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I really need help figuring out what size I need. I wear a 31-31 in men's pants and usually wear LG tops. My men's shoe size is 9 1/2. Would love to buy some lingerie, dresses, skirts, and heels.
@femmichelle Sizing is the bane of crossdressing because all of the numbers are literally arbitrary. A, B, C, S, M, L? Doesn't mean anything.
My dress size can vary, but usually is about 14-16, but pants and shorts are around 8-9 maybe 10 depending on the store. But those numbers can be different if the material stretches, too. If a dress is not stretchy, maybe you can't pull it over your barrel chest because the waist is too tight.
Shoe sizes are all over the map, too. One company can uses different size numbers because their shoes are manufactured in different factories. Sizes in millimeters is just a start, if you can find some, let alone getting the width right.
As I, JJ, and others will tell you, a measuring tape doesn't lie. Trying clothes and shoes on tells you the truth, too. Something either fits or it doesn't. The more complete and accurate your record of measurements are, the fewer mistakes that you will buy.
There are many different measurements that you need to write down. For example, not only do you need to figure out a good chest size, but the shoulder width and sleeve lengths are important, too. If the sleeves are too narrow, your big arm will not go into them.
You need to figure out the range of inseam lengths that you will need for everything from flats, to your 4" heels.
Shoes hurt your feet in the store? Walk on and keep looking.
Your basic waist, chest, hip measurements are just the beginning. And you have to stop yourself from buying stuff that you may like but they don't measure up. In this case, wishin' ain't gettin'.
Michelle, Try womens size 10 shoes. You would probably fit in a size 14 dress, 38 C bra and medium panties. I’m a little bigger than you an can wear a womens size 16 dress, 40 d bra, and size 11 shoes.
Thank you so much for the reply. It's time like this I wish I had a real women to hang out with. Someone I can shop with and someone that can sit me down and basically give me an incredible makeover.
Michelle, like you I would love a professional makeover. Maybe I could go to Ulta fo Halloween.
@kerrismith I wish there was a boutique or even a girl that likes to give CDs makeovers either at her place or mine.
@femmichelle Michelle, there are loads of services like this. Somewhere on here there's a list of recommended ones xx.
Michelle, I can't give you specifics on sizes but I can thoroughly recommend a professional makeover. I've had two in the last year and a number of the girls here have had one pretty recently. It's a life changing experience hun xx.
Ok Michelle, Here's what I'd do (and what I've done and sometimes continue to do). First I'd go get a fabric tape measure at a fabric store or a small roll up one at a hardware store. Then I'd go home and measure my waist, chest at the armpit level and my hips at the widest part and commit the numbers to memory or my cell phone. Next I'd go to a thrift store and walk the racks looking for things that I think I'd like to wear. If the idea freaks you then just get a non-squeaking cart and drive to un-busy store areas where you take the tape measure and do a quick check on an item and compare to the personal measurements. Then I'd try it on and maybe buy it or put it back on the rack. If the trying on at the store weirds you, then just buy it and check it at home. Things at a thrift store aren't too costly and if you screw up just consider it a donation and a very small tuition payment on your I Want To Buy Women's Clothes Class. If you are worried that someone may say something to you about buying women's clothes then just mention that Halloween is coming and you are responsible for buying all the best items for costumes ahead of time. I may then look at the label (if there is one) and remember it as a possible guide to future buying. Remember clothes LABELS LIE! They are just approximations (if you looked at the labels in my closet you'd see that they range from 5 to 12 with 8 being my average). It's a mischievous game that companies use to make you think that you are really smaller than you are. So next just grab some shoes and flip off your loafer and try one on. Don't struggle, you'll know in an instant if your feet have begun to enter Nirvana or the Other World. Then check the size inside or on the bottom of the shoe and remember it as a guide for future purchases. Also remember the same rule above, Shoe LABELS LIE! Hopefully this may help you get started in learning your sizes and styles. I think that Kerry is right and a size 14-16 dress and 10-11 in shoes might be in your ballpark but it's just a guess based on limited information. It's like playing soccer. You might understand the rules but it takes some practice before you're really good at the game. Safe Journey, Marg
Hi Michelle,
Welcome to CDH. As Marg suggests pick up a tape measure and measure your hips at the widest spot, the waist two inches above your navel, and chest just below the armpits. You can then check your measurements against size listings/tables on line if you don’t want to shop in a store. You’ll find out that sizes will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from country to country.
Best to try on an item because the same size will vary radically between the manufacturers. Shoes too so best to try the on for fit. Have fun and good luck.
Alice
On top of all the advice you've received, I'd just suggest going "cheap and cheerful" , so charity shops and cheap online outlets like Temu and Shein are good options In your early forays. Accept that despite your best efforts you'll get it wrong at times.
And remember, if (when !) you buy something and it doesn't quite work , it'll fit someone else, so set aside a bag for your own charity donations 😉
Agreed. I've only paid more than £20 for a couple of dresses and they are lovely but I didn't know until they arrived, that they would fit.
I still get most of my dresses, and occasionally some really nice jewellery, from charity shops and, yes, my wife always carries a fabric tape measure so we can check the sizing.
What doesn't fit, or doesn't really suit me once on, goes back into the virtuous cycle and someone else can try it. And the charity gets more money 😊.
Allie x
The aimple aolution is to go to a shop and try things on. I struggled with sizes and made more then a few wrong purchases until I just bit the bullet and went in and tried on the dresses I was interested in. I have never had an issue with SAs, in fact it is just the opposite, they seem to be extra helpful to CDs. Torrid and Lane Bryant are particularly helpful if you fit their clothes.
VS and Soma are great, but I have tried lingerie on in department stores and boutiques with equal help. As for make up, MAC, Ultra and Sephora are very helpful to CD/trans clients.
It is scary at first, but in a wonderful way, and as soon as you ask for help the nerves start to disapate and it becomes a fun experience.
I do love all the ladies' comments. So it's nice to see everything just right.
I do love all the ladies' comments. So it's nice to see everything just right.
