
| Transformations
by Rori Oak Park, IL & Arlington Heights, IL - One of my personal favorite places to shop. Clothes, Wigs, Lingerie, Shoes, Breastforms, Makeup, Costume Jewelry plus they also do makeovers! What more can you ask for. I have been to Transformations by Rori many times for Makeovers, Wigs, Shoes, etc. I have had wonderful experiences every time I've been there. I have stopped by in both my Male and Female persona. |
| Sally
Ann Corset Shop Chicago, IL - Lingerie in very friendly comfortable atmosphere. The staff is very helpful and made me feel at ease immediately upon my arrival. I've only been here once due to the distance from my home, and I went in my Male persona, but they immediately knew why I was there, and helped fit me for a corset and waist cincher. I had a very good experience here. It's nice to shop at a place where they know why you are there! |
| Rachel's
Wigs and Beauty Salon Chicago, IL - Located on Irving Park Rd in Chicago, a full service beauty salon that caters to the TG community. Rachel's also sells Wigs, Breastforms, etc. I have been to Rachel's once in my Female persona. Friendly "beauty salon" atmosphere. I purchased Breast Forms, a wig, and received a makeover from Velma. |
| Skyscraper
Heels Chicago, IL - Shoes, shoes and more shoes, corsets, nylons, breastforms and more. |
| Spa Skin Style Boutique & Transformation Studio Chicago, IL - They complete Transformations, makeovers, wigs, makeup, skin care, a complete line of lingerie and a beautiful shop and studio for the entire community. They have monthly support group meetings and regular events at our shop. They are proud sponsors of the Chicago Gender Society and Tri Ess. Please stop in. I have not visited Spa Skin Style Boutique & Transformation Studio, but I intend to in the very near future! |
Janna's
Place |
| CLUB WEAR |
| Medusa's
Circle Chicago, IL - New wave, punk rock, gothic, metal and just loud rock'n'roll Clubwear, shoes, wigs, makeup, etc in downtown Chicago. They are friendly to anybody who is friendly to them. |
| APPAREL |
| Passion Fashion Addison, IN - 3n 711 Rohlwing Rd, 630-916-7068. Passion Fashion sells exotic lingerie and intimate apparel sizes 1x to 4x, after 5 gowns, casual wear, wigs, jewelry, and accessories. Hours: 12-8 pm mon-fri, sat 12-6 pm. I've been here a couple of times and they are very friendly and helpful. |
| Queen
Elena Lingerie 15411 Cottage Grove; Dolton, IL; (708) 849-7722 - has a wide assortment of lingerie and dresses. Very TG friendly. If the dressing roms are empty and the store is not busy, you are allowed to try on rhe outfits. Great selection up to 6x. She has about a dozen CD's that patronize her store. |
| Ragstock Chicago, IL - New and used clothing. Multiple locations. |
| The
Daisy Shop Chicago, IL - Resale Shop. Clothing, Jewelry etc. Transgender clients by appointment only - 9 AM - 11 AM between Monday and Saturday. |
| Mira
Couture Chicago, IL - Evening Gowns, Wedding Gowns, etc. According to their spokesperson, their store is very friendly and they do not discriminate towards anyone. |
| Tall
Etc. Oak Lawn , IL - Tall Women's clothing. They have several locations across the U.S. (one in Oak Lawn, IL). They are friendly, "however if the store is busy, we will work out a more quiet time for you to try on clothes" according to the person I talked to. |
| Fox's Chicago, IL & Skokie, IL - They have a typically capatilistic attitude - as long as you have money to spend, they are friendly to anybody. |
| Firm
Foundations Lombard, IL - "We treat ALL of our customers in a friendly, professional manner" was their response to my inquiry if their store was Transgender Friendly. |
| G Boutique
Chicago, IL - "We are friendly to everyone" according to the owners. From their website, "G boutique is a concept developed by women, for women. ... G [is] a place where you can feel comfortable shopping for fabulous lingerie, sex toys, books and videos screened for female clientele, lotions, oils, lubes, whips, cuffs and more." |
| The Dreamwear Shoppe
Long Grove, IL - "Transgenderists are welcome, assisted, and permitted to use the dressing room as is any customer. We carry women's sleepwear in sizes S - 4X" |
| ACCESSORIES |
| The Eyeglass Shop
Oak Park, IL - The Eyeglass Shop is located in Oak Brook and carries eyeglasses and frames! |
| FETISH |
| Black
Market Chicago
Adults Only Chicago, IL - Fetish wear, Lingerie, Toys, BDSM, etc. Located in Chicago, this store is definately open to the TG community. |
| Paul
C Leather Chicago, IL - Leather Corsets! (and other leather products) Most Definately friendly. Now sharing a location with Black Market Chicago (see above) |
| Vex
Clothing Chicago, IL - Latex Clothing. Some of these stores were shocked that I even had to ask if they were transgender friendly. Vex Clothing was one of them. They are only open on Thursdays from 2 PM - 9 PM. |
| HAIR |
| Ultimate
Looks Cary, IL - Wigs, hats, bangs, hair pieces, etc. They ask that you call for an appointment, as they only have one private wig fitting room. |
| COSTUMES |
| All
Dressed Up Costumes Batavia, IL - Costumes, makeup, wigs, etc. Their response was very clear "Yes we are transgender friendly!" |
| Fantasy
Costumes Chicago, IL - Costumes, Wigs, Makeup, etc. |
| SHOES |
| City
Soles/Niche Chicago, IL - They have two locations (one called City Soles, and one called Niche.) If you haven't gathered by their name, they sell shoes! |
| COSMETICS |
| Aek-Ta
Cosmetics Lake Zurich, IL - Answered with a simple "Yes" to whether their store was Transgender Friendly or not. Mostly skin care. |
| Merle
Norman Studio Hinsdale, IL - "Yes, our studio is Transgender Friendly." That says it all! |
| Merle
Norman Studio LaGrange, IL - No - this is not a mistake. There are two Merle Norman Studio's listed here. Both are owned and operated independantly, and both are Transgender friendly. Beware - not all Merle Norman Studio's are friendly, but the two listed here are. This is what this studio had to say "We can accomodate everyone but we are a very small studio and we do not have much privacy. If that does not bother you, please call us." |
| SPAS & SALONS |
| Gold Coast Med Spa Chicago, IL - Laser Hair Removal, Skin Treatment, Permanent Cosmetics, etc. Goal Coast Med Spa has experience with the TG community. |
| Frank
Gironda Salon and Day Spa Naperville & Wheaton, IL - Manicures, Makeovers, Makeup lessons, hair styling, etc. When asked about their policy towards the transgender community, they responded "Our spa is a full service day spa open to the public. We do not discriminate against anyone. We have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination" |
| Salon
1800 and Haven Chicago, IL - "Yes, our spa is transgender friendly" is a quote from Salon 1800. Located in Chicago, they offer Hair Care, Skin Care, Nails, Makeovers, Makeup Lessons, etc. |
| The
Sun Tan Club
Chicago, IL - Offers Sun Tanning and Waxing. In response to my inquiry, they said "Yes, we are transgender friendly. In fact I'd like to think we are friendly to everyone! All kidding aside, we do have a few transgender clients who are very comfortable and happy here." This looks like a great place to check out. |
| STORES WITHOUT WEBSITES |
| Some of these may not be open anymore. Call first! |
| Repeat
Performance Boutiique Dyer, IN - A consignment shop with a variety of clothing at reasonable prices. Very TG friendly. Can try on outfits. Ask for Dora. |
| Back
by Popular Demand 2629 N. Halstead, Chicago; 773.868.0404 - Rita, the owner, is just super about working with CDs. And the clothing is definitely more up market. Lots of size 8-12 but also some 14s up to 2X or 20. Make sure to talk to Rita. |
| BSM
International, Inc. Oak Mill Mall, 13A; 7900 Milwaukee; Niles, IL 60714; (847) 966-5200 - Wigs and accessories. Wigs are excellent quality, but not cheap |
| CC
Boutique 5101 W. Washington Unit 22; Gurnee, IL 60031; (847) 244-8090 - - Karen is the owner and has several TG clients. She has a wonderful selection of clothing and jewelry. Anyone who calls or comes in be sure to tell her that they got her name from AOL and from Rachael. She is a wonderful woman and very supportive of TG people. |
| The
Fashion eXchange 837 S. Westmore / Meyers Rd; Lombard, IL 60148; (630) 792-9060 - Friendly thrift shop. Has a lot to offer at very reasonable prices. |
| Imaginary
Stage Wigs 2205 Grand Ave; Waukegan, IL 60085; (847) 244-6060 - Marie sells new wigs and also does cleaning and styling of old wigs at a reasonable price. She also does makeovers by appointment. She is very TG friendly and is an excellent and talented stylist and makeup artist. Call for hours. Tell her you learned of her from jezzi Belle on AOL. |
| The
Other You 3409 W. Belmont; Chicago, IL 60618; (773) 478-4177 - Wigs, Hairpieces, Falls. Mary, the owner, is very friendly and helpful. |
| Antoinettes
Wigs N Things 4714 147th Street, Midlothian, IL 60445; (708) 385-5736 - Wigs n things :-). |
| Lipstick Chicago, IL - located in Bucktown. Carries a variety of things (lingerie, etc.) |
| Electrolysis by Kelly Inc 1111 Westgate, Oak Park IL 60301, 708-386-4663 - Kelly provides Electrolysis services (of course!) |