on-line makeover

"Shopping for...Her"

   how to find the right clothes for you

"Clothes" - do not "make" the woman. However... they do make up about 90% of what people " see" of her.  Well... perhaps only 30%... if you wear " skimpy" outfits - like Renee. *Grin* Nothing will get you in touch with your feminine persona faster - than donning women's clothing and styles. 

Trouble is, we "start off" knowing so little about female garb. This lack of knowledge invites "errors". Don't worry about it. I had an old football coach once tell me - "Asking a freshman not to make mistakes - is like asking a skunk not to stink." No matter how much advice you garner, you're going to make a few mistakes with certain clothing and accessory purchases. 

Remember - having an "extra" closet - full of stuff you've never worn - is your official indoctrination into "womanhood". *Smile* 

section overview

Here I'm going to tell you about:

getting past the nervousness of buying "girl stuff"

When I first started shopping for my female wardrobe, I was much too nervous. I felt everyone was wondering why I was intently browsing women's apparel. This was my imagination of course - but it felt "real" to me. If you're a bit "shy" - or new to the femme game - you might experience similar trepidation.

I developed a "crutch" that helped me get past this initial fear. I'd carry a list in my hand and appear slightly frustrated - like a man on a mission for his wife - which he really - didn't want to be on - "in the first place". If you are nervous about shopping for women's clothes, make your list, carry it with you, appear slightly agitated, keep staring at the list as you're browsing bra sizes - and you'll fit right in!

A lot of gals always have a tough time with this. Don't feel lonely. To this day - I still have moments where I walk away from a potential purchase because my "psyche" is just not up for what I perceive as a potential hassle. This is always wrong - it's just my feeble "male side" running for cover. 

Retail stores and their associates don't necessarily "want" to understand why I'm buying "a skirt" - but they need my commerce. When you  make a new purchase for "her" - you are doing exactly what the store intended for you to do. 

what's up with these crazy women's sizes?

If you figure them out, let me know! As our population has aged and "vanity sizing" has kicked in, designers are now selling an "8", to a woman that's really a "12"! All size logic has gone right out the window. Jeez! "This" - in a system that was already less than "logical". *Laugh*

What is "vanity" sizing? It's where clothing designers sell a piece of clothing as a size "6" - that's actually a "10". Why would "they" do that? Because "women" (and a few of us tranny's - *Grin*) have shown a high propensity to buy any garment they can "squeeze" into - that includes a sizing "label" that says they are "now" much smaller  - than they really "are". 

Is "Renee" a size "6"? Sure she is. *Laugh* "She" has a few dresses that "say" she is. *Grin* Does all this sound ridiculous? It's not - "really". Men fib about their golf scores & "the fish that got away", It's only "fitting" - we'd acquire a couple of fresh "white lies" - as a girl. *Laugh*

Unfortunately, "this situation" complicates shopping for us t-girls. Why? Simple. We usually can't "try on" a garment in the store. Add to this equation that our bodies are "naturally" different from women - and you can get very frustrated in a hurry.

Following is a somewhat "standard" size chart for women's clothing in the United States. 

Take the time to pull out the old tape measure - and see where "you" fit in. Just remember - the bust is measured at your "nipple" line - and your "waist" is measured right above the "belly button". ((hugs))

 

size (US)

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

bust

32"

33"

34"

35"

36"

38"

39"

41"

43"

45"

waist

24"

25"

26"

27"

28"

30"

31"

33"

35"

37"

hip

34.5

35.5

36.5

37.5

38.5

40

41.5

43

45

47

sleeve (petite)

28.5

29

29.5

30

30.5

31

31.5

32

32.5

33

sleeve (reg)

29.5

30

30.5

31

31.5

32

32.5

33

33.5

34

bra

28 - 30

30 - 32

34 - 36

38 - 40

42 - 44

underwear

4

5

6

7

8 - 9

belt

24 - 28

28 - 30

30 - 32

32 - 36

36 - 38

hosiery

A - B

A - B

C - D

E - F

E - F

size "problems"

Figured out your "size" yet? "Good" - that will make your shopping a bit easier. However...you'll still face a few challenges in finding clothes that fit "perfectly".

"Some" t-girls don't face "these" problems. "Their" bodies are built very much like women from the onset.  If you know such a "tranny" - you'll really come to "hate her" over the years. Don't feel bad about it - we all hate "them"!  *Laugh* 

Even though I'm only 5'9 - I'm still the prototypical "t-girl"...and I know lots of gals face my "problems" in finding great clothes. Here's but a few of the unique problems we "face" with sizing.   

Large Rib Cages - In general - our rib cages are not only larger than women - but they start "flaring" outward - at a "lower position. This makes lots of dresses that fit perfectly otherwise...unwearable - damnit!

Fat Storage Problems - The human body is an amazing "device". It "stores" fat as energy - when we "let" it. Unfortunately, men & women's bodies store fat in different places. Guys retain this "energy" at their waist - women in their hips & ass. Fashion designers "know" this - and cut female clothes accordingly. Thus, we're often "cut" out of a great fit - long before that hot dress even gets shipped to your favorite retailer. 

Thicker Shoulders - It's bad enough we don't have breasts - and our rib cages are oversized - but why do our shoulders always have to be "thicker" than a female counterpart of a similar size? It's just not fair. ((hugs)) Lots of jackets will be overly snug in the shoulders and fit less than ideal.

Larger Hands -Men usually have "larger hands" than a comparable female. That's cool - we can add long nail tips to help "extend" our phalanges and lessen their oversized appearance. However - you'll discover certain jackets that you can't even get your hands through the sleeves. Can we never win?

Narrow Hips - Women's hips widen as they reach puberty as their bodies "prepare" them for the ability to bear children. 

Oversized Feet - This "one" bothers me the most. I wear a size "10" as a guy - which means I shop a "12" in women's shoes. In case you've not already looked - most "12 styles" - look like shoes your grandmother would hesitate to wear. *Laugh* You can find a decent number of "fetish" heels in larger sizes - but high-quality, large sized "fashionable" shoes at a decent price - are as rare as a DRAG Queen at an NRA talent show.

Larger Muscles - I've got fairly large and muscular calves. In a pair of 6" heels - they slim a bit and help my legs look pretty hot. I like that! Unfortunately, they also mean I can't even get my legs through a lot of women's pants that fit me otherwise. You might face this same challenge with your thighs, biceps - you know the drill. Consider your "muscularity issues" before any purchase. 

The Most Important Shopping "Rules" - With all these "challenges", what are the most important shopping "rules"? 

trying on clothes in stores

After shopping for a period of time, you'll become more comfortable with buying your femme items. Once you buy enough garments - you'll eventually reach a point where you'll want to "try them on" - in the store. Private, fetish type shops are a no-brainer - they are orientated towards our alternative lifestyle. However, traditional retailers, rarely are.

Department stores, are by definition - broken up into departments. Thus, they offer the least friendly "environment" for t-girls to try on clothing before purchase. Most major retail chains now include training on working with "us" - to all their employees. However, that doesn't mean your particular salesperson will be adept or compassionate to your needs. 

Unisex, discount retailers like Marshall's, Ross & TJ Max are your best bet. If you are still a bit shy, you can take some male clothes to the dressing room with you. The only person you'll have to face in this process, is the lowly "guardian" of dressing room thieves - who inventories the number of garments you try on. If you stop and put it in perspective, this person is insignificant in the scheme of things - don't let them affect you!

When I first started shopping for my female wardrobe in "traditional" retail establishments, I was still a bit shy. One thing I did to "get past" this coyness - was "mentally" pretend I was a "gay guy shopping for a dress" - not an uncommon sight in Atlanta, GA. It might sound silly, but it helped me. Most of the time, your "fear" in feminine shopping is actually your male ego dreading getting bruised. By sort of "tossing aside" my male ego - in favor of a more fem style - I seemed to feel less concerned what others thought. *Smile* 

Another trick you might consider is carrying a small photograph of yourself all dolled up in your wallet. Most people assume any guy who dresses as a girl will look "horrid". When someone has jokingly asked if the "make up" or blouse I'm purchasing is for me - I've shared my photo with them. Most anyone who would ask such a question usually has a good sense of humor. And anyone with a good sense of humor - is usually more open minded than others. I met some neat people this way.

In time, you'll "let go" of the fears you face in "this" regard. Most of my "concerns" were derived from my over-sized male "ego" - trying not to get bruised in "this" process. Getting "that" trait in check - is a gift from transgenderism you'll always appreciate.

three great shopping "guidelines" for beginners

Until you get comfortable with being able to "peg" your size  - by just "looking" at a garment - I'd suggest the following:

1.  Make your first purchases at thrift stores. (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.) You can get surprisingly nice items for only a few bucks. Whatever doesn't fit, you can take back, donate, and even get a little tax deduction. After a few trips, you'll start to get a handle on your fem size. This will most economically help you find the colors that look good on you. What I first thought was my "color" - was totally wrong!. Also - usually not crowded - easy enough to try on femme clothes.

2. Focus on "spandex" type fabrics. They give you a better margin for error and will adjust easier with weight changes. Look for at least 5% "spandex" - even in a pair of jeans - it helps make any outfit with fitting issues..."work". Since we don't dress 24/7 - we can always use the "negotiability". *Smile*

3. Stick to items that are sized "small", "medium" and "large". These garments are designed to include a slight "range" of sizes. You'll make fewer early mistakes buying this way.

4. Shop the "Sales". When you first start "shopping" - most every ladies garment will be a least "somewhat" appealing to your senses. Over time you'll come to appreciate their are perhaps more hot women's clothes in this world - than "Chinamen". *Laugh* Be patient with "price" - it "pays".

"thrifty" management

I'm "sorry" - I simply have to say "this". 

"A lot of t-girls shop at 'Thrift Stores' - and it shows".

I can't begin to tell you the number of gals I've met that bragged about their dress only costing $3.00 - and I felt like telling them they "paid too much".

Thrift stores are an awesome source to affordably add key items to your wardrobe. However, it takes skill to know how to shop at them - and not end up with junk. Following is my best tips for "thrifty" management:

  1. Learn first. Begin by shopping at the best retail establishments. Yes, the ones where dresses cost $1,000 apiece. Why? I want you to note the brands. I want you to examine the stitching, In other words...I want you to become "a student" of quality. "This" - will pay off in spades when you shop thrifts. You don't have to buy a $3,000 dress...but I want you very familiar with what one looks like.
  2. Shop "quality". When you shop "Thrifts" - look for the same kind of quality and brands you saw in the finest stores. There is a reason women aren't in that Thrift buying every item in "sight". A lot of it is junk. The treasures - take time to unearth.
  3. Visit a variety of Thrifts. A Thrift stores inventory is most closely associated with its surrounding neighborhood. "This" is where 80% of its clothing comes from via donation. Try visiting stores in different areas to find a basic mix you find most appealing.
  4. Check the "end" racks. People often try on the best items in the store. As store personnel return items to the rack - they often lazily put these items on the ends of each major section. If you're in a hurry - check "the ends".  
  5. Consider the "base" garment. Thrifts are the absolutely best source for purchases if you're skilled at sewing for acquiring a "base" garment to add decorative accessories. Think creatively!
  6. Don't just shop clothes. Many thrift stores are your very best source for accessories. Always check the purses, the belts - and particularly - the costume jewelry.
  7. Consider Value. Certain female clothes are necessary evils. We all need "top coats" that aren't quite so masculine - yet we hesitate to invest in them at a department store. Thrifts often carry extremely high quality sweaters. Because of "this" - I forced myself to learn about wearing "them" fashionably - and developed some low cost stunning ensembles. Think as you shop!  

shopping for clothes on-line

I'll be honest. I'm not a huge fan of shopping for clothing on-line "as a female". Why not? I have a difficult time getting clothes to fit "just right" - and the added challenges plus the "wait"- don't serve my tastes. Still, for a certain items - on-line shopping is a great outlet. Here's a few thoughts and ideas to help your "experience". 

ebay

As an avid art collector, I was an early "ebayer". It continues to be a great source for select purchases - in any category of interest.

Care should be shown in purchasing gear where "size" could be an issue. Shoes are usually one of the trickiest purchases for a t-girl to purchase in the best environments. I'd show restraint investing in shoes from a source like ebay where you can neither "try them on" - or return them.

Likewise, stick to clothing that includes a "stretch" fabric. Many ebay "sellers" will include exact measurements for the garment they sell. 

However, unless you get lucky - their will be a size "issue". Remember - we are typically "thicker" - and designers cut these clothes for women. 

If you "add up" the items you'll never wear because of bad "fit" - it's still often cheaper to purchase items locally at sale price where you can return them. A good example? I couldn't resist the red dress you see in the photos. A size "12" - I also noted the elastic supports at the "back" - assuring me it would be a perfect fit. Unfortunately, the "cut" was perfect for most females - and the sides of the dress began climbing much too quickly along my extra large rib cage. The result? A "waste of money".

Remember the idea we discussed about "learning" the high end garments? "That" knowledge can pay off handsomely on ebay.

A bit of "studying" in department stores will teach you a lot about which designers tend to leave extra room that "fits" your body well. 

I consider ebay my best source for unique items I have trouble finding (costume jewelry, custom belts) and items that fit easily and brands I already know "very" well.  

Stick to items with a stretch waist or bodice - and you'll have much better luck! *Smile*

on-line "fetish" retailers

I've had some success buying "wilder" clothes from on-line vendors. Most of these ensembles are sized by "small-medium-large". Thus, they aren't "quite" as challenging to obtain a decent "fit". Also, they represent a great option for those of you situated in less densely populated cities - with fewer "cutting edge" retailers at your door step.

I've provided links to a few of my personal favorites for "hot outfits" on-line. The Internet has made it all too easy for us gals to buy things we need discreetly. It also provides a comprehensive selection I would have died for when I lived back in Kentucky.

My oldest favorite is ForPlay. These people know what selection and service means. I purchased a host of the outfits you see in my photos from them on-line and I've visited their retail stores in Los Angeles. One trick in working with them: ask questions for "ideas" on outfits "similar" to what you find in their catalogs. I've had great success with their suggestions regarding styles I like - and they will even "custom design" outfits to your size at no additional charge upon request. Overall, they have as good of a selection, pricing, and return policy of any place I've purchased.

I really must interject something important at this point. If you EVER get the chance to go shopping on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles - do not pass up the opportunity! This area is essentially a "T- Girl Disney World" when it comes to buying clothes you won't find at a local mall for obvious reasons. 

First, the sheer number of stores in the area keeps prices competitive and the sale racks more than full. 

Second, these people could care less if you come in shopping for female clothes in a pinstriped suit or a g-string. They operate in an area where they "see it all" - and could care less about your particular fetish. 

Third - it's Hollywood Boulevard - what sort of clothes do you think they will be carrying - Brooks Brothers? Not hardly! Every outfit you'll see is hot. 

Finally, you will find more large-sized women "shoes" - in the styles you've been seeking - than you could ever hope to find in heaven - when your days here are over.  

I've also purchased several items on line from Red Rose Lingerie. Their clothes are the type that tend to fit "us" well, as most are made of Lycra. They are priced right, they accept returns fairly, and I can personally vouch for my success with them. Carrie is great - and her packaging is totally discreet. If you'll click on either of my Red Rose photo, you'll find a link to pictures of me in a couple of my  purchases. I've included an assessment on how each item fits - and how they might work best for you. I'll add others as I purchase them. ((hugs))

Another shop I enjoy is Dreamdresser. I have visited their retail store in Los Angeles, which is where I purchased the dress you see pictured. I think their prices are a little high on the basic items - but they have an excellent selection of very unique items and accessories. Their return policy is a bitch - so be certain you like it before ordering.

I've purchased thousands of dollars worth of "specialty" clothing from on-line. In general, I get better selection and overall pricing from these vendors - than I find in Atlanta. However, returns and exchanges are almost always a problem. These firms are "small businesses. Thus, they are not well equipped to track "problems" - as effectively as giants Victoria's Secret & Fredericks. 

Thus, I'd suggest you really feel good about an item - and its "sizing" - before placing any order. 

"Corsets" are a common "tranny" item many gals swear by. Unfortunately, I'm not a good person to "ask" regarding their evaluation - and purchase. My dear friend "Lady Ashely" swears by corsets - and makes them look fabulous. She purchases hers from Versatile Fashions - you might check them out.

Also, my dear friend Laurie Kastler includes a nice "write up" regarding corsetry at her web site. If you are considering such an acquisition - I'd review her insightful comments before issuing the "purchase order".

Finally, if you are in need of a waist cincher, I'd suggest you visit Patee - a lovely t-girl from Canada who both designs and sells custom versions - and offers detailed advice for those who wish to make their own. Each of these handy devices will take roughly four+ inches off your waist. More importantly, they'll add those feminine "curves" that make larger sisters look stunning.  

Remember...if you are uncomfortable with merchants sending items to your home or office, just get a PO Box. Many merchants, however, will ship with no "indication" on the box regarding its origin or content.

 

 

 

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