Another case of definition of a single word versus explanation using complete sentences and paragraphs. Cross dressing by definition is wearing the clothing designed for the opposite sex. If that definition is applied, then under dressing should be considered cross dressing. However, this forum's participants covers a wide range of humans born with male equipment.
I would concur, if a man is wearing the clothing designed for a woman under his male attire, he is, for a lack of a better term, under dressing. Until I found this site I had worn on occasion a woman's nylon panty under my male attire. If that were to be the entire scope of my desires would most people characterize me as a cross dresser? Or, a fetish dresser? I did try the full blown under dressing; bra, panty, camisole, hosiery (pantyhose and garter girdle/stockings). There was no attempt to deceive others around me into thinking I was a woman. That seems to be a big part of the definition of cross dressing; the act to deceive a person who sees me. However, there are adherents who make no attempt to deceive and intentionally present as a "man in a dress."
What of a transgender woman; a person born with male equipment, yet identifies as a woman? When I was a kid growing up in the 1950's and 1960's it seems the only term used was transsexual. If a transwoman is wearing the attire designed for a cis woman, is that person a cross dressing, even though the general population passing her in the street will only see the vestiges of a male? In that case I'd say she is not a cross dresser.
