Shopping for yourself

Davita · Post by **Davita** » Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:22 pm

I hadn't thought the girls would actually measure you like a woman. I guy is measured across his boobs not under them. Silly me for assuming, but since I know my man size, it does translate consistently. As for the form sizes, mine are a size smaller mostly because I really don't want to appear chesty.

As for fitting the bra cup size, I think it then becomes the same process as for women. You know, so many inches in size difference between the band size and the across the boobs. So for us it' more like the chest size without eh forms then with them I would expect to have a good measure for cup size.

Ahhh, to just be a woman and forget all this complicate conversion stuff *sigh* Anyway, it's good we are finding sale folks trying to help us even if they are having the same troubles figuring out as we are.

Kittie · Post by **Kittie** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 12:56 am

I was measured at Debenham's and found a perfectly normal action. As required I wore a bra when I went. They were very helpful

Erica S · Post by **Erica S** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:48 am

Now I have read that in measuring you have to add inches to the regular chest size, under the breast, or if you are measuring over the top of your breasts and under your arm pits around the back. I measure (without forms) 39 under my breast tissue (small boobs) and a 40 band size bra would be too tight on me. I have 42 and 44 bras the 42 does leave marks when on and both fit my forms well. in my uneducated opinion. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Erica

Eloise Goth · Post by **Eloise Goth** » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:05 am

Never gone out dressed en femme, nor shopped in the high street for my girlie stuff...think I'll stick with dressing at home and shopping via mail order.

Ralitsa · Post by **Ralitsa** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 2:28 pm

I have never been measured for a bra, but I usually wear a 38B. Technically I should have a 38A except they are impossible to find. I've always thought this to correct and logical, because in mens shirts I also fit a 38. So wherever one is suppose to measure, apparently I am 38 there.
Occasionally a 36 bra will fit me, and occasionally a 38 bra is too small. So I mark that down to statistical variation and don't worry about it. Basically I just follow the old adage, "if the bra fits, wear it."

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Sun Apr 17, 2011 6:09 pm

Silly me, but is it realy that complicated for us, if a 36 is too small get a 38, although finding a 40 that's not made by Bovis can be challenging.

Eloise, have you never been tempted to go out dressed en femme, although scary at first in a strange way it is very liberating, as for shopping for girly stuff, some will say that's half the fun, others will tell you it's one of the costs of being a cross dresser.

SamScot · Post by **SamScot** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:26 am

Two comments:
1) back to Janet's original point - shopping needn't be a terrifying experience - I only shop en drab, but will often wear my bra and forms with a loose jacket over top. Try to time your shopping when the stores are quiet - the SA's will have more time and you won't embarrass yourself or other shoppers. ( I NEVER "shop" if children are in the store, regardless of age - for their sake, their parents and mine!)

2) Ask for a bra fitting. Victoria's Secret has helped me often in various stores. Again follow the rules above and politely ask for help. I've also found a lingerie store that has been very helpful. I think I was one of their first CD customers, but I now understand they have several. I was lucky - after browsing for several minutes, I asked if they sold breast forms. The lady said "Sure. Would you like to try some on?" We've been good friends ever since!

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Wed May 04, 2011 8:05 pm

Ralitsa, There are 36, and 38 A cup bras about.

I wear 42 A (Australia it is 20 and I have no idea haw they arrive at "20")

The bras that I wear are "Amonea" or "Leading Lady Molded Cup" I

hope that it may help you in your search for a comforable bra.

Ralitsa · Post by **Ralitsa** » Mon May 09, 2011 9:57 pm

yes Pat, it is possible to find 38A bras occasionally, but the selection is terrible, and then try to find something you like with matching panties....
So usually I buy a 36B, and then use an extender if I need it.

I just got back from Target a little bit ago, wasn't really shopping for clothes but thought I'd take a look at everything anyway. They have some really cute Gilligan O'Malley bras and panties, but I didn't see any in the size, color, and style that I liked enough to get them. But while I was looking at some dresses, I saw another guy looking through the racks at some tops. He was mostly checking out the L and XL sizes, which looked about his size so I'm pretty sure it was for himself. I was wearing a skirt and tunic, but he was en drab. He seemed pretty comfortable about it and didn't pay me any mind. So I was rather pleased to think that others are becoming accustomed to shopping for what they like, and thought about saying something to him but couldn't think of anything that wouldn't sound presumptous.

Kimberly · Post by **Kimberly** » Tue May 10, 2011 4:01 pm

Ralitsa
I've had reasonable luck finding 38A bras w/ matching panties in nice colors from Maidenform. I tended to shop Kohls, the trick was to check regularly and get there just after a new shipment arrived when the full range of sizes was in for that model.

TerriLynn · Post by **TerriLynn** » Tue May 17, 2011 10:53 pm

I've had a few fittings both en-drad and femme. I use Lane Bryant and Catherines Stout Shop. I always call a day or two before and make sure that the women who do the fittings will be there, and i always got on Monday or Tuesday morning, as business is a little slow for them those mornings.

They are always glad to showme several different styles and i always have my forms with me. So, take a deep breath ladies and hit those stores. Since ive been going for fittings, my bras have been 100% comfy on me, as opposed to the hit or miss i used to go through with just dropping in and picking one up only to find it did not fir right when i got home.

love,

terrilynn

Danielle S · Post by **Danielle S** » Wed May 18, 2011 7:02 am

Yes, I've got to agree - shopping in person can be a very rewarding experience, certainly better than mail order or the old nervous snatch and grab. In the last year or two, I''ve gotten much more brave and even blase about shopping en drab, mostly at Lane Byant or Avenue (first time was a fitting at Sally Annes in Chicago - a very positive experience). I've started asking the SAs for help and advice on what looks better on me and found (almost) nothing but enthusiasm and good will. The only marginally bad experience was in a Dress Barn where the SA brought me into the dressing room area and loudly announced "There's a man in here!"

Since I began trying on clothes before I buy, I find that I reject about 90% of what I considered on the rack. Hard to imagine my full closet or empty walet if I had to do it all by trial and error!

Kittie · Post by **Kittie** » Wed May 18, 2011 9:13 am

I did this at Debenhams when I bought my 1st bra and was measured for it!

Janet Bern wrote:This is for all of you who are nervous about going into a shop en drab and shopping for your womans clothes. I have shopped enfemme on many occasions but more times en drab. I was enfemme on Monday and was in Coldwater Creek outlet in Manchester VT where I looked over some clothes and saw a blouse I liked but didn't want to mess with my wig.
I returned the next day en drab but wore my bra and breastforms 40B (with a bulky top so the breast wouldnt attract attention) hoping I could try it on, As I looked at the blouse the SA asked if she could help me. I asked if I could try it on. She said sure so I took a white one and a black one. and tried them on. As I got in a conversation with the SA (Jean) regarding my height and my long arms, she showed me some skirts and some blouses and asked me try them on. She came to the fitting room many times and looked at my fit and made recommendations. I was there for over an hour and a half, trying on and had a great experience. I did purchase quite a few items.
I have done this many times at many places and have always been able to try on clothes while endrab with only good experiences. My advice to anyone that is petrified to go shopping for yourself, just drive 15 miles from home and enjoy the experience. Dress Barn and Marshalls are both wonderful places.

Vivian · Post by **Vivian** » Sat May 21, 2011 11:50 pm

My wife shops for me when she is out shopping for herself. It works out well for me . I wish I was at the point I could go out in drag. Most of you girls look cute in drag. A friend who came over while I was in drag said I looked like buffalo bill. That pretty much limited my drag to halloween night.

Hugs Vivian

Davita · Post by **Davita** » Sun May 22, 2011 8:37 am

Danielle S mentioned

Dress Barn where the SA brought me into the dressing room area and loudly announced "There's a man in here!"

I vaguely remember other stores other than Dress Barn, doing similar things. Danielle, did you ask why she did that? It's quite possible they have a policy, BUT I haven't had that happen at my local Dress Barn. Maybe it was the layout of the dressing room space and women may "pop out" of their cubicle to go to the three-sided mirror or something. It wouldn't be so cool for a woman to come out in her bra and panties or a night gown and this "boy" be standing there.

In addition, My local Penny's discourages couples from going into dressing rooms, for example. So that one instance just could be that store's "thing".

Crossdressers-Haven.com

Shopping for yourself

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