Universal Gear

It is a little pricy, but I appreciate that it fills a need and it’s a fun, neighborhood store.

My boyfriend and I had a hilarious «gay fat» experience at Universal Gear while shopping for bathing suits. The BF found one he liked and asked if they had it in size 34. The salesperson stared at him for a second, then said condescendingly, «oh, we only get one or two in THAT size, so we probably can’t help you.»
By anyone’s normal definition a 6ft guy with a size 34 waist is not remotely fat — yet by «gay fat» standards apparently it means you’re tubby and should be ashamed.
Luckily, the BF is a secure person and gave the salesperson a «WTF» look and said, «Not everyone is a twig» and we laughed about it later while eating cake.

The owner of this business should train empolyees how to treat shoppers, especially minority ones, with respect & dignity. Stopped by & tried to get some Xmas gifts, but followed & annoyed by those retail queens, i could not help but feel myself a shoplifter.
1 star is bestowed to the store for it’s 14^th and U St fabulous location.

Underwhelming & overpriced is never a good combination, no matter which shoes you’re wearing. Shop online or go to Georgetown.
My main beef with this place is the obnoxious amount of attitude from the staff, who act as if Universal Gear is a gay club with a guest list. The «I’m too cool to help you» vibe went out in the 90’s, kids, and remember, this is Washington, NOT West Hollywood or South Beach or SoHo. Last time I walked in there to buy a present for my husband, the staff just gawked at me, offering no help at all. When I asked for some help locating an item I saw in the window, the store manager mumbled, «Oh, it’s around the store, somewhere.» After perusing the less-​than inspiring shelves, I walked out.
I know UG from both their former stores, and their stores in other cities. Sizes and styles on the racks are aimed at DC’s twinkiest twinks, none of whom could ever afford to actually shop here. And there’s not a single piece of clothing or merchandise that you can’t buy online for half the price. My advice? Go in to browse, take pictures with your phone, take notes, then go home and buy it online.
And someone please tell the nelly staff to give it a rest. If they had any real fashion sense, they wouldn’t be working at Universal Gear.

Like a physical location for JackThreads. Hipster chic music and hipster chic clothes. Very gay friendly.