Currently 21 yrs old (22 by next month), been taking the mones' for almost 5 months now and it sure feels good and all, but I've hit a certain wall.

I went on a strict diet just before I started, so I ended with a flat tummy pretty quick. But for some reason I got the oh so wanted hips and butt through puberty (yay~) so I've always been awkwardly built.... It's just the rib cage that's been bugging me all this time. It's pretty wide even for my height; 178cm (5'10'') but I still got some fat left on my back which is good, because that'll cut the measurements even more once that's gone.

I haven't used a bra yet, still got AA's from what I can tell so it's not really that noticeable. Now regarding my measurements, from what I've measured my underbust is around 83-87cm which puts me around 33-34'', and I've been told that it's between female ranges. But the clothes that I've tried on says otherwise.... for example if I measure just around my armpits I get something around 88-90cm / and 92-96cm over the nipps.

And some manufactures just thought tha womens L size was meant for those with a circumstance of 80-92 so I'm already screwed as I'd figure I'd get around 100cm across the chest. So that already puts me on the spot as I can forget wearing fancy brands because I'm to wide. And wearing L sized guy clothes for example already looks funny because I lack a tummy but got small mounds instead . It basically looks like I'm swimming through the clothes rather than just wearing em. Oh and yeah, they don't seem to always have XL for women so that ticks me off even more. Sticking to M sized guys clothes works, but it looks a bit funny as the breasts are pushing up the sleeves upwards.

So what should I do? Tight-lacing the upper body seems pointless and painful and that would probably take a few years. Surgery is out of question if that's even possible at all. I'm basically all bones on the width. and I don't see how big boobs would be able to cover my width at all, since I'll only end up buying a larger size.

Sorry for such a long post, thought I just spill out the beans.

Welcome to Susan's, Felly. 

There's a lot of good information and good people here.  Each of our stories is unique but we have a lot in common.  Settle in, pull up a keyboard, and explore.

Be sure to look under the Announcements heading.  There you will find the rules we live by in this little world of ours:

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
• Standard Terms and Definitions
  
• Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
  

Look through the other stuff there, too.

We're all built a little differently.  It seemed that when I'd complain about the shape of my body to a GG friend, invariably she'd have a similar complaint.  Look around here on the forum.  There's lots of clothing advice.

Happy exploring.

- Kate

I've recently had to re-check my own sizes, so while I'm by no means an expert, I hope I can help.

I'm 23 and pre-hormones, but have had something around a AA cup since puberty - the weight didn't seem to shift from there as I grew up, and while I'm not slim, I wouldn't have thought myself a ripe candidate for your basic 'moob'.

Anyway, mine's a 38" underbust to fit a 5'10" stature and so I too have tended to favour the 'L' size mens' shirt (UK). The bagginess tended to hide certain features, giving me a rather amorphous figure to boot. An 'M' does me justice, but until recently I felt very embarassed about my chest being on display so. Now of course, I try to take pride.

t's worth noting though, that my underbust measurement is the same as the overbust - the armpits you describe. I'm a 38" there too.

Quote from: Felly on July 21, 2010, 06:48:29 AM
It's just the rib cage that's been bugging me all this time. It's pretty wide even for my height; 178cm (5'10'') but I still got some fat left on my back which is good, because that'll cut the measurements even more once that's gone. I haven't used a bra yet, still got AA's from what I can tell so it's not really that noticeable. Now regarding my measurements, from what I've measured my underbust is around 83-87cm which puts me around 33-34'', and I've been told that it's between female ranges.

I dare say you're pretty narrow from my point of view! Like I said - same height, but mine's a 42" band size. At 38" band, you've a much wider range of lingerie available for starters!

I'm surprised that you're veering around L and XL so just now. Assuming that you're in the US, that's a size 12 at most (I'm a 12 by US standards), or size 16 for the UK. Manufacturers do vary, but it's rare I see an 'XL' on British clothes and I've gathered that the US is tiered a step down from that. That having been said, the best advice could only ever be to try things on yourself. There's no getting around manufacturers' variations when you do that!

Hmm, I don't know if I've been any help at all.

Cheers for the replies so far!

@Sinnyo

Actually I'm from Sweden, but I tend to order stuff from the states or local shops that import.

I'd say that I shift from a size 10-12 US which is 40-42 back here. I'm about 36" across, and around 33" under. Mens M do fit but like I said, the gals tend to show a little but at least it fits around my waist (30"~), but L is way off unless they're tight-fit or something...

Haven't hit full-time yet, and I don't plan to either until next year. I'm just trying out some clothes for being somewhat prepared and what my taste into the world of fashion might be. But anyways, just looking at the sizes tell me that I'll need L/XL sized T's for women since the measurement sure do vary by brand.

The big problem is however... most shops are online-located only or like 300 miles away, and I don't have a car either. So trying out beforehand is quite tricky.

clothes vary so much that I take a small tape measure with me and measure things I fancy...I want to see tops with 21 inches armpit to armpit and skirts 15 across the waist and about 21 across about 7inches down to allow my little bulge to be covered.
jackets are always a pain and trying on is only way to get a nice fitting one.

Hi Felly,

Welcome to our little family. Over 5300 strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister.

Hugs and Love,
Janet

Quote from: Janet Lynn on July 22, 2010, 08:19:00 PM
Hi NAME,

*Giggles politely*

@Felly: I suppose it's a bit obvious, but does Sweden have the same online shopping laws as the UK? I can't remember the exact details, but all online purchases here are subject to a 14-day right-of-return in light of the fact no customer can actually view their order with their own eyes. No doubt you may have taken advantage of that anyway if it does apply to Sweden; I just thought it might bear mentioning, as I tend to forget sometimes.

Wish I'd known before I ordered that hideous size 18 cowlneck jumper.. eek. Still, that's the price I paid for trying out different styles and sizes too.

Quote from: Sinnyo on July 23, 2010, 10:55:30 AM
*Giggles politely*

That is what I get for being on the forum, while very tired and in pain.

Cheers girls!

@Sinnyo Sure we do, but the problem is still that I fit between L and XL sized T's for women. Most L are around ~35" or less, XL is usually 39", while I would need 37". Feeling that I need XL sized ones sure do feels a bit off, but that's what you get for having a huge rib cage

Either I look super tight or baggy to boot...

Quote from: Felly on July 21, 2010, 06:48:29 AM
Currently 21 yrs old (22 by next month), been taking the mones' for almost 5 months now and it sure feels good and all, but I've hit a certain wall.

I went on a strict diet just before I started, so I ended with a flat tummy pretty quick. But for some reason I got the oh so wanted hips and butt through puberty (yay~) so I've always been awkwardly built.... It's just the rib cage that's been bugging me all this time. It's pretty wide even for my height; 178cm (5'10'') but I still got some fat left on my back which is good, because that'll cut the measurements even more once that's gone.

I haven't used a bra yet, still got AA's from what I can tell so it's not really that noticeable. Now regarding my measurements, from what I've measured my underbust is around 83-87cm which puts me around 33-34'', and I've been told that it's between female ranges. But the clothes that I've tried on says otherwise.... for example if I measure just around my armpits I get something around 88-90cm / and 92-96cm over the nipps.

And some manufactures just thought tha womens L size was meant for those with a circumstance of 80-92 so I'm already screwed as I'd figure I'd get around 100cm across the chest. So that already puts me on the spot as I can forget wearing fancy brands because I'm to wide. And wearing L sized guy clothes for example already looks funny because I lack a tummy but got small mounds instead . It basically looks like I'm swimming through the clothes rather than just wearing em. Oh and yeah, they don't seem to always have XL for women so that ticks me off even more. Sticking to M sized guys clothes works, but it looks a bit funny as the breasts are pushing up the sleeves upwards.

So what should I do? Tight-lacing the upper body seems pointless and painful and that would probably take a few years. Surgery is out of question if that's even possible at all. I'm basically all bones on the width. and I don't see how big boobs would be able to cover my width at all, since I'll only end up buying a larger size.

Sorry for such a long post, thought I just spill out the beans.

Wow your almost like me.  It could be the cloths you try on.  See the important thing is that you find what i like to call your style, but before that let me make this comment: i couldnt fit into much at 5 months of HRT, after 6 yeah, i am 5'10 (150lbs)  started with a 38inch chest in terms of bra size and yeah men are built a little different so trying cloths before HRT has done the work a little is hard.  Now after 1.5 years of HRT and tightlacing and binding my chest overnight 8 hours with belts to compress the bone, has given me a 34 to 36 inch chest and a 29 inch waist from a 32. 

Yes binding and lacing is painful and takes time to work, but combined with hormones it does work.  Also on your bone is muscle, muscle, ligament and other soft tissues change with HRT, so they will smooth out in time and not be as bulky. 

Going back to style... guess what, not every girl fits every dress even if the size fits.  Some dresses are built around smaller waists and chests some have elastic.  I assume your trying to wear dresses right?  Start simple, cami's and jeans, and other women's tops.  I have found the more i am on HRT the more dresses start looking good on me, at first i found 1 dress that looked good, now i have a closet full of dresses that look amazing on me, that i couldnt wear when i started.  Just give it time and work with what you go in the meantime, and know not every girl looks good in the same dress, thats why we take so long shopping.

Let me give you this example...  I fit size 6 jeans in guess jeans, but i am size 4 to 8 in others.  Without trying something on and looking at different styles, you wont know what works for you..  For example, since my shoulders are a little bigger i cant wear tank tops with a wide strap but i can with no strap or spaghetti strap, that takes the focus off the shoulders and gives me a better appearance.  Go to the store and get a whole bunch of stuff try it in the dressing room and you see what works.   Maybe scoop necks work for you and not V necks, like for me. 

Unfortunately eventually you will have to make the sadistic choice.  You can have the jeans that fit good and are comfortable to wear, or.... the jeans that look awesome on you but are not comfortable at all.  Heh, welcome to female life.

Also bigger boobs to help because they break up the straight lines and give better curves, they also take focus off other areas and give you balance.  Not so much big boobs as proportioned to your size.  I have noticed as my boobs get bigger things fit better and my forward appearance improves, eventually when i have C's naturally or artificially, i think my body will look very balanced.  To give you an idea i started with this:

http://www.hawaiibd.com/10.jpg  (notice how big my chest is)

to this:
http://www.hawaiibd.com/A1.jpg
http://www.hawaiibd.com/A2.jpg

in 1.5 years... in the mean time i wore cloths to accentuate what i had and diminish what i didnt want people to see.  These skills are important as you progress.

Guess who just gave me a huge self-confidence boost 

Cami's and tops is actually what I'm looking at, though cami's is way off limits until my arms have shrunken to a decent size. As for my style, I'm just switching gender here. But the tops still do matter a lot. I guess trying em on is my only choice, or keeping myself off limits until I feel confident enough to go out in public as the real me and size-wise, that's just included in the package.

Quote from: Felly on July 23, 2010, 01:57:43 PM
Guess who just gave me a huge self-confidence boost 

Cami's and tops is actually what I'm looking at, though cami's is way off limits until my arms have shrunken to a decent size. As for my style, I'm just switching gender here. But the tops still do matter a lot. I guess trying em on is my only choice, or keeping myself off limits until I feel confident enough to go out in public as the real me and size-wise, that's just included in the package.

I hope it was me that gave you that boost ^_^.  The most important thing is finding that style that best suits you and going with it, not every girl, looks good in the same dress even if it fits, it is how the dress falls on your body and what it accentuates about your figure. 

Tightlace is good, and the best part.... it gives you a reason to shop of lingerie ^_^, try on some other sexy stuff to see how you look while your there. 

yeah i know about the arms, bleh i hated that when i started, muscle takes forever to smooth over, unlike fat which goes quick, i dont know if you will get the same, but i felt a few ligament fibers snap like rubberbands around my neck at about 7-8 mo hrt.

Also important is skin, haircare, and makeup (super important to learn this).  I found dove body washes make my skin feel, look, and smell the best.  Haircare will change with hairstyle, but i use an instyler and it works great with combination of leave in conditioner and nexus mousse, i use antifriz stuff for shine and sleek if i want it.  It takes me 45 minutes to do my hair in the morning and getting longer as my hair grows.  As for make up i use MAC products (the people were very friendly and took time to show me how to put on makeup), Basic set should include imo 1 eye shadow brush, and at least 4 complimentary colors for eye shadow,  eye liner and eye liner brush (this is pain to put on, but you get better at it eventually), eye brow pencil, paint pot and concealer w/ application brush of some kind for those two, and foundation + powder with powder brush.  All in all to get started i had to pay 275 dollars for all that stuff.... Some people buy cheap stuff, but i find MAC stays on long, gives some nice colors, and sales people are friendly, all in all their products give me a good look.  I almost forgot lip gloss or lipstick.

heh MTF transitioning isn't cheap.... hair, makeup, nails, waxing, electrolysis / laser, cloths, shoes.... heh this is why we never pay for dinners when we go out.... we have to pay for all that stuff. lol.  So, date ALWAYS pays, unless maybe its another woman.

Quote from: Izumi on July 23, 2010, 12:14:45 PM
Now after 1.5 years of HRT and tightlacing and binding my chest overnight 8 hours with belts to compress the bone, has given me a 34 to 36 inch chest and a 29 inch waist from a 32. 

Yes binding and lacing is painful and takes time to work, but combined with hormones it does work.  Also on your bone is muscle, muscle, ligament and other soft tissues change with HRT, so they will smooth out in time and not be as bulky. 

Wow I didn't know this was possible. Is it healthy though?

I'm 5'10, on hormones for 7+ months and 160lbs with a little bit of a tummy. A little over AA cup at this point....I wear 36AA bras with lots of padding but if I don't, I feel like my small tummy still looks like it sticks out more than my breasts....I'm guessing partly because of my ribcage.

Quote from: Jerica on July 23, 2010, 02:52:10 PM
Wow I didn't know this was possible. Is it healthy though?

I'm 5'10, on hormones for 7+ months and 160lbs with a little bit of a tummy. A little over AA cup at this point....I wear 36AA bras with lots of padding but if I don't, I feel like my small tummy still looks like it sticks out more than my breasts....I'm guessing partly because of my ribcage.

I had the same issues, it slowly goes away, rib cage is a pain in the butt though because its not just the ribs its the muscle too, stays bulky for a while....  as for your stomach that will take a bit of time, basically they say give HRT about 3 years to do its magic, you should have a good fem appearance, after surgery they say thats when the most happens since the main source of testosterone is completely removed and spiro is no longer really needed, estrogen is free to do its work without DHT and T getting in the way and reversing some of the progress.

Healthy, HEH, no, anytime your body is in pain, its your body's way of telling you what your doing is hurting it so stop! but you have to tolerate it if you want a good figure, rib removal is also an option i am looking into, not sure yet though, but yeah squeezing your organs like a tube of toothpaste, probably not healthy. ^_^b

Izumi, you're such a peach 

Quote from: Felly on July 23, 2010, 03:31:13 PM
Izumi, you're such a peach 

I think i am more of a pluot~ heh one of those plum apricot fusion fruits created in a lab, when you start eating them they taste sweet and then they get bitter a little later, its so awesome!