Shopping in drab question

[randi_789]

For those of you who have shopped while in drab and have tried things on in the store I have a question. Not about using the dressing rooms, but about trying the clothes on. When you are in drab, you are not padded or wear a bra, correct? So how do you try things on and get a correct read on whether they fit correctly?

[trannie T]

It's more important that my clothes fit around my shoulders and stomach. I can wear any size boobs to fill out the clothing.

[Jodi]

Randi, I thought about your question and how it affects me. I have shopped in drab and tried on for years. For me, it is experience. I have done it enough to know how the padding will affect the fit vs no padding when I'm trying it on. I will agree with Connie. The fit in the shoulders and the waist are the most important, plus the length if it is pants. The rest can be adjusted.

Jodi

[talkwithmelissa]

I get a general feel for the fit making sure that certain criteria are meet like those stated above and others like sleeve length, age appropriate, etc. I also make sure I know their return policy.

[Billijo49504]

If I'm trying on slacks or a skirt, I just see if it fits. I don't have hip pads. So they either fit or not. For tops, I usually wear a bra, except to work. And even if I don't have one on, they just droop. It isn't like forms, they don't come off. But I usually have a good idea of if something is going to be something I will like...BJ

[MaylinJane]

I shop in drab or semi crossdressed and I mess my sizes up all the time. Just keep the reciepts and don't remove the tags. I've never had a problem exchanging clothes for the proper size, (usually a size bigger LOL). Fit in the shoulders is mostly my problem too.

May

[Jennaie]

If you are in doubt, measure your chest with your forms on and then devide that figure in half. Your tops need to measure at least half of that number accross the chest.

With pants, I take three measurements, one at the waist, one about mid bottom and one level to the crotch, then I lay the pants flat and make sure that measure one hallf of the corresponding measurements.

As stated before, be sure to get the length you need with pants. I wear a different length pant with boots or high heels than I do with tennis shoes or mary janes.

The hardest problem I have is tops. I have a very difficult time finding a top that fits in the shoulders and chest, that isn't too big around the waist or hips. So use your hip measurement to make sure that the top is not going to look like a tent on you.

[Penny]

Never tried to shop in drab
I'd lack the nerve with clerks

I always shop as Penny
and find it mostly works

[wendy]

I always shop in drab, I haven't worked up the nerve to shop en femme yet.

But through trial and error, I've become quite good at women's sizes. For instance, when buying body shapers, I usually look for size 42 or 44, nothing smaller because I know it won't fit. For footwear, it has to be a size 10.

[Gail Stauffer]

I too always shop in drab, I figured out what my women's clothing size is at a size 10 so that is what I ususlly look for, I have never tried anything on in the store at all. I have pretty good success with getting things that fit perfectly. and I have had nice comments made about the stuff I buy, but them not knowing it's for me.

[Cheryl T]

Randi,
Go to a site like J.C. Penney and look at the size charts. Take a cloth tape measure and while dressed determine your measurements. Compare them to the chart and when you shop en drab you can find the items in your size and try them for a test fit, then if you think they work bring them home and try them dressed.
Use the proper chart though...depending if you are tall, plus size or misses.

Makes life a lot easier....but doesn't help at all with picking styles, colors or matching accessories....lol

[maid phylis]

good question,i for one always wear my lingerie when i am at work.being a vendor and being alone on my route when i finish all my stores i go into a mall like i did today and shop around .i was looking for a coat so all i did was take off my jacket and try on for size ,as i am wearing my bra all my measurements are there and if something fits i just buy it.:happy:

[randi_789]

Thank you everyone for input on this topic, but now another question. I have been buying things online and somethings in drab, all without trying them on and have hit on some and missed on others. Please someone clarify something for me. What ARE the differences in women's, misses, juniors, and then tall, petite and I guess regular? I have had this problem even before I started to have my own wardrobe, and this was when i would shop for presents for my wife. I would know her size, but never what category that size went into. Is there a sit with a chart?

[Jodi]

Randi, Having worked in womens clothing stores, I'll give it a try. Misses sizes are even numbered sizes. These are designed to fit the average woman with a little bit of a figure. Junior sizes are odd number sizes. These are cut slimmer and are designed for the younger, developing female--generally slimmer in the hips. Womens sizes are generally sizes 20 and above. These are generously cut and designed to fit the full figured woman.

Petite sizes are cut to fit a girl 5'4" or less. Skirts are shorter, sleeve length is shorter, and the waist area in dresses is shorter. Average is designed for women 5'4' to 5'8". All of the measurements are proportional to these heights. Tall is for women 5'8" and above. These have longer skirts, longer body lines and longer sleeves.

Jodi