Why do you dress?

[Sienna_cd]

Why do you dress? I know many of us have the urge and maybe have even tried to stop, but why do you prefer panties and other female cloths? My wife can?t understand it, I know for me I like the material and color options. Really the options in general. What is your why?

[MonicaPVD]

Material and color options? Nice. I used to read Playboy for the articles. Sure, there were great long form articles available everywhere, but the ones in Playboy were so good.

[Karren H]

If I knew why then I could probably control it but I have no clue. Just a driving force deep inside that will not go away (or has not over the last 6 decades, except for a few temporary times)

[Fiona_44]

I do not really know and have given up trying to figure out why. All I know is that it makes me happy!

[Georgina]

I love it.

[Diane P]

About all I can say is that it feels, normal, natural and right.

[EmilyShy]

I don't really know tbh. It excites me but not in a sexual way. I have tried and tried to explain it to myself but all I can come up with is It's possibly the taboo aspect of it.

It makes me feel happy, relaxed and pretty. I have always kept this side of me in the closet but recently I want to express myself more openly, part of me just loves the clothing, dresses, skirts, stockings and suspenders lol. Then there is the make up, wigs and high heels. The world just feels better dressed I guess

[GracieRose]

It just feels right to me.

[Teresa.Smith.VA]

Pleasure.

[Denisegurl2]

I enjoy it! I do love all different styles. Dressing just feels right!

[OrdinaryAverageGuy]

Part is the tabboo, no doubt, only way to explain wearing a bra. Part is the feel of the clothes and the comfort, why can't men wear short shorts, skirts, spaghetti straps? Why can't men's shirts be as soft as women's? Part is the look of the clothes, why can't men wear pretty things with cool colors? Or lace? Or fishnets?

Monica, not sure what Playboy has to do with this, but I used to read it cover to cover, and I wouldn't allow myself to open it until I found the bunny on the cover.

[docrobbysherry]

Because I've gotten good at it, it's exciting, a turn on, an outlet for my creative, artistic side, and a wonderful social diversion!:battingeyelashes:

Name something else an 80 y/o man can do that's half as much fun!?:heehee:

But, the main reason is:
I CAN!:devil:

[Maid_Marion]

Hugh Hefner would pay for articles! Authors got a nice paycheck for writing for Playboy. Wouldn't you work really hard to write your best stuff if someone paid what you thought you were worth?

I now have a large collection of women's clothes that fit perfectly. In a wide range of colors and styles to match my mood.
I have more confidence when I'm dressed in nice clothes. More extroverted and more likely to socialize.

Marion

[AnelineM]

I like the way I look in a dress. I like doing my makeup. It makes me happy.

[Crissy 107]

I like it and it is fun to do
My avatar is todays pedicure

[Raychel]

I can't think of a different answer that has not already been given.
I like it it is fun to do.
I like the way I look in a dress
It just feels right
I do not really know and have given up trying to figure it out
Then of course there are the colors, materials and options.
So I guess I would have to say all of the above. lol

[BrendaPDX]

There really isn't a why, just that it is. Not a choice, not a reason, it is just me. Brenda

[Taylor Dame]

I must agree with all the previous responses. It's an urge I can't fight, and it makes me feel wonderful. It just feels right.

[countrygirl]

Why not.

[ShelbyDawn]

I spent years in therapy discussing that very question and a few others.
It finally came down to, because I have a need or compulsion to wear women's clothes.
It helps me relax and feel more myself. What that means is a whole nother conversation.

Also, it's not illegal, doesn't hurt anybody, and is, quite frankly, nobodies business but mine.

[Michelle1955]

It has always been part of me. I have had the internal feelings I was a girl/female since age 5 or before. Over 6 decades, so yes Imcan understand kids being confused, because I was a confused young kid. Over time accepted and learned to manage my feelings.

[Peta1953]

I dress because it seems natural to do so. As a young boy I was always fascinated in what girls and women wore, and wondered why I couldn't dress like them all the time.
Then at about 9-10 years of age, and home by myself, I wandered into my parents room and looked through my mother's underwear drawer. I stripped and put on a bra, suspender belt and panties - all white as they were then - and nude stockings (I had seen my mother clip her stockings on often enough). finally a pair of her modest heel court shoes.
When I looked in the mirror it look so natural on me and I knew I was meant to wear pretty underwear and clothes.
Now, aged 70 I still feel whole when I am dressed.

[mbmeen12]

The first thing I searched your question here, OMG their are 243 pages of research for you. Grab a coffee and enjoy the reading and have wife sit with you to enlighten her. Communication is critical with SO. Good luck🍻

[Richelle423]

If I didn?t dress I?d be running around naked lol. The clothes I wear reflect who I feel deep inside. IMO clothes are just clothes.

[Davina2833]

Crissy,

Love your new colors...

I go today....

Davina

[Jade P]

Feels right and have always felt the need to feel feminine. Love the look and soft and silky textures available.

[alwayshave]

I dress because I always have and always will. I'm not sure why, I have done it since I was 4 or 5 years old. I do love the colors and feel, but I'm not sure I understood this when I was a child.

[sara66]

It's like a drug. Once you start you can't stop.
Sara :)

[GretchenM]

Why do we do this? The full, absolute answer is still somewhat unknown. But a great deal is known about it. Without writing a book about the reasons here please allow me to give you the simple answer.

Everybody is configured differently when it comes to the details of your sense of self, your sense of who and what you are in terms of your social role. It is now known that most people have a brain configuration where the behaviors that are most common for them is the sense of self that is consistent with that generally expected and in accordance with your sex. For most, males behave like males and females behave like females.

But that does not mean they do not have other brain structures that generate behaviors and a sense of self that does not have a component that is more characteristic of those of the opposite sex. But a smaller percentage have an abundance of behavioral neural structures that are characteristic of the opposite sex. It is just a normal variation on the general theme of having various degrees of not only male-like behaviors if a male but also female-like behaviors.

When those opposite gender behaviors are active the person senses some degree of somehow being of the opposite gender. That is true of perhaps 5% of the population. But somewhere around 1% of the population experience feelings that they actually are of the opposite gender almost all the time.

This all develops as a result of both genetic configurations we have and also a lot of adaptation to experiences we have had that are interpreted by our brain to produce opposite gender behaviors.

There are a lot of excellent evolutionary reasons why this blending occurs in humans that produce an ability for males and females to collaborate in social and familial matters. We are successful because males and females can work together toward common goals and that is because we each have a bit of the other in us; some just have more than others. Just plain old natural variation that produces a very positive outcome. Nothing really freakish about it, irrespective of what social and political customs think is the case. To deny that is to block that which has made our species so successful.

It is customary in human cultures for us to wear some kind of clothing or other things that express who we sense we are personally. And if you have a lot of opposite sex neural networks then you tend to naturally express that because that is a major part of who you are as an individual.

But that does not mean you are always fully aware of that configuration. Much of our behavior motivations never reach our consciousness but still occur and have an influence on us.

So there it is - you do it because if fits the fine details of who you are whether you are consciously aware of it or not. It is not really a choice at all but is a natural outcome of how your brain is configured as a result of your inheritance (genetics) and your vast array of experiences that are dealt with in the context of your genetic configuration. Very, very complex subject, but it applies to everyone and is expressed in different ways by each person.

[MarinaTwelve200]

Primarily, I am an ESCAPIST. I dress to "take a vacation away from myself", even if it is but a few hours. I can become "Marina", who is a different person and a woman, so I am escaping both my self and my gender and the the obligations and worries that go along with them,--- I can completely relax and unwind. Stress melts away. And Dressing has it's bonuses too, things that initially got me started around puberty. It turns me on, I enjoy feeling "pretty", I like the clothing and makeup and have another "creative outlet". I discovered the ESCAPIST element some years into my dressing, and now it is the primary "driver" that makes me continue.

I find it fascinating how there are so many "drivers" to dressing with us straight crossdressers. Dressing in Transsexuals and Homosexuals is (Generally) easy to figure out and speculate upon, but straight CDing motives range from complex fetishes, to escapism to "taboo-tripping" to "s/m humiliation" to the challenge of getting away with it, even simply liking the feel of the clothing fabric.---and MORE and several combinations. It gives me all kinds of clues to study in one of my "side hobbies" of figuring out how the brain works. Even "Furries" (people dressing as animals) seem to be related, but having a human vs animal vs male vs female element, with other patterns being similar. Yet another important clue.

[Genifer Teal]

It started as a curiosity. Then it became a challenge. Then I got special attention for it. Now it's just normal. I always say I wasn't "supposed to be" a woman, I'd just rather be a woman.

[Stephanie47]

"Why would a man wear a bra when he has nothing to pack into it?" my wife said just before we had "The Talk. Decades ago I gave up trying to figure the answer out. I did blurt out something to the effect that I was trying to contact my feminine side to which my wife responded, 'When you can have a baby, tell me about your feminine side!" Finally, I said "I do not know why I do what I do!" Does it make any sense that a man would willingly don women's attire and potentially suffer all of society's negativity? No.

So, what effect does dressing have on me? To don a pretty dress affords me the opportunity to escape the pressures of my wife; work (now retired), military inflicted combat related PTSD, stresses of family life. My former PTSD counselor's opinion is each man or woman has some degree of the opposite sex within their dna; in some it is more than others. That seems plausible. It seems at time the maleness dominates; others the female asserted herself. Whether is male or female mode I have always been drawn to expressing myself with colors and prints. Right now I am wearing a knee length dress with a bright floral print in pink, blue and white. It makes me feel at ease and stress free.

[CarlaWestin]

Name something else an 80 y/o man can do that's half as much fun!?
Dolly Parton's personal bra fitter and manager?

[chrissy111]

It just feels right.

[Cheryl T]

Because I feel like me when I do.
It feels almost like a masquerade when I don't.

It took many, many years for me to become comfortable with myself and my dressing. Ever since I was little I was drawn to women's clothing and although society said otherwise it always felt normal to me. Personally I believe it's a genetic thing that's just not understood yet. Yes, I love the fabrics, the colors and patterns, the styles and all that. But mostly it's how I feel when I'm dressed. It feels natural to me.

[BTWimRobin]

Well let's see...

As a kid I always got into my mother's or my aunts' things and I developed a curiosity towards it. Then somewhere during my mate teens I had a girlfriend who liked to dress me up and I was hooked. After we broke up I managed to put the dressing behind me, although the desire never went away. Bye the time I hit my mid 50s my desire to dress came on so strong it was either accept this part of me or go crazy. I decided to embrace my feminine side. I absolutely love this side of me and I'm happiest when I have my girl on.

[Roxxxi]

For me it's simple: I enjoy the process, and if it's something one enjoys and nobody is getting hurt in the process then I have no reason not to do it.

[Debbie Denier]

I love the way it makes me feel. A complete escape and stress relief.

[Britney Summers]

It lets that inner female out to show her self. Thats why I do it.

[NancySue]

I?ve asked myself the same question since age 6, starting after my first experience (nylons). I?m still not sure, but I know it?s permanently within me. It?s so enjoyable and relaxing. Neither my supportive wife or I understand it, but I/we know it?s here to stay. I?ve underdressed for years. Now retired, I dress daily. My wife is very helpful especially with makeup.

[Wendy me]

Simple the reason is because I am two personalities in a shared space if Wendy was not dressed as Wendy than we would all be dressed as a male and Wendy would be a female to male cross dresser and I have enough issues with him doing it

[Jane G]

Why not.

[Jean 103]

It makes me happy.

[SaraLin]

Self-validation?
Giving myself permission to express outwardly what I feel like inside.

[CDMargret]

Why I dress. Life shaping experiences, desires, Lynda Carter, the 80's, fabrics, styles and patterns, deep in my soul hard core passionate feelings, peace to my being, an unexplainable urge a powerful draw as a moth to a flame.

[Aunt Kelly]

This question comes up on the regular. You could almost set your calendar by it.

The short answer is that no one really knows. Credible studies of crossdressers are even more scarce than those done on gender dysphoria.

The somewhat longer answer is that there are several possible reasons. For some, it's a fetish. They get a sexual rush out of it. The fetish thing is not always sexual, though. For some, it's the fabric, color, and texture. For others, it's a form of expression, a way for those who still identify as male to periodically let that feminine side out into the light for a bit.

We do know a few things for certain. The urge will wax and wane over time. The urge will probably never go away. Yes, those with enough willpower can suppress it, but that's not the same as having it disappear, and more importantly, the suppression often has undesirable consequences.

Finally, the old joke is "What's the difference between a crossdresser and a transsexual? About two years." I can say with authority that there is some truth to that. I identified as "just a crossdresser" for decades. I don't know if the "peace" that many crossdressers speak of is the same for all, but for me, if finally made sense when, with the help of my therapist, I put together the rest of the pieces.

[kimdl93]

Why do you dress? I know many of us have the urge and maybe have even tried to stop, but why do you prefer panties and other female cloths? My wife can?t understand it, I know for me I like the material and color options. Really the options in general. What is your why?

Yes, this question has been asked and answered perhaps hundreds of times. I would suggest that there are reasons that we might ascribe to the desire to dress, such as liking the materials, or the styles are more interesting, or that we just adore women so much that we want to be like them. These seem to me rather superficial explanations or justifications. Perhaps we get closer to the truth when we acknowledge an early experience or possibly adolescent sexual association, a positive endorphin response, or for some of us even an enduring sense that we are more or less wired differently, that our brains might be more feminine that masculine.

Unfortunately, these are all speculations that may satisfy some personal need, but are supported by meager and contradictory evidence.

[Teresa.Smith.VA]

If I look hard, I can find men's attire that is solf, colorful, and even somewhat feminine in style, but that's not what women wear.

[jacques]

because I am me!

[krissy]

I feel complete inside. So pretty and soft I cant get enough. its a part of me it cant be denied .till i die i will always dress:daydreaming::daydreaming:

[Jenn A116]

Why do I dress? I've got no better/deeper answer than because I enjoy it. I just love the way I feel when dressed as a woman.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Why do I Dress, It's just who I am And it's Just what I Do, I enjoy it

[Jasmine23]

No idea why, possibly for some escapism to become someone else for awhile. I love the feminine styles and options compared to men's clothing. Wish I knew just an urge deep inside me that I can't really explain, but, makes me feel good

[franlee]

Not being a smarty, but it's something I want to do. It feeds my obsession and results in satisfaction. Basically it's what I do for me.

[DianeT]

Simple. I started dressing as a child to explore the mystery of femininity.
The clothes and female cues just fascinate me. Always have.

[April Rose]

I sometimes feel that it chose me, and that in order to have a comfortable life, I have to accommodate myself to it. My signature line conveys something of the idea.

[Heather76]

The simple answer is I absolutely love dressing in lacey things (bras and panties) and having the sensation of boobs. When I am fully dressed with lipstick, jewelry, and wig in place, I feel so feminine even if I don't look it. The more complex answer is I don't have a clue - I just do.

[sometimes_miss]

It relieves the gender identity dysphoria just enough so that I can feel normal. When I'm in stereotypical male clothing, I feel like I'm wearing a costume, pretending to be something I'm not. While this suggests that I'm transgendered, nothing else about my mind seems to be congruent with a female personality. I don't see the world like women do, I don't see relationships like women do, I don't communicate like women do (men typically use direct speech, women, indirect speech), I have no interest at all in infants and children, no nesting instincts, and if a friend doesn't return my calls, I just assume he's busy, not that I somehow did something to hurt his feelings. I spend hours, days, weeks or months, not speaking with someone without thinking that they are ignoring me. Which leaves me somewhere in the middle limbo of the gender world. While the GID is likely all related to being told that I was really supposed to be a girl throughout most of my childhood, it seems like even though I later learned that was incorrect, believing that during all those developmental years likely 'stuck' in my mind forever, because 60 years later, I still feel like that.
And that's why I sit here wearing a bra, panties, a cute white top and a tartan pleated skirt, with white socks and Mary Jane shoes. And I feel normal like this. OH well.

[JackieD]

This is a Crossdressers only discussion. You have to dress to have these feelings. We or I dress because it feels good. It give me an upward feeling in my day, week, life. I enjoy it, We have to enjoy it, it takes so much time to dress. It actually becomes a way of life. You have to plan your day, week around your dressing.

[docrobbysherry]

Dolly Parton's personal bra fitter and manager?

Nope, Carla! Mine u bigger, better, and more idealistic!:tongueout

[Cheryl T]

I love the clothing and the way I feel when I'm dressed.
I love the fabrics, the colors, the looks I can achieve with wigs and makeup. I love how I feel like the REAL me.

What I don't know is why women don't. Why don't they treat themselves more often. Why don't they relish all the variety they have available in clothing? Changing your shoes changes your look. Put on a different wig length or color. Why don't they have fun with all that is theirs?
If they don't want it, I'll take it.

[tbryant2k16]

I don't know why, but have found myself more comfortable wearing female clothes. Maybe it's the fabric?

I have also come to wonder 'Why are clothes gendered?'. Why is it men can only wear these certain types of clothes that someone decided to be manly. Yet, many of the clothes we wear were once considered male or unisex. I'm now of the belief, in the 21st century, we should be allowed to wear whatever we are comfortable with.

[Leslie Mary S]

I, just like the OP dress because I like the feel of the materials on my body. I do fortify my appearance with a well filled bra. It makes the clothes that come for my frame, fit better.
As for the makeup, nails, and wigs, I do that because I like the look.

[Melinda Jean]

I have been dressing since I was a young teen. I would babysit for my parents friends and that in of itself presented ample opportunities. That 's not to say I wasn't curious before that. As others have said, my mother's and sister's wardrobe provided opportunities too. Now that I'm in my 60's and divorced for several years and living alone, dressing for me is above all a way to relieve stress. Don't get me wrong, I love the feel of every thing from bras and panties to long flowing gowns and high heels, but the calmness I slip into when I dress is indescribable.

[BustyOlivia]

For me, I started wearing my moms heels when I was 5. Little did I know Olivia was making her first appearance. I didn?t know til late in life that there are two parts of me. I need my Olivia time and look forward to whenever that can be!

[Stephanie Michelle]

I dress because it just feels right. I have never figured out why I do it. That doesn't matter. Same as why do you like women and not men? Why are you left handed not right handed? Its part of my personality, DNA, or whatever you think it to be. No one knows.

[susann_gardener]

I dress because it just feels right. Love the curves I make, the tight feelof certain garments, the soft feel of other garments.

[Diana black]

I dress because I feel natural, comfortable and complete when I am dressed up.

[Cantcatchabreak]

My why is simple. I enjoy the feeling I get while wearing any of it. The softness of the material on my skin give me goosebumps at times. Also the simple fact that according to society I'm not supposed to be wearing it makes it that much more desirable for me. The taboo aspect is so very exciting and thrilling. And it doesn't have to be a sexual turn on either.

[Jane G]

I simply feel more right, more natural, when I am dressed.

[Mackem Sue]

I just feel better about myself dressed as a woman rather than a man. It feels yummy.

Sue

[Christina89]

I dress cause I enjoy the feeling of the fabric on my body. And it also helps me feel more relaxed and less stressed.

[Leslie Mary S]

I am like Christina 89.

[Natalie5004]

If you like it, have the ability to do so, why not?

I love getting fully dolled up. I think for me it is the full makeup I do that really transforms me into a woman. Not just the clothes.

[Jessica Secret]

My love of beautiful/romantic lingerie, there is *nothing* like it. I can't describe the feeling of taking a hot bubble bath and slipping into beautiful lingerie at bedtime, best feeling in the world and is even better given I have someone to wear it for (boyfriend).

[Elizabeth Marie]

Since I identify as transgender, dressing as a woman helps the outside look like I feel, and allows others to see and interact with me as a woman.