Knievelcat :neocat_evil: (@knievelcat)

@knievelcat@amazonawaws.com

As someone that has not much experience with shopping and has only browsed categories like "male L" for sizes in the past, how do I know the correct size for me when buying more feminine clothing? Is there some guide I can follow for figuring out the correct sizes for me?

Nika @Quz@tech.lgbt

Infodump

@knievelcat

If you feel really lazy, a rule of thumb I have heard is "One size larger than what you would buy currently", but that does not work well at all.

Its way better to get yourself a measuring tape (any hobby store or I could borrow you one) and measure yourself properly.

Its definitifly not super easy, but if you make an account on freesewing.eu they have a handy guide to make your own measurement set with pictures where you need to measure. You'll probably find the guidelines elsewhere as well tho.

Now, after you have those, you can go look online at a piece of clothing, and they will generally have a chart hidden somewhere, saying what range their size for this piece of clothing fits.

If you are on the edge of that, it is advised to try both or look at the larger one.

If you dont feel comfortable yet going to clothing stores in the womens section alone yet, I am sure we can get together a squad to support you. Cause in the end, trying on is best.

Nika @Quz@tech.lgbt

re: Infodump, Dysphoria mentioned

@knievelcat

Also, when you buy anything for the upper body, "womens clothing" generally expects boobs, which means that with a flat chest, the neckline can sit very awkwardly and show of much of your chest, and also fit ill otherwise.

Therefore, if possible, try on Upper Body Pieces on and try to buy Sporty or otherwise slightly stretchy clothing with very high necklines/rounded necklines, if that could be an issue.

Generally, Second Hand Stores and Clothing Exchanges will be your friend (and your enemy, cause you'll never find anything). Cause you will change your style over time, so buying new is expensive and not a great idea.

Also personal tip, dont go hyperfemme immidiately, it can be a very dysphoric experience.

Nika @Quz@tech.lgbt

re: Infodump

@knievelcat

Oh also, if you shop online and you are unsure if the Fabric is Stretchy and they dont explicitly mention it. Look out if the Material Composition is mentioning Lycra, Elastan or Spandex.

Technically Latex and Rubber are also Stretchy, but well...

Lyn

@fugi@amazonawaws.com

re: Potentially Inaccurate Infodump

@Quz @knievelcat seconded :)
I usually try looking for a product-specific measures table and take my measurements with a tape measure. Alternatively you could use some non stretchy string or cable and a folding rule for example. If in doubt, trying it on is best, e.g. by ordering multiple sizes and keeping the one that fits, if not going shopping in person.
With time I got a rough feeling about what sizes fit me, but it's also sometimes so different throughout different products that I still check almost each time.