Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Ok so from the waist down I am a perfect size 6 (28" waist 37.5" hips) but my bust is 38" and my breast aren't even done developing yet. The real problem though is my shoulders they're a whopping 44.75" [emoji24] and dresses just don't zip up all the way. Is there anything I can do? Also the " represent inches.
Thanks
ScarletRed


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Hi ScarletRed

What you sound like you are describing is an inverted triangle shape

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dresses+to+suit+inverted+triengle&ie=&oe= (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=dresses+to+suit+inverted+triengle&ie=&oe=)

Might find something useful...hopefully

You also might try some place that custom sizes it for you. My therapist recommended this place: http://www.eshakti.com/

It's an additional $9.95 to do a custom size, but it should fit you perfectly. Also, all their skirts & dresses have full pockets!
There's lots of styles I like there, but the prices are little beyond me right now ($50-$80 or so for a dress).

I would also look at Sumissura. They do professional work wear custom.


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There are many places in every city that do alterations. Just get a size that will fit your largest area and have a seamstress take in the loose areas.

I have found some brands stretch more than others for zipping around the torso. Other than that, tops and skirts, or just get a larger size and have it altered to be more fitted. Alterations are quite common.

Thanks for the advice and links ladies.
ScarletRed


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Quote from: ScarletRed on September 07, 2017, 02:25:57 AM
Ok so from the waist down I am a perfect size 6 (28" waist 37.5" hips) but my bust is 38" and my breast aren't even done developing yet. The real problem though is my shoulders they're a whopping 44.75" [emoji24] and dresses just don't zip up all the way. Is there anything I can do? Also the " represent inches.
Thanks
ScarletRed


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We have similar measurements though I haven't measured around my shoulders. I wear 6 long with some jeans... though I rely on the elastane nature of chosen garments to achieving the best fit. For tops I'm 10/12/14 usually 12ish, or M/L/XL... it really depends on the brand. Shirts/bottom stuff is proportionately smaller than tops which are a little larger. This is not uncommon for trans women who have experienced upper chest expansion/growth that inevitably happens as a genetic male one gets older.

This means, for full dresses, I try to fit for the top, including making sure those shoulders are close to perfect... you want to avoid overhang, sagging, or something too tight.

I find I look best in a sheath dress, Polo dress, or shirt dress which is fit to the upper torso area... chest/shoulders and all. Then let it fall where it may... which may be little higher than on a ciswoman depending.

I tend to go for something that hides shoulders... a polo dress is the first thing the worked well for me.

In recent times I found a dress I bought a while ago which did not cover the shoulders, exposed the upper shoulder area, worked really well. It was a combination of 1yr HRT plus FFS.

I find with dresses, it's all about trying them out and finding what works. For example, I learned early on that dresses with a waistline seam, especially with significant fabric that creates a belt-like effect across the waist... those types of dresses are absolute 100% #fail Man-in-a-Dress look. They don't work on me. I think this is because I'm sizing to the upper torso, so there's a compromise to the lower area including the waist, which will appear higher. Plus, I don't have a shapely figure... so there's a particular dress style, not too baggy but with  just the right contour that maximizes my appearance.

In short, I'd say watch out for dresses with obvious waistline seams or exposed shoulders unless you deem yourself free of what I experience with these characteristics.

I used to think I had to go to special stores until I went to Macy's one day and a gal there fit me in the greatest jeans... was I ecstatic. Another person at Macy's set me up with my favorite all time dress... polo looking... really nice. Online can be great, but there's nothing like going in and trying something out... also, department stores, I know at least with Macy's, will allow you to buy online, like two sizes, and return whatever you want locally. So I'll buy a 10/12/14 dress and return all but whatever fits and looks right. They promote that as being okay.

Unrelated side note... Payless Shoes allows for the same... so I like that combo of online plus local brick-and-mortar for easy returns.

Your clothes shopping issues are among the most common among folks here, but I've known many g-ladies with the same sizing issues and they manage well. Large busted women have to be very choosy with clothes no matter. You have to be quite careful with dresses, so finding a good store as Ashley did and trying them on would be best.

Generally, though, separates are the easiest way to go. Luckily, we live in a time when wearing top and bottom separates are pretty much the norm. Just size your tops to suit your shoulders and chest while sizing your skirts and pants to suit your waist and hips. Learning to do some of your own alterations-- or finding a good person to do it for you-- would be very helpful, too.

The trick is to avoid the urge to buy something just because you like the individual item. You want to conceive several basic looks (shapes/colors) that you think work for you and build a wardrobe that supports a look. I totally cheat and copy looks I see online that celebrities are wearing. I ignore the fancy stuff they wear to events-- just the street looks or "airport looks".