excuse me where can I try this on?

[Launa]

I have just started to go into the ladies section of dept at stores anytime I want to, I've looked around but haven't tried anything on yet and I've always been dressed as male. I've been sticking to the big dept stores. I try to avoid the higher end smaller shops, they can be a real snooty crowd. Right now I've been going with my wife and shopping with her. What I've been doing is I ask to take her purse and put it on my shoulder and start shopping with her. I then start going into any isle I want to and she might be 4 -8 isles away at any given time. Throwing the purse on your shoulder helps lighten you up while your dressed as male and then you can go for it and pick things out.

[Lux]

My routine is to buy 3-4 dresses with my credit card then try them on at home. I usually find 1 I like but then have to return the rest

[erin8042]

At Kohls you can use one of their mesh bags to do your shopping then just carry into the dressing room. This was good for me, no one saw me walking into the men's side with a few dresses. Of course, at checkout you have to take it out of the bag.

[biguy]

The first few times when I wanted to try on cloths it was a little nerveus and got some looks from the dressing room attendents but I have since got over it and just walk right in and try my cloths on

[Anita Luken]

Hey Girl, can so relate. Going out shopping en drab I feel so conspicuous like there is a huge flashing bright revolving lights pointing down at me with the words "look, man in womens clothing dept. looking at dresses and lingerie". The few times I have gone shopping "dressed" I would feel the same way, my shoulders would tense up and rise, I would turn beet red and feel so frightened. I would have to talk to myself to calm down, tell myself to lower the shoulders, quit looking around with darting eyes to see if anyone is looking at me, slow down my walk, take a deep breath and enjoy. EEEEEKKKK

[Barbra P]

Earlier this year I went, in drab, to an Avenue store, women’s clothes only – no men’s, looking to see if they had a dress that I saw on their Web page. I found it and in what I thought was my size. I took it up to the counter and asked if I could try it on and the SA said I was welcome to try on anything in the store. The SA walked me over to the dressing rooms, this store has only two; one was empty and I went in. When I came out she asked how the dress fit and I said I couldn’t tell because in boy-mode I don’t have a bust. The store manager was standing nearby and she came over and asked if I had my breast forms in the car and if I did I could borrow a bra off the rack – I hadn’t brought the breast forms. Many of the bras had molded cups and the manager suggested that I find one in my size and take it into the dressing along with the dress, we both thought that the cups might be rigid enough to hold their shape under a dress. I just put on the bra and dress when the manager knocked on the door and asked how I liked the dress and I said I had some reservations about how the dress fit. She asked me to step out and I did, she had me turn around a couple of times as she checked the fit. I was a little nervous as I was not the only customer in the store, but one lady walked by and said that the dress looked very nice but I might want to try the next size down. The next size down was a bit too small and I had trouble getting the zipper all the way up.

I’ve been back in both boy-mode and en femme, the staff has been great and the manager wonderful – she even addresses as Babs when I go in enfemme. During one visit I tried on a dress and as I was walking around the store, I wanted to use the full length mirror on the sales floor as I could back up farther than in the dressing room, a customer suggested that a particular pair of shoes would look very nice with the dress. I’ve had customers tell me that one top looks better than another top that I have tried on.

I’ve heard that Dress Barn is also very TG friendly but as yet I haven’t been to one – the closest one is a bit of a drrive and on an Indian Reservation, part of the Casino’s outlet shops.

[StevieTV]

So I was in my local Value Village and had a number of articles to try on. For those that don't frequent this store, all their change rooms (stalls) are in one place in the front of the shop. The doors have a gap about 18" high at the bottom. Anyone that may have been looking in that direction would have seen my pantyhose covered feet and lower legs. I didn't care as I exited to see how the pants looked in the mirror.

[Sometimes Steffi]

I understand the recon mission followed by the swift bombing run. But I'll tell you how I crossed the line.

I was on a business trip and went into a consignment store. There was this pink blouse that I took a liking to, but I wanted to try it on before buying. The dressing room was monitored, you know, where they give you a tag representing the number of items you took into the dressing room. I figured the girl would inspect, and ask me if I knew I was trying on a woman's blouse. Finally after circling the blouse for about a half an hour, I took a fearless pill, so to speak, and took the blouse to the dressing room. She say how many; I said one. She didn't even look at it or check the count. BTW, it didn't fit.

Ten minutes later, next store. On the sale rack was a beautiful pair of satin PJ bottoms. I took them and asked the SA if it was OK to try them on. She said sure, and showed me to a dressing room. Once I decided to buy it, she tried to find a matching top for me to buy and she tried to sell me some other things.

So, as long as you come with green paper with pictures of dead presidents on it, no one cares. Well, not no one; the are some exceptions, but mostly no one.

So, I spent quite a lot of time in drab, shopping my way through the racks, with a purse slung over my shoulder and a couple of garments over my arm. If confronted, I had the perfect excuse, that I was waiting for my wife who would soon reappear. So, how many times was I confronted? Zero.

And it's a great excuse to use even if your wife *really* isn't there.

And don't forget Christmas shopping season is coming up soon. The perfect excuse for a man to buy just about anything for his girl.

[cdtraveler]

HI Girls,

Thought I'd drop in on this older post with an update. Haven't dressed much over past month for some reason but today in another city, I took all of your collective advice and went shopping in drab and just had a ball. I went right to the women's dresses section in 4 different stores like I belonged there and nobody bothered me! Even took two items to the mens dressing room and tried them on. Only had one SA approach and ask if I was finding everything ok and I very confidently said yes thank you. Didn't buy anything but had so much fun and past through another barrier. You're making me very dangerous girls! Girls clothes are so much more fun to look through and think about aren't they. No wonder GG's shop so much! Not sure how I would have handled it if a SA had asked me if I wanted to try anything on but assume I'll get to that point too.

Amanda

[kerrianne]

I have gone into various stores looking for dresses.I have been approached by many s/as asking me if I would like to try it on without me saying a word. Of course id say yes and she would take me to a dressing room, find different sizes for me, give advice on what to wear with it and so on. Even the other shoppers have been nothing but friendly and I have been told by other ladies in the fitting rooms that they are jealous of my legs. Just be truthful and have fun, afterall your money us as good as the next persons.

[Beverley Sims]

Completely over buying outerwear en femme or drab, if I am enthusiastic, and in drab I usually throw caution to the wind.
I am often looking for something unique that I have just discovered in another part of the world and get sprung by a SA.
"Oh I am looking for a pair of bras for a fair young maiden in a play".
"I am a director of a drag show, You know where men impersonate women and we want them to be convincing."
"I want something for mother of the bride at a mock wedding." (Well you know the story)
I usually get 2 or 3 SAs to help me plus Mrs, Slocum from "Are you Being Served."(For the Brits out there.)
My shopping days are good fun.
Except when I am really looking in my home town... Now that's a different story.

[Ellyn]

Sound like we all go through this "shyness". I cannot get over it, and cannot get myself to ask them to open a change room. Without trying them on, I have bought several items, slacks, skirts,and tops and the funny part is that the stores seem to have only two sizes: Too Big and too small. Part of the problem is the vast differences in sizes in spite of the same size on the items tag. A twelve in one make would be a size 14 in another make. Guess I will have to put some things for sale in the classifieds. I have a nice brown western style skirt that I am really disappointed was too small in the waist, and the dress slacks are equally disapointing in being too big in the waste.

[Suzy Parker]

My first public shopping trips were like you mentioned, scouting, waiting for an opportunity, diving in, grab and dash. My heart used to pound in my chesy like a hammer at first. I soon got more comfortable with it and learned that as a man in public there are items you just do not buy solo without some strange looks and maye even laughter, (happened once and tore me up inside), never shop at that place anymore. I was comfortable for some time but lately the apprehension has creapt back in and now aside from thrift stores I buy everything online and have it sent to my PO box. My favorite time to shop at thrift stores is just prior to halloween. I can usually score some great formal dresses and the clerks never give any odd looks or dissapproving scowls. I never got questioned but with that time of year the easy answer would have been it was for a costume party. Only tip I can give you is be calm and dont let the clerks see you all jittery. If you just buy your items as if it was normal they will not care. Buying intimates in a retail store can raise and eyebrow though when flying solo so as I mentioned those items are purchased online. Be confident and dont let yourself get rattled.

Good Luck

Suzy

[Tammy V]

I dont' try on female clothes in a ladies dressing area when presenting male. I buy what i think will fit and keep the receipt in case it doesn't. I feel more comfortable now shopping for female clothes presenting as a female. I suppose if you are presenting male and want to "try on" female clothes you will have to go to a men's fitting area. This is sad but we haven't eveolved farthur than that apparantly.

[BillieJoEllen]

A few years ago I was able to get to Chicago by myself so I went out shopping (in drab). I was in a Sears and my shopping cart was full of femme stuff. Lo and behold I ran into four different couples my wife and I know. Three of the couples we are pretty close to. I told each couple "OOPS! I must've grabbed the wrong cart"! Most of the time when out shopping around here I never see anybody I know. Go figure.

[cdkrista]

To the girls that buy clothes and then return if the clothes dont fit, how do you return when when most stores want photo ID and contact info?

Thats why i find it easier to try the clothes on instore now.

[Jamie2]

I just use cash, Then no questions asked, No ID required for refund-exchange !!

[Jess Marie]

I try on stuff at Marshalls all the time! They do not put men at the counter, EVER! This is because it makes women feel threatened to try things on. Go to Victoria's Secret. How many men are on staff measuring sizes? NONE! Women are more comfortable with other women and the women do not care if a man is trying on womens clothes. Women are much more mature than men, so they never ever give you a second glace. My first time I was nervous, but the lady asked me how many items, I said two and put them on the counter for her to see, and I was off to the fitting room. I handed her one dress back that was too big and went on my way. If it is a woman running the fitting rooms, never be scared because they will never ridicule you verbally or stare/make you feel uncomfortable.

[tamara]

I remember when I was sooo scared of trying clothes, or to even spent too much time checking out the lady's section. I remember I used to buy things that I thought might fit me well, and when I arrived at home finding that they did not fit at all. It was very frustating and time consuming. Besides, In many occasions I was to ashamed even to go and return the item, so I ended up spending too much money.
Then I decided not to leave the store without trying the clothes first. i started at places like Sears, JC Penney, taking some woman clothes with some male items covering the dresses, blouses, etc. I started gaining confidence, and started going to the man's fitting rooms directly with the female clothes. Now, I reached a point that I do not care.
A few weeks ago, went to a Ross Store where they have a single entrance for the man and women's dressing rooms, and when the attendant saw that I was taking a few skirts and dresses, she told me: these are women's clothes!!! (I was dressed like a man that day). I responded, yes, and I want to make sure that they fit me before I take them.!!! It would have been nice to have a camera to take a picture of the lady's face!!!. But she gave me the ticket with the # of items I was carrying with me and there I went.
And you know what? I felt so goooood. So, it will take a time, but do not worry. You will build confidence with time.

[angpai30]

I do have to say that self checkout is probably the most embarassing way to check out. I happen to work in retail and see all kinds of stuff men buy. Mascara, Lipstick and hose are the most seen and self checkout lists everything you are buying and the cashier can see it so you really arent fooling anyone. Especially if you have a problem with the machine you have to stand there while they fix the machines and everybody behind you knows that the items are for you. Going to a cashier you can at least make small talk and nobody bats an eye. Just make sure your card doesnt decline; which mine has.

[cdtraveler]

Yet another update related to this string Girls. Well you are quite an influence on me. Am on a trip and decided to remember all that was shared and went shopping at the Dress Barn and had a wonderful experience. Had under dressed in balck tights and bra to make sure I could assess the correct fit and found the SA very professional and tried on 4 very pretty holiday dresses. Even took the SA up on her offer of help and asked for another size in one of the dresses. Can tell you this was no small step for this Sister! Was practically crying it felt so good to do this. Proceeded to purchase one of the dresses a pretty halter top with blue tafita shirting. Topped it off with shopping at several other stores in the area and purchased another pair of heels that match well with the dress. Well just wish to thank you all again for you stories and encouragement. Any suggestions on nexct steps! LOL Maybe visit to MAC counter....

Amanda

[Justindresser]

I always find myself in the womens section trying things on

[tiffanyjo89]

So, as long as you come with green paper with pictures of dead presidents on it, no one cares. Well, not no one; the are some exceptions, but mostly no one.

Actually, the one that wasn't a president has the biggest impact...think about that one.

[CarolineM]

Having bought quite a few things without trying them on, and getting quite a good idea of my size, I wanted a new corset, and went to a place in Camden (London) to try get one. I took a deep breath and said I wanted a new corset, and that it was for myself, and hardly an eye was batted, and I was in the changing room being laced up!

The second time around, I'd been laced into a lovely pink corset, and had to go wandering about the shop, still wearing it looking at other alternatives. Another customer actually gave me a complement about how good she thought I looked! And I was in guy mode too Made my day.

[Sally810]

After I'd been xding about a year, I went into a Wal-mart in Chipley and just had to look at women's clothing. I saw an outfit that I could not live without. I asked the lady sales attendant to let me try it on. I was in a mens clothing at the time. She did not bat an eye! I put the outfit on and asked if she thought it was too tight and she thought it was, so I got the next size and we both agree the fit was better, so I changed into my clothes and finished shopping. It was a very pleasant experience. Bear in mind that this in the heart of the 'bible belt, about 15 miles south of the Baptist College of Florida