Finding the right size

[missskyler]

Hi my name is skyler I am in the process of transitioning but having some trouble with the sizing in women's clothes. I wear a 29 x 32 in pants and medium size shirts. I mainly shop at american apparel and some other high end stores. Is there a conversion chart that is helpful in picking the right size. I haven't started hormones, i am fine with no breasts yet.   

any help girls?

[katrinaw]

Welcome to Susan's Skyler

Happy for you to be here...

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I know the Australian sizes, will look for others...

You could try this board.. https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,23.0.html

Look forward to seeing you about the forums...

L Katy

[Mariah]

Hi Skyler, welcome to Susan's. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. It's not as simple as converting that. Multiple points are used to in figuring out what size. Different brands and styles also run differently size wise. Woman's size's tend to very greatly. What's more important are the actual measurements and not the sizes your in now. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

[Abby Claire]

Every store should have a sizing chart that will help you out. For starters, use a measuring tape and figure out your waist, hips, and bust. Each brand is going to be different in sizes and they also don't account for other parts transwomen have to deal with (feet and shoulders), so trying stuff on always helps. For example, I have to wear a size 3 skinny jean simply because my feet don't fit through smaller leg sizes, and I usually have to wear medium or large shirts because I'm a bit tall (5'9") for some brands and my shoulders are slightly broad.

So basically, there's no reliable conversion chart. You have to measure and go by brand sizing charts.

Shoes are easy though. Womens shoes generally run a size and a half smaller.

[Laura_7]

Here is a sizes table:
https://www.susans.org/wiki/Clothing_Sizes
but you should also check if there are measurements given by the stores... or if reviews say a certain piece will be smaller or larger than expected.

You might start with second hand stores...
clothes are not likely to change sizes like some new clothes do after washing...

and its possible your size changes a bit over time, too...

clothes there are often not even sorted by gender, so you could get aquainted slowly with the sizes...


hugs

[missskyler]

hey girls, thanks for the suggestions.

[Katiepie]

We are more or less similar in size.
I am 62 inches, 28x30 waist/inseam, not sure my shoulders though I suspect very broad, or waist for that matter.

These other girls know what they are talking about, yes. and I am taking notes as is myself!

Pants wise I fit in size 4 short, though in my own opinion probably fit in a 2 or 3 skinny jeans

[RavenL]

Skylar I'm kind of close to your size as well. I'm 30/32 for the waist my hips are kind of wide so a size 6 fits me pretty well. As for the tops I've tired size 14 just a little tight but size 16 fits me perfect. Just measure and compare charts. It was daunting for me at first but once I figured it sizing it got easier.

[Louise]

When I first started dressing I used the chart in the JC Penny catalog to get some idea about what sizes in women's clothing would fit.  Most of the size charts are based on three measurements--bust, waist and hips.  These measurements can be a bit misleading for those of us with a more male-shaped body than a feminine figure.  To get a good fit for my waist I have to go with a size that is a little big in the hips.  It makes a difference what garment you are looking for.  In my experience, the waist measure is the most important in looking for skirts and jeans but the bust measure is the most important in looking for tops.  The problem is complicated by the fact that one manufacture's sizes are not necessarily comparable to another's sizes.  What may be a size 16 for one may be a 14 for another.  The only real solution is to try things on and see what looks good and feels good.  Shopping at second hand stores is a good way to try to find what works.  Good luck.