Navigating the complexities of female size charts is difficult enough for a genetic girls, so what chance do crossdressers have of ensuring best fit. We know many dressers that have bought items in the safety of an anonymous and discreet online buildup and even in a high street p.s. once buying for their wife or belt in crime by yourself to be cuttingly disappointed together amid the fit when they acquire gain house. The repercussion: the provocation of making a compensation (as long as the item(s) in evaluate can be returned). Alternatively theres the trek prematurely happening to the mall and the potential nerve-wracking stare of the (probably imagined) suspicious sales person.
First of all, whether you shop online or in the high street or mall setting bear in mind that the majority of businesses want you to be happy with your purchase because they want you as a repeat customer. It is not in their interest to frustrate you. Furthermore, it’s estimated that (depending on the time of the year) as much as 25% of transactions from major online ladies apparel stores are made by men – obviously at the higher end it is during holiday times and Valentines. There are no figures on what the breakdown is of buying for female partners and crossdresser’s buying for themselves but we believe the latter share is considerable. The folk we know who shop online and in stores have done their research to figure out their sizeing, and what shapes and cuts of garment fit and flatter their own figure the best.
As with all things cross dressing a little bit of preparation and research will go a very long way. There are many stores online catering exclusively to crossdressers and some of them make dresses, skirts and tops to fit and feminize the male body. This will be easier for the novice crossdresser to make informed choices from as long as the size charts provided are easy to understand. And for those wanting the variety and excitement of buying female clothing then just make sure you educate yourself on how your own measurements will translate into female sizes.
Wherever and whatever you choose to shop for make sure you have your correct measurements at hand so you are not in a rush when shopping. You cannot guess your bust and waist measurement going off the size of the male jacket and trousers you wear. For example, a ladies waist is approximately 3″ higher. When measuring key sizes you need are for:
- Bust/Chest
- Waist and
When you measure , remember to wear any bodyshaping garments you intend to wear such as breast forms, cinchers or corsets and padded pants. Measure your chest/bust area at the fullest part threading the tape measure around the chest area and under the arms. Remain relaxed and measure snuggly but not tight. Always measure the narrowest part of the waist which is generally around the tummy button and for hips measure approximately 7” below the waist measurement or where the widest part of the hips are.
Now all you have to attain is compare your measurements behind the size charts but remember many stores sell many every other brands of ladies garments and there is no fiddle gone universal size chart so that a Size 10 dress in one manufacturer may be the equivalent of 2 sizes smaller in irregular make! Always, check the size charts for each item you get sticking to of. Also as a male you will probably shop from either the Misses or the Womens Size Charts/Classification and its important to know their differences too. Generally the Womens Classification is for a fuller figure particularly in the hip and waist place. Also, note that Tall in ladies clothes generally refers to 59 and above and Petite is 53 and sedated.
BEGINNERS: Unless you are lucky enough to be the ideal female shape to start with then we would always suggest shopping with a specialist vendor like feminization.us who have live customer support to help you and they also make dresses, tops and skirts made to fit the male form. Most specialist suppliers serving the CD community will make garments in fabrics that stretch consequently that there is a suitable element of reprieve in the measurements if, following many genetic girls you are a little conservative regarding sizeing.
TOP TIPS WHEN CLOTHES BUYING:
- Always measure yourself accurately as outlined above. Remember for Bust measure at the fullest part (wearing forms if you intend to). Measure the narrowest part of the waist usually around the tummy button and NOT where your low-rise jeans sit.
- Higher Waist/Empire Waist is very flattering for crossdressers particularly if like most you have a bit of a tummy to conceal.
- Stretch Materials are best when shopping. Try to stay away from 100% Cotton and 100% Polyester and instead choose a lycra or spandex mix. Usually between 2 and 4% is plenty.
- Dress Sizes vary a lot between manufacturers so always refer to the individual Size Chart for each item you look at.
- Sleeve Length should be appropriate to your needs and time of the year. If you are dark haired and shaving is not an option then look for fuller length sleeves. This may be another measurement you can add to the critical 3 of Bust, Waist and Hips.
- Relaxed or Stretch Waist garments is always preferred as we often see clients that although they are the correct Bust Size for a Dress they are a little fuller in the waist – if it stretches then it should accommodate you.
- Seamstress/Alterations. If you do buy female clothing try to find a seamstress to do alterations. Girls we know that use such a service find the finished garment is perfect which makes a big difference to the final look and your confidence.
Once you become confident in your sizeing later go shopping in the retail stores that have clothes that achievement for you. Many customers that visit us in NJ use Dress Barn who happen to have an excellent CD/TG customer abet policy. These days, most savvy retailers within sufficient limits your dollars and if you are a tiny afraid in addition to call taking place to the front to ask what their policy is. You throb to know will they within passable limits your situation, are there experienced staff re hand that can upholding a CD and will you be dexterous to attempt things not far away away off from. We know of stores that expected CDs but they ask that you shop in quieter mature so they can lecture to you and many can make provision for varying facilities too.
The same applies if you choose to shop online. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reveal you are a CD – again most savvy online stores these days are qualified to help you and if you pick up any negative attitude then simply don’t shop there – that’s there loss and not yours.
Know your own measurements and purposefully compare subsequent to individual garment size charts to check where you fit. If in any doubt stage namecustomer support person consequently you dont make an costly error and attempt to be brave and publicize the skillful its for you itll intend they can have the funds for much more accurate opinion if they recognize who the subside-user is. Remember, your hard earned greenbacks are as delightful as anyones and the cunning retailers bow to the considerable purchasing proficiency of the CD/TG community. Good Luck!