Who's dressing more as they get older?

[megan163]

I've been dressing for about 47 of my 60 years and idk why but just the last couple years I've been going out frequently in public. I always thought my dressing would taper off as the years went by but it seems the opposite is happening. Maybe it's the don't give a f* attitude we get as we age but I've definitely been pushing the limits. And the best thing is I've found so many wonderful accepting women out there. I have a friend now at one of the shops I regularly go both in drab and in femme and she is amazingly supportive. She recognized my trans look having only seen me in male mode before but she was actually very complimentary and said she wouldn't have made me if I hadn't went out of my way to say hi. But she told me I had a nice figure and my makeup was good but needed a better wig styling. I haven't posted on this site in a long time but I may share some photos later. But would like to hear if other "veteran CDs" have also gotten braver with age and what have been some of your experiences.

[Toni in nz]

I've been dressing properly since I was around 20 but sort of don't know why but started trying on my sisters clothes when I was about 7, I don't know why but it felt I should be wearing girls clothes but anyway back to your question, I figured with the help of comments from other people on this site that it's the way I am, so alot older now I do dress more at 64yr old.
It's not that I have gotten braver it's the way I am, and have had the talk and couldn't explain to my wife why but did say it's not going away, she is awesomely understanding.
When we first got together I told her I was into dressing in women's clothes especially pantyhose and underwear, I said I don't know why but it's the way I am.

[Kris Burton]

Well, I didn't even begin to crossdress until I was 69 years old - about two years ago. As a younger person the thought never even crossed my mind. My female alter ego emerged a few weeks after trying on my first pantyhose and heels. It seems to me like both the impulse and the persona were always there, waiting for the proper moment to emerge. With the acceptance and support of my wife Kris has flourished and shows no signs of ebbing as I grow older.

[Helen_Highwater]

Count me in on this. I do think there are other forces at play here mainly the introduction of the Internet and forums like this one that have opened up the world of CD'ing to many of us who until then were pretty much isolated.

Gaining access to online shopping allowed me to have my own clothes and not rely on poorly fitting things snatched from the charity bag, especially true of footwear.

Being able to find support groups and meet others from our community just heightened my awareness of what was possible.

Also, society has changed. Here in the UK you could go to prison right up to the late 60's in England, mid 80's in Scotland and N Ireland for being gay. Greater acceptance has lead to greater freedoms and while it's not yet a perfect world, it's a lot better than it was and our experiences here show the strides made.

But yes, there is the f%^& it factor. The, if I don't do it now it'll be to late so crack on and make the most of the time left.

[Sabine7]

I have been crossdressing for more than 4 decades. Initially, I was doing that occasionally only. Now, I do several time a week for 3-5 hours. I used to do because my inner femininity won the long war on my masculinity eventually. I try to be en-femme whenever possible, just keeping up appearances for the external world.

[CharlotteCD]

A lot when I was 4-6
Not much between 6 and 12
Constantly between 13 and 18
Barely at all between 19 and 28
Constantly between 28 and 32
Barely at all since 32

[Vintage4sarah]

An interesting thread that makes me now reflect on my journey. I don't think it is dressing more, but dressing better with each adventure allowing me to savour the experience better. In other words, I would say it is "quality over quantity". It started long ago during decade of my teens but disappeared for several decades due to family, career and other responsibilities. My desire to dress would reemerge around the time I turned 47 and it has evolved into who I am today. Going out with friends and sharing social times with other Tgirls and friends is my prime activity. I no longer dress by myself at home. The evolution is more much getting it right from make-up to appropriate dress, to being confident that I can more fully be the woman of my dreams. In other words, I don't go out more; I go out better and enjoy myself more.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Megan :hugs:, That is the great thing about getting older, I have so much more free Time, >Orchid**O:daydreaming:O**

[kimdl93]

Definitely.

[Jillcder]

My desire to dress in womens clothing has definitely increased with age. Last month I dressed 24/7 for a week while my wife was on a girls trip if it was up to me I would dress every day all day.

[bridget thronton]

Dressing more often - but not going out any more often

[ReallyLauren]

I'm definitely dressing more as I get older as well as going out more. I'm not exactly sure why but I'm thinking factors like being more comfortable with my authentic gender identity, the thought that I'm only here for a short time, changing societal attitudes and the desire to makeup for things I have missed living in my forced identity are all part of it. The trigger for my dressing more was working with a psychologist (going on 10 years ago now) who helped me get past the shame and guilt I carried for many years. This allowed me to accept myself more and open myself to the vulnerability of being my authentic feminine self.

[Gillian Gigs]

A definite yes to this question. After coming to my wife, my on occasional routine increased with my new found freedom. This led to going full time underdressing about 25 years ago. As my libido started to decrease, my desire to dress in more apparel increased. Now, I dress regularly, wearing a skirt and hosiery over my lingerie. My tactile senses have always loved the feel of nylon, or silk against my skin.

[Vikky]

I am definitely dressing more as I grow older. There are various factors involved:
? the internet
? More disposable income
? Online access to make purchases
? Retirement and more time
? Children leaving home, so more space and less likelihood of intrusion
? A feeling if I don?t do it now, will I ever.
I first had feelings about crossdressing from about 6 years old and it grew into puberty. Put it aside for many years, but now I am in my late seventies and have been active crossdressing for about 12 years. Good days.
Vikky

[Raychel]

I absolutely dress more often, I was thinking that the dressing would fade off as I got older
But I am finding that everyday I dress at least some. Certainly every night I dress
Almost every morning I get dressed for a while. Depending on if I have to go out that day
the dressing is an all day thing if I am just staying home.
I only go out dressed in guy mode. But if my truck is in the driveways, you can bet Raychel is here

[Debbie Denier]

The desire to dress more often has grown as i have got older.The opportunities have reduced. Due to 2 daughters still at home. This being my 60th year.

[StephanieLake]

Wow, it's nice to know I'm not the only one!

I under dressed for about 5 years before meeting my wife. When it got serious, I threw it all away. Fast forward 28 years and it came out that I like wearing panties. Over the las two years, I have moved on to dresses a women's pants and tops. Lately, as seen in a couple of my posts, I'm now dabbling in makeup and thinking about wigs.

I'll be 65 this year and have decided I don't care what other people think of how I dress. Except my wife. She is still struggling with some of it, like my desire to go out dressed. So I only do that when she is not around. If I could have my way, I would only wear womens clothing 24/7.

Don't know it's age, but there it is.

[Stephanie47]

In the beginning my dressing was limited to "bedroom play." Then, it was a little "kink" with several nighties and hosiery until it wasn't. After the introduction of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" my dressing time was limited to Sunday mornings when my wife worked as a nursery attendant at a church and took our preschooler and toddler along. When both kids were old enough to be in school and my wife worked part-time I would take off a "therapy" day from work. Fast forward to the time when both kids were totally out of the house and my wife worked a full day and I was retired. It was an entire day of "June Cleaver" homemaker. When my wife visited our daughter out of state or a cousin in the southwest, it was 24/7 for seven to ten days. It was great! Then my wife fully retired and it all came crashing down. The only time I am comfortable is sleeping in a nightie and pecking away on the keyboard in the morning before my wife gets up. Right now I am attired in a Croft & Barrow midi-length dress with bra, panty and full slip; no wig.

[Bea_]

I tried on a couple of my wife's things over the first 35 years of our marriage but it was just curiosity and that curiosity was satisfied after a few minutes and I moved on. But, in my mid-fifties, i tried on a pair of her lace panties and actually liked what I saw and what I felt and not just on a sexual level (although it felt really sexy). It took a few months to work up the courage to tell my wife that i wanted to wear panties and she was surprised and confused but not horrified. She was the one who bought my first selection of panties and worked as my cover when we shopped (and still does at times). At that point I really hadn't considered anything but panties... but then i found this site...

My dressing more as I get older is a very real thing, but it's mostly because I'd never even considered it for decades. For the last fifteen or so years i've tried to throttle my dressing to accommodate my wife, but I'm retired now and, after a couple of years of therapy and soul searching, I get up virtually every day and pick something from my femme closet. I dress more as I've gotten older because I have more privacy and I look back and see that I didn't get any more affirmation in drab. I met minimum standards, but I just don't have any memories of getting compliments for my taste before and got a fair amount of criticism that still stings. So now I just feel stronger in being assertive than I ever did trying to meet some elusive masculine standard.

[Jane G]

You got me tagged. Not that I go out. Could never pass in public and that matters to me. But I have so much more time since I retired and I'm making the most of it.

[Cheryl T]

Most assuredly I dress more now than ever.
I think it's a combination of things. First, I care less about the opinions of others and more about being myself and enjoying life. Second, I retired, then Covid sheltered us in place for so long. I spent most of Covid (2020-2021) nearly full time so I've become so comfortable in my own skin. Even now I'm probably spending 80+% of my time dressed and only go drab for family functions as they are unaware and for certain activities such as yard work and messy things as I don't have any female clothing that I consider expendable for those occasions.

[docrobbysherry]

Megan, I think you're onto something! Trans tend to dress more as they age in my experience.:battingeyelashes:

However, I dress much less now than when I began dressing about 30 years ago. I used to often just throw on a few items when I came home from work. But now, I dress all the way or not at all!:straightface:

But, maybe you lot here just aren't old enuff yet? I started dressing at 50 and am 80 now. When u get to be my age u trans may either dress all the time or u CD's mite dress less?:heehee:

[Tracey T]

I've been dressing for about 47 of my 60 years and idk why but just the last couple years I've been going out frequently in public. I always thought my dressing would taper off as the years went by but it seems the opposite is happening. Maybe it's the don't give a f* attitude we get as we age but I've definitely been pushing the limits. And the best thing is I've found so many wonderful accepting women out there. I have a friend now at one of the shops I regularly go both in drab and in femme and she is amazingly supportive. She recognized my trans look having only seen me in male mode before but she was actually very complimentary and said she wouldn't have made me if I hadn't went out of my way to say hi. But she told me I had a nice figure and my makeup was good but needed a better wig styling. I haven't posted on this site in a long time but I may share some photos later. But would like to hear if other "veteran CDs" have also gotten braver with age and what have been some of your experiences.

Good evening Megan163
I am 57 years old, started crossdressing when I was 8 and I am with you... I am doing it more and more as I get older. I thought I would stop and I am still 'in the closet' but still love to put on makeup, bra, panties and a skirt or dress. Probably I will never stop. I never have gone to a bar or public setting dressed, that would require going out with many other friends plus I need to work more on making myself a little more girly.

[DanielleDubois]

I have been able to dress more frequently as I have aged but there is no deep pyschological reason behind it. It is simply a case of logistics. The kids moved out and I retired so there were more Danielle day opportunities. It used to be a Danielle day was once or twice a year and now it is about every two weeks and sometimes there is the opportunity for mutiple Danielle days close together. It has also helped that my wife has become more accepting and supportive over the years so there no longer is the secrecy about a Danielle day which used to exist.

[JulieC]

I don't know if I'm desiring to dress more as I grow older. It's a very interesting question though!

I've long had to repress the desire to dress because of children at home. My wife has known about my crossdressing from before we were married, and is supportive. Right now, we're temporarily child free. I've been dressing fully for about two weeks now whenever we are at home, and underdressing a fair bit when we're not. The desire to dress has been strong for quite some time now, and despite all the dressing I've been doing, it's remaining strong. In fact, I think maybe it's gotten stronger in these two weeks. There's a part of me that wonders if maybe I've had enough for now. But, then I get dressed and that thought just gets tossed out.

All of this has been a slow evolution over the years. I suspect in retirement that I may be dressing the vast majority of the time. But, is it age related? I don't know. It might be opportunity related.

[Heather76]

Since I didn't begin cross dressing until just shy of age 75, I can honestly say I've been dressing more as I get older. Sorry for this post but I just couldn't resist. But it gives me an idea for another thread.

[megan163]

It's so wonderful to hear everyone's story. A big part of why I feel more comfortable going out dressed is knowing there's so many of us in this community. And yes, with society accepting, I don't feel weird about it anymore .Now, I don't get scared and avoid contact when out dressed. Women especially have been really sweet in giving advice. While I wish I had felt this way when I was younger, I'm loving the moment. Thanks to all for sharing!

[WandaRae2009]

I can support that. The urge seemed to get stronger that needed to be satisfied. Now that I work from home the opportunity to dress is almost every day, and my closet is now overflowing.

[Freddi]

Definitely dress more than 20yrs ago and have much more femme clothing. I'm not sure its more often but certainly more effort goes into it now....when I first got into it properly its was maybe just a nightie or stockings...usually an old item of my wifes....now its a dress or skirt & blouse with stockings,panties,bra and nearly always make-up. Only ever been out in the car....or in our garden....we live in the middle of nowhere so no one to see me apart from my wife.....she's the only one who know(as far as I know.lol) and is supportive....altho she has suggested maybe the only other person who would be easier to talk to is a friend who's transitioning now.....not that I want to transition....but only if I feel the need to talk to someone else but her......at this time I don't.

[LaSirenaBella]

I?m 55 and it?s starting to look that way.

[Doven]

high everyone early retirment left me fretime to exploer crosdressing dont have to worryabout job iff found out more time to shop gave me more time to exsplor weather ben wet in north california i live 2miles inland thankyou opertunitys hear Doven

[Aliceunderwire]

Sure is true as I get older. I?ll wear some womenswear every day.
Alice

[TheHiddenMe]

Yes, I'm dressing more. Reasons?

1. I'm retired, so I have more time. One kid is out of the house (the other is still living with us, but he's nocturnal), so less obstacles.

The side benefit of retirement is losing weight from being more active AND not being tempted by junk at work, so I've lost 40 pounds. I feel cuter in size 14 than size 18.

2. Society has become a lot more tolerant; it's less of a risk now (not physical risk, just the emotional risk).

3. As I get older, my WTF quotient has gone up exponentially. I don't have a job, so I don't have to worry about losing it. And once I got out, I made friends so I have more reasons to get out.

[Genifer Teal]

I'm not sure more is a fair qualifier. It has changed. Not going out every weekend like in my thirties. That has little to do with dressing. Every day life has been taken over by my girl side. That is sunbathing that came with age and wisdom.

[Angela Marie]

Definitely dressing more; especially since I began seeing a therapist for my gender dysphoria.

[NancySue]

Absolutely! Actually, ever since my retirement and appreciation to my wonderful wife, I?m dressed to some degree daily, sometimes more, sometimes less, depends on my mood, but the freedom to wear what I want, when I want is irreplaceable. That includes makeup.

[Natalie5004]

That is a very good question. My experience is yes I do.

I dabbled in Cding when I was a kid with my 3 older sisters clothes. I always had some access to something when I got married at 23.

But, as I got older, like 60 it came on strong. I was amazed how I looked when I figured out make up and developed my look.

I really think for me the trigger was a drop in Testosterone as I aged. Working from home also give me plenty of Me Time. My wife knows I dress at home 2 or 3x a week while she is at work. I also will dress on a weekend day if I am really feeling the need, not very often though.

I asked her this morning about her struggle putting on pantyhose. She asked me how I do it. I told her I do it the same way. She told me that I must be more flexible than she thought. Cross Dressing is becoming less of an issue in her mind and that is good.

Did anyone ever notice as people age men and women start kind of looking the same? I do. So, why not tip the barrel on the girl side and doll up if you are looking more female anyway?

[Melinda Jean]

I do dress more as I have aged. My circumstances are very similar to other comments made here. The main reason is my living situation has changed as I have aged. I have been divorced for six years or so. I have been an empty-nester for probably the same time period.

I have been CDing since I was a teenager, and alas, that gave limited opportunities to dress. Even as I grew older, it was difficult, if only because I was scared to death to go to a store to buy shoes and clothing and Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet!

The 70's and 80's were definitely hostile territory if you cross-dressed, at least where I lived.

I didn't get married until my 30's and had several children during that time. I was ultra in-the-closet! I had extremely limited opportunities to dress.

When my living situation changed, I had the freedom to dress when I wanted, and I still do to this very day. Some days it may just be a dress and heels, or panties and a bra. Others times I do full makeup and dress to the nines. Just depends on how I feel that day!

As I've stated before, I do not go out in public for the simple reason that I would never pass even though deep down wish I could. I also live in a small town and would get recognized immediately. I guess I will have to be satisfied that I can be me in the privacy of my own home.

[Melody Rich]

I've been dressing for about 47 of my 60 years and idk why but just the last couple years I've been going out frequently in public. I always thought my dressing would taper off as the years went by but it seems the opposite is happening. Maybe it's the don't give a f* attitude we get as we age but I've definitely been pushing the limits. And the best thing is I've found so many wonderful accepting women out there. I have a friend now at one of the shops I regularly go both in drab and in femme and she is amazingly supportive. She recognized my trans look having only seen me in male mode before but she was actually very complimentary and said she wouldn't have made me if I hadn't went out of my way to say hi. But she told me I had a nice figure and my makeup was good but needed a better wig styling. I haven't posted on this site in a long time but I may share some photos later. But would like to hear if other "veteran CDs" have also gotten braver with age and what have been some of your experiences.

I find the older I get, the less I care what others think. I only wish I had felt this way when I was younger.

[Andrea1964]

I too am dressing more as I get older. I find myself wearing female trousers and blouses now in public as they are very similar to male clothes, but do try to wear skirts and dresses at home. I've also started to wear a bra most of the time. As many others have said I think, retirement, a fabulous understanding wife, the acceptance of my needs and the wellbeing it gives me, the knowledge it hurts no-one, and my so what mindset all help.:)

[Tabitha Storm]

I have had my ears pierced and definately keep myself in a ready to dress mode more than ever now that I am older

[Bruce64]

I add a few more items to wear, I just add a boyfriend shirt from Hanro

[Karren H]

The desire to dress more often has grown as i have got older.The opportunities have reduced.

Ditto! I would like to dress more too.

[Doven]

that is very true snice retired i cant stop crosdresing all day all night

[Deborah G]

Definitely dressing more these days; more than just opportunity, my desire to do so is so much more. But perhaps one leads to the other? Never the less, I'm enjoying it immensely!

[Erin Lafleur]

I definitely dress more since becoming an empty nester, no need to hide my clothes, wigs, makeup etc.
Plus, I definitely enjoy being feminine as much as possible. Feel as though I'm making up for lost time and that is very satisfying.

[steffigirl37]

I too have been dressing more. I have also been getting a little bolder in my purchases. Just today I walked into a JC Penny?s and bought a dress I have been admiring online for the past two weeks. Trying to decide whether to order it and have it shipped home or to a store, I found a store that had in stock and simply went in, found it and paid for it. Can?t wait to put it on.

[Sabine7]

I have been CDing in a different way for decades but I changed my habits and motivation in recent years. I am almost 60 now.
I do it to appreciate my femininity itself and for self-accomplishment.
I used to buy and wear regular female clothes rather than those arousing.

[Adelina]

My urge to dress and also my urge to transition gets much stronger with age. Unfortunately, my life and my body make it much more difficult.

[KimmieRobins]

Much more the last few years. Sometimes regretting that I didn?t do more when I was younger and prettier-but I didn?t, so working with what I am with the time I have left.

I am so much happier now.

[alwayshave]

I definitely dress more than I did when I was younger. The reason being is I have accepted it's who I am rather than fighting it.

[BrendaPDX]

I wish I could say yes, but I have not dressed in so long it worries me. Happy for the rest of you, just waiting for that feeling again.

[Jade P]

Yes I have accepted and love my gender fluidity and am dressing more. I do not present as feminine in public but am dressing more in my home. I feel the need more and more as time goes by.

[countrygirl]

Definitely getting more dressing in as I age. I believe it because I realize that there is a short amount of time on this earth and being Amanda makes me happy. I really don't care what others think.

[il.dso]

Such a profound and relevant question.
I always thought my passion, obsession and fascination would decrease with age.
So it's been a major major surprise that the opposite has happened and crossdressing is now such a major and important part of my life.
I really don't fully understand the phenomenon but now it's somehow part of the process/experience of growing older...

[susan2010]

No doubt. As I’ve gotten older there is a real “ who cares what they think” attitude. I feel I can go to a park or the supermarket wearing a skirt and not care who is bothered by me. And now that I’m living alone ( divorce and children grown up) I can wear what I like almost everyday and night. The neighbors have all seen me in a dress, and seem to be okay with it.

[Marcea Grace]

I can't wait to start dressing in public. I have been a CD since I was a small child. Always wearing panties and hose under my clothes. My wives new I was dressing but at home only. I moved alone after retirement 6 years ago and, now, I'm ready to walk out. I'm actually thinking of moving to a city nearby to get away from the conservative haters here.

[Glenda58]

I'm 76 and I dress everyday but not so my wife knows. Bras and panties everyday tee shirts sweaters sweatshirts jeans and shoes. If I'm going out with my wife I'll wear dress slacks and a tank top under my shirt. And it's a women's shirt

[mayarose]

I've long wanted to dress most my life but was too terrified of being caught. Now that I'm separated I've got started and I find it frustrating when I can't dress such as this week where the children are off school and we're away. At home I wear panties all the time and a camisole moat evenings under my male clothing the children are used to. I don't dare here as I'm sure my parents would notice the unexpected lines.

[OrdinaryAverageGuy]

As I get older I seem to care less if someone notices that what I'm wearing might be from the wrong side of the store. I don't get "all dolled up" or even remotely try to pass as many of you do, but skirts and camisoles around the house and yard are common (and I've been caught a few times), and leggings and yoga shorts are a standard that any houseguest has to deal with.

Life is short. Put on a skirt.

[RachelB.]

I dress more now than ever. One reason is I retired a couple of years ago and have more time. Another is I am not worn out from work all the time. When we retired we moved to a home on acreage so I don't have neighbors very close. I don't really care if they see me but it is nice to have a little privacy. I don't hide at home, I can be seen working in the yard, garden or puttering around my shop daily. I may have on leggings or shorts and a top while mowing. If I am just playing around with the flowers or garden I may have on a sundress. I own very few men's clothes but I do own lots of clothing that is not really gender specific. We go out to eat often and I am usually dressed nice including wig, make up and jewelry. Some of our favorite restaurants recognize me when we come in. So, yes I am dressing more than ever and loving it.

[JoyceAnn]

Same here. Fewer f*s to give as I get older. Also, I am more accepting of my true self and more willing to explore my alternate persona.

[Satin-luva]

I have always loved satin, I find myself now wearing a satin nightie, camisole or some cute pj's every night to bed.
As soon as I finish work and get home, I'm dressing in something soft.
This is the 1st time I have ever spoken publicly about my dressing, it has always been very private, but find as I get older, I'm feeling the need to find like-minded friends.
As I type I am waiting for a delivery of some new satin pj's and a chemise, can't wait.

[JulieC]

Welcome Satin-luva! You are amongst like-minded friends here!!!

[Andrea Renea]

For me it's probably more about being retired than my age.

But the two go hand in hand. I have a lot more time now.

[AllisonBrook]

pretty mucj everynight after work. as soon as dog is walked and I've been neiborly, I shower shave and dress.

[Kitty S]

For me it?s not really age but opportunity. I live remotely on acreage with no neighbors in sight. I can dress every day.