Pride Outfit Ideas That Say Something
Part of our guide: LGBTQ Rights and Pride: What the Fight Is Now, and What People Wear
Build a Pride outfit around one shirt that says what you mean, then add as much rainbow as you like. Pride is a party and it is also still a protest, and the outfits that get stopped for photos tend to be the ones with something to say. Here are picks for queer and trans people, for parents, and for allies who are not sure what is theirs to wear.
If you want to say it plainly
"Pride is a Protest" is the history lesson in four words. "We are not Going Back in the Closet" and "Queer People Will Always Exist" are for a year when that needs saying.
Pride is a Protest
We're Here We're Queer
We are not Going Back in the Closet
Queer People Will Always ExistFor trans joy
"Trans Joy is Resistance" and "Gender Euphoria" are the two that get the most smiles at a parade. "Trans Rights Now" is the one for the march before it.
For allies, parents and the whole family
An ally's shirt should support, not claim. "Love is Love" and "More Pride Less Prejudice" are written for anyone. "Let Queer Kids Live" and "Protect the Whole Rainbow" are the ones parents and teachers wear.
For specific flags and a sense of humor
"Sapphic Pride" and "Enby Pride" name their people. "Gay Agenda Equal Rights" and "Transphobia is So Last Century" are for the person who wants to make the crowd laugh.
The practical list for a parade day
- Shoes you can walk a parade route in. This matters more than anything else you wear.
- Sun: most Pride events are in June at midday. Hat, sunscreen, and a light-colored shirt.
- Water and a small bag that leaves your hands free for a flag.
- Layers for the evening if you are staying for the festival.
- Color: lighter garment colors are cooler in the sun and make rainbow lettering stand out.
About the shirts
Every design is original, written and lettered by a person, and printed to order in the USA. Shirts are unisex with a relaxed cut and run true to size, in a range of garment colors. Many designs also come as a hoodie and a crewneck sweatshirt. Because each piece is printed to order, allow time before your date; details are on the shipping page.
Marching as a contingent? Employee groups, GSAs, congregations and families match: group orders of existing designs go on one custom listing so everyone's sizes and colors ship together; see group and bulk orders. The full sets are in Pride Month shirts and LGBTQ and pride shirts. For where Pride came from and what the fights are now, see our page on LGBTQ rights and Pride.
Questions people ask
What should I wear to Pride?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and something that says who you are or who you support. One message shirt with rainbow accessories is the easiest outfit to build and the most comfortable for a long day outdoors.
What should I wear to Pride as an ally?
A shirt that shows support without claiming an identity, such as "Love is Love," "Protect Trans Joy" or "More Pride, Less Prejudice." Leave identity-specific flags and first-person slogans to the people they describe.
Can straight people go to Pride?
Yes. Allies are welcome at Pride events. Go to celebrate and support, follow the lead of LGBTQ people around you, and remember the day is theirs.
What do you wear to a Pride parade when it is hot?
A light-colored cotton tee, shorts or a skirt you can walk in, a hat and sunscreen. Bring water, and save heavier layers for the evening.
When is Pride Month?
June, every year, marking the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Many cities also hold Pride events in other months, so check your local date.
Can I order matching shirts for our Pride contingent?
Yes. Pick the design, collect sizes and colors, and we put the whole group on one custom listing that ships together; see group and bulk orders.