Do you dress for looks or feel?

[Lena]

Just curious about the feelings were on a topic. ?... I've realized I'll never be anb attractive female buti don't mind. I dress without shaving and serious behead. I like the way satin feels and slides when moving. I have even been known to shave (quite often) while wearinga satin camisole. If I were ever caught, I'd have some seriously explaining to do andi don't think anyone will accept that I was working on a bearded lady Halloween contest.

[noeleena]

Hi,

okay, Looks or feel , how about to show off and quite often , just not in your normal womens fashions or womens wear, Im not ...a...show off ...... just i do show.... off.... my clothes and get good comments as i travel around and over sea,sand meet many 100,s of new people,

Now, as to feel i dont know, yes my clothes are quite lovely i just dont get bothered about that , to me they are just clothes,

To or for looks yes now that,s intirely different, i cant see my self in we call mundan garb - clothes or your normal every day/ night wear i prefer period wear and of times past now thats more my detail ,

youll have my attention pretty quick and if they are in keeping with my background ,German , then ill be thinking oh wow can i get the fabric and start making those clothes 1400 to 1700 is what i wear as i have many different styles and i wear them to our camps plus over sea,s,

So yes it,s wear and show,

...noeleena...

[StinaTv]

For me its both =)

[joanna4]

Both, I gotta look good and feel good at the same time.

[Bryn]

Looks, really. I want to look as feminine as I can when I dress.

[annecwesley]

I have two wardrobes: one for feel and one for look. Even my lingerie, hosiery and footwear are divided into two categories. I can't really look like a woman from head to toe, but I sure like the way some outfits look. Of course my absolute favorites are outfits that look and feel great.

[Amanda L.]

I'm with Stina and Joanne. Got to be both. Need to look good, feel good and act good. Plus the preparation time to get the makeup right and outfit selection heighten the anticipatory moment.
Complete girly package for me
Amanda
X

[Lynn Marie]

I'm pretty sure this phenomenon is part of the ordinary progression of CDing. When I started on this forum all I looked at where the threads on the clothes. It's taken a few years, becoming unattached, and retirement for me to get to the point of dressing for both the look and the feel. Successfully getting out the door really changes everything. It's very much like growing up. Playing in the house with toys is fine for children, but once you're out and have made friends in the neighborhood, your world changes forever.

[Alice_2014_B]

BOTH, for me.

[Marcelle]

Hi Lena,

I guess for me I dress for looks. Isha is how I choose to express this part of my personality and as such, I dress to achieve an ability to blend in with the Vanilla world.

Hugs

Isha

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Lena, You can't have one without the other, It's the whole sensation of looking and feeling so very feminine.

[sperow2003]

For me its definitely the feel. I, too, will never present convincingly as a woman to the point where I have given up trying but I still get the best buzz from dressing up in the more tactile fabrics such as silk, satin and taffeta. I go for the fabric rather than the garment whether it be a scarf, dress, blouse or skirt mainly. Thanks for the thread; its good to know other people's situations.

[Katey888]

Interesting question Lena, I started off thinking both, but I think there's more to it that that... :)

It's definitely look - I like to try my best to look good... and I think by 'feel' you're talking more about the textures and tactile nature of the fabrics, yes..? Which I agree with to some extent... but let me add a bit more too... ;)

It's also 'fit' - which is a tricky thing for us as the fit is rarely ideal for our body shape even if we're slim - but when you are lucky enough to get something that fits really well, and just hugs you in all the right places, then I think that's also when you really look good... Oh, and if it's an article that's good quality like a tailored and lined dress that just fits snug where it should but hangs well and moves with you when you move, and you can just feel and hear that little 'swish' of outer against lining and lining against lingerie and nylons, and... well... 'nuff said.. :o

Katey x

[Raychel]

I guess for me it is a bit of both, but mostly for the feel. I will never pass in public,
and from the neck down, when dressed I think I look pretty good, at least when I look in the mirror I don't hate what I see.
but if the clothes don't feel nice and fit right, then it just does not work.

[Tina B.]

Depends on the mood, yesterday I dressed for feel, skirt and blouse, no wig or make up, today it's the whole package, today it's about the look, and the feel, all silky feeling clothes, wig and makeup.

[Janice An]

For me its the feeling, I need it.
Passing just isn't happening in this life time.

[S. Lisa Smith]

I guess both, but I want to look as natural as I can...

[Kate Simmons]

I always strive to look nice en femme but sometimes, depending on what I'm doing I dress for effect.:)

[Lena]

Thanks for the responses. I don't even really feel comfortable looking at myself in *normal* mode. Insecurity has always been a major contributor to my identity.

So, even when I dress, I do want to look good but it's the feeling that dives me. I feel confidant comfortable and just "right" when wearing a comfortable dress.

Granted, it feels amazingly awesome when hair is removed and the appropriate aroma therapy is applied.

[kimdl93]

I dress for 'self' basically to harmonize the inside and outside.

[brandyred166]

I dress for look and feel. I get jealous of all the cute and sexy outfits GG's get to wear. I wanna look and feel as sexy as them.

[Seana Summer]

For me how the cloths feel, and help me feel about myself, is the most important.

I gave up on trying to look like a GG long ago.......However I do try to maintain a conservative outwardly appearance....... so look is somewhat important to me.

If I don't like how it feels, I am not wearing it, no matter how good it looks. That goes for my guy cloths too!!

[bridget thronton]

I like the feel but I will not wear things I will do not look good on me

[CynthiaD]

I dress entirely for the look. Male and female clothes feel the same to me once I have them on. Of course, when I look good, (relatively speaking), it makes me feel great!

[sometimes_miss]

Both, but not exactly for the reasons you might think. They both simply help suspend the belief that I'm male. It's when oh, 99% of what I see and feel is providing feedback telling me that I'm a girl that I'm most comfortable. From my visual point of view, everything I see sends back signals that indicate female; the hair, the clothes, accessories, nails, shoes. Sense of touch is the same; dangling earrings, necklace or choker, bra/panties/briefer stockings/garter belt or thigh highs, dress, bracelet/watch, nail polish, and some sort of female shoes. All give back different nervous system responses than any of my male clothing does. So for me it's all about the signals coming back to me, not anything that would influence anyone else, that drives my desire to dress/behave in ways that all tell ME that I'm female.

[Andrea Payer]

i think it's the feeling of wearing female clothes that i like. but the look is also important

[AllieSF]

I dress for looks to look good when I go out to meet new people. Now, when dressed in women's clothes I also get to enjoy all the other benefits of wearing feminine clothing like the light feel of a breeze up the skirt or dress while walking down the street, the soft swish and flow of that skirt or dress as it brushes my legs as I walk, the view brief view of a semblance of cleavage as I glance down at the top of my outfit, the restriction caused by a tight fitting skirt that prevents full leg strides, the tightness of a well fitted top around the chest, and that feel of great satisfaction when I see an attractive older woman looking back at me when I walk by a reflecting window.

[Adriana Moretti]

can i dress for both??LOL...while shopping..I am a material girl...and i am drawn to certain materials....ones that i like the feel of.....then i work on putting them together to some sort of look.

[Lucy_Bella]

I started out as just being curious and enjoyed the feel..That remained common until 10 years ago when the feel wasn't always there to satisfy the urge so I started to expand my dressing to a feel and visual style starting from the neck down..

Since doing that I can no longer go back to being satisfied by just feel alone and it continued to grow more visual while still searching for the feel and catching the feel every so often as if the visual was driving the search.. The visual is no good with out the feel and the feel is no good without the visual...I'm doomed :(

[KaceyR]

It's a bit of both for me. With some modifications...
When I started CDing I realized I felt better when dressed and was more relaxed. That's a 'base' to all of my dressing, the good natural feeling.
But..I also discovered how sexy I could feel. Especially with certain outfits.. The skirts, the LBD + heels when out clubbing, etc. And so I push that side as much as possible...dressing to both look and feel sexy.
Even though I'm 49 and face isn't as good for it (but body is, to me :)) I try to hit clubs dressed as someone in 20's.
When out for general stuff, I'll skirt it up and be more reasonable.. Although one could say even that's much for today's 'jeans' society... But I like to show the legs whenever possible :).
Depressing part to that...the fact that fall's coming up soon here in MI... Wanna stay in shorts and skirts forever.. :)

[Lacy PJs]

Several have mentioned that they to go for "the look..." while some others mention the feel. I fall into the feel category since, at well over 6 foot tall and way too far past 250 lbs, I'm not going to "look" very good under most circumstances. But If I pull on a set of babydolls or even some tights & a leotard, I just like the way they feel on me. And... while I don't have any misgivings about "who I am" or "where I'm going," I do sometimes get a feeling of sheer relaxation and being totally "unwound" when I'm dressed as mentioned above.

Part of this I thank my better half for. She is and has been totally accepting of my occasional dabbling in clothes of the fairer sex and I think that being able to trust her completely when dressed serves to encourage that feeling of super contentment. I mean... many of us are still in the closet and dressing carries with it some real apprehension about "what if I get caught?" But knowing that she has absolutely no problem with it, I can indulge in the privacy of our home without that concern.

One final comment... someone mentioned earlier that they sometimes shave wearing a silk/satin camisole. There was a time when I'd pull on a leotard first thing in the morning before I shaved to make that sometimes unpleasant task more tolerable. Now, I just don't shave as often! Solved that problem... :)

So yes, definitely put me in the "feel" category.

Lacy PJs

[Ilsa]

Strangely enough I do it to feel more self confident and if I achieve some semblance of the look of a woman then I feel like a woman and can enjoy the privileges that go with it such as the feel of silk or chiffon and the smell of perfume or the locks of hair that drape the nape of my neck. I appreciate it even more as I get older.

Always,
Ilsa

[Kiva]

I dress for peace of mind.

[miss_jessie]

I always thought it was the feel, but I now think the two are more closely intertwined for me, as if I cant get the look right, it doesn't feel right either...

[Christen]

Absolutely BOTH! I love the way clothing feels, for sure, but I just have to look as good as I can. Fashionable and with some elegance I hope. But I don't know that I'd be as keen a crossdresser if women's fashions consisted of potato sacks, not that there's anything wrong with hessian, if that's what you're in to.

Christen x

[paulaprimo]

ummm, by the time i get my gaff, lifts, pads, girdle and corset on i don't
feel much of anything...so i would have to say for looks! :)

[Renee Elise]

Both! Women's clothes feel amazing...nothing designed for men comes close. Silks, chiffons, lycra, even cottons somehow feel softer... poly blends too. Then there's the look...I love how my legs look in heels and hose under a skirt. Then you combine the two...like putting makeup on...and it's amazing :).

[RenneB]

If I dressed to just feel comfortable, I'd look like all the other people (male / female) at wallyworld. I drove by another one today and swear that a male/female couple had matching sweat pants and tshirt....with flip flops. I thought to myself, is that what you want to wear of what you found on top of the dirty clothes pile???

I definitely dress for the look. A corset, pads and forms don't make for a very comfortable wear, but I think it looks okay.. I was walking through the mall today. and only had three long looks from GGs... then a smile. Yea, they know. Still, with 4" heels skirt and a nice top I may have stood out a bit, but it looked good...

Renne.....

[Ilsa]

I hear you Paula,

If you're going to spend so much attention to detail you might as well make it worth your while. I just hope your bra straps don't dig into you too much.:cry:

I've got all my pads and paraphernalia on in anticipation of tonight's NYG vs Bills game. Of course what I have on has nothing to do with football.

Have a nice evening.

Ilsa

[Rarity]

For me it's both

[paulaprimo]

I hear you Paula,

I just hope your bra straps don't dig into you too much.:cry:

I've got all my pads and paraphernalia on in anticipation of tonight's NYG vs Bills game.


ouch, 2 days after wearing a bra i still have marks! :(

if the football players wore as much padding as i do they would never get hurt!! :)

GO JETS

[ArleneRaquel]

For me its both, especially when I'm enfemme.

[silow]

I enjoy both

[Laura J]

I enjoy all three:
-The fabrics feel much better than male equivalents
-I want to look as feminine as possible
-When dressed I feel 'right'

[Eveyorkuk]

Laura J summed it up for me too. For me, perhaps feel is just more important than look.

[heellover]

For me I would have to say both.
It depends on the mood I'm in.

[ringedjohn]

I underdress only and the only person who sees me is my wife. I like wearing pretty underwear but for the feeling just as much as for the looks.

[monika]

If I dressed to just feel comfortable, I'd look like all the other people (male / female) at wallyworld. I drove by another one today and swear that a male/female couple had matching sweat pants and tshirt....with flip flops. I thought to myself, is that what you want to wear of what you found on top of the dirty clothes pile???

I definitely dress for the look. A corset, pads and forms don't make for a very comfortable wear, but I think it looks okay.. I was walking through the mall today. and only had three long looks from GGs... then a smile. Yea, they know. Still, with 4" heels skirt and a nice top I may have stood out a bit, but it looked good...

Renne.....

Me too!
Need a lot of stuff to look like a woman :)
Not comfortable but the look is the most important I think.

[Melissa_59]

I like the way it looks, and the way it makes me feel inside. I guess a little from column A and a little from column B, but perhaps not in the way you think. :)

~Mel

[Brittany CD]

I like to dress for the looks. Dresses, pantyhose, and heels may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but it looks great when I become a girl

[AnneC]

I dress both for looks and for how it feels. If I look good it makes me feel good. Even if I can't pass, the good feeling is still there.

[Julie Denier]

For me, it's both look and feel, and these ideas seem to be intertwined. Certainly I enjoy the tactile experience of the clothing, the ritual of dressing and applying makeup. And I'm thrilled to be a part of the process that turns a 6-foot-2, 300-pound hairy fat guy into a plus-size lady of reasonably pleasant appearance. Then I enjoy the comfort and contentment that comes with just being dressed up as pretty as I can muster ;)

[donnalee]

I've always had an eye for women's clothing. One of the first things I noticed about my SO was how well dressed she was and the quality & tailoring of her clothes. I was always able to buy for her and would often pick out clothes. When I saw something that she could wear, I would buy it for her and she always loved and wore my selections.
CD didn't come along until pretty late, but I prefer high quality fabrics and well tailored clothes with subtle colors, no matter which gender, maxi skirts and as little restriction as possible. Dressing is a comfort thing for me, but it also doesn't hurt if you looks good!

[MissAmy]

I try for both but I like the way it feels more than it looks

[NicoleScott]

.....the ritual of dressing and applying makeup. And I'm thrilled to be a part of the process ......

I'm with you all the way Julie. There's a lot of talk about being en femme, but relatively little about the pleasure of getting en femme. I love the process of making up and dressing, I take my time - no need to hurry through something I enjoy so much. We don't gulp down big chunks of lobster tail dipped in butter. It's too good for that. No, we savor every little bite. Of course, I transform WAY WAY more that I eat lobster.

[Tina G]

I just want to be who i've always felt i am so for me it's both.

Tina

[Chiana]

When I was young, from what I remember, it was a lot about the look. Feel was certainly a factor but the look was primary. I remember being almost mesmerized by the person looking back at me in the mirror. It was intoxicating. As I approach the big "70", it has become more about the feel and less about the look. I still enjoy the process of putting on my make-up, wig, etc. and seeing that transformation. But I think it is more about feel now. If I could just find that perfect make-up that will hide all the wrinkles and large pores and make me look 29 again.....

[Connie.Marie]

Lena,

Put me in the "BOTH" column...

Hugs, Connie Marie

[Angie G]

I dress for feeling but like to look good. Not to mention I don't feel like a man when dressed.:hugs:
Angie

[Pantyhoselover1979]

For me it is definitely the feel because there is no way that I look good lol

[im-sparkles]

I dress because i love to look female. i hope to look good. When Im dressed however i really want to be a real woman

[Cara Lacey]

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I dress for the feel... Which is erotic. Other times I dress to look as good as possible, but this feels more like acting or a costume. Because I wear a waist cincher and hip and butt padding makes it less erotic feeling.

[Miss Interpretation]

I think I dress more for "look" now, though I definitely still love the "feel" of dressing! When I first started, it was definitely "feel" because I was actually afraid of looking in the mirror. But after I got more comfortable seeing myself in the mirror, it definitely became more "look," especially now that I have the hip pads, forms, corset, etc. That stuff is not comfortable in the least!

[natcrys]

Definitely for the look first.. but the feeling is also important! The wind blowing against the legs while wearing a skirt or dress is a great feeling! And walking in heels (or just wearing) is amazing.. even though those things can hurt like @#%$ after a full day of shopping and going out. :p

For me, personally.. I have to see Tassia in the mirror... even it's only a few times during a long day and night. :)

[Sabrina133]

Am with Julie and Nicole, i love the process of dressing...its a ritual. Then, when all dolled up and out and about, i love the way i know i look and "am" - a woman.

[Traceyjo]

As with many of you my priority is the look . When I'm fully transformed I want to see a real, attractive, sexy woman in the mirror. Fortunately I can achieve that to my own satisfaction and the thrill of seeing myself like that is exquisite. I always want to take photos that I can keep and post online to be admired by others.
Having said that though, the feel of being a woman is also a wonderful pleasure , so much a part of my joy of dressing.

[Henriette7]

Definitely for the look first.. But also for the amazing feminine feeling.

[Adam7]

I dress for looks and feel. I go the the gym quite a bit at 29 and my legs, back and shoulders are my best features because of that. Once I shaved my legs, I realized I could wear a pair of short shorts or a skirt, a strapless cami with semi-exposed back, some platforms/heels and be able to show all three off without being ridiculous or too revealing.

[KarenNY]

A little of both -- I love how I look in women's clothes, especially business professional wear and formal wear, that special feeling of looking in the mirror and seeing a woman. I also love how the clothes feel, from nylons and silky underthings, to the sweep of a skirt against my nylon-covered legs, and walking in heels, feeling long hair sweeping my shoulders, dangling earrings, makeup on my face -- all of it...

[Robbin_Sinclair]

For me its the feeling, I need it.
Passing just isn't happening in this life time.

I'm on that ship...judging by Janice An's profile photo, more ways than one but I digress.

It's about feel for me. If I had a group gathering away from home, it would be done to the nines. But in "real" life I'm straight for the family and I have to keep it that way.

I'm never really real male though, even though I (used to) try. I just melt when I see a satiny dress. Couldn't care less about the cute little inhabitant of the outfit. It's the outfit for me.

:hugs:

[GailNightshade]

Both, but for a different reason.
Look: when i get to be in control of the body, i want to look feminine even if its my comfy clothes around the house
Feel: i need to feel like a woman and thats all

[Lexi Moralas]

A little of both I think

[CONSUELO]

I have always loved the feel of female clothing. The obvious sense of feel is for soft silky underwear but also the feel of a dress against the legs and the way in which a skirt will drape or a blouse, is a lovely feeling. That said, the look is also important and so I am prepared to wear a corset and a longline bra so as to get the slimming effect and the right look. They are not as sensuous as a slip or a lovely silk blouse but they contribute to the "Feel" which has a tactile as well as an emotional sensation.

[Elle1946]

I dress for feel, I don't think that I look that great in a dress.

[jillishy]

i dress for feel mostly. I agree with Julie about the process or the short journeys. Its the more of the trip there than the destination

[AnnetteC]

Both. I enjoy how the clothes feel and how I feel while dressed. I am lucky to not be all that large of a man and go for the look too. Living alone, I pretty much always wear all feminine clothing while at home, but rarely do the makeup and hair. (Wig) when I do, I sense an increase in feeling more feminine.

[charini.shermin]

Well...for me... I dress for the feel.....it is this woman inside me who wants to liberates herself from my male persona.... the dressing just aids the liberation...I guess its for the emotions that it lets loose....which is beautiful


www.charini-shermin.blogspot.com

[Alara]

It depends, sometimes for feel sometimes for looks... lately it has been for looks though :)

[Underdressed]

As I mostly underdress it's all about the feel,
When dressed I do actually resemble my avatar, which is the reason that I don't try to pass, still I am happy with who I am and that's all that counts.

[Daisy41]

You know, I actually dress solely for looks. I find that my baggier male clothes to be much more comfortable than my female clothes. I don't find my girl clothes to be uncomfortable, but when I'm in a dress I don't feel as relaxed as I could be in a pair of gym shorts.

[Stephanie47]

I choose my undergarments for feel. It's always a full coverage nylon panty under a nylon slips, especially a doubled layered slip. I love the feel of the nylon layers swishing over my rump and torso. The outerwear, i.e, my dresses, are for looks. I love patterns on my dresses.

[Alice B]

They go hand in hand

[Betty IA]

I know it is for the feel but I would like it to be for both. I am not confident yet in appearing as a female in public because I don't feel passable. I am working on this (specifically makeup as that is my greatest problem) and will get there eventually.

[Ugly Michele]

I must say both because I always wear stockings, heels, and slips with my outfits that are short skirts or dresses. I look classy but easy.

[joanne51]

When I started out all those years ago, it was all about feel. But in the last couple of years when I have been able to dress fully (make up, wig, shoes/boots) I've come to like the look. I might not look passable, but I look a lot less male than I do normally and I feel a lot different inside - dare I say feminine. Which I suppose is what it is all about (releasing your inner self)

[Kristine_NEPA]

I definitely dress for feel....I honestly feel so hot when im dressed in anything soft!

[Pink Susan]

The look and the feel

That moment after a nice hot bath , all my body shaved , moisturiser rubbed in , when I slip into a pretty pair of full sized panties , slip on the sheerest tan pantyhose , put on my bra and nylon slip is quite possibly the best feeling in the World

I never tire of it ..even better if I go out , and make my self up , select a nice skirt or dress ,add a cardigan , boots , coat if its winter .

I do like to look at myself too

[chris80]

I love the look of myself in the full length mirror as I walk along the landing after dressing. The dress caressing me and the look of my legs in heels and with longer hair, earrings dangling. When it is not too hot the feel of a full skirt puffed out by a net crinoline petticoat, with or without nylon tights. The arms brushing against a full bra as I walk. Love some of the newer stretchy satin materials which caress you, the swish of taffeta and the whole general feeling of being my right self when dressed as I have wanted to be since age 3 or 4. Luxury!

[Beverley Sims]

A bit of both.

[autera24]

i love the feeling of nylon pantyhose and of corse the feeling of wearing over the knee high heel boots

[EllenJo]

When I look good I feel great. Well really it is both for me. I will never pass but do hope to blend someday. But the feeling of the soft materials on my shaved chest, skirt swishing against my nylon clad legs. Yes it is all good. That's when I feel like a million dollars.
Hugs
Ellen Jo

[jjjjohanne]

I dress as a man in a skirt, etc. I love the feel of the clothes. I do try to look nice. I love how somethings look. But really, it is about the feeling.

[Jessicajane]

love dressing in Jeans and a cute top...looks all the way...wearing "pretty pretty" clothes is nice when the occasion fits but for me it is about trying to mingle in society as much as I can

[Cassiecd]

I have wondered about how other gals feel about this as well Lena, good question.

So many have declared "both" and I agree....but specifically not always at the same time! At times, like you, perhaps unshaven just to feel the magic of the clothes and hair and I make sure there are no mirrors around! Other times I dress to LOOK good, like when I do a photo shoot. It is not always comfortable this glamour thing..but I love the way i look in person and in pics. When it all comes together at the same time, the look and the feel.....heavenly!

[natalie edwards]

I would have to say both. Its an all or nothibg kind if thing. Sometimes I like to dress sexy, but always a nice dress or skirt. Hmm...that reminds me, I haven't worn ny black liquid leggings and thigh high black boots in awhile!

[suchacutie]

My motivation to transform to Tina is the satisfaction I get of letting her explore life. That means I'm interested in her best feminine presentation, i.e. looks. On the other side of the coin, I really don't like it as well when she has to rush through her transformation. She really enjoys the process right from the start!

[JocelynRenee]

My dressing style and reason for dressing has shifted over the years. In my closeted years it was all about the feel and the bulk of my wardrobe was lingerie. Today it is really about the look and I don't even own any lingerie other than padded panties so clothes fit properly and a bra to hold my forms.

I still enjoy the feel of women's clothing, though now it's more akin to enjoying the luxury of the variety of fabric choices than the sensuality.

[alwayshave]

My original motivation for dressing was feel. I love the feel of lingerie, satins, silks, etc.... I still love the feel. But, the older I have gotten look has become more important. So at this point it is probably even between look and feel.

[Nadya]

I echo what others have said. I dress because it feels like I can be who I really am. To look like a woman allows me to feel complete.

[tommi]

For me its the feeling, I need it.
Passing just isn't happening in this life time.

Ditto I may have been able to pass when I was younger and
100 lbs lighter but at 6'3" 250 I am male
But I love the feel of the textures and I love the feel of smooth skin
Shaving my legs and keeping them smooth is a turn on for me

[Lorna]

It was a fascination with what it would feel like to wear the clothes that girls around me wore that first prompted my interest in dressing. Back then (1950s) I saw girls my age start to wear stockings and wondered what they felt like. Later, I learned about all the different items of underwear the girls (and young women) wore - and I still wanted to know what it all felt like. Clearly, for me, it was about the feelings. That is still largely the case all these years later. Others have commented that having to wear bras, girdles, corsets, high heels etc makes it uncomfortable for them to try to look like a woman but I see it quite differently. While today's women are free to wear completely comfortable clothes, that wasn't the case when I was growing up. A big part of the fascination was in experiencing those same discomforts that the girls around me felt: the tightness and constriction, the need to be careful about moving and sitting and the fact that women chose to limit themselves in these ways. I remember asking girls about whether their clothes were uncomfortable and being told they were but that it was just something they got used to. I didn't have any sisters so it was my unsuspecting girlfriends who answered my questions. One of them wore very firm girdles and I couldn't believe how tight they were and how they pulled her back suspenders so tight when she sat down. She said she was "used to it" and there wouldn't be any point in wearing a girdle if it wasn't tight. I just had to find out what it felt like for myself.

Yes, there is also some pleasure in looking down at nylon-covered legs and seeing the shape of "breasts", but I know I could never look like a real woman and I don't try. The feelings are enough.

[Jennifer Devine]

For me its looks and feel

[ShelbyDawn]

There is definitely a facet of both.
While I love to look as feminine as possible there is very little chance I am ever going to pass so I don't put as much effort into "the look" as I could.
Just a note, I have gone for the full MAC makeover with a new wig and have been out a few times and it was great fun. I will do it again.
Anyway, regardless of how I look, I love the way I feel when I am dressed and I do this for me anyway so that is what matters..

[shelly1]

I would say both. it started out as for feeling but as I got older I try to look more feminine than when I was younger although I know I will never pass for a real woman