Might be a fun discussion...
What clothes make you feel like a million bucks? Got a favorite outfit, article of clothing, or accessory that every time you wear it makes you feel
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Like a boss?
Maybe it's the way something fits, the way it looks, or the history of it...but what do you wear that makes you feel good?
For myself, I finally went out and bought a v-neck shirt and jeans that I feel fit pretty darn good. I lost weight so I didn't have anything that fit the way I wanted to. Today I felt great wearing something new that fits. Image (http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0mrg79Nnh1qal7xro1_500.jpg)
Wow. You are looking awesome! You've lost a LOT of weight. Congrats!
I've recently taken to wearing my brown shoes and brown socks with my jeans instead of wearing sneakers and athletic socks with them. That one detail makes me feel infinitely more mature and stylish even though I'm usually wearing the same old t-shirt and hoodie with them.
Looking awesome, Nygeel! Thanks for the thread.
I have a green polo that always makes me feel good when I wear it. The size and cut looks really good on me IMO. My new work uniform looks good on me as well. Slim polo which shows off my arms/shoulders (which I've really been working at building up) and slim fit khaki pants. I finally feel right in my clothes :)
Wow, Nygeel, not only have you lost weight, but your body fat distribution looks a lot more masculine than older pictures you've posted last year! You're looking awesome, and those clothes do look great on you!
My 'confidence clothing' is actually skinny jeans these days, but not the super skinny kind, my thighs are still too big for those. H&M has a style of slim fit jeans that are only $20 and come in multiple colors. I bought them in black, grey, and red in a size 30 and they fit great, they sag a bit too so they aren't crotch grabbers. I look like a hipster and much younger than I am (probably true no matter what I wear), but I don't care; they're flattering and look great with my band and Threadless t-shirts.
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Not the best picture ever, but it's the only one I have in those style of jeans. I kind of want them in royal blue too.
Well, for my measurements...
This is the last time I documented them. The first is the before (shortly after T, I think?) and the second is after...maybe a week or two ago.
Chest (widest part): 45/37
Under chest: 38/32
Waist: 32/33
Hips: 47/42
So, I've still got my hips. Also went down a binder size. I was a large, now a medium (the large doesn't do anything now).
Damn, you're really slimming down, Nygeel.
I used to like my black Dockers, even though I couldn't quite reach the bottom of my pockets. But now I've lost more weight, and they don't hang quite right. They're a little too generous.
I usually wear Levi's 501s. They're not fitting so well after the weight loss, either--I have to cinch them in, and now they bunch up a little too much--but I can't go down to the next waist size yet. I still have a little extra around the middle, but I'm mostly worried about my hipbones. The next smaller size fits in the waist but is a bit too tight in the hips. Anyone else run into this problem? I imagine a lot of guys do.
If I can lose another ten pounds and keep it off, I might be able to go down a size. But my body thinks we're done losing weight. I hope this is just a winter phenomenon. When spring arrives, maybe my brain will switch out of fat-hoarding mode.
I do love the way my Jos. Bank sport shirts look now...they actually fit well and are even a little baggy. Which is good. They're pretty nice shirts, and I can't afford to buy more of them right now.
Arch, one suggestion I can make is opting for a boot cut. They tend to have a bit more room in the hip.
You're looking really good Nygeel. I really like my hoodies. My favorite grey one makes me look fairly flat even without binding.
Looking good, Nygeel!
As far as clothes that make me feel like a boss... not really anything particular as my wardrobe is still being replaced slowly, though I have a pair of jeans that I actually feel comfortable in. I do feel pretty awesome when I am wearing sweater vests though. It gives me nerdy historian credit. Once I get my weight to where I want it I am going to replace the ratty old clothes I got and I will certainly always look epic. There will be many a sweater vests/sweaters.
Quote from: Nygeel on March 09, 2012, 08:45:59 PM
Arch, one suggestion I can make is opting for a boot cut. They tend to have a bit more room in the hip.
I hadn't thought of this, but (unfortunately), I really prefer straight leg. Haven't worn boot cut since I was a kid on horseback!
Why does boot cut have more room in the hip? That's rather odd.
I might be able to go down to a smaller size of Dockers because they're cut differently from Levi's 501s. But I hate shopping and haven't gotten around to trying them on. Plus, I would have to build up to spending the money. I've become quite stingy lately.
I have one pair of jeans that I call my "magic" jeans because they make my hips disappear. Their technically 28/28 Levis from the boys section but fit like 30/28s and the short inseam makes my hips look nonexistant and my shoulders super wide.
I also have a blue striped button down from American eagle that's made of a heavy, stiff fabric that doesn't show hips or my waist which I love.
And my wool flat cap from Ireland that my boyfriend got me is awesome even though I don't pass well in it.
I love my trench coat, I might've mentioned this a few (million) times before. Makes my chest disappear, its comfy as hell, and it just looks damn good.
Oddly enough, my favorite pants in the world are a pair of womens' pants. They're weird, its like a ribbed denim? They look almost pinstriped from a distance. Either way, when I bought them they were horrible flares, I bought them because the pattern/texture was just too cool to avoid and they fit perfectly. I recently fixed them into straight/skinny legged jeans, and now I live in the damn things.
And, this is kinda weird, but my scarves. I primarily live in the checkered, knit one my mom made for me last year. I love them because they cover my disgustingly fat neckglob. And my leather gloves. Because they make my hands less midgety.
I'm definitely a skinny jeans guy nowadays.
I'm still wearing the same sort of clothes I did pre-transition but I'm finding I like 'dressing up' a bit more now. I love wearing a tie every now and then. who knew?
Nygeel! You look awesome, man! ;-)
I'm glad this thread came up. I was going to start one about jeans. (Yes, as Xander once said, "another pointless fashion thread!")
I am currently having a jeans crisis. Those ones you have on look nice, Nygeel. Do you know what brand they are? I always, always was a Levi's guy. Then about a year ago I started to realize they were, well.....dorky. I have some nice American Eagle slim fits which are awesome, but let's just say the fit is a little, um, continental. My gf is French Canadian and I am up there a lot, eh? And the guys dress a bit differently than around my neck of the rural northeast. The AE jeans seem fine and manly enough when I'm up there, but down here in the farm culture, well, they don't seem as correct....like, TOO hip. (I'm sorry this is turning into a rant!) So.....I am on the hunt for a style of jeans that don't look too dorky, or too cool....I'm thinking I will try Carhartts, they are big around here. Any suggestions or thoughts from anyone would be nice.
OK, I'll shut up.....you may now return to your regularly scheduled thread!! BUT! Congrats on the weight loss Nygeel!
Andy They're from Target and are a subdivision of Levi's.
N.Chaos, almost sounds like corduroy.
Arch no idea why they have more room but they tend to fit me better.
Nygeel--Those are the ones I wear! I got lucky; found mine on the clearance rack...$7.49! Score!~
I've been wearing a lot of Korean fashion lately because I love the hoodies, jackets, and vests. I used to weigh upwards of around 250-260 lbs at 5'9 but now I have lost a lot of weight and that allows me to actually fit into those clothes(Koreans are tiny mofos.. largest size is an adult men's Medium/Large) and being on T makes me feel more confident in them as well.
I recently found an awesome pair of jeans. They're Levi's slim straights, 31x32 (30 is usually too small, and 32 almost invariably too big), and the stitching and zipper are bright YELLOW. Got them at a thrift store for $4, and I love them. ;D
The right underwear makes me feel amazing too. I like briefs with bright colors and fun patterns, and a cotton A-shirt under my shirt even if I'm not binding.
And don't get me started on socks. Only about a third of my socks are neutral colors.
Haha, looking back over this, I just love color. I need some colored skinny jeans.
Nygeel, I'll echo what everyone else has already said and say you're looking very good these days!
For me, black skinny jeans is definitely my confidence clothing of choice. I dunno what it is really but they just make me feel good wearing them. Jackets are my other thing. I freakin' love jackets. Half of my closet is nothing but jackets and I have a lot of favs.
I have some cool shirts I've procured lately too. I just got a purple one the other day. I had been on the hunt for a purple button-down for awhile and finally scored at Ross of all places.
I have a few favorite belts too. And I actually do like scarves now. So I've got more accessories now than I have in the past.
My leather chuck taylors and my brown leather boots are two more favs.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention underwear. I love fun prints in briefs and boxer briefs (a-la Ginch Gonch).
I just found a secondhand pair of handmade brown suede shoes with very rich color. They're a half size too large, but I figured I could compensate--lace up tight, wear thicker socks, and put in some of those heel grips. I haven't quite worked out the fitting, but I love the way these things look.
The main problem is arch support (haha, that's why I come to Susan's). I have high arches (thank you, Mom), and these shoes seem to have been built for someone with flatter feet. Even my killer inserts don't quite do it. I'll have to figure something out.
Now, of course, I have to find thick brown socks. The only thick socks I have are black. And my feet are sooo damned picky. I have to have a high cotton content and unobtrusive seams--seamless is better. I wonder if Gold Toe has what I'm looking for?
P.S. I don't know whether to protest that Levi's 501s aren't dorky or to wear my dorkdom proudly.
Quote from: Arch on March 10, 2012, 02:49:10 PM
The main problem is arch support (haha, that's why I come to Susan's). I have high arches (thank you, Mom), and these shoes seem to have been built for someone with flatter feet. Even my killer inserts don't quite do it. I'll have to figure something out.
P.S. I don't know whether to protest that Levi's 501s aren't dorky or to wear my dorkdom proudly.
I also have high arches as I recently found out. I was told to see a specialist but haven't so far. What kind of inserts do you have?
Haha I always thought Levi's were cool. Never met anyone who thought they were dorky.
I don't really have one piece of clothing that makes me feel good - it's more like certain outfits and even then it depends on the day. There's certain days I think I look really good and other is just meh. I do like when some of my shirts hug my muscles though, because months ago, they never would've done that. Also, my hats usually make me feel pretty boss.
x]
those pants do look good on you. the pants im wearing right now are the best pants ever they are light grey skinny bdg chinos and they fit my butt, crotch, thighs, better then any other pants but they have a hole in the knee and i cant find another pair anywhere.
Andy, I don't know about Levi being dorky (I guess I don't know too much about much of anything being dorky really) -- have you looked into Wranglers though? They might straddle that divide well perhaps?
On subject...I don't know about them making me feel awesome per se, but they do definitely make me feel better. I've been buying my jeans larger in the waist (and shorter in the inseam to compensate) in order for them to fit lower and I have to say...I'm liking it a lot more than previously. Enough to overcome the feeling that buying the size I need to once did. I like that they ride lower and so therefore have more room in the crotch, and I like that I can slip my hands in the pockets without problems and also without my hands being too high or my arms bent too much. I don't know as that makes sense, but, to sum it up...
They sit where they're supposed to.
I've also really taken to wearing a belt. In particular a belt I bought for work that's brown leather and wide with a double row of holes the entire length of the belt. I don't really need to wear them with my jeans, but I do anyways because I like it.
I have a new appreciate for plain, black tee shirts that fit well as well. They look great with pretty much any kind of pants.
My wardrobe's not exactly what I'd like it to be, so maybe eventually I'll find something that really makes me feel awesome.
Noah: I Have a belt just like that! I got it at American eagle. Also, I buy my jeans that way too, it seems to be the magic combo.
I forgot to mention that my favorite and most comfortable shoes are these brown 'leather' boots I got at payless for like six dollars. They fit comfortably big and are so cushiony with a pair of thick wool socks.
Haha, I got mine at...Wal-Mart I think? Maybe? I can't really remember...unfortunately that's the only place I've managed to find Wranglers that I like; I'll have to check Target, but last time they didn't meet my needs for jeans.
Also, I have to agree with you there as far as them being the magic combo. Not sure the dressier belts that I have would have the same effect.
Interestingly, as much as I love my Adidas, I tend to wear brown leather workboots as well, haha. I think they're comfortable.
I have a green plaid pea-coat that I've gained the habit of flipping the collar up thanks to watching BBC's Sherlock.
Anymore, my wardrobe consists only of cargo pants, T-shirts, baseball caps, and my black and silver Asics running shoes. I'm always working (or at least that's how it feels), so I tend to just like to be comfortable. I guess I feel most "awesome" when I dress up--- for me that means black T, black cargos, and a flannel or other fabric button-down shirt. Don't really have the time or need to wear anything fancier.
Adio, I use Superfeet. I used to get them at a store here in town, but they aren't stocked there anymore. So now I go online. They're pricey. Fortunately, I bought a whole pile of them for me and my ex back when we were together, so I still have one set left. I suppose I should do some research and see if I can find a cheaper alternative, but feet need good care. Especially mine--I have an ankle that sometimes gives me trouble, and I don't want to make it worse by going with a crappy insole.
These new shoes definitely need more support...not sure what to do.
The boots and denim mini in my current avatar photo are favourites, along with another pair of low heel boots. Gues I am just a child of the 60's, and apparently according to female friends I have great legs! ;D
Karen.
it depends on my mood,
I love dressing up in outfits it makes me feel awsome when I have used alot of energy and time to be a vampire/cowboy whatever,
and then finally I can show it off to my friends or something (I know im kinda wierd)
but as everyday clothing it just like when I feel my clothes are maching each other are refering some kind of "topic-team"
like dressing all black and white, or very dark, or colourfull.
its hard to explain but let me make it this way.
it could be if im wearing a dark suit and a very pretty tie to a wedding, or colourfull swimmingpants and sneakers at the beach,
then Im felling fabelous
but not a suit on the beach and swimming trunks at the wedding. cause it just dont really match myself compared to what im expecting.
something like that.
p.s.
very tight tshirts makes me feel awsome.. after top surgery I just cant get enough of those =)
Quote from: Arch on March 11, 2012, 04:18:30 AM
Adio, I use Superfeet. I used to get them at a store here in town, but they aren't stocked there anymore. So now I go online. They're pricey.
Thanks Arch. You weren't kidding on the price! Not sure the price where you are, but they're $40 here. I guess I'll just have to search around and find something less expensive as well.
I like my black trenchcoat, it hides my hips and stuff and is warm and comfy. I also like my boots, they're 14-hole Underground boots with steel toes, fit my feet perfectly and makes them look less tiny and dainty. Soon, two pairs of army trousers I bought will arrive in the mail, and I hope they will fit me well and such.
Quote from: Adio on March 11, 2012, 11:35:32 AMThanks Arch. You weren't kidding on the price! Not sure the price where you are, but they're $40 here. I guess I'll just have to search around and find something less expensive as well.
Jeez, I was paying about $30. But I bought about ten of them a few years ago. What about Spenco? I used to use them years ago, but I like these better. Don't know if they're expensive.
ETA: I use Superfeet Green, and the cheapest price I turned up in a quick online search is $35.95. Ouch. But you can get free shipping...
I was going through my old clothes and found this jean jacket I used to wear when I was younger.
I like the way it looks, it fits nice but it's also a tiny bit tight, so it slims me down a bit and has a nice binding effect when I zip it up.
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I think it's pretty good considering I have c cups and no binder (still need to buy one), so I think I'll be wearing this jacket more often.
I want to clarify about my comment about the Levi's being dorky. What I meant was, I think, I feel dorky in them! :D
The ones I had (550s, maybe?) were so high-waisted, and with a shirt tucked in, they felt so nerdy. I have that problem some of us have, which is, no hips or waist to speak of, but the top of my butt has a bit of a slab of flab (how's that for a phrase?!) no matter how much I work out, and the Levi's were too fitted I guess.
What seems a lot better for me is jeans that slide down more, way below my waist, kind of smoothes everything out and makes me look more like I go "straight down"!
You know that old joke about looking like you're going to a flood???
I bought a new pair of boots that give me about and inch or two of extra height. Walking around in them made me feel prety awesome, since I was able to look my husband in the eye rather than having to look up at him. ;D
I get what you mean then, Andy -- sort of the Urkel look?
Have you tried getting them a little bit larger in the waist to see if they come to rest lower? Or maybe low-rise jeans?
I know Wrangler has low-rise options (I know I've mentioned them before, but they're what I've found that I like so they're really about the only ones I can comment on).
Suits, collared shirts, jeans that fit well. Boots are pretty cool too but I don't have any.
I can't really afford many of those things though so I pretty much dress casual. Being able to dress how I like without looking kind of silly is definitely one of the +s for me.
I really love Rockports. I haven't worn anything else in years--except for these new custom shoes I just bought and haven't really worn yet. :o
@Noah G.: Yes, exactly! And thank you for your suggestions. I did try one pair of Wranglers, I bought them on impulse and they are pretty good and if I recall, the price was right. To detail the problem with those, they poof out on the sides just below where the pockets are, and as we all know, that's not good. :o I think I guessed the wrong "model." I do have one pair of Vans which are ok, but they are kind of droopy/saggy looking, so that's not right either!! (My gf says she can't see my butt. At all.)
Oh, well...like a lot of this stuff, I guess I'll just have to throw some more money at the problem. Maybe try the one-size-up theory.
Regarding the original post, the thing that makes me feel awesome is a nice tailored shirt, jeans & belt, and I finally found some nice manly boots in BLACK in my stupidly small size (thank you, Shoebuy!). Sometimes a tie. Also my Fallen t-shirts which just fit SO NICE and are a nice sturdy fabric.
No problem, Andy.
That's weird about the poofing -- I've never heard or experienced that. They have all different kinds of Wranglers though so maybe just grab some that you think might work and try them on? I never used to do this myself but it's saved me a lot of extended headache when I started. Truly, different styles or whatever from the same company can fit differently so it's worth a shot when you can try them on for free.
But, yea, the size-up option can really work out as well. It definitely has for me, at least -- especially at work where I have to tuck my shirt in.
But either way, good luck finding some jeans that fit and look the way you want, I know how much of a pain that can be.
I like wearing shorts, any kind of shorts since my legs finally have a decent amount of hair. ;D ;D ;D ;D
I wish I had more hair on my legs...my thighs aren't too bad--I've got that woolly blond stuff--but the calves are just embarrassing. So I wear shorts around the house but not out in public.
Well, I just wanted to post an update on my jeans situation. :D Fascinating, I know!
Noah G.: Thank you--you were right! The Wranglers are awesome! I got the ones that say "relaxed" fit, and they are amazing. I highly recommend them. They hang at exactly the correct spot, not too high, not too low. They have a way of making me look slimmer front-to-back, and go straight down the back which is masculinizing (like, your T shirt doesn't bump out). They are very long-waisted (did I see a commercial on TV for how they have more "seat" room?) which actually gives more, um, ball room, shall we say? And this makes it very nice since I pack with my STP and this gives a bit more room. I can actually pack with boxers and a harness, and it all seems to swing and sway quite naturally and I don't feel so stuffed in as I have in other jeans.
I looked at the old pair of Wranglers I had which "poofed" as I mentioned, and they are labeled "loose" fit. There is actually a pleat of fabric right below where the rivet is on the side pocket, which is what seems to make them poofy as they "spread out" there. I think I may try the normal fit as well at some point.
All in all, they are fabulous and I highly recommend them. Thank you, sir!! :)