On the precipice... shave my legs??

[MarinaKirax]

My SO is supportive, or rather quietly accepting, but does not encourage. She understands it exists, and is OK to allow me some 'private time', but worries incessantly that I might be found out by others, which would hurt us both, and perhaps our kids.

That said, I was noticing recently how many men in our acquaintance shave their legs. Many have so little hair they appear shaved, but many who either are into cycling, or triathlons seem to shave their legs and just walk around with no one making a comment, just assuming its part of their exercise/sport acheivement regimen.

I don't have overly hairy legs, and I would love to experience the feeling of shaved legs. I could probably get away with shaving amongst my male friends, because I do a bit of cycling, and I could just say its part of that. But my family, in-laws, and my kids would certainly notice the change, and would comment on it. It might be more difficult to explain to them, since they know I'm not a pro cyclist, or anything. I might have to retreat to the unspoken, assumed explanation of "I just wanted to feel the smoothness of shaved legs", which is closer to the truth than I want to get with them.

What do you think? Am I just obsessing about this because it's Fall and the Pink Fog is about? If I value secrecy that much (I do) is this a crazy risk? Or will no one care?

[Renee W]

Shave it all off. Regardless of what some people think or say, it is becoming quite common for men to shave their chest, legs and under arms. Take for instance the recent episode of Big Brother (don't know if you get this CBS show up there). One of the guys had the girls use some hair remover he borrowed from one of the other guys to remove the trees he had growing in his armpits. There was mention chest and leg hair management. I also remember one season where one of the guys seemed obsessed with chest hair removal, everytime you saw him he seemed to be dragging a disposable razor across his chest.

[Lorileah]

I started a thread yesterday about someone asking me about if I shave my legs. I have done it for maybe 15 years (started with sugaring and Nair....went to waxing...now I shave or use Nair because I hate to wait for it to grow long enough) and no one has ever said anything until now (except my MIL several years ago but she doesn't really count). When I first started thinking of it I started to notice how many males have so little hair on certain areas. Usually the biggest burliest guy who you would think would be a linebacker had very little leg hair. It is different for everyone. I just decided if people notice my legs shaved, they really need a new hobby.

[MarinaKirax]

I understand the view of not caring what others might think, and just going ahead. My self-esteem would support that. My fear is that others might notice enough to question WHY I would want to shave my legs - particularly inlaws, and kids. Am I just giving them enough to wonder about? Because I don't want them to wonder at all.

[BRANDYJ]

Let them wonder. But what is it that they will wonder about? Unless there are other clues, the last thing they will think is that you are a CD. We sometimes worry to much about being discovered when in fact it takes a whole lot more then just shaved legs to have the average person think you are a CD.
As others have said, many men shave their legs for various reasons. It's not that uncommon anymore. And just what is wrong if anyone asks to say that you wanted to see what it felt like and since you did it, you like the look and feel so much better then being hairy. That's an honest answer to me. No need to explain further. I was once asks about my shaved chest and legs by a nurse while I was in the hospital. I chickened out and said that my sweetheart liked it better that way. I wish I had simply said I like it better that way. They were happy and only commented that they did not have to shave me for the procedure.
As for the atheletes walking around and no one saying anything about it, it's because tjey are not CD's and don't see it as wrong or worry about detection like us CD's do.
The only think I'd suggest is to clear it with your wife. She has to sleep with you and is the only one that matters. Just be sure she won't be upset if you do it and just let her discover it.

[Beverley Sims]

Start by using a light smear of depilatory cream on your legs, this will remove a percentage of the hair but not all.
Apply lightly and leave for less than a minute and see what the effect is.
If you have slightly less coverage leave it like this for a reasonable time and then do it again.
Having a little less hair may not be noticeable to others and in the summer time when it comes again, try a little bit more at a time.
Now is a good time to experiment as you can cover up and your SO might not even notice the first application.
She may notice later and be accepting with a little bit of hair loss.

[DonnaT]

Just tell them some of your cycling friends recommended it, and now that you've tried it, you find it invigorating while cycling, and even swimming.

No one has ever said anything to me, but that doesn't mean someone won't ask you. Just smile while answering them. No fear.

[Chickhe]

I'm sort of in the same boat... What I'm considering, because I openly dress up every halloween and I've never shaved my legs believe it or not and I want to try it, is to dress up again this year, but go all out. That will include shaving averywhere. But, what I'm counting on, is afterwards, I just keep shaving...because I found out I liked it! So my story would be...one year I dressed up in drag for halloween and I liked the way they felt so I never looked back...and I fit in when I go biking now!

One thing I have been doing in the last few years is to thin my arm and leg hair with electric clippers and I epilate my feet and hands. No one has said anything (except my doctor...because body hair loss is a symptom for somethings), but I like being less ape like and it works with a female or male image. I was considering going too far one day so that my wife would notice the stubble (she would complain about that) and I would make her happy by making them smooth... we will see...

[Ressie]

Not much hair on my legs to start with. Shave them when it's no longer too hot to wear long pants. I wear shorts in the summer and there's so little hair on my legs it shouldn't matter. But I'm not ready to make it more obvious that I'm a CD. What next, plucking the eyebrows?

[kimdl93]

Marina, I don't think most people, including family, are all that likely to notice. And if they do, most likely everyone but your kids will keep the questions to themselves. I have been shaved smooth (like you I'm not all that hairy to begin with) for more than a decade. We spend time in the pool with our adult children and in laws as well as a number of friends. So far, not one soul has asked a single question about my lack of hair.

[bridget thronton]

Most people really do not care. It takes only a month or so and people will be surprised if they see body hair

[MarinaKirax]

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to do this without telling my wife. I'm on the verge of asking her permission to try it for the Fall (until it's clear that I'm not cycling). I worry that presenting the request as a possible permanent change might spook her into thinking my dressing is evolving into something else (which it's not).

[DonnaT]

Yeah, getting one's wife to accept this can be tricky. My wife worried, but I explained no one would care, and she soon found that no one else seemed to care. She seemed to be the only person looking around to see if other guys shaved their legs, and again noticed that no one else cared.

[kimdl93]

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to do this without telling my wife. I'm on the verge of asking her permission to try it for the Fall (until it's clear that I'm not cycling). I worry that presenting the request as a possible permanent change might spook her into thinking my dressing is evolving into something else (which it's not).

Sadly, there is nothing permanent about shaving leg hair - or anything else for that matter. Within a matter of weeks, its back just as nasty as ever.

[Amy Fakley]

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to do this without telling my wife. I'm on the verge of asking her permission to try it for the Fall (until it's clear that I'm not cycling). I worry that presenting the request as a possible permanent change might spook her into thinking my dressing is evolving into something else (which it's not).

Well ... I mean it's almost Fall, and you live in Canada ... who'se gonna be seeing your legs the next few months? I can't imagine it's gonna be shorts weather up there in October :)
If your wife is on board, I couldn't see any reason not to!

[audreyinalbany]

boy does this every sound familiar! I, too and toying with the notion but haven't gotten the nerve yet. I keep dancing around it, but haven't taken the plunge yet.

[carla_lew]

I say do it! Hair grows (back) anyways!

[Cheryl T]

A bit of over thinking I believe.
I thought the same things when I decided to shave. Turns out no one said a thing.

[celeste26]

I too have yet to hear a single comment about my shaved legs and its been over a decade for me.

[Kaz]

Marina,

Once you do it you will realise why women do it. It is a pain in the butt keeping them smooth so why would women do it? Answer - it feels awesome!

My answer to anyone asking why I do it (and nobody has) would be to ask them... have you never tried it? Then tell them - it is such a great feeling... try it!

As you say more guys are doing this these days... and it isn't just sport or CDing! It is becoming more socially acceptable.

[Kassandra56]

Do it, I did about 2 months ago and for the first day thought everyone was looking and noticing but nobody was really it was just me. I have a wife who I talked to before taking to the razor and son at home and he has not said a word. You will be fine and worst case it will all grow back.

[prettytoes]

I have been shaving mine for just about a year now. Not one word from anyone about it! I was actually shocked that nothing has been said.
Once you shave your legs, you will never want to go back to hairy. I shave every day (I really enjoy shaving them, and I like them to be baby smooth all the time); it feels awesome!

[Jmichelle60]

I have extremely dry skin and the dermatologist prescribed some lotion for it. It's hard to put any kind of lotion on your legs with hair on them, so I'm going to shave them soon.

[bobbimo]

Yes indeed
Let them wonder
I have been shaving for almost 2 years and letting my hair grow too.
My kids just shake their heads and move one.
its just crazy ole dad.
in the mean time i am loving life!!
Bobbi

[jackie k]

Hi marina,
I've been epilating my legs, arms, underarms for quite some time now. It lasts longer. I have a rather "masculine" job and noone has ever said anything to me, yet. My wife is very supportive though. And if any one ever asks I will just tell them something like "my wife likes it" or " we were just playing". Regardless, I will never go hairy again.

[Babeba]

When you discuss this with your wife, you could maybe talk about setting in place some sort of hair cycle. My SO shaves fall and winter, and grows it spring and summer. Other CDs with wives shave a week a month. If you talk to your wife about what any concerns might be (stubble burns, prickly in bed, feeling that it's too permanent looking) and come with some compromises already thought out, and truly listen to her side, it might be an easier conversation.

[Eryn]

I'd say that you should go for it, but do mention it to your wife first. Women sometimes have rather inexplicable feelings about their SO's body hair and she deserves some warning that things are changing. When I sugared I moved a bit too fast and it upset my wife, but she's used to me now and enjoys me being smooth.

[Elsa Larson]

Leg-shaving season for me used to run from Halloween thru Mardi Gras. But lots of women wear slacks or long skirts in winter, and opaque hosiery is commonly seen in winter so there is less fashion-pressure for smooth legs.

Bare leg season for women runs from late winter thru mid-autumn and I finally gave myself permission to do my leg-shaving during warm weather.

[Josie M]

Fall is a safe time to try it if you're still on the fence. You won't be wearing shorts as much. The hair grows back pretty quick if you change your mind but I think you'll find most people won't notice or care....and you've got the cycling alibi - especially if you look "fit".

In fact, I'd say shave you're legs in the fall (while it's safer) and use it as an excuse to stay in shape so you can keep them that way ;)

[kathtx]

If (and only if) it's OK with your wife, then go for it. Nobody else will care.

[UNDERDRESSER]

In my opininon, all you need is a good excuse to do it once. After that, just say "I ddi it because of this or that, and it just feels so much nicer, you should try it"

I too, only did it with the idea that I could claim cycling "chic" but these days if anyone asks, ( they don't ) I'm just gonna say "I like it this way, it feels great!"

[Allsteamedup]

None of you has mentioned sex!

Having intercourse with a spouse with smooth legs is seriously spooky. Also the aesthetics. All those horrible burns and cuts and pus-filled zits!! The revolting large pores, tinged with purple and red. Of course, you don't notice! Why would you??

Perhaps you have evolved some sexual position other than the missionary where you do not have to touch your partner with your legs? Do tell! Or are you just giving up sex? GGs are funny about this. Better check....

And the growing back, and the old 'lizard' skin on show because you can't be bothered to exfoliate and look after your skin??

If you want a sex-life all of this is up for discussion BEFOREHAND!

[kimdl93]

None of you has mentioned sex!

Having intercourse with a spouse with smooth legs is seriously spooky. Also the aesthetics. All those horrible burns and cuts and pus-filled zits!! The revolting large pores, tinged with purple and red. Of course, you don't notice! .... And the growing back, and the old 'lizard' skin on show because you can't be bothered to exfoliate and look after your skin??...!

I'm rather frightened by the images you've created. What in the world kind of razor is yelding horrible burns, cuts and pus-filled zits, revolting purple and red pores, etc?

I've shaved my legs for more than a decade and never seen anything of the sort! And my wife prefers my smooth legs, thank you!

[KristyN]

None of you has mentioned sex!

Having intercourse with a spouse with smooth legs is seriously spooky. Also the aesthetics. All those horrible burns and cuts and pus-filled zits!! The revolting large pores, tinged with purple and red. Of course, you don't notice! Why would you??

Perhaps you have evolved some sexual position other than the missionary where you do not have to touch your partner with your legs? Do tell! Or are you just giving up sex? GGs are funny about this. Better check....

And the growing back, and the old 'lizard' skin on show because you can't be bothered to exfoliate and look after your skin??

If you want a sex-life all of this is up for discussion BEFOREHAND!

yes very funny but true. Some girls really get turned off my having sex with a guy who has his whole legs shaved. Maybe its an unfamiliar feeling to them?

[kelliT]

I guess it all comes down to your spouse for approval. My wife tried to encourage me to keep them shaved through the summer, but we were around alot of folks close up this summer so I just kept them trimmed. But over the weekend I have committed to keeping them shaved for a while. My wife doesn't seem to bother her as much. I've been running this week were I work, and getting more comfortable as I walk by people I don't know.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Marina, Git yourself an Eppilator and trim the hair to about a quarter inch then eppilate the hair out .

[KatieV]

It's easy enough to say that you should not be concerned about what others may say or think; if the reality is that you do care this is an issue. Your situation is so familiar to me; I went through all the same rationalizations; all the same explanations that I would offer if asked. In the end I just did it and have no regrets; smooth legs and sheer stockings are simply exquisite and you will not be disappointed. It's a good time of year, too, as shorts are almost out of season.

[UNDERDRESSER]

yes very funny but true. Some girls really get turned off my having sex with a guy who has his whole legs shaved. Maybe its an unfamiliar feeling to them?The first time with my SO, I think she was a bit miffed that my legs were smoother, but she seemed OK with it otherwise. I note she shaves more frequently now. She seems to like running her hands over my shaved areas. ( and i love it! )

[RachelPortugal]

Just do it, with your wife's consent of course.

From personal experience, no one has said anything about it to me and I try to stay smooth from the ears down. Nor has anyone mentioned the varnished toe-nails or pink stones in the ear-studs that I wear all the time when out in male mode.

That is not to say that nobody mentions it to others once I am not present, but that is fine by me.

On occasion, when my wife has realised while out, to her horror that her own legs are in need of a shave, she has openly said that she should have done it when I did mine. Also, if hairy male bodies is a topic of conversation with her friends, she will always say that my body is naturally hirsute and that she encourages and help me to keep it smooth. Nobody questions the motives behind having a smooth body.

As for the sex, my wife admitted that I was the first hirsute guy she had been attracted to - something to do with my tight jeans she said. Now she seems to prefer the smoother feel, as long as there is no stubble!

[PetiteDuality]

You mentioned that you are a bicycle rider. Why don't you join a race or something? It would be taking the sport to the next level.

Sport massages will work, specially if you need to get kinesiologic sport tape:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZpOV52UIavE/TB_giOLiB2I/AAAAAAAAB0E/DrtTA_QPqQ0/s320/kineisio+tape+achilles.JPG

You can say that your leg is so hairy that it won't stick

[April Lyn]

I have had shaved legs and arms all summer long, have been wearing shorts and tee shirts regularly and have never had a bad experiene or word from anyone. i say go for it. It definately adds to the morning routine, but well worth the effort i think.

[Kathy4ever]

I don't think it is big deal anymore. Before i started crossdressing don't think I ever looked at a mans legs. I seem to do it now. Some are too hairy and some are either shaven or have little hair. Persnaly have been shaven or epillated over a year and 8 months. Not a wise crack or question yet. My opion is go for it.

[Mimi]

I'm rather frightened by the images you've created. What in the world kind of razor is yelding horrible burns, cuts and pus-filled zits, revolting purple and red pores, etc?

I've shaved my legs for more than a decade and never seen anything of the sort! And my wife prefers my smooth legs, thank you!

I'm quite used to the feeling of smooth legs. It was a different feeling at first, but knowing how important it was to my spouse, I dealt with the different feeling and now I'm completely fine with it. We have had no issues with zits, burns or cuts, and it certainly hasn't affected our intimacy.

I do agree, though, with the warning to make sure your wife is completely on board and ready for you to do this. The hair will grow back if she decides she can't handle it, and with fall approaching, I don't see how any of your family members will see it. If they do comment, either the cycle comment will help, or (with your wife's consent) give a little wink and say that "she likes it", nudge nudge nudge. That should shut them up.

Is your wife on the forum? This is a great place for her to communicate with other spouses.

[Meghan]

After a long tremendous discussion we agreed to try this leg shaving thing.

My wife helped me shave my legs and she LOVED the transformation.

She looked at my legs the other day and told me how relieved she was that she didn't have a harry ape around the house.

My kids, both 18 and 14 respectively, haven't said a word nor has anyone in public.

Only a close colleague noticed and directly asked if I shaved my legs. I told him "yeah" I do it all the time in South Florida. Keeps me dry and makes it easy to cool off.

I don't think people link leg shaving to crossdressers right away at any level. My experience is they just don't care.

Oh, and girl, you will love the way you feel and never go back to drab. STOCKINGS FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. But your legs will fell so good you may not want any stockings at all!

Meghan

[JohannaSophia]

Unless you are really hairy it is hard to believe anyone would notice unless they were sitting looking at half grown out stubble.

I have already lost a lot of lower leg hair to long time athletic taping but no one has ever noticed and my wife doesn't care. Actually I was the first to go smoothie at the mid body level and she soon followed my lead down/up there.

It is certainly cooler for sport activity and less messy for Sunscreen, good excuses if you need justification, Just Do It!

[heatherdress]

End of summer, no more shorts for months. Now is the perfect time to do it. Enjoy the experience.

[michelle.foster]

I say just do it, with or without anyone else's permission. It's your hair, does your wife ask your permission when she shaves? I think not! And here's your answer to anyone who questions it.....I LIKE THE WAY IT FEELS. When my daughter questioned my arm shaving, I told her “it was very European and I like it”. Nothing more was ever said. No one has ever said anything, when I walk along the beach with red toe nails.
I have a hard time understanding why “we” feel we have to ask permission. When I wanted to get my ears pierced the first time, I told my wife I wanted to have it done, she told me why she thought I shouldn't (cuz everyone would know I dressed), I did it anyway. And guess what? Very few said anything about them, it wasn't an announcement that I dressed en femme, and after a couple months, the wife like the way they looked. So a year later I got another set of holes. I posted a while back that I have had more positive comments about my earrings then negative (none).
What things do you do that you don't ask permission, buy a new set of clubs or shave your head? What things does she do without asking your permission, change her hair color or buy another pair of shoes? If she threaten you with divorce -whether she knows you dress or not, because you shaved your legs, or pierced your ears, or got a tattoo, you have some serious problems and need some counseling, like now.
Most people mistakenly believe that society cares what they look like or what they wear. I believe that “they” don’t notice, and those that do, don’t care enough to say anything about it. Again, I say if you want to shave your legs, or your entire body for that matter, JUST DO IT. Don’t worry about trying to explain it to anyone – it feels nice. It feels really, really nice!!