How to fit in

[Dana Michelle]

I have trouble fitting into women's clothes. I recently ordered a couple women's jackets online (one XL and one XXL, separate brands/styles) and when I tried them on they felt very tight on my armpits. It's probably because of the difference between masculine and feminine shoulder widths. I got some sweatshirt style zip-up jackets that fit fine, but I wish I could have something else for when I feel like another style, and in particular when I'd like or need something more formal.

 

I have no experience sewing so I don't know if I should try to modify the jackets I bought to fit better. I know there is a thread where people talk about modifying male clothes into female clothes but has anyone tried modifying female clothes to fit better?

 

[Sally Stone]

Dana,

 

You are right about the difference in shoulder width between men and women, but I have been lucky finding feminine tops and jackets that are actually wider through the shoulders.  The problem is the only way to know if the dimensions are going to work for you is to try them on.  I have a couple of "boyfriend" jackets that have more room through the chest and shoulders than a traditional female cut jacket, you might want to try a "boyfriend" cut to see if it works for you.  Tops are pretty much hit and miss, but I have found many that match my male dimensions fairly well.  You just have to be willing to shop for and try on a lot of different styles.

 

Good luck,

 

Sally

[Jackie C.]

Sally's got it right. Different brands fit differently. Trade secret: Female clothes don't precisely fit cis-girls either. There's just too much variation in how women are put together. Fortunately, that works in our favor. I'm generally a 2X top and a 16 bottom, but I still have to try stuff on. Trying stuff on is fantastic though so that's really a plus.

 

If you have really wide shoulders, try for things that are designed to be shapeless and comfy. Also, my shoulders are wider than I'd like, but I find tank tops to be really flattering on me. A nice tank and a sweater or a sweatshirt and I'm good to go. I have a lovely shapeless blue sweatshirt I'm wearing over a 2X boys tee right now. Perhaps not my most feminine presentation, but I feel like myself.

 

Well pants. I also wear pants. Obviously right?

 

Hugs!

[NB Adult]

I wear man's medium T shirts and women's large tops, but women's medium tank tops and size 10-S jeans, sometimes

12-S depending on the brand. I know there is a disparity in sizing between women's clothing manufacturers and brands. 

[ShawnaLeigh]

As stated. I am finding out that every single piece of clothing and shoes I have to try on.  I have no idea what my size is as it varied so much from brand to brand.  
I understand that not easy when your only shopping is online and maybe secretive.  If that how you prefer yo shop then it’s trial and error.  
For me it was a lot of error and wasted money way back when I was not out.  I now try everything on n then shop for it online to get a better price.  Mostly.