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Started by aleon515, March 31, 2013, 09:44:23 PM

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aleon515

Ok, here's a little lighter topic!

It was 75 degrees (F) today (about 24 C). I usually wear button down shirts so I have been wearing long sleeve shirts. They cover up my skinny hairless arms (ok I have a little bit of down). I wear a small and boys don't always fit. (I can sometimes wear a boy's 18-20). I also feel my t-shirts are too big in the arms. Making me really look like a girl. (Funny how it looked so male to me a year ago.)

Any ideas guys. Or I am I just an awkward teenager for now? ( kind of odd at my age).


--Jay
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insideontheoutside

You have to do a lot of comparison shopping between brands as sizing varies by label. Also, going for "slim fit" rather than regular fit might be a benefit because slim fit small is smaller than regular fit.
"Let's conspire to ignite all the souls that would die just to feel alive."
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Nygeel

http://www.moderntailor.com/

Get your shirts fitted however you'd like.
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Jack_M

I would try not to worry excessively over skinny arms.  There's a lot of boys with skinny arms.  It's easier for them to make muscle but if they don't work at it, it's the very basic definition!  If you're worried about this, with just a little weight lifting or just some pushups at least, you'll be able to achieve a little definition and some.  I'm bigger than plenty of guys I know...but nowhere where'd I'd like to be.

*Warning: stereotype joke zone* If you dress a little geeky, it'll totally sell it too.  Best result, be a geek, hit the gym and put on some muscle, and you'll have the manliest shape in your geek group (I say from experience ;)). *end of stereotype joke zone*

But back to serious, not every guy has very noticeable hair on their arms either, it really greatly varies, just like ability to grow facial hair.  You know that if you only have a little and it bothers you, an option for you might be to dye your hair a lighter shade.  If you had naturally light hair, hair on your skin is far less noticeable anyway.  Blonde hair guys can sometimes look completely hairless so that might help you out for hot days.  Not everyone is Robin Williams :P.

Slim fit should definitely help though, assuming you can pull it off in the chest area. 
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Trisha

aleon515, you can wear a waistcoat (a buttoned vest) casually with denim, chords or chinos. You need not button it up but if you do, always leave the bottom button undone. The waistcoat will also disguise the chest area.
Surf the images here for some ideas:
http://www.google.com/search?q=mens+casual+waistcoat&hl=en&complete=0&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=-ydZUcWvIMqZ0QHWh4GIDw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1067&bih=487

Also, learn your fabrics.
Broadcloth - lightweight summer shirting
Linen - lightweight summer shirting
Oxford Cloth - heavy weight colder weather clothing

Wearing a wristwatch is also masculine.
I know many people use iPods to tell time, but a good time piece is always masculine and still very much worn today by better dressers.

Hope this helps.
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chuck

i also have very little hair on my arms... dont think anyone notices ;)

But one suggestion is to wear dark colors, i think they are masculine.
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John Smith

My son has completely hairless arms.

But then, that's probably because of the Nair.

>.>

Went and got me a ticker, so everytime I post I'm reminded to put down whatever I was about to eat. >.>
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aleon515

Thanks for the responses. Modern Taylor doesn't do short sleeve, I think. Good idea though. It's too hot to wear long sleeve-- it's what I've been wearing.  Don't think my chest could get away with slim fit. I have seen there *is* such a thing as extra small. Might look this one up.

I don't know if I like another layer, but I think it's  a cool look. (Already have another layer, it's called a binder. ) Just recalled the wrist watch-- yeah good idea.

Embrace the nerd, good idea. I am a nerd. :-)

--Jay
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Nygeel

Quote from: aleon515 on April 01, 2013, 05:17:06 PM
Thanks for the responses. Modern Taylor doesn't do short sleeve, I think. Good idea though. It's too hot to wear long sleeve-- it's what I've been wearing.  Don't think my chest could get away with slim fit. I have seen there *is* such a thing as extra small. Might look this one up.

I don't know if I like another layer, but I think it's  a cool look. (Already have another layer, it's called a binder. ) Just recalled the wrist watch-- yeah good idea.

Embrace the nerd, good idea. I am a nerd. :-)

--Jay
They do short sleeve button downs.
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DriftingCrow

Quote from: aleon515 on April 01, 2013, 05:17:06 PM
I have seen there *is* such a thing as extra small. Might look this one up.

--Jay

I've seen men's extra smalls at H&M and Express Men's. I think we're both around the same size, and their extra smalls have fit well on me.
ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ
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aleon515

Quote from: LearnedHand on April 02, 2013, 07:13:28 PM
I've seen men's extra smalls at H&M and Express Men's. I think we're both around the same size, and their extra smalls have fit well on me.

It seems like I have to go with either extra smalls or fitted to me like Nygeel says.

--Jay
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Bastian

Nothing says sexy male quite like a nice fitted waist coat. Or at least not in my world ^_^. I'm relatively large chested, but if I wear a dark colored waistcoat or one with lots of distracting detail over the chest I feel very manly indeed, and it also helps you pass. People who see me just in passing, suited up, have way more of a tendency to call me 'sir' than when i'm in my hoodies.

A few years ago I had a thing for plaid shirts, the trick I used to hide my chest was, wear a t-shirt, put on your plaid shirt, button the third button from the top only. This hides the 'under breast line' and also hides any curves in your hip/waist that might give you away. I wouldn't worry about your arms at all. I know lots of guys who don't have hair, I actually find less body hair more attractive in a man, personally. Roll up your sleeves and show off those manly muscles. If you roll them up, you can always roll them back down.

However I still strongly believe that you should go and buy a nice waistcoat, tie and button up shirt, every man should dress like he still lives in the Victorian age in my world ;) Depending on the shirt, you can sometimes flare the cuff too, which can look appealing.

The best way to find yourself some new clothes? Stalk into a store (one like American Eagle is good, they have a clause that states they must treat trans individuals respectfully, if I remember correctly, Maxx also has that statement), and do one of two things

1. either walk over the the guys section, load up and head off to the change room, or
2. Find someone (this is a bit of a stereotype and I apologize... ) whose either between 20-30 or 50+ (as they tend to be very accepting of our situation) and either tell them, "hey i'm trans, I need you darling to make me into a manly beast" (don't use those words ;) ) or the good old stand-by "I'm an actor and I'm being cast as a man in an upcoming play, can you help me out?" Getting the help of someone else can be very helpful, their an outside eye that's going to tell you what works and what doesn't. My first pants outing I used the actor line and the girl showed me the mens jeans sections and told me a bit about sizing and stuff, jeans aren't really rocket science so I took it from there ;) but it granted me un-harrassed access to the mens section. Just a weird side thing but I always buy 'fancy boxer briefs' at American eagle, usually at the last minute in a kind of 'pft what are these?' kind of way, i've never once been harassed by the cashier. No attitude, no care just good customer service.

For sizing, a lot of 'hipster' guys seem to be small... iif you can find a hipster store you might be able to find mens clothes that will fit you a bit better. I find plaid shirts tend to either fit really small or really big o_O
Started T in July 2012
Had Top Surgery on May 23rd, 2013

Where the wild things are...
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aleon515

Thanks Bastian for the great post. The only thing wrong with waist coats is by the time it gets to be 80 degrees (May??) and I have binder I am not going to be in much mood for them. I like your ideas though re: Am. Eagle (didn't know that there was one around here). Also love your grabbing a sale's person and so on. Seems like I am able to scope out people who are accepting.

--Jay
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Bastian

Cheers Jay. I think you'll find that the extra set of eyes can really help. Also if you get someone who is either clearly gay or a female individual, chances are they are going to dress you in what THEY would find appealing, a plus for looking both attractive and manly (just remember to involve your own style as well or you'll end up in leather pants with no shirt, or is that just me?) and if they don't just say "Dress me they way you think I should look" and if you've cleverly used my acting line "I want the audience to like me, I don't really care what i'm wearing. I need to come off as a sexy male."

AE is really good, lots of 'hip' stuff but also some down to earth wear. I buy all my pants there now (well except my suit pants), I know my size and style, they last a good long time and they don't have excess crotch space (so I can not pack some days and it doesn't look funny).

Pfft it's never too hot for a waistcoat ;)


Unfortunately summer is one of those times of the year when options become limited. So I'd say the button up shirt over a t-shirt is you best bet in both hiding the bumps up top but also not dying of heat exhaustion. It's a bit easier up here in dear old Canada, I wore a hoodie every day last summer x)

Depending on how big chested you are, pop over to BlueNotes if you have one, waltz to the mens shirt area and grab a couple shirts (they sell them 10$ for 2 up here) they tend to have a graphic on the front, grab one in the size you think you'll fit and one in a size bigger (you can always shrink it if it's way too large). Also aim for a print without text and preferably a continuous pattern or lots of pattern right around where your 'under boob line' is (the spot where you binder contacts your body that gives you chest away) the pattern will distract from this line by tricking the eye, and avoiding text will help hide the fact that the fabric is actually stretched. If you go size bigger, depending on your chest, it could also help hide it. Don't feel this will just have a baggy look though. Tuck that shirt into some nice pants and kick on some sandals. Works for button ups too if you want to do up all the buttons.


Ignore the sign, but point made. Baggy shirt + pants + belt = Yes please. (also don't forget your essentially distracting the eye, making it see what you want it to see! a tie can help big time.)

Sorry, you asked about clothes, I think this is the perfect thread to let some of my gay out ;)
Started T in July 2012
Had Top Surgery on May 23rd, 2013

Where the wild things are...
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Jack_M

Bluenotes, American Eagle, plaid shirts and waistcoats.

Totally how I roll!  I like Old Navy for shirts too (they have some nice Western plaid shirts right now) but not so much pants, other than combat pants cause they were like $10 and sit awesome!  Lol.  I find Old Navy shirts tend to have a good fit where you can get something that sits well.  You can do the no button> one button > full button up with it being a good size for all options; it's not too baggy while still covering any hint of curves during a full button up.  At least that's what I find.

I think the funniest thing I found about actually starting to present as male is that I really smartened up.  As a female I never dressed up, absolutely hated it, but instead of doing that I just wore casual and skater boys clothes (but not really presenting as male, more tomboy).  Then when I started presenting as male, I started really caring about my appearance.  Right now I'm spending more time on my short hair than I ever did with the long, thick wavy mess I had as a girl.  And then I started getting dress shirts and ties and suit pants.  And even though I HATE skirts, I really, really want a proper Scottish kilt (I am from Scotland though so I think that's why.  I don't personally know any Scottish guys who don't love their kilts).  Dressing more smart smart/casual really can be fun and trust me, it gets some attention.  When you get that 2nd glance from the females or a group of girls pointing your way with bashful little s->-bleeped-<-s, it's like the ultimate "I pass!" boost too ;).

Gotta concur on the Canada aspect though it's been pretty damn nice recently!  I nearly had to take my hoodie off yesterday! :o I had to check the GPS on my phone to make sure the bus hadn't crossed the border!!  Lol.

But to second waistcoats, they are light, cover the chest area perfectly, and if you wear with a light shirt, it'll actually be far cooler than a long sleeve tee!  In fact, get a light, long sleeve shirt and wear it with a tie or waistcoat.  Now what you can do is roll up the sleeves!  If you layer up the rolls properly and if you get a good fit for the shirt, it could sit tight on your arm.  That'll help accentuate your arms and make them look bigger, but don't do it if the shirt hangs on your arm as it'll have the opposite effect!  Depending on how you bind, be careful with a light shirt though.  They tend to be a little more see-through so stick to darker colours.  If you wear a more vest shaped binder it'll be fine though because a lot of guys wear vests under their shirts, though I'd still avoid white at least.  Maybe stick to light blue as the lightest colour.
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aleon515

Like the Blue Notes some. Just some really male designs-- also look young which might be a bonus for me.
We don't have them here but there is a nice online store. Same price.

BTW, I care how I dress a lot more. I am kind of vain now. LOL.

--Jay
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insideontheoutside

I also ordered from Modern Tailor (thanks to Nygeel awhile back). The key with ordering from them is taking accurate measurements from an existing shirt you do have that does fit you really well. I was happy with the overall quality of the shirt I got from them though and I second that they do short sleeves.
"Let's conspire to ignite all the souls that would die just to feel alive."
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Nygeel

Quote from: insideontheoutside on April 03, 2013, 06:06:13 PM
I also ordered from Modern Tailor (thanks to Nygeel awhile back). The key with ordering from them is taking accurate measurements from an existing shirt you do have that does fit you really well. I was happy with the overall quality of the shirt I got from them though and I second that they do short sleeves.
Yeah, I would not recommend using the measure yourself method. If you have a shirt that kinda fits but is too big or too small in certain areas then add or subtract an inch.
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Jack_M

Quote from: aleon515 on April 03, 2013, 05:40:21 PM
Like the Blue Notes some. Just some really male designs-- also look young which might be a bonus for me.
We don't have them here but there is a nice online store. Same price.

BTW, I care how I dress a lot more. I am kind of vain now. LOL.

--Jay

Maybe we're all a little vain, but if we feel insecure in our own bodies it's hard to be vain in that body?  Cause hot damn do I make an effort these days.  And even though I'm gay, when I get those glances from women, I feel bad-ass to the max!  :P

Blue Notes change their stuff all the time.  I got a wicked turtles tee not long back where all the turtles have little eye masks like they're the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  One of my fav shirts for sure :).
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Bastian

Quote from: Matty on April 03, 2013, 01:17:40 AM
I think the funniest thing I found about actually starting to present as male is that I really smartened up.  As a female I never dressed up, absolutely hated it, but instead of doing that I just wore casual and skater boys clothes (but not really presenting as male, more tomboy).  Then when I started presenting as male, I started really caring about my appearance.  Right now I'm spending more time on my short hair than I ever did with the long, thick wavy mess I had as a girl.  And then I started getting dress shirts and ties and suit pants.  And even though I HATE skirts, I really, really want a proper Scottish kilt (I am from Scotland though so I think that's why.  I don't personally know any Scottish guys who don't love their kilts).  Dressing more smart smart/casual really can be fun and trust me, it gets some attention.  When you get that 2nd glance from the females or a group of girls pointing your way with bashful little s->-bleeped-<-s, it's like the ultimate "I pass!" boost too ;).


This is totally me now too lol. Today I spent an hour and a half polishing my leather shoes. o_O if you'd told me i'd be doing something like that, and enjoying it, 10 years ago I would have called you nutters. I discovered victorian dress right around the time I started to transition so I kind of embraced the very proper British male look. The men will give you a second look too ;)

I had another idea too for you Aleon, when I first began dressing male I would visit second hand stores. They are cheaper that buying in the store, so it gives you a chance to try a bunch of stuff and see what works. I still use second hand shops to buy waistcoats, cause you can pick up nice ones for $5-$15. Everyone one of my waistcoats came from a second hand store and I love them all :D If you're hesitant to go and spend lots of money pop to the second hand store, good will, etc and snoop around. Just make sure to wash everything when you get it home, juuuust in case. I got a beautiful cream waistcoat with blue embroidery up the chest for 5$ a couple weeks ago. The other nice thing about second hand, the stuff left over is either medium-larger or really small.
Started T in July 2012
Had Top Surgery on May 23rd, 2013

Where the wild things are...
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