Some Practical Questions

[JaneNicole2013]

Just started E and my breast are starting to feel tender. Any tips for working as a male with spouting buds? I work in a business environment and am switching from white shirts to more colorful shirts (bought a pretty purple shirt and tie combo today). Do athletic bras stay hidden or should I double up t-shirts? Use band-aids?

Also, I've not yet had may facial hair removed so I'm still shaving. What did you use for after-shave that wasn't masculine?

Thanks!
Jane

[Marissa]

It might help to ask in the FTM section about binding.  As for aftershave, I use straight isopropyl alcohol.  It stings but the smell goes away pretty quickly.  Not  sure if it's  the best option  but  it  seems to work for me.

[Aina]

I've only use aftershave maybe once or twice in my life. I never really liked the smell of them. Honestly I don't think you need it. Just gently wash your face with soap after you shave.

[jojoglowe]

As far as binding goes, I bought Underworks Mens Microfiber Compression Tank, Small, White from Amazon once I started HRT. At that time I measured myself as B36.5 W30.5 H36.5 5'11" 160lb. It fits well, the seams around the arms sort of leave a mark but aren't too uncomfortable after long use. The bottom sometimes rides up, so I would pull it down as far as I could when putting it on, and put my underwear over it. That seemed to help keep the bottom from rolling/bunching up and creating a mass of fabric along my waist.

To be honest, I never used it. I also bought a sports bra that was too small:  Champion Women's Absolute Workout Bra,White,Medium. I was wanting a small size to get some binding action but after a few hours it is uncomfortable.

Like I said, I never used it, I mainly wore an undershirt. At the time, the places I worked at all required me to wear a polo shirt, and I simply wore a t-shirt under them, like I did before HRT to save on laundry

Fast forward to just under a year, or whatever my signature says, and my chest is pretty noticeable. I haven't done any measurements recently, sorry! I don't think I could pull off having "moobs" as a result of being over weight, as I'm pretty skinny, but I think most people see them as just that. Nobody has really said anything except one of my friends, and he said it in a non-confrontational, casual and positive way. He simply said "boobs!" as I was walking by. And I just smiled and kept walking.

I used to hunch my shoulders to hide them, but anymore I let them go. I don't wear undershirts and I'll even wear thin shirts and vneck shirts that almost show them off.

So, sorry for the long-winded response, but in short: That binder worked for me, and was cheap. That being said I hardly ever used it as an undershirt worked well, and was very comfortable. >Exception being the hot humid summer days here in Ohio. That might have been the point when I forgot about undershirts.

Marissa has a good point about asking/looking in the FTM section. That's what I did originally.

And for aftershave, like Aina I don't use any. I'll put some water on the area, and after that some lotion. I have made my own lotion that is a mix of olive oil, neem oil, coconut oil, and vitamin e. Next batch I'm adding bees wax. The neem stinks, and tastes bitter if anyone is going to be kissing you, but it is great for the skin and is absorbed by the skin in a matter of minutes.

Good luck at work!

[Joanna Dark]

I've been dressing male-ish for work even though I was pretty much full-time before that and it sucks but I need the money and I wouldn't got the job if I presented female. I just wouldn't of. But I'm pretty femme and I have pretty big boobs, almost a D cup last time I checked, but more of a C, anyhoo I just wear bandeaus but it definitely doesn't hide them just kinda flattens them. My one boss kinda stares at them sometimes. I work in an all female office though. Well there's one guy.

I don't pass as male if I take my business clothes off and couldn't even get a discount on septa with a male SSI pass the other day because "i'm a female" the guy said. It's my BFs pass we were trying to save money.

As far as shaving I prolly be gendered female even in these clothes if it wasn't for the beard shadow. I can see people looking at me all weird and stumbling on their words and got miss'd in a pretty male outfit last week but why would you use aftersahve lotion? Don't do that. Use mouisturizing lotion.

Really you should shave, cleanse, tone, moisturize. Girls do this stuff and we talk about it so it's better to know what you're doing and be able to chit chat about it. I Prolly spend about $50-$100 a month just on makeup and moisturizer. Next week I get paid and goodbye beard shadow. I won't look like such a wweird girl anymore. I cant wait.

[Rachel]

Ok, I use hair conditioner to shave in the shower. I also use it to shave my legs. I think conditioner feels very good on my skin and it locks in moisture.

I purchased all new shirts and ties with lots of color. I also have new shoes and pants. I really am trying to care about my appearance and I get a lot of complements.

I am close to the 4 month mark and my t shirts are getting a little tight up top. I thought about losing 20 pounds to compensate and it gives me good motivation. Nice to have the feeling in my chest when I walk and I enjoy not wearing any support. Eventually I will need to think support.

Eventually I will wear more feminine clothing to the point I like and where. I need to dress more formally and many females wear business suits where I work, which I do not and detest.

My hair is getting long too so if the whole picture is put together, I am in transition

[Beth Andrea]

Moisturize after shaving. Don't have any particular brands, but just go to a drug store and ask the clerk for something after shaving "and I don't mind if it smells like women's lotion."

Seriously, start taking care of your skin now. Legs, arms, face. It will help immensely as you progress and as you age.