When is it Cross dressing?

[Cathytg]

I read a thread on a different forum that dealt with wearing heels when otherwise just dressed in drab. That brought up a question: When are we cross dressed? Does it require the entire ensemble? Or is just a pair of heels enough to qualify?

Personally, I think we are cross dressing when are wearing anything that gives us the pleasure of the clothing. It is an attitude or a state of mind for me.

But, how dressed is dressing?

[Kate Simmons]

I think that is mostly determined by who and what we consider ourself to be.:)

[aggi123]

Personally, I think we are cross dressing when are wearing anything that gives us the pleasure of the clothing. It is an attitude or a state of mind for me.

But, how dressed is dressing?

I'm the same way. I do consider even wearing one thing as crossdressing, let it be heels, panties, camisol. Even if it's just a tshirt aimed for a woman. Still crossing that border =P

[Angie G]

I think it starts with the 1st girlie thing that one puts on.:hugs:
Angie

[Billijo49504]

I would say it's Wednesday.:tongueout Most people would say that I'm dressed in drab, but everything I have on is women's wear. Even the winter coat that I'll be wearing to clean the snow. But I don't have a wig or makeup on. So I'd say it's how ever you feel about it your self. That said, unless you're going all out, trying to pass. Then it definately cross dressing..BJ

[Joni Marie Cruz]

I agree with Aggi, if you're male and wear anything, anything at all, that's even vaguely female then you're a crossdresser at least in a lot of people's eyes. Of course if you're female you can dress completely in male clothes and no one thinks anything of it. Kind of unfair, but there it is.

Hmm, since that's the case, it seems like an argument for going all out, doesn't it?

Hugs...Joni Mari

[StaceyJane]

How about if I'm in all guy clothes but my toenails are painted pink?

[kimdl93]

I think its a matter of intent. If I put on my wife's bathrobe for the sole purpose of keeping warm, I'm not cross dressing. If I put on a satin thong and stockings under my drab clothes, I'm cross dressing just as much as if I put on my breast forms, bra and a dress.

[silkenhose]

I think it is cross dressing when you wear even one article of female clothing.

silk

[Karren H]

Its only crossdressing when you wear a skirt or a dress!! Anything else (aka jeans) is not.. According to the rule book! Chapter 3, page 8... Line 5... Hey.. I don't make the rules up ya know! :)

[docrobbysherry]

If your AWARE that something u have on is:
Unusual
Exciting
And Made for the OTHER gender!

When CDing, I prefer to go, ALL_____THE_____ WAY!:D

[JiveTurkeyOnRye]

I got a lot of heat on the "men in skirts" forums for using the word crossdressing because they want to have no association with it, but for me, I just find it easy to use the term as a shorthand. I can just say "I crossdress" and then get on with my life.

Would I love it if my attire didn't need a term at all and I could just do it without people needing to box it up? Sure, but I'm not going to get hung up on waiting for that

[Joanne f]

I think that is mostly determined by who and what we consider ourself to be.:)
That would play a big part in it so you could say that there are two definitions of what is cross dressing, one would be your own definition of when you think that you have crossed the line and the other would be the general public's point of view when you have crossed the line as i expect they are a little different.


Its only crossdressing when you wear a skirt or a dress!! Anything else (aka jeans) is not.. According to the rule book! Chapter 3, page 8... Line 5... Hey.. I don't make the rules up ya know! :)
What if that skirt was made for a man .

[Ruth]

I have to wonder what caused this question. It presupposes that there is some external set standard of dress for each gender, and if you deviate by a given amount, you are crossdressing.
Now I don't think the world operates this way.

I would say it's a subjective thing - if you believe you are CDing, then as far as you are concerned you are CDing. Other people may have no idea what you are doing.

[kimdl93]

Its only crossdressing when you wear a skirt or a dress!! Anything else (aka jeans) is not.. According to the rule book! Chapter 3, page 8... Line 5... Hey.. I don't make the rules up ya know! :)

Darn, well, at least I'm not in violation now!

[Persephone]

Like Kimdl wrote, "I think its a matter of intent." But I think so for a completely different reason.

One of the definitions (http://www.ifsha.org/glossary.htm#f) of fetish is "A sexual fixation on a concept, object, or body part. A person with a fetish feels a compulsive need to use the object in order to obtain sexual gratification, and cannot achieve pleasure without it."

It continues, "Common fetishes - for feet, watching pornographic movies, for lacy underwear, certain smells etc."

So when is wearing only high heels or only panties or whatever crossdressing, and when is it a fetish?

Perhaps if you just put it on to get sexually aroused, then it isn't crossdressing?

[msniki48]

I agree with Aggi, if you're male and wear anything, anything at all, that's even vaguely female then you're a crossdresser at least in a lot of people's eyes. Hugs...Joni Mari


Hmmmmm I like that joni marie added...[in the eyes of a lot of people]

lets face it they can only see our exterior...[male body] so if we dress female we are cross dressing right down to a single item.

For those of us that feel more like a woman inside TG / TS... i feel i am puting on my crossdressing show when i dress like vince. for many of us that can't transition...cause life gets in the way... i think there are quite a few of us that would think this way.:battingeyelashes:

just my:2c:

be yourself

[Wen4cd]

It becomes crossdressing the second we think it is.

[Rachel05]

For me just wearing panties is cross dressing, because in my head it is and I like that thought

[Debra Jane]

I feel like a woman 24/7 even though I'm in drab most of the time, so for me dressing is when I get to feel externally what I've always known inside.

That beautiful moment is always like I'm returning to what I should be, it feels so natural and it's always with reluctantance that I change back to drab mode.

So I'm with msniki48.

[sherri52]

I say it is crossdressing until you dress to the nines. At that point you have changed gender for the next few hrs or night and are wearing the clothing of the gender you are percieving which is not crossdressing.

[Phyliss]

When is crossdressing, considered CROSSDRESSING?

Just how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?

If it wasn't made for a man and you wear it, then it's crossdressing.

Personally, I don't give a rotund rats rectum what people think about the way I decide to wear what clothes I have, OR where I choose to purchase them.

[Tranny Tee]

I am crossdresssed when I say I am crossdressed.

[Karren H]

What if that skirt was made for a man .

There are no "skirts" made for men.. Kilts... Don't count.

[sissystephanie]

When is crossdressing, considered CROSSDRESSING? Just how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?
If it wasn't made for a man and you wear it, then it's crossdressing.
Personally, I don't give a rotund rats rectum what people think about the way I decide to wear what clothes I have, OR where I choose to purchase them.

Phyliss is correct, as usual! If you are a man, and wear something made for a woman you are crossdressing!! Of course the reverse is also true!!

But who cares!! We are what we are, and clothing is not going to change that!! I am a man, even though I frequently am totally dressed in feminine clothing! Sometimes only partially dressed in feminine things! So I am a crossdresser, but I am still a MAN!! So call me a crossdresser, if you wish, but under whatever you see I am still a man!!

[Cheryl T]

This would be in the eye of the beholder I'm thinking.

In mine it would be crossdressing if you are wearing any clothing of the opposite sex. Whether that is just a pair of heels or the complete look it would qualify as crossdressing. I've spoken to many over the years and found the range from those that fixate on a particular article of clothing to those of us who emulate a woman completely and I believe we are all crossdressing. The exception to this of course would be those sisters who are transsexual.

My humble opinion...and yes, it's only worth 2 cents in this economy...:heehee:

[suit]

if its uggly cotton and heavy and does not have hooks and eyes your not crossdressing ...anything ells you are hahhaahh! that includes those satin disk-o shirts!

[Jonianne]

......If you are a man, and wear something made for a woman you are crossdressing!!.....

I don't quite agree here, Stelphanie. I tend to agree with some of the others when they say, if you think you are crossdressing, then you are. I know when I wear something that is made for women, but that is more appropiate for my need, then is isn't crossdressing.

I know when I am crossdressing. An example is I will wear shoe inserts that are womens because they are much more closer to my size than the mens inserts are.

Sometimes it can be the same article that I wear and it depends on the purpose I am wearing it. I wear women's trouser socks in my skating boots because the boots are very tight and those are the only socks that I can wear with them. If I wear the same trouser socks when I am wearing a mid-calf length skirt, then I am crossdressing. I use a sport carrying bag to carry test equipment in because it is the perfect size for what I need. If I put my makeup in it and carry it while wearing a dress then I am using it for crossdressing. I have long hair and it depends on how I wear it and what else I am wearing, that it is for crossdressing or not.

For me,
If I am wearing it because of my idenity with women, then it is crossdressing.
If I am wearing it becsuse of nothing but practical purposes, then it is not.

[Rachel B42]

Then I'm right, I crossdress everyday because I wear something female all day everyday. Sometimes much more than other times but always something.

[Fab Karen]

No crucifix, so I'm not a cross-dresser.

[Debra Jane]

I don't know why they call it crossdressing... I never get angry about it. :doh:

[RachelPortugal]

There are no "skirts" made for men.. Kilts... Don't count.

Surely kilts made for girls must count, and what about shorts. One current fashion in the UK is shorts over tights (pantyhose).

Does the rule book allow leggings or jeggings (Jeans leggings) if they are not worn under a skirt or dress?

[Rianna Humble]

More and more, I feel like I'm cross dressing when I have to put drabs on. To "Society at large" it would be the other way around but I know inside that I was made for wearing comfortable clothes, not drabs.

I don't think I have ever worn heels without wearing at least panties and preferably a skirt and top at the same time, but as others have said - if you consider you are cross dressed when wearing just that, then you are.

This is a big family and we are each unique in some aspect. The big thing is that like genetic siblings, we may squabble amongst ourselves, but we know we belong together. :2c:

[Frédérique]

Personally, I think we are cross dressing when are wearing anything that gives us the pleasure of the clothing. It is an attitude or a state of mind for me. But, how dressed is dressing?

To me, crossdressing (by definition) involves any level of dressing, and I often have outfits that sample items from both genders. Full dressing is, to me, transvestism, the absolute pinnacle of crossdressing that knows no bounds – my own ZENITH, if you will! :heehee: I climb to the peak because it’s there, and I know I have the strength to make it…

[NicoleScott]

Perhaps if you just put it on to get sexually aroused, then it isn't crossdressing?

Honey, I know you may be thinking I'm a crossdresser. But since I am sexually aroused by wearing a wig, makeup, bra, panties, pantyhose, dress, and high heels, I'm really not a crossdresser. Feel better?

[Nicole Erin]

Honey, I know you may be thinking I'm a crossdresser. But since I am sexually aroused by wearing a wig, makeup, bra, panties, pantyhose, dress, and high heels, I'm really not a crossdresser. Feel better?

Nonsense Nicole, being a crossdresser or TS or whatever has more to do with state of mind than sexual arousal.

Now what is technically "crossdressing?" I would say probably when mostly the whole ensemble is worn, like presenting as female. But more important is the state of mind.

I mean a guy can crossdress but not be a CD. A Drag queen would be an example. I think a CD is someone who does it on a regular basis but doesn't want to live as a woman. But then I might be wrong there, I mean Virginia Prince was a CD but pretty much CD'ed full time.

It is a state of mind folks.

[fetishtop]

I don't think much about whether or not I or others' dress preferences constitute cross dressing. As a matter of convenience, I accept the view, given by several above, that wearing a single item, or an ensemble, intended for the opposite sex. constitutes cross dressing, to whatever degree. If I want to look up some information connected with my choices, looking under the heading of "Cross Dressing" gets me to where I want to go. Period.

I envy women who are free to wear any kinds of clothing intended for males without drawing criticism on themselves. Why can't we all just get on with it?

[Lissa Stevens]

Any more I feel more cross-dressed when I am endrab than when enfemme.

[kimdl93]

Honey, I know you may be thinking I'm a crossdresser. But since I am sexually aroused by wearing a wig, makeup, bra, panties, pantyhose, dress, and high heels, I'm really not a crossdresser. Feel better?

Oh, I hate getting caught up in semantics. Cross dressing technically is wearing the clothes of the other gender. Even unintentionally, I suppose...however that might happen.

Now, if you are sexually arroused, some would classify you as a cross dressing fetishist...not a term anyone particularly likes...its just used here as a technical term tho, no offense intended.

I think someone pointed out that to some degree cross dressing falls under the broader umbrella of phenomena called trans gender...which I can live with.

[NicoleScott]

Nonsense Nicole, being a crossdresser or TS or whatever has more to do with state of mind than sexual arousal.

Nicole E, I was trying for a somewhat sarcastic response to Persephone's question that if it's for sexual arousal it isn't really crossdressing. I guess I failed.

Anyway, some of us are getting all hung up on words and their different meanings to different people. Not that it matters but I, for one, believe that wearing things intended for the other gender is crossdressing. I particularly like lipstick. When time doesn't permit me to completely dress and make up fully, sometimes I just put on lipstick. It arouses me. I still consider that a crossdressing activity.

I don't think intent matters. Some us dress for sexual arousal, and some to "get in touch with their femnine side" or other reasons. When we dress as a woman, it's crossdressing.

[dominique]

For me cross-dressing is when I completey dress as a woman and present to the world as one. That's make up, bra, skirt mainly, tights and shoes. Although reading these responses it seems that every one has a different slant on what cross dressing means to them. This just shows the wide spectrum of cross dressers are out there.

[ReineD]

I think it is cross dressing when you wear even one article of female clothing.

It depends. If the femme article you're wearing changes the way you feel about yourself, then I agree. But if a non CD wears an article of clothing for a laugh, or if even he fully dresses for some Halloween fun and he still feels like his regular guy self, then I don't think this is CDing.

There's a thread in the Media section about 8,000 guys in New Orleans who recently showed up in drag and walked down Canal Street to celebrate the Saints going to the Super Bowl (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125207). Most of them weren't CDing in the sense that it didn't alter their gender identification. :)

... Not to :dh2:, but this is why I don't get it when some members say that GGs are CDing when they wear pants. Wearing pants doesn't make them feel like guys (excepting our own transguys, of course). :)

EDIT


Perhaps if you just put it on to get sexually aroused, then it isn't crossdressing?

I think the same rule applies, Persephone. If someone gets sexually aroused because wearing the item of clothing makes her feel like a woman, then she is CDing. But if he knows he's still going to feel like a guy, and he wears femme apparel for kink (like someone else might get off on latex, feet, wearing diapers, etc), then he wouldn't be CDing.

[christinek]

Its only crossdressing when you wear a skirt or a dress!! Anything else (aka jeans) is not.. According to the rule book! Chapter 3, page 8... Line 5... Hey.. I don't make the rules up ya know! :)

To heck with rules! But when you put on a pair of jeans, t-shirt and ball cap you are cross dressed. Just got to wal-mart and see what real women wear.

Seriously!

We fit into another category that should be our own.

OK Karen see here now :heehee: Says right there "Made to fit men"

http://www.crossdresser.com/product_page_detail.asp?ProductID=1598&ProductCatID=5&ProductSubCatID=13&Search=