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Early stages of this, need help

Started by GreyK, February 21, 2016, 07:35:14 PM

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GreyK

Hi all,  :D

I have just been starting to experiment with male clothing in the process of this "becoming" whatever I will eventually choose to do. I need advice on how to start, what to wear, what to order (like binders etc) and NO IDEA where to start. It is all overwhelming for me. @@ i started wearing boxers, men's shirts, and all is good. Anyone care to share experiences  on how they moved along at the early stages?
Good new is, I came out to my dad with total support ("just be who you really ARE, and screw what others think! ) I was so happy and cried and hugged him :) <3
Thanks  all,
Grey K
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Ms Grace

Just work towards building up your male wardrobe and shoes with stuff you like. Take it a step at a time that way it will seem less overwhelming. Hopefully some of the guys can give you advice on binding properly and packers and those kind of things.
Grace
----------------------------------------------
Transition 1.0 (Julie): HRT 1989-91
Self-denial: 1991-2013
Transition 2.0 (Grace): HRT June 24 2013
Full-time: March 24, 2014 :D
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Kanzaki

I don't think there's really any specific "order" to things, just do it how you see fit. I personally started out with binders, then mens (actually boys) shirts, then also pants, then boxers, but pretty much any order is a good order, as long as you're comfortable. I sort of slowly eased into it over a period of almost a year, but if you want to suddenly change everything in your wardrobe from one day to the next, I guess that's fine too. People obviously might ask what's going on though, or make comments about it. And it'd be a pretty big change to get used to, I would think.

It's great your dad is supportive. Hopefully everyone else will be as well. It sucks when people aren't.

Edit: Oops, forgot to add some other things.

As for where to buy clothes, you can get them pretty much anywhere where they have your size. You can go to a few local stores and have a look at the men's section, or kids if you're too small to fit into the men's clothes. Your other option would be online shops, but I don't use those so I can't really help you with those. There are a few specifically for ftms that carry normal clothing.

Binders. Most people recommend underworks binders from what I've seen, but I don't really have the money and use cheap eBay binders (which is not a good idea since they can be dangerous and generally don't work well). Definitely don't bind with bandages or anything of the sort.

Not quite sure with what you meant by "how to start". If it's meant as in generally transitioning, it's probably better to start slow. Over time you'll become more (or less) sure of things and should overall have a better idea of how you feel. Especially about the transition. If wearing mens clothes and passing makes you feel uncomfortable, obviously, you might not want to continue and it's easier to go back before you start hormones and surgeries and tell everyone. On the other hand, it's also something new and you might feel strange about it until you get used to it, which is why it takes time (sometimes). Of course it doesn't apply to everyone, but it's probably something to keep in mind.

Sorry about my ramblings getting this long. I'm not even sure they make sense because I'm not typing this out on a computer and reading everything ten times.
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FTMax

Welcome!

Like they said, there's really no cut or dry methodology of how to start transitioning. I find it's helpful to sit down and think about things that you don't like, and work on changing those things first. It'll help you feel better, and you'll be making progress.

For me, I always pretty much dressed in male clothes. Once I realized that I was trans, I started shopping exclusively in the men's section, cut my hair shorter, and bought a binder. That was enough to tide me over for a while, until I had money and insurance to start medically transitioning. I also started packing after top surgery.

I would also say in addition to appearance changes, depending on what your goals are, you may want to look into speaking with a therapist. If doing anything medical is your goal, it is almost impossible to do without some kind of mental health professional giving the go ahead.
T: 12/5/2014 | Top: 4/21/2015 | Hysto: 2/6/2016 | Meta: 3/21/2017

I don't come here anymore, so if you need to get in touch send an email: maxdoeswork AT protonmail.com
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RaptorChops

Like Max, I also always wore guy clothes. I never really fit into anything super masculine. Pre-t I was trying out a lot of 13-14+ y/o clothes. I also was able to pull off most mens XS sizes but they were really hard to find in places. Best thing to do is maybe talk with your dad and start thinking about seeing a Gender Therapist. Transitioning is a long process and you will need a lot of patience if you choose to take the medical route. You need to make sure you are emotionally ready and willing for this decision. It's a tough road but if I can do it anyone can. You have support and you are very lucky to have that :) Goodluck and welcome!
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I dunno.
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