How to make yourself nervous in one step

[Emma England]

The title is referring to arranging a bra fitting.

I have just phoned my local Marks & Spencer (which is the biggest lingerie seller in the UK) to enquire about having a fitting done.

Took me a while to gain the courage to even make the call in the first place!

Was told no appointments are necessary. There are 2 fitters every hour.

I explained that I was male and whether there would be problems. (Did I actually admit this?!! :eek:)

Sandra (the lady on the phone) said no problems. I would just have to use either the female or male changing rooms, depending on how I was dressed.

What does that mean? What if I am wearing jeans and a blouse and makeup.
Is that classed as female (or just a cute guy)?

Oh I shall wear a bra with forms (which I know the bra is the wrong size, but at least a fitter will have something to measure!).

I have time to shop in the mornings. Between 10am or 11am is ideal for me.
During midweek, this might be a quiet time as far as other customers are concerned.

If I am fitted correctly, I shall buy a few matching bra and panty sets.
Which is the idea of a free professional fitting from the stores point of view.

The next step of being nervous, is to walk up to the desk in the lingerie department and ask to be fitted for a bra!

Can I do it?

Normally, I am quite confident in most areas of life, but having a bra fitting is something that I have never experienced.

[Donna Marie]

Wow - go for it!! I only wish I had your courage. Tell us all about it when you get home. I really need to do this cuz I have a drawer full of bras that are not quite the right fit. Some that are labeled a B cup have wrinkly cups indicating they are too big. Others are too tight in the band. Seems like whatever I buy is never just right.

[Dasein9]

Sandra (the lady on the phone) said no problems. I would just have to use either the female or male changing rooms, depending on how I was dressed.

What does that mean? What if I am wearing jeans and a blouse and makeup.
Is that classed as female (or just a cute guy)?

Good for you!!! :D


May I suggest asking when you arrive, and perhaps couching it in a way that is considerate of others? That way, you've shown a willingness to be accommodating, and that usually means they'll be accommodating back. So, something like, "Dressed this way, am I likely to make any other ladies in the dressing room uncomfortable?" That ends up putting the pressure on them to make you comfortable, in a weird way. ;)

[susie evans]

wonce you get over the inchell shock you will be fine the first time i went the creative women in the us i was petrified but after i learned for my self that i was not the first our the last person to do this i was ok but still apprencive about it you will be glad you did in the end :hugs:

susie

[Mitch23]

Of course you can Emma,

love

Mitch

[Shelly Preston]

Hi Emma

You could call ahead of time in the morning and they should be ble to tell you who is on duty

This wil mean you can go to the desk and ask to see someone specific

They will then be expecting your arrival and will know why you are there so you wont have to ask in front of other customers

I am sure the SA will be as discrete as possible

[Dixie]

You'll be fine!! We got your back!

[JoAnnDallas]

I explained that I was male and whether there would be problems. (Did I actually admit this?!! )

Sandra (the lady on the phone) said no problems. I would just have to use either the female or male changing rooms, depending on how I was dressed.


Sounds like they are very CD friendly, since they said depending on how your dressed which changing room you can use.

[Wendrme]

I have had a couple of bra fittings over the years. Once at a store which specialized in foundation garments and swimsuits, and once in a shop which specialized in lingerie, especially, bridal corsets and bras.
I have found that the women who work there are the most courteous and understanding of all sales people I have come in contact with.
Each time I have called ahead to be sure that they have no problem with fitting a man. Naturally not, was the reply.
It is such a thrill to push open the door of the shop and walk right up to the counter and say that I would like to be fitted for a bra.
In both cases a private room was used. The fitter had me take off my male top and precisely took measurements for bras and waist measurements and hip measurements in case I would be interested in girdles and corsets. (Her suggestion)
After taking the measurements she talked with me for awhile about what look and feel I was thinking of for myself. She said she thought she had a good idea of what I wanted. She then went out, leaving me standing on a little platform, about 10" high, in front of a three sided mirror. It is a weird feeling knowing that a woman you have never met before is out there picking out bras for you to try on.
She came back in the room about eight minutes later with an assistant, carrying several boxes and many filmy and lacey items on hangers. The assistant smiled at me and started to open boxes. She took a garment out of a box and handed it to the fitter. The fitter looked at it and at me and motioned for me to extend my arms. She went behind me, I could see her in the mirror which I was facing, and reached around me, placing the bra over my extended arms and bringing it back to encase my body. Quickly and efficently I felt the her hook the bra in the back. Immediately she was at my front, adjusting straps and arranging flesh in conjunction with taut silk. I was mesmerized. Thanks to her measurements and knowledge, what little tits I had, had become quite good looking inside the perfectly postioned bra. I was putty in the master's hands. She took the time to try 10 differents types of bras on me, until we decided which four were the best for me. I wore the longline home under my male shirt. And I had three little pink packages to carry as trophies. I made a date with her to come back and try on girdles and corsets and swimwear. She got a good customer. And I got treated as a Lady.

[Kieron Andrew]

go dressed en femme with forms in so that bra fits right, you have already told them that you are a crossdresser by saying you are man that wants a bra fitting, failing that you could go in guy mode but wearing a bra and forms.....i know plenty that have done this........Marks and spencers seriously wont bat an eyelid.......they are well known for Transwomen and men going to buy things there! and they are definitely well used to trans girls having bra fittings and dressing services, ive been a few times to accompany a few girls

[Emma England]

Just letting you know an update of my progress.

I know many have viewed this post, but not many responses - never mind.

I wore a white blouse with jeans. Also had a bra on with forms.
Makeup as well, as that always makes me feel more confident.

Went into M&S (this is on a Wednesday morning at about 10.30).

Browsed the lingerie section. Partly due to trying to gain courage to ask! But also, no point in getting fitted if they do not have anything I like! Their lingerie has never disappointed me over the years though.

Went to the pay counter, and asked for a bra fitting. The woman took me to this other woman who then had to look at her appointment book.

When I phoned a couple of days ago, I was told that no appointment was necessary. Apparently they are busy though. Maybe the woman on the phone was not aware of arrangements made in this book.

The woman with the appointment diary asked when I would like to come in. Could have been as early as Friday morning, but I can not make it. So Tuesday morning next week it is.

She treated me the same as any other customer. Quite courteous.
Not sure whether she recognised me as male, even though our eyes were looking at each other. I think I am good at applying mascara and eyeshadow anyway.

I asked how long it would take. She said about 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour, depending on how easy it is to fit me.

All I had to do next was say my name, so that she could write it in her diary.

I am actually looking forward to it.

[Carla4Guage]

Please let us know how the second meeting goes! Sounds like you are off to a great start and will have a good experience.

[Emma England]

I went to M&S this morning for a fitting.

Was asked to use the mens changing rooms "because of the way I was dressed". I was dressed in a blouse, jeans, a light summer jacket, trainers, had makeup on, was wearing a bra with forms. I guess that I did not pass as far as this saleswoman was concerned :sad:

Going past all the racks with guys suits actually made me feel uneasy somehow.

The only cubicle which was suitable was the disabled one - much larger so was better.

The sa (Sandra, the same one on the phone last week I think) did not measure at all! She said the best way was to try several on, because their clothes are made in different countries. No wonder clothes sizing is so complicated!

She had a look at the bra that I was wearing, and said the band is too loose (which I know anyway).

She then went back downstairs to pick up a range of bras in a 34c, 34d.
I tried on each one whilst she waited on the other side of the curtain. When I was ready, I let her back in to see how a bra would fit.

Found out that my current size is 34d. I would have guessed 34c beforehand.

I handed all the bras she gave me, put my own one back on and got dressed.

Then browsed through the lingerie department, but didn't find one bra that I liked. This is unusual, as most of my undies are from this store.

The only success I had was to find the right size. Think I would have preferred the trial and error method myself.

----------------

Store number 2, Debenhams. Known for being welcoming to all including transgendered. Much better! :thumbsup:

Browsed first - there was quite a choice! Then asked a young sa for a bra fitting. She took me to the fitting specialist (Alison). She led me to the changing rooms in the lingerie section :love:
I did not have an appointment, and there were a couple of gg's around (who were so mesmerised in their shopping to even notice me).

Alison asked me to remove my top, before measuring me with a tape measure for the band size. 34, maybe 32.

She then asked me whether I wanted any particular style. This is where the fun started in a strange way. I said about the Presence range, but Alison was obviously confused, because she kept bringing bras that were different to what I said - didn't like some of them anyway. In the end, I put my clothes back on, and led her to the ones I had seen whilst browsing (that would be the quickest way!). Now I can try the 3 that I liked.

She let me try each one on in private before coming in to assess. One wasn't suitable, one in a size 32dd was a struggle to fasten, two in a 34d was perfect. One nylon in beige with floral lace top edging, one mainly cotton in white with floral lace top, and floral pattern over the cups with a centre bow. Also bought matching panties for the white bra. They didnt have any for the beige bra in my size, otherwise I would have bought them.

Oh, whilst in the fitting rooms I asked (to confirm) whether it would be ok to buy bras, and take them home to try on. Alison said that it would be better to try them on at the store. That would save time I guess, also there would be an advisor available to check the fit.

Alison gave me her card and said to call her whenever I need help again.
I really meant it when I said thank you.

I was made to feel welcome here. There is a difference between a sa just doing their job to be seen as professional, and one who actually wants to help a customer find clothes that are suitable for them.

I realise that this is a long post (computer logged me out after typing it!), so if you are still here then thanks for reading.

The only problem now is what to do with all the 36b bras that I have.
I only have two 34d bras which fit much better. Guess I'll just have to buy some more now.

[bethw]

Hi Emma;
You're a brave girl. The second sa sounds like she knew her stuff. I'm glad you found the right size. I'll go for a fitting some day, when I work up the courage like you did.
I'm proud of you.(and envious.
hugs:hugs:
Beth