Why are women's clothes so much better?

[Alice]

We're just asking you to perhaps look inside yourselves to determine your deeper reasons for CDing. Is it really because women's clothing is more varied/colorful/comfortable, or is it because it is women's clothing, period, and this makes you feel prettier and sexier.

This is very interesting, as I think it highlights the fact that people often do the same thing for different reasons. In my case the few article's of women's clothing I am able to keep hidden are not particularly more colorful than my male wardrobe, and are made of lower quality materials for sure. I guess for me it's about being able to express myself in different ways and experience some freedom from the pressure of the traditional male gender role; a combination of truthfulness and escapism. I'd be interested to hear others' reasons for CDing, and to see if enjoying the sensory elements of women's clothing is a primary motivation or one of many contributing factors.

Megan_Renee, thank you for starting this very interesting discussion. This is the reason I enjoy this community, being able to gain insight into the perspectives of others.

[Foxglove]

We're just asking you to perhaps look inside yourselves to determine your deeper reasons for CDing. Is it really because women's clothing is more varied/colorful/comfortable,

NO! NO! NO!

or is it because it is women's clothing, period, and this makes you feel prettier and sexier.

YES! YES! YES!

And all those "manskirts" you gave the link to, who'd want to dress like that? They still look like men. And who'd want to look like a man when he could look like a woman? Oh, right: there are still a few guys around who prefer to look like guys. I'd forgotten about them.

But this idea that we should try to persuade more guys to wear skirts so that it would be more acceptable for us to wear skirts: I think it's a lost cause. And I don't see any purpose in it. Because if they did get into skirts, it would be "manskirts", so those of us who want to look feminine would still be seen as freaks.

No, in the end, I think the only solution is for society in general simply to accept that TG people are TG people. I think that's scheduled for 3 PM (GMT) on Sunday. I've got some champagne on ice already.

Annabelle

[Megan_Renee]

Megan, don't confuse a lively discussion for getting all wound up!

I think it's really good to talk about this, don't you?

You're right... I was just looking for an excuse to hug... {{hug}} (giggle)

[kimmyg]

Megan
I definitely agree with u.
I also just luv the way that they feel.
Kimmyg

[DonnaT]

This is my perception of why Women's clothing is so much better. What do you all think?

Because the clothes just make me feel right.

The first items I wore were a white peasant blouse and a long black skirt. Nothing sexy or eye appealing about them. They just felt 'right', or I just felt 'right', after I had them on.

[Vanessa5]

I'm with Donna. The clothes just feel right with me. They are in line with who I am inside.

[natacsha]

Hi Megan! This is one of those kinda threads that keep me thinking for a while after I read it. I would love to quote so many people here but I can't. I think most people are on the same page but as everyone is different, it is interesting to see the contrast. There certainly is no rong or wright answer. Overall, I tend to agree mainly with the notion that girls demand more attention and are more driven to get it.

Yep, men do not want the choice. Those that do then need to deal with being the exceptions to the norm. !

This makes perfect sense to me. When I shop for clothes, I look at a lot of things that I would love to wear as a guy but i don't want the attention that comes with it (exception to the norm). It's easy being a guy...but it does get in the way of my feminine tendencies. And since I'm not gay, I do like guys but I looove girls and that isn't goin anywhere. so I am forced to stay away from certain male clothes I like because it'll scare away all my fishies lol xoxox

I'm with Jenniferathome. The truth is, women's clothing are better because they are feminine and CDers get a kick out of presenting themselves in a feminine manner. It makes you feel pretty, which in turn makes you feel sexy.

Hi Reine! I love reading your posts. Your insight is priceless and it's really cool how understanding you are. the quoted text is what I used to think before I realized that it wasn't so much the clothing as it was the feeling of being feminine that made me feel sexy. The clothes make me feel pretty but I don't need them to feel sexy. they help but not completely necessary. I'm not sure why it's like that for me but that's how it's always been. When i first started dressing, I realized nearly instantly that girl clothes express my body and body language better than mens clothes. XoXo

As for myself, I have a trim body, and long legs. Why the heck should I hide that under ill fitting, baggy pants, (or even well fitting but still featureless pants?) Why can I not show them off under some nylons, and a skirt.

I feel the exact same way Pythos! I'm a short thin guy at 5"6, and with a cruel world behind it, I didn't always fit in....Buuut...BUUUTTTT.......I turned a negative into a positive because I justify it by knowing that I am able to live another part of my life that is very accepting of my height! That, and as a male, it's also made me a much stronger person cause I had something to prove to the male species..so I was forced to try harder and be the best I could be, always. XOXO :D

[Ally 2112]

It is simple for me i do not care .I just like womens clothes better .When im dressed as a girl i feel better and i am thankful i can dress the way i can .It is my ying to my yang i shall live with it

[ReineD]

Because the clothes just make me feel right.

The first items I wore were a white peasant blouse and a long black skirt. Nothing sexy or eye appealing about them. They just felt 'right', or I just felt 'right', after I had them on.

Then would you say that the clothes make you feel more feminine (compared to wearing your guy clothes)? I suppose that one can feel feminine without necessarily feeling pretty or sexy. I feel feminine when I just wear my blue jeans and a soft sweater. I feel pretty when I've just washed my hair, put on some makeup, and have on a pretty dress. I feel sexy ... well, I won't tell you what I wear when I feel sexy. :p

Feeling comfortable or feeling right, however, is a bit unclear. A comfortable bed is comfortable and it feels right. lol So are sheepskin slippers and a soft, fleecy blanket. Or when I'm in my SO's arms. That feels right, like I belong there.

... to take it further then, when you and others say you 'feel right' does this mean that your appearance as women (even if the outfit is not particularly pretty or sexy), is more in line with who you feel you are internally?

[Frédérique]

This is my perception of why Women's clothing is so much better. What do you all think?

[SIZE="2"]The variety of women’s clothing is definitely attractive, not to mention the colors (forbidden colors for males), the delicate fabrics, and the tactile sensations therein. With that in mind, what do YOU think about women who turn away from this embarrassment of riches? From my humble viewpoint, as a MtF crossdresser, I engage in fetishistic worship of even the most mundane female garment, but I would – my choices (as a male) are so limited, and dressing up is seen as some kind of exercise in flamboyance these days, regardless of what gender you may be. Nearly everybody is drab, so it’s only natural that I seek to break out of this casual constriction in a BIG way. The “wrong” clothes become right under these curious circumstances...

I wonder what a woman thinks about what she is expected to wear in the arena of social and emotional competition. Would she rather not be so colorful, or so revealing, or so vulnerable? Just like I wish to be less masculine, in appearance and feeling, perhaps SHE wants to be much less feminine and not draw attention to herself. Back when I was dating, I had a girlfriend who expected me to dress a certain way, so I did – she certainly did her part in this age-old gender play, wearing all sorts of feminine clothing to offset my male “look.” However, as soon as we were out of each other’s sight, we reverted to drab, and the interesting clothes were put away...

Are women’s’ clothes “better?” Yes, but consider the source! I used to accompany my girlfriend as she shopped for women’s clothes, and she was quite impressed at how patient (and interested) I was! It was just like being in a candy store...
[/SIZE]

[ReineD]

[SIZE="2"]With that in mind, what do YOU think about women who turn away from this embarrassment of riches?

I wonder what a woman thinks about what she is expected to wear in the arena of social and emotional competition. Would she rather not be so colorful, or so revealing, or so vulnerable? Just like I wish to be less masculine, in appearance and feeling, perhaps SHE wants to be much less feminine and not draw attention to herself.[/SIZE]

When in Rome.

I wear mostly blue or black jeans unless I'm dressing for a special event. During the summer I wear cooler skirts (blue jean or twill), with sandals or flip flops. I dress like this because I have an aversion to over dressing for the circumstances. I live in a small town where people do not dress up. When I go to a nice restaurant I enjoy wearing a pretty dress. We just don't go to such places all that often, and I would feel awkward dressing up to go to the grocery store.

I was more fashionable when I lived in a larger city and worked in an office, but everyone else was too. When I go to a black tie fundraising gala (the last time I went was seven years ago), I wear a long gown.

It's relative.

[Eryn]

...And SOCKS! OMG! You've got so many different varieties of socks, I don't know where to start!

I was having exactly that same thought today at Kohl's. I was looking for "no-show" athletic socks to fit my size 11 (women's) feet. The normal socks of that size are marked that they will fit shoe sizes 6-10, and they are being very optimistic about the 10. Every once in a long while I can find Gold Toe "no-show" socks in a larger size for women, but only in white. Now, it sounds ironic, but I want my no-show socks in lively colors, particularly around the ankle where they do show. The regular size no-shows come in a rainbow of colors. The larger no-shows...white.

So, I have a epiphany. What do GGs who wear my size do? They must go over to the men's department! They make no-show socks for men! Unfortunately, they are available in twice as many colors as large no-shows for women. White and black.

While I was in the men's sock department I cast my gaze upon an entire wall of socks. The thing that struck me was that you can get any color you desire as long is it is white, black, gray, or brown Green or blue are possible too, but only in the darkest of shades. I thought "I should take a picture for the forum" but I didn't. Instead I went back over to the women's side where Mimi was picking out some lovely pastel leggings in bright blue and salmon. Yes, I was depressed.

Right. And unless it is a super well constructed bra that fits to a tee, no one can tell me that bras are more comfortable than wearing none at all. Or girdles, control top pantyhose, and any number of constraining items. Exciting for CDers? Absolutely. But comfortable? :p

Reine, you're absolutely correct, but I think that a lot of CDers are fairly realistic about that. I like my bras because they give me a nice feminine look, but enjoy wearing them? I'm not that crazy. It feels very good when it comes off! Most other women's clothes are also more difficult to wear. No matter how wonderful wearing a full skirt feels, you have to keep track of where it is lest you step on your own hem, close it in car doors, etc. You have to make sure that your cute "off the shoulder" top doesn't get too far off the shoulder. And shoes? Heels are obviously less than comfortable, but even shoes like sandals are less comfortable in their female form. Men's shoes are shaped to fit their feet functionally, women's shoes are works of art that you hope that your foot will fit into.

Despite this, women persist in wearing these things. Why? For the same reason that CDers like to wear them, they're fun and even a bit of a challenge!

Now, there are exceptions to this. My women's Levi's fit better and are more comfortable than men's Levis. I find certain women's panties to be more supportive and comfortable than jockey shorts. However, these are the exceptions.

[Wildaboutheels]

I am sticking with my original answer. Because they "have to" have more variety and selection, in order to "hopfefully ENHANCE" their appearance to/FOR men. More styles, colors, cuts, textures, etc. offers them a greater chance or opportunity of "looking better". A greater CHANCE of being approached especially if she is among other women. Approached simply because of the "packaging". Of course as we all know [???] what she/anyone chooses to wear on the outside might have ZERO to do with what is on the inside - personality, brains etc. The IMPORTANT stuff.

An illustratiom of this might be 10 women who all work together daily to all agree for whatever reason to meet later that night for dinner. They cannot bring anyone with them. It's just a girl's thing. I don't think it would matter where they meet. BUT if 5 girls are married and 5 have no SO...

I believe [JMO of course] most adults over the age of 20 witnessing all 10 women together would be able to accurately predict which women were "availabe" and which were married simply because of how the women dressed.

[Xrys]

As I review my previous post, and think more deeply on the true question asked, I have reached an interesting insight. The reason I prefer female clothing is this. Female clothing is designed to accentuate parts of the female body I wish I had been born with. They show off the hourglass figure that I have secretly envied since I was in middleschool. My previous rant was my venting years of frustration at mens clothing because it was the clothes I was forced to wear. There is a wonderfull variety of color and patterns in mens clothing. It has been there all along, but I never noticed it because I just didn't care about it. What was the point of careing about an appearance that was just a shallow disguize to fit in anyway. That is how I really felt. I am only now begining to realize this. There is nothing wrong with men's clothing. There is nothing "better" about womans clothing. I just like one over the other because while one is the symbol of my past, the other is a symbol of my future. For me the future is much more attractive than my past.

sorry for rambleing on again
Xrys

[CarolineM]

This is my perception of why Women's clothing is so much better. What do you all think?

I was chatting to a friend about this the other night, trying to explain exactly why I cross dressed.

I'm not sure I concluded anything, but...

1. Women have all the fun clothes! Corsets, petticoats, things in their hair, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, heels, tights/stockings, makeup, cocktail dresses, ballgowns ... everything as impracticable as possible, but just designed to make you feel great.

2. Just a desire to be pretty, which men's clothes don't really help with. I don't know if I'll ever be described as pretty, but dressing the right way makes me feel like I could be. Just need to work on the face now

xxx

Caroline

[joanna4]

Women's clothing have a wider material selection, where it can be elegant or sexy. Not to mention they are more open to a wider range of colors.

[PretzelGirl]

In relation to the part of the discussion about women's clothes having more color. I think that is more of a choice and it depends on the person. As someone who started dressing later in life, I find the change in my own guy dressing interesting.

I was strictly a blue and earth tone color person. My hair was cut short and conservative and I wore only a wedding ring and a watch. Now that I have progressed with my dressing and have a general comfort level in guy mode, I have my hair long and may or may not wear it in a pony tail. My ears are pierced and along with my watch, I wear rings, a bracelet, and a necklace. My shirts are now more colorful to include bright colors like yellow and orange that I would never touch before.

So there are ways that you can express yourself as a guy. Probably what holds most back is not wanting to have anyone question them so they dress to fit with the general flow of their social group. I know I used to try my best to go unnoticed, but it isn't all it is cracked up to be.

[Beverley Sims]

I don't think female clothes are better, they just make me look better.

[DonnaT]

Then would you say that the clothes make you feel more feminine (compared to wearing your guy clothes)?
... to take it further then, when you and others say you 'feel right' does this mean that your appearance as women (even if the outfit is not particularly pretty or sexy), is more in line with who you feel you are internally?

No, I don't feel feminine. Nor do I feel like a woman internally.

I have no urge to look like a woman, even though I do dress fully when out, usually, but not all the time.

The urge is all about the clothes satisfying the unexplainable trans characteristic.

[Foxglove]

Then would you say that the clothes make you feel more feminine (compared to wearing your guy clothes)?

... to take it further then, when you and others say you 'feel right' does this mean that your appearance as women (even if the outfit is not particularly pretty or sexy), is more in line with who you feel you are internally?

Yes, I myself would go along with all of this.

[ReineD]

No, I don't feel feminine. Nor do I feel like a woman internally.

I have no urge to look like a woman, even though I do dress fully when out, usually, but not all the time.

The urge is all about the clothes satisfying the unexplainable trans characteristic.

I am curious. If you have no urge to look like a woman, why do you go through pains to look like one? You look very feminine in your avatar. Your hair is beautifully styled, your makeup is impeccable, and your jewelry is lovely. I'm not trying to be argumentative, it's just that I don't understand the difference between what you say and what I see.

There have been CDers who have said they feel they need to appear as women in public because they feel the stigma is too severe against men who present as men wearing feminine clothing. I can understand this, and it makes sense such CDers would present as women in public but would only put on the clothes at home with nothing else: no wigs, forms, makeup, etc. But, this forum is not the mainstream. Why do you present an avatar here that does not look like who you feel you are?

[DonnaT]

My wife once asked why I need to wear a wig and makeup, and I told her that I didn't need to, and would be perfectly happy wearing a skirt out and about. She said, "not with me you won't!"

There's a difference between an inner urge to crossdress and an urge to look like a woman. I don't have the urge to look like a woman.

My wife does not like for me to be out and about without the wig and makeup, and it was she who gave me my first wig. She does not like me wearing them when at home however.

It's been easier over the years to dress fully enfemme, rather than look like a man in a dress, when out and about. But I have been out in a skirt without the wig, and had no problems.

I do look better with the wig and makeup, and my wife doesn't have to worry so much that I will be recognized, especially online, compared to not wearing the wig and makeup.

Plus, I like the way I look, it's just I don't "need" to present this look in the same manner as I "need" to crossdress.

[ReineD]

Plus, I like the way I look, it's just I don't "need" to present this look in the same manner as I "need" to crossdress.

I see. Well, thanks for the explanation!

[Sophistic8d_grl]

Again, Frédérique, I applaud your insight and candor! I am also one fortunate to have been in more than one relationship with a gal where I was able and comfortable to share this aspect of my life. Before they learned of my interests, they were surprised at my desire to shop and the taste I exhibited when helping select items. It is through my adoration of women and my zeal when observing them (both in person and in media) that I find my pwn personal motivation. I share your feelings in regards to the textures, fabrics and colors; so much so that I long ago have broadened my drab wardrobe. I believe I am much the better person for it~

[StarrOfDelite]

Clothes have two primary functions: First to protect us from the elements so we neither freeze nor fry from exposure of our hairless skin to sun, rain, wind and weather, and second, to disguise the manifest ways in which our bodies differ from whatever is the currently popular idea of perfection.

There are plenty of items of men's clothing out there that are fabulously stylish. They are also fabulously expensive, and worn by only a small percentage of males in the upper ten percentile of taxable income.

American male fashion is divided along socio-economic lines. Most men work at blue collar jobs or retail clerk type positions, which don't require much more than a pair of jeans and a shirt. A dressy outfit for most men is a pair of khakis, a shirt with actual buttons, and a necktie, but no jacket. For shame, America!

Most American men have no idea about how a piece of good male clothing looks or feels. They'd prefer to sneer at the "Suits" who are the Bad Guys oppressing the common man in his baggy Levis. Instead they should go to the high end rack at Brooks Brothers (or a Polo store) and check out a really good suit, how soft and see how sensual a good English wool fabric is, and how subtle and beautiful the tailoring is. They should check out a B2 shirt and silk tie, or even better a Gieves & Hawke challis wool tie. Beautiful, but costing about $175 unfortunately. American males for the most part think that a pair of overprice Air Jordans is a "fashion statement." And, maybe they should check out how different a pair of good shoes, e.g. Allen Edmonds, is from a pair of Nikes from Vietnam.

Sadly, most males are afraid of ridicule from their peers. I double-dang guarantee you that if one of his chums tells a male that his new shirt/pants/shoes/whatever make him look Gay he'll never wear that item of clothing again.

On the other hand, maybe it's just white homophobic men who act like this, a lot of African-American men dress superbly and don't worry about such nonsense. I think Stephen A. Smith (ESPN NBA analyst) is a horse's patoot, but I admire his suits, shirts and ties!

We are social creatures, not quite herd animals but close, and that makes us extremely susceptible to manipulation by mass media advertising. I'm not much into the idea that women's clothes are desirable just because they're "women's" clothes. There are plenty of looks which are just plain ugly, and those include skirt/dress looks from the vintage era of the 40's/50's and 60's as well as Capri pants and thong sandals from the present day. I can remember what the 17 y.o. girls looked like in their crinoline and flared prom dresses in the 60's, and it wasn't a great scene at all. And, I've seen enough "mutton trying to look like lamb" outfits to make me wince, we've all seen the 55 y.o. 5'9", 235 pound linebacker lookalikes who insist on wearing leather miniskirts and long platinum blonde wigs. That wouldn't be stylish on a genetic woman, let alone on a CD.