Trying on clothes in shops.

[Emma1984]

I'm a man who loves to wear female clothes. I want to know if there is any reason that I could not try on clothes in the shop. I would be careful to avoid women only shops where there are obviously women only changing rooms. I would go to one of the large chains which have changing rooms for anyone to use. If I picked out some women's clothes and took them to the changing room to try them on (with the intention of buying if they fitted) would I be breaking any laws. After all they are just clothes and I can't see any difference between me trying a dress on and a woman trying it on.

I have decided recently that I want to live as a woman but because I am early in my transition, I still do not 'pass'.

[wolf63]

I don't think that you would be breaking any laws, but is it worth all the potential problems? Buy the stuff and take it back if it doesn't fit - or buy on-line.

You are still male so do you try the stuff on in the mens changing rooms (do guys try clothes on?) and if you go to the womens you might find that the women feel intimidated by you being there.

Good luck whatever happens.

[spudqueen]

Have you tried these shops?

http://www.northernconcord.org.uk/class_2.htm# Clothes

[Hellion]

I would say on line shopping would be best option - La Redoute do larger sizes and some shoes up to size 45!

Also try the smaller one off boutiques type shops, you get much better service and they would probably be able to spend more time with a customer like yourself - and most independant shops are grateful for the opportunity of the business, also may be able to order things specially.
Oh and a lot of Beauty salons will advise on make up etc

Good Luck

[Sherry1]

Why not take a female friend with you? I think the only problem you would have is with narrow minded people making you feel uncomfortable
x

[tingirl]

I used to work in a vintage shop in London and we had a few regular gentlemen who had a soft spot for trying on women's clothes - we did our best to make them feel comfortable. I don't see why you could be breaking any laws.

[Miss Inquiry]

When I was about 15 I used to work as a Saturday girl in TKMaxx. When I had my initial training on the fitting room we were advised what to do in this sitaution, simply state "Men to the Left, Women to the right" and then you could make up your own mind, it saved anyone any embarassment. I was amazed how many times I actually had to say it. The bigger stores do have huge communal changing rooms, but the male and female sections are normally on different floors, I'd say Sherry1 has an excellent suggestion, take a female friend along and no one will bat an eyelid.
Happy Shopping x

[1 inaMIllion]

Many of my acquaintances who are in the same position as you prefer to use online/mail-order and favour http://www.formint.co.uk for online or Freepost BH352, Bournemouth BH9 3BR for a catalogue. The Big Little Black Dress is a favourite at the moment and considered reasonable at �28.50.

[wolf63]

Nothing to do with clothes. But if you are going to start living as a female you should try laser hair removal (if you haven't already tried it). It is very painful initially but gets better. I am female with a hormone imbalance and my face and neck was really hairy. It really upset me.

I am glad that all the answers to your question have been positive and helful. That is quite refreshing.

Good luck

Susan

[lady_p_gold]

In case you haven't heard of them this is a good site

http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk/

[maggie01]

Why not just buy them through Mail Order.

[Emma1984]

Thanks everyone for your answers. While I know that the obvious way to buy is via mail order, it doesn't meet my need. Firstly, I need to know that the clothes I'm buying fit me and not have the hassle of returning them. Secondly, I'm sure that most of you real girls/women love to take armfulls of clothes in to the changing room and try everything on. Well I'm no different. The suggestion of a female friend is not really suitable as I don't have anyone that close and trusted (yet). I think that I'll just have to bite the bullett as they say and go and try some clothes on in a shop.

[wolf63]

I am a "real woman" and I hate shopping, but I agree with your point. For many women chocolate and shopping are essential parts of being female.

Once any hormone treatment kicks in and you notice your body changing you might feel more relaxed about it.

Good luck.

[proudmary]

Hi, You wouldn't be breaking any laws, I have a small shop and have several male customers who love to come in and try the ladies clothes on, especially the shoes which I order in. I agree with the post by Hellion, the smaller retailers will enjoy helping you down your path. Good luck and God bless.