how to get the right size?

[Melody D (SO)]

hey all,

Can anybody tell how i can figure out what size clothes/shoes to get for my SO. I'm planing on buying him a new outfit, but don't know what size, my SO is't sure himself on what shoe size either because he's not comfortable about going out to the store. Any advice on this?

[KimberlyS]

Hi Melody,

Shoes are easy, the conversion is approximatly 1 1/2 to 2 sizes larger than his guy shoes and you may need a wide depending on his foot.

Clothes size you will mostly know better than we will not knowing his build. If nothing else, take a tape measure and measure his waist and chest prior to shopping and then use those measurements when shopping. Some people have used a string cut to size, as it is easier to use. Good luck and happy shopping.

By the way, most stores do not care who the clothes are for, it is a sale.

KimberlyS - CD

[DonnaT]

I wear men's size 7 1/2 and either usually a women's 8 1/2 (heels) or, depending on the shoe, an 8 (flats).

Others have different experiences.

I personally recommend the string method.

[Virginia]

Melody,
As you know women's clothing can vary in the same sizes from manufacturer to manufacturer, example a 36 B bra by Playtex may not be the same as a 36-B by Olga, and the Petite, Misses and Womens sizes range widely as well. I have a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans that say petite and a pair of Bill Blass in women's size and both fit me very well.
Shoes are much the same. I wear a 9M but most of my heels are a 10 and depending on the manufacturer a 10 works for me. In blouses, again it depends on the manufacturer. I have 1X's and 2X's that fit equally well.
So one suggestion is that if you have a store like a Goodwill, just go through with him and pick out several pants and skirts and blouses and take them back to the dressing room and try them on. They don't have armed guards at the dressing rooms like most dept. stores do!, so both of you can be at ease and maybe even both go in the dressing room. Make sure the clothes you pick have size tags in them so at least you will have starting point. Side note: I was in our local Goodwill a couple of weeks ago and pulled a beautiful light gray, pencil skirt off the rack. It still had the price tags on it - $78.00 maked down to $39.00 on the tag. I got it for $3.00 so there are bargains to be found and even if he goes by himself and buys a couple of things that he likes but does not try on, you won't be out a lot of money.
Good luck and remember: "When the going gets tough -- the tough go shopping!"
Let us know what you do!
Virginia

[SilverLady(SO)]

Hi, Melody -

I second Virginia's suggestion for shopping at your local Goodwill store first - a very good ice-breaker for both of you! You know that sizes can vary drastically from one manufacturer to another - the more upscale the clothing the 'smaller' their sizes become - beats dieting, right? At least now our 'guys' can't complain when we spend hours shopping for clothes - - unless it's because they couldn't come along for one reason or another!!

A similar topic was posted in the Dear GG section not too long ago: http://crossdressers-haven.com/forums/v ... 6252#66252

While that thread relates more to how salespeople feel about CD's in their dressing rooms, there are some very good tips and suggestions.

Good luck, and please do let us know what happens!!



- SL

[Kendra Lynn]

Hello Melody: Good luck with your shopping.
I have also diiscovered that sizing in women's clothing varies a lot, 2X from one store or manufacturer could be too big, and from another just right.
There are so many variables in women's clothing: shape, style, cut, fabric, all of which can affect the fit.
I still have to return things that don't fit well or look right (even if I can get them on with little or no trouble).
Again-- good luck and let us know how everything turns out.
Peace-- Kendra Lynn.