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Menswear for Women Corners a Niche Market Custom clothier Tomboy Tailors crafts bespoke menswear -- for women.

By Jodi Helmer

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Entrepreneur: Zel Anders traded careers in corporate recruiting and writing for nonprofits to start a business selling menswear looks for a female clientele. She launched custom clothier Tomboy Tailors early this year in San Francisco.

"Aha" moment: Anders wore ill-fitting suits from the menswear department for more than three decades before coming up with the idea to start a bespoke line for "lesbians, trans-masculine individuals and women of any identity who have a strong sense of self-expression." She took the leap into business this year, following the repeal of the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and the increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage. "As we start feeling a little stronger in our own values, we're willing to be a little more brave in our choices, including the clothes we wear," she says.

Zel Anders (center) of Tomboy Tailors.
Zel Anders (center) of Tomboy Tailors.

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