The first time I went shopping for feminine clothes for myself, I was incredibly scared. I closed the door to the metaphorical closet and locked myself in for almost 15 years (with occasional breakouts in secret). Going out in public and shopping in a brick and mortar store felt like a major accomplishment. My wife was the key here. She wanted to be supportive and insisted that I couldn't find appropriate attire without trying it on. I almost accused her of trying to shame me out of it.

In the end, it wasn't a big deal, except for the pair of black high heels in my size! I paid $5 for them.

Now I'm much more confident when I make my purchases and even willing to hunt for a good bargain instead of just buying and running out as fast as I can.

I have not bought any clothes yet, but with makeup I just cram in lots of other things, like toothpaste, shaving razors etc and nobody will ever care if there is some foundation, skin care cream and such. I have been buying stocking for my ex and if I got confused I would just ask the lady that "I was asked to buy this and that and would You please show me where are they, please?" I dunno how it will be, when I will have to try things on me first .

Quote from: big kim on July 06, 2013, 04:33:35 AM
It was a bit ordinary,I saw a skirt I liked and bought it.Sorry if it comes across as a bit boring

Big Kim, That's funny. We all deserve to laugh some. I hope you have a great day.

Thanks,there was no drama or anything I thought you might find it boring,you have a good day too

It does get exciting when Kim brings up the Popes dress, though!

I was browsing women's clothes in Walmart a few months ago and noticed I was being watched by a few people including the woman  working at the changing rooms so just to remove any doubts people might have I  showed her all the items and said I wanted to try them on.
I realized something recently. I used to look at and buy both male and female clothes but now I don't even remember the last time I even looked at men's clothes never mind buy anything?

Actually the very first female clothing I bought was in person. Purchased a top at Muji, pre-packaged, so no trying it on. I piled a load of male stuff into the basket with it, and even had the cashier wrap is as a gift, all just to make it perfectly clear that this was of course not for me... Pro tip: prior to HRT kicking in on the muscle reduction, the concept of "I wear a male S, so it would be a female M" does not necessarily apply. That being said, it fits fine these days.

Since then it has been internet all the way, which has helped me not only gain a much better understanding of my size, but has also somehow lowered my general anxiety about female clothing. A good friend of mine has suggested the two of us go on a shopping spree sometime soon, and I have to admit that I have way fewer misgivings than back then. Perhaps because I simply feel more comfortable in my skin these days, or the fact that I look way more ambiguous so people can just assume whatever. I still wouldn't want to go shopping in a store near to my home, but that is more about meeting colleagues from work or similar, who will only be informed a few months from now.

Quote from: Moderator 6 on July 06, 2013, 07:42:24 AM
It does get exciting when Kim brings up the Popes dress, though!The first of  my many warnings!

You can always try the covert route.

Be invisible by being visible.

That is, walk into the underwear section with a cell phone glued to your ear.  Then say in a clear voice: "Hon, what size bra do you want?  Oh, Ok.  Panties too, got it."

Really, Really, REALLY, nobody cares!

When I go shopping for undies I sometimes find some guy GLUED to his GF/SO as she picks out stuff and he is trying so hard not to look at what he's looking at.

And at the checkout?  When they ask "Did you find everything you were looking for?"  Just say "Yes, thank you!".

It's really no big deal.

But in any case, congratulations on your first successful shopping trip.  They get easier as you go on.

-Sandy

Quote from: Mollie on July 06, 2013, 07:58:25 AM
I was browsing women's clothes in Walmart a few months ago and noticed I was being watched by a few people including the woman  working at the changing rooms

I had something similar happen and it is by far the worst experience I have ever had when I was shopping for women's clothes. I was in a discount retailer and i was shopping for a cami/shaper. I found the camis and while i was looking through them for my size i noticed that an older store employee had stationed herself at the end of the rack of clothes I was looking through and was obviously keeping an eye on me. I had been shopping for myself before and i was no longer shy so i made my selection and started to walk away. The employee gave me a look that told me she was disgusted and I just stared back at her and smiled.

Other times shopping were pretty much non-events. The important thing to remember is that you have cash in hand and you are NOT required to explain yourself to ANYONE. If you get static immediately ask for a manager.

Not counting when I bought stuff online I just went down to the local department store and bought some awesome dark green super skinny jeans. I know my sizes so it was no problem just bought that stuff and out I go. Easy. Not that I rushed I spent my time looking for something I liked. After all who really cares? There are a million excuses you can use, although my hear was up in my throat it was for no logical reason.

Course I always go there at about the same time every fortnight and look around the shops in town, I normally end up in the same store with the same cashier. No one buys that many gifts of clothing for people but whatever 

I bought a real nice midi dress just yesterday kinda tribal pattern, same cashier she don't care!