Buying/ Trying Clothes

[Fullerton]

Hello all,

I?m located in the UK and need to buy some of my own clothes. I can?t keep trying the few items that fit from the wife.

So my question is how do you all go about buying clothes?
I don?t think ordering online is possible as the wife is home most days so would get the delivery and can?t really explain it away.
I?m thinking hitting a shop early and going to the changing room, but concerned about the attendant and a guy taking women?s clothes in.

[Denice]

Amazon has lockers where you can have your items delivered. Very discreet, very convenient. I'm eagerly awaiting the three bras I ordered yesterday.

[Fullerton]

Hi Denice,
Hope the bras arrive soon and are to your liking.

I did see an amazon box at a petrol station the other day, can’t remember where it was now though. The concern I have with that is getting the wrong sizes and the returns and reordering loop.

We were out shopping and went through the ladies section for her and I spotted quite a few items I liked. Does anyone have experience shopping as a man for ladies clothes? If I act confident maybe the attendant will be less awkward?

[alwayshave]

Fullerton, I have gone to a department store in male mode, picked out dresses and taken them to the men's changing room.

[Maid_Marion]

I use a cloth tape measure to sort through stuff on the rack. If you have been wearing your wife's clothes you should have a good idea what to measure. Usually the shoulders.

[sara66]

I buy all my clothes in person. Most people will take your money, they really don't care. Just be friendly, do not act creepy and own up to the fact the clothes are for you. I have found most SAs will have fun picking stuff out with you.
Have fun!
Sara

[BTWimRobin]

Welcome to our little community.

Shopping for women's clothing is no big deal. Walk into a store, ask a SA for help, tell her you are shopping for yourself.

Have fun!

[GretchenM]

I haven't shopped for women's clothes at the big department stores, but they are very accepting. Keep in mind that they are there to make money and not to judge people. If you are a possible buyer they will help you and be very nice about it. If they are not they could lose their job.

I have shopped in thrift stores. I sometimes got a bit of an evil eye from an occasional person, but most just ignored me. The check out people might smile and give me a bit of a look, but it was a friendly look. Sometimes you can tell they are thinking unaccepting thoughts, but what does it matter? You will be gone in a couple of minutes. Never had problems with a dressing room.

The garment that doesn't fit that comes in mail order is a problem and often a big hassle. A few won't take it back if you have tried it on - that is really crazy. So, unless I have previously found success with a mail order company (like Woman Within) with reliable sizes I now kind of shy away from mail order. My worst luck has been with Amazon, but it isn't their fault. The fact is that standardization in women's clothing hardly exists, especially with small, medium, large, etc. sizing. It is the way the manufacturer/seller operates. But you can have better luck with number sizing - like 12, 14, etc. Once you figure out what size you wear. There is still a problem at times because the cut may be different. Women tend to be more narrow in the shoulders which means a 16 may fit everywhere except the shoulders which is more like a straight jacket. But a 16 from another manufacturer may fit perfectly. Men's clothes also have that problem sometimes. Women have the same problem we have because we are not all shaped the same. So, what it comes down to is mail order can be risky and a hassle if it doesn't fit. The best is just go in to a store; if you see something you like go to a dressing room and try it on. Most stores won't give you trouble, but they may keep a close eye on you. That's OK. Just behave yourself, act natural and it will go fine.

[Fullerton]

Thank you for all the advice.
One other thing, do you go to the men?s or women?s changing rooms?
I see Jamie (alwayshave) said take to men?s. The shop I?m thinking of has men?s underground and the ladies on the ground (skirts/tops) and upper (lingerie). Im after items from both ladies floors.

[susan54]

I see you are in the UK. So am I. I shop for women's clothes regularly and I try them on in women's changing rooms. I always ask first. It is years since I encountered a problem, if you call a polite refusal a problem. I shop at department stores, chains and independent boutiques. Only once in hundreds of shops have I been asked to use the male fitting room in a department store - and that store has now closed (Hourstons in Ayr). Shops like Phase Eight, Hobbs and Debenhams are completely used to men shopping for themselves. I don't know how much shop staff judge the customer's behaviour - but if you are very nervous you might come across as creepy so RELAX and smile. If it helps you, ring the store before hand, but it really will be fine without that. I recently got a bra fitting at a Debenhams in one of the smaller Scottish cities. I was dressed as a man, and the bra fitter said that fitting men was part of a normal day.

[BlueTempest]

Some delivery services will deliver to a local shop or fuel station. I know Hermes and DPD certainly do.
Certain stores even have a click and collect and if you're worried about clothes on, you could return items that don't fit just make sure you keep the tags on.

[Tracii G]

Find a thrift store, find a few items and try them on if they fit read the size on the tag and thats your size.
Remember the sizes vary from maker to maker sometimes and if made in China the sizes are all over the place.
What I am trying to say is you can toss away a size chart because they are not all that accurate.
Never assume anything will fit right because we are talking they are clothes made for women and you have the body of a man.

[Ressie]

I'm sure that shopping and trying on clothes is a bit different in the UK. In fact, here in the US it's not the same for all stores. I've gone into women's changing rooms and men's.

Shopping during hours or days of the week with less shoppers is a good idea. I like it when there's hardly anyone in a store because there's less risk of running into someone that knows me.

Using a tape measure is a good method but trying on is best, especially in thrift stores that don't allow returns. If a SA or anyone else says anything about me trying one women's clothes, I just say, "I know". No reason to go into a big explanation.

I've heard that Amazon has a free return shipping program if you become a Prime member.

[bridget thronton]

I get free returns using Amazon prime (sometimes I buy 2 or 3 different sizes and return what does not fit using free shipping ootions) - I have shopped in women's stores as a male and asked to try things on (usually dresses) and never been told no

[Patience]

I make most of my purchases in-store, whether I’m crossdressed or not. I also have a PO box where I can have more personal things sent.

[Tracy Irving]

Thrift stores have a wide variety of styles and sizes that are constantly changing. You may even find some clothing that is new, with the tags on. Most of the stores near me have a row of unisex fitting rooms that are unlocked. I never had a problem giving someone else my money when I found an item that I wanted to take home.

[JenniferR771]

Ressie is right. Shop at unbusy times.
Remember retail stores are under major pressure to not lose money. Competition from online sellers is intense. These days you will get great service.
Remember, many of the sales assistants are on commission. They will be quick to help you buy something.

[suzanne]

Sara66 is so right on, I won't even try to add to what she said.

I won't say that it's easy to get started. But I will say that the end result is worth the trouble of breaking through whatever is blocking you.

[Robertacd]

I buy the vast majority of my women's clothes exactly the same way I buy men's clothes.

I go to a store that sells the clothes I want.

I take the clothes that I like off the rack and into the fitting room to try them on.

Then I purchase the clothing that fits well and looks good on me.

I have never been told that I was not welcome to shop for, try on, or purchase woman's clothing in any store. (DRAG or DRAB) any time day or night, I have never done that "call ahead and ask if it's okay for me to shop there" B.S. either. My money is a good as anyone else's and in today's economy brick and mortar stores will do just about anything to get customers in the door.

Now that I have a good idea of what sizes I can wear I do buy things online, but I prefer shopping in person so I can try things on first.

[Lilly Diadem]

In the UK shops like M&S and Next will give the facility to allow you to order online then collect in store.
M&S orders are packed in boxes or black bags so no-one knows what is inside when either delivered or collected.

Charity shops are great way to start your collection in as you can try a few items at relatively low cost.

[Teresa]

Fullerton,
It maybe easier to start with shopping away from home in charity shops , most really don't mind who buys the items and at least it isn't costing a fortune . The important point is know your size and try and stick to it , otherwise you will just go around in circles and not buy anything . As you build confidence you can try venturing into retail shops , I find Matalan very user friendly and their prices are great . The dress in my avatar is from their Soon range and was in the sale rack at ?12.50 , I went to a birthday meal with some friends in it .

[Helen_Highwater]

Fullerton,

In the past I've used Very to shop online. They use Collect (https://www.very.co.uk/web/en/next-day-delivery.page)+ as one delivery option. Over the years I've found their sizing to be pretty consistent so once I found what fitted I was able to get correctly sized items most times.

Top tip: Find a skirt, blouse/top and a dress that you like. based on your wife's sizing (say she's a 14) order 3 of each, a 12, a 14, and a 16. Find which fits you best and simply send the others back, free. For a lot of us we're likely to be a size bigger in dresses than skirts due to shoulder sizes.

Next do a similar service, both do Tall ranges and shoes and boots up to UK size 9. Another option is Amazon Prime, again you can get things delivered free to local drop points.

[Kay J]

Hi Fullerton You girls that live in the UK correct me if i'am wrong but from i see and hear the uk is a lot more accepted then the states so just go in and ask for help if they give you grief just walk away you will never see then again! The key is to put on a smile be polite and own it!

[Tracii G]

99% of the time shopping in either mode has not been a problem as far as the stores themselves only one gave me a problem and that was Victoria's Secret and I will never go back in there ever again.
What I see here is you are the problem you are too scared of someone seeing you actually holding womens clothes in public.
Thats normal really and its something you need to get over.

[Fullerton]

What I see here is you are the problem you are too scared of someone seeing you actually holding womens clothes in public.
Thats normal really and its something you need to get over.

Yes I agree the mental side is a big problem for me and that I have always been very concerned about what people think of me is the route of it.

Thanks all for the wonderful information and suggestions, I suppose the only thing to do now is be brave.
At the end at least I should have a size to gauge off, the wife’s ones that i do wear are a squash and squeeze.

[Teresa]

Kay,
So right , I've never had to walk away from a bad experience , I've had so much fun with SAs .

[JennykBailey]

My daughter works for a well know womens clothing retailer. We asked her what they do if a man asks to try something on? She says they politely show them to the fitting rooms just like any other customer.

Of course you could always have "the talk" with your wife, it solves do many problems x

[Tracy Irving]

only one gave me a problem and that was Victoria's Secret and I will never go back in there ever again.

Same here. I had a wonderful time trying on bras at a Victoria's Secret until they didn't have my size in a bra I was very interested in. The SA located my size at the next mall over. She called to confirm it was in stock and had them set it aside for me.

When I went in to pick it up I asked to try it on and was immediately laughed by the woman helping me. Haven't been back.

[Stephanie47]

The shop I'm thinking of has men's underground and the ladies on the ground (skirts/tops) and upper (lingerie). I'm after items from both ladies floors.

Wow! Two different floors to master the courage to buy and try on clothing. The only recommendation I have is to do a lot of research on line as to the correct size for your body type, height and weight. I am tall (six foot). I have found I need to stay away from dresses that have a defined waist because those dresses are usually made for the average woman who is five foot six or so. Those dresses would end up showing a waist that looks akin to the way some old men yank their pants/waist up to their nipple line. Ugh! So, I choose dresses without a defined waist; wraps, sheaths, empire waists. I do agree using a cloth measuring tapes is very helpful. If you have measured the length from the nape of your neck to the hem of a dress that fits you nicely you can measure in store without trying on way too many dresses and rejecting them. Most on line retailers give a lot of information because, as with JC Penny, not all the dresses are available in stores. Some are on line only. However, many times with proper inventory control the on line site will list the stores where the dress and its size is available. That will minimize trying on too many dresses.

Some stores do not allow taking garments from one floor to another in order to reduce shoplifting. Lingerie is fairly straight forward. You just have to adjust for the fact men and women are built differently. Most size charts for women's panties give hip measurements while guy's briefs are sized at the waist. Trial and error should give you the right fit for panties. Bra band size is fairly straight forward, but, then you have to be realistic as to what cup size is for you. The best time to shop for lingerie is around gift giving time; Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day when it comes to building up courage.

One big issue for stealth buying is hiding the purchase and the delivery. Buying in person with cash is easy. Throw down the money and you're done. On line it comes down to using plastic. The family credit card may raise questions. All the local retailers sell gift cards for just about every clothing/department store. Figure out what the on line purchase will cost and buy the appropriate dollar/pound gift card. You may not use all the money on the card, but, the small overage can be used later. Many retailers offer drop offs to minimize "porch pirate" theft. I just ordered from Amazon and I was offered a locker at my local grocery store. Kohl's stores offer free Amazon return drop off sites. I suspect Kohl's figures, if it can get you into the store, you may buy something.

I've shopped for myself and my wife. On several occasions I have gotten the 'stink eye' from a more mature (age wise, not intelligence) saleswoman who thinks men should not wear or even buy women's clothing. Most however have been helpful when it comes to sizing. I live in Washington State where the law prevents discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. Most retailers know that and have trained their personnel appropriately. You may be able to establish a relationship with a particular sales person who will assist you every time you shop. One upscale retailer's sales personnel actually maintains a client list.

The first time buying in person is apprehensive, but, it does get easier. And, since you and your wife are similar in size, if any neighbor or busy body encounters you, you can easily say it's for your wife. I was six foot and 175 pounds, and, my wife was five foot two and 110 pounds. No mistake when I shopped for her. Me? Well, it was frightening at first. Good luck.

[suzanne]

Roberta makes it sound oh, so easy, doesn't she?

That's because it is that easy. Although we have never met, she and I shop in the same Torrid store and her method and results are identical to mine. I don't mean to shame anyone, but if you have difficulty shopping in person, it's because you're being blocked by your own situation, not by the store.

[Sharon budd]

Hi Fullerton, ASDA (Wal-Mart) is a great place to purchase clothes from. You can choose to collect from your local store so avoiding problems with home delivery. Also if you need to return items you can drop them off at the same store without any interaction with SA's. The only downside is the clothes aren't great quality, however they do a size 9 (UK) in shoes and also sell wide fitting.

[Heather1]

pick out the women's clothes you think would fit in a few different sizes, go to the men's department and use the dressing room there. or if it's strictly a woes store call ahead and ask them if you can try items on. more than likely they will accommodate you, I've gone to strictly women's stores and have picked out items and have been asked if I need help, I have asked if I can try on and they started a room for me. I have gone into the shops underdressed and dressed. we fear ourselves more than others fear us. just don't try and squeeze into something that doesn't fit and you end up tearing it. the sales attendants have even zipped me up and down, they have asked me how it fits, if I like it, gone for a different size for me and gave me their opinion whether they liked it or not, and if it looked good on me or not. enjoy it

[Bruce64]

I email or called up a few stores and let them know I am a Male interested in buying a few items for myself in my case Bras, Panties, Slips Camisoles, Pantyhose and if I can try them on to get a comfortable fit and I really like Nylon and spandex full brief or Hi cut Panties. I got a few response and I hit the stores, at first it was hard but as I go more and more it got easier, now I know a few store Owners and I go try on things I like and I buy, that simple, good luck on your Journey. So far I shopped at Wolford, Nordstrom. Saks that are the big stores and twice at Victoria Secret, I like Triump, I go there a lot. and a few small Lingerie stores around Toronto. have to be a little brave and the Ladies will gladly help you out, it's a Business.

[RachelWCat]

As many have already mentioned, do as much research as you can into making sure what size female clothing fits you. I've lost count of the number of items I've ordered online thinking they'd fit only to find they're woefully too small. Shoulder width and sleeve length are my biggest challenges. As far as where to shop, I do it mostly online now but in the pre-internet days I braved places like Macys and Nordstrom. I even bought a matching leather skirt and jacket in a leather store once and just told the salespeople that I was getting them for my wife. Honestly, they don't care as long as they make a sale. Think of the number of people they deal with every day. Amazon Prime is great as they deliver to those dropboxes that are popping up everywhere. And returning the item is done the same way. eBay is great for getting cheap(er) stuff but returning can be a pain.

Do you work somewhere where packages could be delivered? I get most of my orders delivered to work and if there are any questions from co-workers I just tell them my wife and I had problems with packages getting stolen from our doorstep.

[Ressie]

My shopping fear is being seen by someone that knows me. Shopping in other towns takes that fear away. It was nearly 40 years ago I bought my first bra & panty set. That was over 1000 miles from my hometown!

I take risks now days and shop in my area since it's very rare to run into anyone I know.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

I did the 'womens' fitting room right before Christmas, I did ask, but the store was virtually empty as it was special 7 AM holiday opening. I do also kinda understand how annoying and creepy men can be so it's easy to see how GG could be uncomfortable seeing me in a more crowded time.

It was indeed a situation where the 'womens' clothing was on a separate floor.

The only issue for me was how I hadn't shopped in person in decades and how addicting it could get.

Oh, and at the end the SA said something along the lines you read here all the time about being happy to take my money, when directing me to a register where he'd ring me up.

[Robertacd]

Roberta makes it sound oh, so easy, doesn't she?

That's because it is that easy. Although we have never met, she and I shop in the same Torrid store and her method and results are identical to mine. I don't mean to shame anyone, but if you have difficulty shopping in person, it's because you're being blocked by your own situation, not by the store.

Thank you for that, I know I can come off rather blunt at times and I do remember when I was afraid to shop for women's clothing. When I think about the time I wasted and all of the opportunities I lost due to nothing more than my own unfounded fears it upsets me. And it upsets me even more me to see people making the exact same mistakes I made, we all made, over and over again.

[Fullerton]

Thank you all for the advice, I’ll try and remember as much as I can when in the shop and know doubt full of nerves about people looking at and judging me.
From checking measurements a 12 or 14 seems to be the size, but as you all pointed out each shop is different.

[suzanne]

Roberta: like you, I remember how insurmountably hard it once seemed to walk into a dress shop and act like a regular customer. So I emphasize with those who still can't do it. The only message I have for them is this: Keep trying, because the end result is worth it.

[Bobbi46]

Fullerton, easy to say this I know but try and relax as much as you can, yes it is a very nervous first time and I struck lucky I suppose, straight away I said it's for me (a skirt) I bought a top as well and went on my way, at home the top was too small, on going back the sales woman was wonderful helped me select another and then told me I could try it on there and then, after that first time I never looked back.
If you can get over that first hurdle the rest of everything will seem so normal and you will wonder how and why you worried in the first place.
Another thing to remember is despite the size of the shop the sales ladies at some time or other have sold things to men knowing it was for them, it will become second nature for you soon! good luck!!

[Girl]

I buy some clothes on-line and some in stores. I generally shop in stores which sell only women's clothes, so I have to use the female changing rooms. I've never had any problems. The staff in the stores are always helpful and friendly. I can remember years ago when I first started to shop, I was very nervous but after a while I got used to it. I'm glad I overcome my initial nervousness because clothes shopping is one of the great joys of life! :)

[Stephanie_V]

Been a while since I posted, but I'll throw my two cents in. I remember when I first started buying Steffie Clothes (as I call it). It was terrifying. All kinds of thoughts ran through my head. But like everything, it gets easier.
Now I'm comfortable doing in. If fact, picked up a nice blouse and sweater (Which I'm wearing now...so warm and soft). Not a care in the world when I was shopping for it.
Just know your sizes, do a quick "hold it up to your body to see what it looks like" and toss it in the cart :)

[Fullerton]

So I brought two tops today, I was a bag of nerves and waited until a dad and son left the sales rack (mix of women’s and children’s) before taking a look. While looking people walked past and no comment or looks and served at the till without issue. It’s been a great step forward.

The Stilettos arrived today that I mail ordered, wow they feel good. It’s going to take some time to learn to walk in them.

[Scheryl_O]

Never had a problem buying clothes in drab. My money spends like anyone else?s so no problem. It takes courage and confidence to get what you want!

[Krisi]

If you're already wearing your wife's clothes, you should know what size you wear.

Since I don't normally walk around town wearing my boobs and hip and butt padding, trying clothes on in the store doesn't work for me. I buy what I think is the right size, take it home, get my boobs and butt on and try it on. If it fits, great. If it doesn't or if it doesn't look good on me, I return it for a refund.

[susan54]

When I shop in drab I am always already wearing at least knickers and tights and often a dress or top and a necklace (with a male jacket and trousers over this). When I go to the fitting room I add the bra and forms and also heels so that I get a good idea of how it looks in the mirror. Quite often I am asked to show the SA how it looks.

[jacques]

hello Fullerton,

I go shopping in guy mode and have worked out some strategies (assuming that you do not want to try the clothes on) -
choose the day and time carefully to avoid bumping into friends.
know your size - you might need to experiment a bit to find the right size (remember they do vary a bit from shop to shop)
buy stretchy clothes
know your preferred style of clothing and select shops that will be appropriate
experiment - buy a few items in the sale so that you get to know the sizing of your preferred shops
be polite and assertive at the shop counter; remember that the shop wants you money so why would the sales team not help you
some of the larger supermarkets (like Tesco, ASDA...) sell clothes - just put you selected item in the trolley with your food and drink
buy from from cheaper shops like Primark - they are always busy and the sales team rushed; but remember that stock turns over fast
try charity shops for you jewelry

hope this helps,
Luv J

[kayegirl]

Fullerton, not sure which part of the UK you are in, but I do most of my shopping either in Leeds city centre, lots of different shops, or at the main Boundary Mills outlet in Colne. I have shopped at both in full femme mode, and also in drab, and have never had a problem using for fitting rooms in either mode. As many have pointed out, don't be furtive or try to hide anything, just smile and own it. And if nothing else it is so much more fun than online shopping.

[Ressie]

buy stretchy clothes

This is what I always look for after learning the hard way. :clap:

[MargaretJ]

Some of the shops I go into don't have anyone monitoring the changing rooms, so I often select the thing I want to buy, put it in the hand basket, with a pair of male trousers or some other item on top, and try it on in the changing rooms. If it fits fine, and I return the male item to the rack.

[JenniferMBlack]

Literally the only issues I have ever had with buying womens clothes is they will have to bring them into the mans fitting room. If that is a deal breaker for you then there might be an issue. Some places have a single use fitting room and you just go into the cubicle to change. Female only stores i also haven't had any problems.

[Fullerton]

Hi All,
I had quite a successful shopping trip, it was more expensive than I had planned there is a lot more verity and choice as a woman.
So I had no issues at all with the shop attendants, in the lingerie store they were really helpful and this really calmed me down and made the whole thing much easier.

Well I'm writing this in my nice new much better fitting new attire.
Thank you all for the kind words of wisdom and support.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

Went to Macy's again, asked to try on a dress or two again and got the OK, even though I know it's supposedly store policy, still felt right to ask. I figure the (mostly fictional) creepos wouldn't ask to go in the fitting rooms in the women's sections.

Since it's my second time this century shopping in person I got brave enough to ask at two stores about some shapewear I was looking for, although both times they seemed to think I was sent on a mission by my woman, didn't correct them to say, no "she" is me.

[Maid_Marion]

If you want skinny jeans you may want to try jeggings, which are either leggings made to look like jeans or jeans made out of stretchy fabric. Either way, jeggings more likely fit.

[docrobbysherry]

I nearly never try on clothes and always shop in man mode. I measure the chest and waist in clothing items. Then, the shoulders and hips r never an issue for me!:battingeyelashes:

I use a cloth tape measure to sort through stuff on the rack. If you have been wearing your wife's clothes you should have a good idea what to measure. Usually the shoulders.

[JenniferWhenCD]

I have shopped dressed as well as male mode. For me i feel much more fun to shop dressed, pick out cloths, use the changing rooms, and see how the items look and fit. I use the changing rooms that match my gender expression. The things I have purchased in male mode are items that I already know my size, such as panties. One exception was trying to find skinny jeans while in male mode; that store had shared changing rooms and the sales associates were very helpful in trying to find women's brands that might fit.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

The dress I bought the other day supposedly 'ran large' if you read the internet and if I hadn't tried it on I'd have had to go back and swap it for a larger size. Last time I fit into one a size smaller, so confirmed the idea that you can't trust sizing.

[lingerieLiz]

Agree with Maid_Marion.
I use a cloth tape measure to sort through stuff on the rack. If you have been wearing your wife's clothes you should have a good idea what to measure. Usually the shoulders.

While I don't usually use a cloth tape, my wife uses one a lot. Both of us know our sizes. We also take things home and try on. We like it because we can take our time. But, we live in an area with a lot of shopping.

[Suranne]

I can only speak for the UK. In theory, it's quite simple, you go in shops, you find what you like, you try it on, if it fits, happy days you buy it, if it doesn't, then you hand it back and try the next thing. The only thing holding you back from doing this is you. Yes, it can be a big thing to get over. It was for me. But now, I'm fine with it. The people in the shops, every shop I go in are fine with it. I don't come anywhere near passing. You're just another person wanting to try something on to see if it fits. As for which changing room to use? Simple, you go in the one that matches how you're dressed, not what you're trying on. These days I only go out and about wearing women's clothes, so natutally, I always use the women's changing rooms. If needs be, if I want my partner to let me know if something is good or not, then I'll even walk out in the shop to see what she thinks. The one thing that we all have to get over is being seen the first time. It's like jumping in cold water, horrid at first but you soon get used to it.

- - - Updated - - -


Agree with Maid_Marion.

While I don't usually use a cloth tape, my wife uses one a lot. Both of us know our sizes. We also take things home and try on. We like it because we can take our time. But, we live in an area with a lot of shopping.

Yes, get to know your size. I can take a skirt from a hanger and just by feeling the width of it I can tell if it will fit or not. Knowing your size is an essential skill to learn.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfqftgwAvlY&feature=emb_logo

Some good advice from these fun women...except I found Macy's has directed me twice to the womens fitting room despite my drab presentation.

[Maid_Marion]

Perhaps they SAs wanted to make it easier to process the clothes you didn't like. Unwanted dresses belong just outside the women's fitting room, not the men's.

[susan54]

I agree with Suranne. In the UK you just go shopping and try on what you want, fully dressed or dressed as a man. Rarely are you required to use the male changing room. There simply is not an issue in our country. We are customers who are treated exactly the same as other customers. SAs comment on your purchase as they would for every other customer. No problems - just go for it.

[HelpMe,Rhonda]

Perhaps they SAs wanted to make it easier to process the clothes you didn't like. Unwanted dresses belong just outside the women's fitting room, not the men's.

Also they're on different floors. Less likely to buy things if you have to keep switching levels every time you want to check a fit.

[Suranne]

When I go into a shop these days, and I'm not only talking about department stores here, favourites of mine at the moment would include the likes of Seasalt, White Stuff, Lands End, Laura Ashley, you know, 'ordinary shops', the reaction that I get to the question, "Can I try this on please?" is always "Yes, certainly."

[Cacique82]

I know my sizes fairly well so I buy tops and panties in big box store w/o trying anything on. Jeans I have tried on at big box. My favorite women?s store is Lane Bryant and I usually order online and pick up but have bought in-store several times. I was once asked if I needed to use the dressing room, must admit I was surprised at the question as I always shop in mens clothes. I politely said no but may next time if I need to. I?m very calm in LB, no one seems to care, once you realize that, it?s easy to shop. I haven?t bought anything from Torrid yet, I hear they are very welcoming.

[Joannie]

The shopping experience is wonderful, savor it. The transition from 'shy and wonder who is watching me' to confident shopper is one you will look back at with joy. The path is not straight but rather filled with twists and turns. You will get the hang of sizing and styles, and even that occasional giggle from an onlooker. Good times, Good times.

[daphne g]

Hi I think a lot of chain shops have a special policy for peeps like us ,I was once in an Evans holding stuff for my misses and a lady came and asked quite casually if I?d like to try them on
And pointed to the changing rooms,she wasn?t being funny or anything

[ClairFlair]

Saleswomen are much more understanding than I ever imagined.

Yesterday, I got dressed as Claire, for the first time this year.

Went to MAC at Belk for lesson in brow makeup. The makeup artist there and I pick a new area each visit to teach me on. Lipstick, foundation, mascare, now brows. Eye shadow next time!!!!

Then to SOMA for a cardigan they had on sale. Then WHBM just to browse, and found an awesome blouse. Used my rewards and "Birthday" coupon, combined with the 40% off sale. only cost me $33!!!

Then feeling brave i sauntered into VS and got a pair of cheeky panties I'd been dying to try.

In a DADT (see's OK with panties, and the occasional nighty) so had to end day and return to drab by 1. But, had fun, was treated insanely kindly. Everyone loved my outfit. Shirtdress, tights, flats, backpack purse. So, all in all, an awesome day. Each trip out I try to add as store.

I do however, call ahead, before going to a new store, just to make sure they're ok. Only store that hasn't welcomed me thus far is Talbot's.

[luuv2dress]

Not sure how far you?re into the journey but I go To a store a lil ways from home, one day I just got to a point where I just finally walked in, talked to an SA and now its easy as 1,2,3. When I go in now , no questions asked except the usual how can we help you. I shop and they walk me into the dressing room area with no issues. They even bring clothes to me at this point to try on.
Nothing worse than oops buys because it doesn?t fit or look the way I imagined it to

[Beverley Sims]

Start at a charity shop first, create a good communication with the assistants and you are on your way.

When you are confident in gong out dressed try some of the other stores.

[Sissy_Michelle]

Fullerton,

Tell your wife. Then you have someone to go shopping with. If you don?t tell her, then sooner or later she will find all these clothes you?re buying. When would you prefer to tell her? When she finds out on her own or when you tell her?

Also, most sales associates don?t mind helping you with trying on clothes as long as you you don?t invite their opinion. Just be polite and choose a time during the day when they are not as busy. Like early morning or late before closing. Or ask them like I did, ?I would like to try on some clothes, when would be a good time when you?re not as busy??. It worked for me.

@?}??
Michelle

[HollyGreene]

I'm also in the UK.
The larger Sainsbury's, Tesco's and Asda all sell clothes. Try them on if necessary, otherwise take them to the self-checkout and you don't have to interact with anyone. (Unless they have a security tag attached).
I also buy a lot of stuff on ebay and choose the Click And Collect option. It's delivered to a selected Sainsbury's or Argos and they text you when it's ready for collection. I usually collect on my way home from work.

[KatieTv]

Amazon locker gets past the wife receiving the delivery. H&M deliver to post office pick up point too.

Returns are pretty easy with both. H&M have some lovely clothes.

[Dee Dee Lee]

I shop regularly in Torrid! Their SAs are something special...welcoming, non judgemental, and helpful!! The plus size clothing is edgy.great variety, and if you buy during sales, their prices are great! I shop enfemme or in drab...I get treated the same! The neat thing is they bring you different sizes to the Dressing Room ..and they put your femme name on the dressing door! 👗👠👡👢🥿