Andrew Christian, the founder of the iconic queer underwear brand that bore his name, has announced that the business is officially closing after over two decades in operation.
In a heartfelt social media post on Tuesday, Christian revealed the closure of the Andrew Christian website, marking the end of a fashion era that championed queer visibility, self-expression, and community.
Speaking to Queerty, Christian explained that a combination of market pressure from fast fashion giants and a changing political climate has made it increasingly difficult for LGBTQ+ brands to survive.
“There’s been a clear shift in consumer behaviour, with many people — especially younger generations — buying from fast fashion platforms like Shein and Temu, where you can get underwear for $3,” Christian said.
“Along with the dumping of Chinese fast fashion into our market, the political climate seems to have made it unpopular for large companies to invest in gay brands. There’s a reluctance to associate with LGBTQ+ focused businesses that simply wasn’t there a few years ago.”
A heartfelt farewell to a global community
On X (formerly Twitter), Christian shared an emotional message with his fans:
“Today, with tears, gratitude, and a heart full of memories, we close the Andrew Christian website. It’s with a heavy but deeply grateful heart that we say goodbye.”
The brand’s website now displays a message reading:
“Andrew Christian is now closed. Thank you for your loyalty and support over the years.”
In a final Instagram post, Christian expanded on the emotional journey behind the brand’s closure:
“What began as a queer kid’s survival turned into a movement of self-expression, visibility, and unapologetic joy. Together, we didn’t just make clothes — we made space. We built a community. We made people feel seen.”
He ended the post with a message of gratitude:
“Thank you for standing with me. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being part of this legacy.”
From survival to legacy
Founded in the early 2000s, Andrew Christian’s label became known for its bold, body-positive underwear, swimwear, and apparel, often featuring unapologetically queer marketing. The brand played a key role in mainstreaming queer representation in fashion, while empowering LGBTQ+ identities through visibility and celebration.
Though the business is closing its doors, Christian’s legacy lives on through the community he helped build — one that valued pride, sensuality, and being seen.
