Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey again everybody. I've only been here a day and I can already say Susan's is the place for me! I am still in the process of updating my profile and stuff, so please be patient with me. Anyway, I have another question and it's about clothes sizes. I have looked at the chart that is available in the Wiki, but I'm new at this and just can't grasp the concept I guess. Obvoiusly, I could use some help! So, if I wear a size 13 shoe in men's size, what would that be in women's size? I wear 36X34 jeans in mens, what would that be in women's jean size? I have also noticed that some women's clothes are sorted by inches and some by letters (I.E. "S" "M" "L") I have tried on a pair of women's pajama's before in a size "L" and they fit quite nicely, if this helps. I also wear size 8 panties, if that helps. And what about sizes in dresses, skirts, blouses, pantyhose....Ahh! Can you tell I'm a newbie??? Anyway, I'm just looking into expanding my wardrobe. As of right now, I only have socks and panties....

I am GG (genetic female) and my TS spouse is is very close to the same size as me so this makes clothes shopping much cheaper. Even the same shoe size.

A size 13 in mens is a 14 in womens. Yikes. You will have to get specialty shoes. Bummer. Meliss whom I'm married to wears a 34 in mens and wears a 14 in misses sizes and a 13 in juniors. You would wear a 14 to a 16 in misses and either a 15 or 17 in juniors. I wear a 16 and sometimes they are loose and sometimes they are tight. Sizes vary between brands. A 16/18 in misses is also an XL. That's what size pants or skirt you should wear if you are closer to a 16. But if you are closer to a 13/14 a large would probably fit you better. I would purchase separates for easier fit. Alot of times your top is bigger than your bottom or vise versa. The top size depend on what bra size you wear and how big around your rib cage is. Melissa wears a 38D or a 36DD and an XL in tops fits her. Most tops are sized S, M, L, XL. I also wear an XL and I am either a 38DD or a 36F. I also fit into a L in some tops. It depends on how tight you want your shirt. Go on the larger size if it is a button up shirt because it can gap between buttons if it's just a little too tight. Melissa has been able to try on clothes without anyone batting an eye at Walmart. She is passable luckily. You can always call ahead and ask if they are trans friendly. If they sound enthusiastic and friendly I would go. Let them know when you are coming and ask for their name, then you can ask for them when you get there. That's what we did when we went to Fashion Bug. Another option is for you to buy something as if it is a gift. No reason to feel embarrased to buy womens clothes while dressed as a man. Lot's of men do it. Then try it on at home and if it doesn't fit, take it back and get a different size.

If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask. Welcome to the forum.

Hugs and kisses
Shari

That's of course provided you happen to be in the same country as Melissa and Shari as European Sizes vary from American and from brand to brand just to make it more difficult.

One thing I have found is that a size 16 if it is the largest size in that range is substantilly smaller than the equivalent where the range goes up into the twenties.

Trying on is the best method so that makes a return policy very important for beginners.

Shelley

That's great for some however not all are in that boat Melissa. Usually those asking for info on sizes however are asking because they don't have that opportunity.

Shelley

I'm tickled pink that I found this web-site!  ;D Y'all are so nice!! So far, I've congered up the courage to shop at Wal-Mart 4 times. I would like to be able to shop other places, such as eBay, but it might just be a matter of a little time and some patience before I can do that. I'm still brainstorming though. In fact, I have a headache because of my constant brainstorming today.   :o Does Wal-Mart even have a dressing room for men? I've failed to even look. I can answer that question myself the next time I go. I'm sure there are some that do and some that don't....I'm going to Saint Louis over the weekend to see Bill Gaither. The only set back to this is I have to leave all 35 pair of my panties at home.  :( Considering we go to the hotel pool a lot, it adds a certain amount of risk. So needless to say, I'll be wearing men's underwear for a couple of days. YUCK!!  :P

Yes Wal Mart has men's and Women's dressing rooms. 35 pairs of panties? You've been a busy girl.  ;D

Hi CD,
I put a pair of white panties inside each of my male jockeys and even my wife doesn't notice.
The trick is to make sure you have the brief style panties. That way they don't show.
Worked great for me over Thanksgiving trip to my sons house.
Jillieann

No offence intended Melissa.

Whatever methode is used to purchase clothing and shoes, nothing beats trying them on before buying, or if they have a good return policy, take them home and try them on and bring back whatever isn't comfortable.  Clothing and shoes by different makers tend to be different sizes even though the label says they are the same size.  I find this especially true woth shows.  I found shoes that fit comfortable in size 8 and others that requjire from 9 to 10.  Generally I can were smaller sizes if bought in Wide size, such as 9 W as it allows more room for the toes.

in tops, they quite often come in small, medium, large and Xlarge etc.  some times I can come home with a large without trying it on and find it to small and other times a medium is just right and sometimes to get the fit and look I want even xtra large fits quite nicely.  If you can't bring it back, it is always best to try it on.  Nothing looks worse then an ill fitted top, sweater or blouse.

Pants are a little easier but you have to be familiar with the styles of cut and what works best on you. A pair that looks like you just dropped a load in the rear isn't very complimentary. Just pick a few pairs in consecutive sizes by holding them up to yourself to see what is approximately right and try on that and a smaller and larger to get it down pat and pay attention to inseam in relation to what kind of shoes or heels they will be worn with.  I like a longer inseam with heals then I do in flats.  Different cuts will give you an attractive butt and legs or make you look "baggy" or to tight even if marked the same size.  It takes a little experimentation to find what you like best and goes over smoothly in public.

Bras should fit your anatomy, to small a cup will restrict you and to big a cup will look rumply, of course if you don't have your own and must use forms, get the size cup to fit the forms.  Band width is easy, just get a band width in your chest size. Most who are on HRT will be in the A-B range for cups though some do get much bigger.  If wearing forms, keep in mind that double D's and such will only draw attention you don't want, and if one is thin and trim, smaller breasts arn't a handicap and blend in better.  There is no real trick to buying a bra if you know your chest size, and most born males generally do. Cup size is simply a matter of what form sizes you use or the size of your actual breasts, and if it is your first bra, an A cup will fit most or you can up the cup size if necessary.  If an A is still to large you have the option of padding or not needing one anyway.  I never wore one until the girls at work pulled me aside and told me it was time or they'd kick my butt.

No real advice for skirts or dresses as I don't generally wear them, they don't fit into my lifestyle very well.  Jeans and sweaters are the biggest items for me and in the summer, tanks and shorts.  blue jeans are my favorite all around standard, but I also have slacks for when I can afford to go out.

Terri

Thanks for all the good advice everybody. My mom is pretty close to my size (a little bit smaller in some areas though.) So, I can usually try on something she has when she's not looking and get a pretty good idea at what size to get. Jeans/pants were just a bit more difficult because some of them are sized by numbers and some by letters. Anyway, I think I've got a pretty good handle on this now and will maybe even try on a few things the next time I'm in Wal-Mart.
Derek

PS - My mens briefs are once again collecting dust in my dresser.  ;D I'm currently in a ladies thong with pink, white and green stripes. I love it!!

I don't own any, I do have male jeans and a shirt or two though and if I dug around might even find a pair of old socks for cold weather, but they wouldn't go well with any shoes I have.

Terri

Since male and female bodies are shaped somewhat differently, it is not easy to translate women's and men's clothing sizes.  I find that when shopping for a skirt the most important measurement for me is the waist size (a woman would probably say it is the hip size that is most important for her).  I have a 36 inch waist and find that a size 16 in US misses size fits me well.  In sweaters and blouses the key size is the bust size; I wear a size 36 A bra and find that a Medium (12-14) works well in a top.  As others have noted, there is really no substitute for trying clothes on, since fit will be different from one style or label to another.

I.m starting to think that conversion charts would be a handy thing for the WIKI. Hint Hint

Shelley

Reading you input has been great.  Thank you all for sharing.  I too am fairly new to buying my own clothes.  I am very confused.  I went and tried on some jeans (Levis) low rise jeans the other day.  I wear a men's 32- 33 waist.  I fit well into a size 9 Levi, size 8 with a girdle.  Looking at the Levi size chart shows the size 9 having a 27-28" waist.  I wish!  With that said I guess there is now substitute for trying thing on first.

How many of you use hip and butt padding to fill out the typical male narrow hips?  If so what has worked best for you?

Thanks,

Lora

 

QuoteI fit well into a size 9 Levi, size 8 with a girdle.  Looking at the Levi size chart shows the size 9 having a 27-28" waist.  I wish!  With that said I guess there is now substitute for trying thing on first

.


Thus all the advice that try on first is a must.  I wear 28-29 waist in mens genes, 30's are much to loose in the waist, yet a size 10 in womans slacks seem to work best on me, though I can go somewhat smaller, but the waist starts to get tight if I do.

For the most part, for Jeans, I stick with mens as they generally cost a half to a third what female jeans do and aside from facny scriblings on the pockets are basically no different other the having more room in the hips, meaning that for most of us will not fit as good as mens jeans.  Even most females purchase mens jeans for the same savings in cost.  something to consider in buying clothing.  If you are purchasing womans jeans and such simply because they are from the Womens section, you are simply spending more money then is necessary unless you just like to brag about how much you paid for some designer product.

Terri

I have some pads that I can wear with jeans, if the pants are too loose they don't smooth right.  But it does give me the 10" difference between hips and waist that is "average" (whatever the heck that means) for GGs  ;D

I found this web site to be very helpful www.lambdamu.org/Measuring.htm

When it comes to jeans, especially at the fashion stores like Gap and Old Navy, there are also four styles of waist fit - at waist, just below waist, low waist, and ultra-low waist.  The low and ultra low are designed to fit on a GG's hips, so if you don't have hips, these jeans will fall off  :o.  I'd probably go with at waist or just below waist for the best fit.

I have recently slimmed down to a men's size 34-35 waist (32 long), and recently bought a pair of size 14 jeans (just below waist) that fit exceptionally well.  I would disagree just slightly with the "no need to buy women's jeans unless you like bragging about the price" methodology.  I find that the jeans I bought have a very distinct female look and quality to them, and they were on sale.  Can't remember the actual price but my sister even commented on how inexpensive they were (and this was Old Navy).  They're skinnier in the legs and they flare out at the bottom - men's jeans haven't done this since the 70's.

Keep in mind that I don't go out dressed up yet, as I'm nowhere near passable at this early stage.  So getting tight-fitting jeans may not be the best way to go, as you'll more than likely "stick out" in more ways than one.     :-[

I so far have found that Melissa's conversion method has worked for me quite well, although I have not bought shoes yet.  That is probably the next thing I'd like to get, in addition to panties.

In helping Leah ship we have ran into size consistancy issues too.I've told her don't feel bad it's this way for us GG's too to some extent. I ditto the need to just try things on to see how it feels. Different Brands and the making of cloths in different countries cna also mean a size from one to another will be somewhat different at times.

Thanks Shelly for the link. I took just aminute to scan and think it may be useful for many. I'm sure Leah will be looking in to find dome of the things we had been searching for.

Peggiann

Peggiann

For shoe sizes, I would suggest going to Payless.com.  They have a generic sizing chart you can print off, tape together and then see what your shoe size is.  I have found it to be pretty accurate.  Just make sure you print it out at 100% size.

Besides payless.com, I have found that cloudwalker.com has larger sized shoes in both wide and double wide widths.  I take a 13W women's size, and their shoes always fit like a glove.  The prices are pretty reasonable as well.

Chaunte

I'm a bit surprised that nobody has brought up goodwill -- this is a great place for "trying on" to get a feel for sizes/styes/comfort and get stuff cheap. After giving a style or size a "testdrive" you can go buy a nicer outfit at an upscale store without risking your purchase become a dust collector. I'd also point out that hardly anyone is gonna be noticing you going to the goodwill dressing room with female garb to try on.

I have a 33" waist and I found jeans varying women's size 8 to 11 that seem to fit or not fit, you HAVE to try stuff on.

Women's "XL" shirts seem to be about right for a men's 40"

Skirts M & L seem to fit 33" waisted men. IMO Dresses RARELY look good on male bodies so I suggest going for the skirt & shirt look instead.

I also agree that women's shoe sizes are about one size behind men and that Payless is THE place to get shoes.

QuoteIMO Dresses RARELY look good on male bodies so I suggest going for the skirt & shirt look instead.

The worst part about this is that they look so good on the maniquin but then are so dissappointing when you try them on. >:(

I agree that a skirt and shirt is the best way to go.

Shelley

I agree that dresses that are closely fitted, such as sheath dresses, are hard for us to look good in, but I am very fond of jumpers.  I have one long jumper that is loose fitting in the waist.  It is great at hiding my not so feminine beer gut.  The jumper was a birthday gift from my wife.  I wore it last week and she said that I looked like a schoolmarm.  I took this as high praise, since she is a retired grade school teacher.  ^-^ ^-^

Dresses and tops and pants can also be smaller or larger in different brands.

I used to find it really hard getting the brand thing right but after you have done it a few times it gets easier.

Sara.

Hi everyone:

I saved up enought to buy a school uniform as i allways wanted to buy one for myself, question is i dunno how to choose my size for it?  I know i'm a 38 B and a size 6 or medium in panty size, but i'm dumfounded on how to know my dress size. any help will be greatly appreciated :D

This might be useful

http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Village/6448/page5.htm

In my experience it just works good to try things on before you buy them.  That's what I do when I buy my skirts.  Just try it on and if it fits, buy it!  :D

Quote from: allyson on March 04, 2006, 10:51:09 PM
This might be useful

http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Village/6448/page5.htm

In my experience it just works good to try things on before you buy them.  That's what I do when I buy my skirts.  Just try it on and if it fits, buy it!  :D

Wonderfull link miss allyson, thank you so very much !!!

Glad I could help.  Now go out there and get yourself a dress!  ;)

Quote from: stephanie on December 26, 2005, 03:01:13 AM
When it comes to jeans, especially at the fashion stores like Gap and Old Navy, there are also four styles of waist fit - at waist, just below waist, low waist, and ultra-low waist.  The low and ultra low are designed to fit on a GG's hips, so if you don't have hips, these jeans will fall off  :o.  I'd probably go with at waist or just below waist for the best fit.

The rule of thumb for low rise and ultra low rise jeans is the 7/10 to 8/10 rule. Your waist SHOULD be approximately 7/10 of your hips. So for a girl with 36 inch hips, her ideal waist size would fall between 25 and 28 inches. I know that there are plenty of GG's that wear low rise that DO NOT fall with the ration, but that's the ratio those pants are designed for. If the hips and bust are equal, then with a waist to hip ratio like that then your figure is very close to what would be considered a Classic HourGlass.

If I buy below the waist jeans, I might get size 5 (US). If I'm looking at low-rise I might go smaller and get a size 3 (US) since I don't have as wide a set of hips as a GG.

If you do not already have one, invest in a tailor's tape measure, you can get all the measurements you need to determine what sizes should be appropriate for you.

Quote from: RachelSnow on March 07, 2006, 05:35:21 PM
The rule of thumb for low rise and ultra low rise jeans is the 7/10 to 8/10 rule. Your waist SHOULD be approximately 7/10 of your hips. So for a girl with 36 inch hips, her ideal waist size would fall between 25 and 28 inches. I know that there are plenty of GG's that wear low rise that DO NOT fall with the ration, but that's the ratio those pants are designed for. If the hips and bust are equal, then with a waist to hip ratio like that then your figure is very close to what would be considered a Classic HourGlass.

If I buy below the waist jeans, I might get size 5 (US). If I'm looking at low-rise I might go smaller and get a size 3 (US) since I don't have as wide a set of hips as a GG.

If you do not already have one, invest in a tailor's tape measure, you can get all the measurements you need to determine what sizes should be appropriate for you.

I'm a size 6 in jeans depending on the brand also, i have one that is size 7 but that one is a short pants for use at home

[/quote]

Quote from: Alexandra on January 16, 2006, 11:43:22 PMI'm a bit surprised that nobody has brought up goodwill -- this is a great place for "trying on" to get a feel for sizes/styes/comfort and get stuff cheap. After giving a style or size a "testdrive" you can go buy a nicer outfit at an upscale store without risking your purchase become a dust collector. I'd also point out that hardly anyone is gonna be noticing you going to the goodwill dressing room with female garb to try on.

This is a great idea, thank you

Unfortunately a number of thrift shops closed their dressing rooms during or after COVID-19.

Some have kept them closed as patrons have swapped the clothes they wore into the store with ones from the racks.  Others poop or leave all kinds of trash, including soiled diapers, in the dressing rooms.  Piles of clothes people try on were also left in the dressing rooms.  These were all reasons why some thrift shops no longer have dressing rooms, although they keep their customer bathrooms open.

But some still have dressing rooms.