TheQuartering [5/17/2023]
Ahead of Pride Month, Target has announced new collaborations with two LGBTQ+ clothing designers. The brands TomboyX and Humankind will both bring queer-friendly, limited-edition options to Target’s shelves.
LGBTQ+ people deserve a wider selection of underwear and swimsuits. Most clothing brands create underwear and swimwear in distinct “male” and “female” categories. For example, swimsuits are often limited to board shorts marketed to men, while bikinis or form-fitting one-pieces are marketed to women.
TomboyX makes underwear that are comfortable for people of any and all genders. Humankind sells swimwear like swim shirts and board shorts. Both of these brands help LGBTQ+ customers feel more comfortable in their own skin. Customers can find TomboyX clothing online and in some stores throughout May. Target plans to start sell Humankind garments on May 25th.
What can shoppers expect from these collections? TomboyX has compression tops (a more comfortable option for chest binding), packing underwear, and other undergarments like boxers and briefs. The sizes range from S – 4X.
Chest binders are designed to compress a person’s chest to make it appear flatter. Packing underwear allows a person to wear a phallic object or padding to create the appearance of having a bulge at the front of their pants. These undergarments empower transgender and nonbinary people to present their bodies in the way that feels most authentic to their gender identity.
Many customers are excited to see these items in a big-box store. This is the first time that Target has stocked compression tops on the racks. Shoppers usually have to purchase compression tops from online specialty shops, which can be expensive. When shopping online, it can also be difficult to find the right size. Chest binders should be worn snugly across the torso. However, compression tops should not be too tight or they can cause skin irritation and restrict breathing. Now that these garments are available (albeit for a limited time) in Target, customers can physically hold the clothing up to their bodies or stretch the fabric to test the elasticity. When LGBTQ+ customers can interact with these undergarments, they can more easily determine which size will work best for them.