Where do I start?

Hi Debbie. It sounds like we're on similar paths, but I'm just a bit further ahead of you. I started off wearing panties not quite a year and a half ago - at first my wife's, then my own. When I first started, it was entirely sexual; I went from sometimes wearing panties, to wearing them daily, and somewhere along that early part of the path, I mixed in trying pantyhose and thigh-high stockings. It also went from being a sexual thing to just being comfortable and "normal" for me. I've found that going back to "tightie whities" (what I wore previously) is impossible. They just don't feel right any more.

For me, the floodgates opened up this past summer. I researched how to convert men's clothing sizes into women's, and made some purchases on Amazon - two pair of shoes, a red dress, a denim skirt, a sleeveless top, a bra, and a girdle. The shoes, dress, top, girdle, and bra all fit well, but I had to return the skirt for a smaller size. I did get another sexual thrill, though not as strong as when I started wearing panties. But more importantly for me, I was just comfortable. Since then, I've played around a bit with nail polish and fake nails, bought a wig, started shaving, and picked up a lot more clothing.

So...  where to go next? Figuring out your female sizes will be a real good first step. For me, my shoe size ended up being 1.5 sizes bigger than my male size: I wear an 8.5 male and 10 (wide) female. For tops, I wear a Large men's and an XL women's. Both of those "conversions" came from my research, and they've both served me well. For pants and skirts, your best bet will be to check sizing guides, and use your "male" waist measurement as your "female" hips measurement. For me, I have somewhere between a 32 and 34 waist and wear a women's size 12 - though of course I can also do a 14 with a belt.

Once you have your sizes, it's time to shop. 🙂 If you're not comfortable shopping in person (though this is the time of year to do it, without anybody looking at you funny) there are a ton of online retailers. I used Amazon; I'm already an Amazon Prime member, so I just made sure to buy items that qualified for Prime, and I was guaranteed free shipping on returns if something didn't fit or I just didn't like it. Plenty of other retailers have free return policies, though, so look around.

My suggestions: avoid super-high stiletto heels. They look super-sexy, of course, but look around at women in the mall, at work, etc. Most of them aren't wearing any sort of heel, and those who are have something more practical. I bought a pair of heels that was about 2 inches, and had a more "boxy" heel rather than stiletto heel. I also bought a pair of wedge sandals.

Denim skirts are awesome, because they're super-flexible. You can dress them down with a t-shirt and sandals, or dress them up (a little at least) with a pair of heels and blouse or sweater. Plus, they'll match any other color which just adds to their flexibility. If you can find one you like, it can be a nice addition to a beginner wardrobe.

Beware of bulges. Without getting into too sensitive of territory, I find "tucking" uncomfortable so far - mostly because I can't seem to get the "berries" to stay in place, so everything falls out. As such, I tend to avoid things such as pencil skirts in order to keep the "man bulge" from showing.

While I love the red dress I bought in my first foray into women's clothes, it's impractical. If you find a dress you love and it's a bargain based on your personal budget, then go for it. But if it's not a bargain - again, however you define "bargain" - then I'd suggest passing for the short term.

Um...  I think those are my tips for now. I'll be happy to follow up with answers to questions or such, of course. Good luck!

My journey started many years ago. I wasn't even a teenager. For me, it was never sexual, it was more of a release of the person hiding inside. As I grew, so did she, patiently waiting her turn to shine. For me I am dual gender, both having good points. My advise. Take it slowly.

Learn each step of the journey.

Cookie. 🙂

Thanks so much ladies, I've been having the same problem working out male to female sizes Rose, and don't want to embarrass myself by picking something out too small. I know I am desperate to get my hands on a bra and breast forms, bit of course a pretty dress to accentuate them would be lovely.

I cant wait to share my pictures with you all when I achieve it,  and thanks Rose for the great advice 🙂

I have for a long time now wanted to see myself in a red dress, and I know it will be the first dress I have in my wardrobe. I was going to ask actually about expense, how did you ladies start out? I'd rather start off inexpensive and get more comfortable, so I agree Cookie, take things slowly (although I'm keen to get a full outfit pretty quickly).

<p style="text-align: left;">Like Rose, I started very inexpensively.  you can go through a ton of money buying a wardrobe, makeup, etc.  I started with Walmart Fruit of the Looms panties, pantyhose , etc.  I have slowly built up the makeup and still working on those skills before I spend more money . I have bought clothes at Goodwill. I only buy in the more affluent sections of town and am very picky.  Now, I am starting to buy nicer clothes online.  I haven't made it to buying in person yet, although I think that will happen soon.  Take your time and find out what you like.  Some people do go out in full dress. Some just dress at home.  Some just underdress.  Figure out what works for you.  Best of luck!</p>

Thanks Georgia. Right now I'm more comfortable just dressing for myself, but as I get more confidence who knows what may happen?

I am starting with minimal clothes and dieting. I hope to lose 20 lbs...that should get me to a size 16 maybe? will work on more after that. I also want to get eye make up and play with that on weekends. I'm gonna take my time this time around.

Slow and steady seems to be the way, seems that we're on the same journey together Teri. Thanks for your friendship 🙂

Debbie

I've found Target to be a good place for buying panties, stockings, and pantyhose. For panties, you can get the 5-6 packs of Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, etc. But they also have their own brand that you can often get on sale for 5 for $20. This lets you different materials other than cotton, and some really cute patterns, too.

Target is also a great place to pick up inexpensive makeup for experimenting. You should also be able to grab inexpensive makeup at your local grocery store as well as chain drugstores such as Walgreen's and Rite Aid.

Lastly, I've also gone to Target to try on some different styles and sizes of jeans, with no intention of buying. I got a little bit of a funny look from the lady at the counter when I dropped off 3 pairs of women's jeans, but...  *shrug*

Target's on-line store is also pretty nice, if you can't quite bring yourself to walk into a store and purchase panties and such. 🙂

And, as I said before, I love Amazon. I've been playing around a bit on eBay lately as well, but that can get dangerous, at least for me. Finally, Payless Shoes has a nice on-line store, and free returns as long as you take the item back to a store. If anybody asks, just say they're your wife's / girlfriend's and she asked you to drop them off.

<i> 2016_personal stories: Anonymous original post:</i>

<i>As someone who has only recently started on my own personal journey, I?m looking for advice on how to start. So far I have only</i>

<i>worn pretty underwear, tights and suspenders, but at the time it was more about how feminine clothes made me feel. Now it?s more</i>

<i> about how I feel inside that is making me want to dress more as a woman. Externally I am very male, but I know there is a woman</i>

<i> just screaming to get out in me. Any advise on how you ladies started would be very welcome, and thank you ?</i>

<i>Debbie</i>