Hi ladies! Any advice please?

Hi Rachel

In the past I have used charity shops to get my size right I go for something which looks about right and if anyone raises an eyebrow mention thathe it's either for fancy dress or a stag night these days I just buy what I want and if I'm out enfemme I will try clothes on. Hope this helps

Andrea

What are you worried about?  The woman is gone, nobody at work is likely to care and your family probably already knows you crossdress.  If you are afraid to see someone you know, hop in the car and go to another town.  Then find a shop that isn't too busy, go inside and tell the sales clerk what you need.  As for sizes, there are all kinds of size guides online for crossdressers, but it can be incredibly fun to try on clothes  with a sales clerk who is in on your secret.

Inside of you there is a beautiful woman who is dying to get out and about.  I think you should (with some sensible precaution) let her out a little.  As you said, now is your chance, so go for it.

As for items, you need a skirt, several camisoles, and all the panties you want.  If you want a bra, you will want forms.  You can be an under dresser pretty easily and with almost zero risk of detection, but I really love my heels.  Wearing heels is of course a dead giveaway, but they are, imo, the most wonderful item of clothing.

Hi Rachel, I've found online size guides are really useful. Once you've got your measurements its easy to find what your dress, skirt and top sizes are. I always shop in drab and even though I've been CD for years I always feel nervous and excited when I'm shopping. Its a great feeling to know that the clothes I'm buying, whether its new underwear, new tights or a new dress, are for ME to wear. Good luck. Helen.

Wearing heels is of course a dead giveaway, but they are, imo, the most wonderful item of clothing.

Dee, I agree 100% with the above statement lol, they are the one item that give me that (perceived?) confidence, just not ready to show the world yet, I quite often underdress which helps but in my mind I feel everyone in store is watching and judging, daft I know and it’s a hang up I’m trying to work on! Previous attempted shopping trips have turned into a run in grab something and run away again, this time I’m just going to try and control the nerves and slow down and take time over my purchases.  In 20 odd years of dressing and vying and purging I’ve always been scared of being ‘called out’ while shopping, now I’m feeling a bit more comfortable with myself, hopefully i’ll manage to stop caring what strangers think. Long road for me though

Hi Rachel, Welcome to CDH! I tend to do most of my shopping on line, it's not easy for me to get out shopping because of work and home commitments. I tend to use eBay but also buy from George at Asda. If you want the names of the suppliers I use on eBay PM me and I'll let you have the details.

Andrea xx

Just work out what size you are. For a skirt I am a UK size 12 and it works fine. For a dress I need a UK size 16. But armed with this it is easier to go to a shop, choose what you want then waltz up to the counter and pay. I usually do this as a guy. For shoes again work out your size. For me a UK size 9 is about OK but I've found that a wider fit size 8 is about ideal. Again I just go in , look around and buy, asking if they can be returned. I've even done it for lingerie and tights/stockings although online easier, and there are specialist online companies eg UK Tights and Touchable for lingerie( I love suspender belts with stockings and they do belts with 6 and 8 straps which feel much more comfortable...).Trial and error for bras, UK size 12 for panties and sus belts et al..

Hope that helps...

Hi Tina, that's what I do. I've never been questioned about any clothes I've bought, not even underwear. Helen.

Hello Rachel

You could try something style wise that could be a little off size like a looser fitting dress so you have something to wear out. Then you can go out dressed and feel more comfortable shopping and trying on various sizes to find the right fit. Like most of the ladies have said, I have no problems when I want to shop and try things on. It is all in the attitude, I BELONG!  If you just try to have fun and enjoy most sales people are very friendly and helpful. I have even asked to try on clothes in drab and never had a problem, although its more fun being all girl.

Good luck and have a great time coming out as who you are!

🍷C

Rachel....so sorry to hear about your break up. As for confidence shopping. Most places will accept returns for another size....just buy, take home, try on and return if not suitable. Panties and bras may be a problem. Take a pair of your male shorts, measure waistband with tape and note inches. Same for bra band size. At the store...measure pants and waistband and bra band and they should fit. As for breast silicone forms....look for 1000 gm to 1500g to fit B cups.

Now if anyone should ask or look at you..........say...my wife is in hospital and needs some clothing....so either help or get lost!  Be aggressive.......the clerks/shoppers will back off!  Hope this helps.

Lady Veronica

Thanks for all the advice ladies, on a spur of the moment decision I’m on my way into town to try and pick up a few items! Im in drab but underdressed for confidence, planning to try pick up some underwear, jeans and top/skirt combo or dress. Hopefully I can see this trip through!! Already nervous though :/

Rachel, sorry to hear about your separation, if it's final then good thing you're moving on. On the other hand great thing that you are venturing out to get supplies. It's always a bit nerve racking, but it's not that bad as other ladies have said in the other comments. I also find online size comparisons very useful. Hope you had a great shopping experience

Go on line look up sizing charts there are bra, pantie, and many others gives you a starting point then you can narrow it down and seriously put your game face on and go to a dept store. Early in the morning is best less people good luck 💕wanda

Update: I DID IT!! I’m flying right now!

just got home from shopping, and I feel amazing! I managed to go into 3 shops and bought myself a couple of tops, a skirt, a bra and underwear and a pair of jeans, missed out on shoes and forgot tights but so so proud of myself, I even asked if I could try the jeans on and did so, nobody batted an eyelid! It felt just so ‘normal’ I kept myself calm by having some earphones in and listening  to music and just took it slow. As far as  I could see, no one (public or sales clerk) paid me any adverse attention.

Thank you all for the help, I’m so happy right now, bit of food and then time to get dressed!

xxxx

Hi Rachel, Well done, you have obviously had a good day enjoy the dressing!

Andrea xx