Shopping in NYC
Fashion-forward is a reputation that New York City enjoys. When New York City is dressed to the nines, no other city can compete. The five boroughs are glammed up and celebrity-driven. Men and women, gay and straight, always dress nicely, whether they are going out to eat, taking in a cultural event, hitting a hot club, or simply strolling through an LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood. Cool shops can be found all over New York City, but Hell's Kitchen and Chelsea have a higher concentration of gay-focused stores, making them must-visits for locals.
- For LGBTQ+ people, Nasty Pig is a must-visit store. This homegrown label sells sportswear and fetish, club and street apparel. It’s worth a visit to Chelsea for Nasty Pig’s one-of-a-kind “shredders,” hand-distressed and handcrafted sleeveless shirts sold in-store only. No other brand designs underwear, jeans and jocks with such an innate understanding of what’s sexy and comfortable on the male body, and the friendly sales crew are always helpful in conceiving looks that work.
- You can visit Parke & Ronen, a chic store that has been serving savvy gay boys and their metrosexual friends for years, when you need a new swimsuit for Fire Island. The Chelsea-based company sells swimwear with a retro vibe, including European-style swim briefs, as well as unique tops, bottoms, and accessories.
- Another LGBTQ+ store, Bird, targets the fashionable female by hand-selecting unique, difficult-to-find handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Each shop location features trendy brands like Acne Studios, Rachel Comey, and Proenza Schouler in addition to local ones. The shops have a hip, queer vibe, with helpful staff and a welcoming environment for dogs.
