Transition in babysteps

[xAmy]

I've been wanting to start the transition for a long time but after years of suffering I've finally got an appointment at the gender therapy clinic!! (Although it's next year q.q). I want to start to dress more feminine but without changing too much all at once so I was wondering if anyone knows any clothes that would be good to start with (maybe unisex?). 

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. One thing you will notice that people often don't notice. Some people start wearing women's jeans and woman's blouses in addition to growing their hair out but never receive a comment. In my case I didn't swap my wardrobe but I grew my hair out from a short cut and underwent electrolysis. I only received one comment and that was on a day when I had about 3 days growth. I was asked if I had native american blood because my beard was so sparse.

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[CarlyMcx]

Start out with women's skinny jeans, a loose men's T shirt, (or sweatshirt or sweater in cold weather) and try to find women's flat soled shoes that look like boat shoes.  That was my "go to" androgynous look until hormones started to change my body and face and I could get away with dressing more feminine.  You can also put nail polish on your toes, and get your ears pierced.  You can also use women's belts to hold up your pants if they tend to slide down on your hips (I had the problem before hormones).

Additional wardrobe items that look fairly androgynous:  Women's Bermuda shorts, or even five or seven inch shorts if you are feeling adventurous, some women's tank tops, and occasionally you can find women's T shirts that have a somewhat male cut in the sleeves.

Both Coach and Michael Kors sell small men's messenger bags that can serve the function of a purse without looking too girly.

[xAmy]

Thanks for the ideas I want to try some of these ^^
Still going to be a while before I can get hormones.
Hey dena Is there anyway I can pm you? Got some questions want to ask c:

[Dena]

When you reach 15 quality posts, you will gain the ability to PM. If you are comfortable with it, you may post your questions in this thread and I will see and respond to them.

[Dayta]

Start out with women's skinny jeans,
nail polish on your toes
and get your ears pierced. 

Both Coach and Michael Kors sell small men's messenger bags that can serve the function of a purse without looking too girly.

Ditto on all of these, especially women's jeans.  I wore a pair of my old Levi's a few months ago, and it felt like I was wearing cardboard. 

Harvey's make these great seatbelt bags, which I have been carrying for about 3 years now, and I'm constantly getting compliments on it, although I'm still presenting pretty male in general. 

Good luck in your journey! 

[xAmy]

Ok Dena the main thing I wanted to ask was about electrolysis did you do yours at home?
I want to buy one for at home but wondered if u have any advice and also how long does it take to see results? Thanks

[Dena]

I did electro a long time ago and I would still go by the same rules today as I did then. I would seek out somebody skilled  and have them do the work. The reason is the setting should be adjusted for each persons needs and if the setting are high, you will get scaring on the face.

The amount of time it takes depends on the growth. Some people only need a few hours of clean up. A corse black beard can be treated relatively fast because the lower hair density. I had fine brown hair which wasn't real visible but it took around 200 hours of work to clear.

An additional difficulty is electro uses a fine needle that is run along side the hair to the root. Hair that is directly in front of your face would be easy to do yourself. Hair in the side of your face would be difficult to self treat.

Laser wasn't around when I transitioned but if you have the right skin type/hair color, it's far faster and cost a fraction of what electro cost. It might not have been an option for me as my facial hair may have been to light.

[xAmy]

Can laser hair removal cause scars or any side effect? If not I could try use that at home ^^

[Michelle_P]

Can laser hair removal cause scars or any side effect? If not I could try use that at home ^^

The medical laser used for laser hair removal is rather different from the little home hair removal kits.  The medical unit runs at a higher power level, and can be 'tuned' to different optical wavelengths to optimize destruction of the tissue at the follicle base that actually generates the hair.

I suspect that the home unit might be disappointing in the longer term as the follicle 'comes back to life' after months have passed and generates a new hair.

[Cassuk]

I've been wanting to start the transition for a long time but after years of suffering I've finally got an appointment at the gender therapy clinic!! (Although it's next year q.q). I want to start to dress more feminine but without changing too much all at once so I was wondering if anyone knows any clothes that would be good to start with (maybe unisex?).

You can get a few tank tops, most male´s can´t tell the difference between a male and a female and they wont come close enough to feel the difference in fabric also female jeans , jeans are pretty similar in the legs so if you wear a t-shirt over the top most can´t tell and would probably not even notice.

[Ixera]

I'm also taking baby steps. But I'm not in a rush. I think I'm at prologue state in my transition. I'm putting my life in as much order as I can before htr. I have a goal of being fully or as much as I can be of my idea of transitioning by the time I'm 30 (three years.) but I'm not rushing myself.

I'm working with t twice a week and I feel very good, that is very good that there is a light at the end of that long tunnel. But I know it is a long road ahead and I'm trying to prepare as best I can.

I've put off transitioning since I was 18 but now I'm finally doing it.

I know from this site and everything else that transitioning can wreak havoc on your life so I'm getting it into as much order as I can before so I don't have so many problems when I jump in the pool.

I feel wiser now than I did when I started this. I've accepted myself to a greater degree and cared less of what others think about me.

I feel much better than I did when I started. Hopefully you will feel better when you get to where ever you need to get to to feel that way.

[josie68winter]

Dena, how much does electrolysis and laser cost? I have been thinking of it and I am trying to get an idea of how much to save.

Jo

[Dena]

Dena, how much does electrolysis and laser cost? I have been thinking of it and I am trying to get an idea of how much to save.

Jo

The thing about the transition is it goes through money like it's water. The best rule is to save everything you can. As far as cost, it depends on where you live, how much work there is to do and who you get treatment with. Some locations can provide quality treatment for less that others so you need to check prices in your area. I haven't had a hair removed for around 30 years so I really can't tell you what electrolysis cost and laser wasn't around when I transitioned. Many places will give you a 15 minute introduction where they will remove a few hairs, evaluate what needs to be removed and give you an estimate. Others may be able to give you a better idea on current prices if they know the general area you live in.

[josie68winter]

Thank you. I will check around. I think I saw a location near my endo's office building.

Jo

[Amy Chislett]

I found a pair of capri pants that (used to) fit like a charm - I am losing weight.  I got a stare but who cares.