Body and Dress Style
Page 1 (links verified 1/17/11)

As I said in the beginning, I am no expert. So in that light, I want to ensure you have more than just me on which to base decisions. This page is a compilation of links that provide answers about what style of clothing goes with which kind of body. Not everyone is a clothes horse and so we all need some instruction to get us started in the right direction. We all need to know the basics about what kinds of clothes (e.g., dresses, pants, colors, etc.) will probably work with how our bodies are made (e.g., short, fat, flat-chested, etc.). Included, as I find them, will be links providing glossaries of terms just because it helps to know what we're talking about *smile* The links follow in no particular order.

Things Explained

Davita in frumpy denim romper
  • Dress Components Explained
    This site relates to bridal gowns, but still it has good information. "On your first visit to a bridal-gown shop, you'll feel like the sales people are speaking a foreign language. So be prepared. Our handy translator demystifies all the strange terms from trains to waistlines, necklines and more."
     
  • Style Guide with Glossary
    This information is from Alfred Angelo, a gown designer. It provides a few sketches where "Houston" doesn't.
     
  • Glossary of Terms
    A to Z glossary of dress parts, materials, terminology, etc.
     
  • The Body Shape Style Guide
    "This is a guide for those of you who want to look bigger or thinner, taller or shorter. Clothes should ideally accentuate and enhance what you already have, so remember that we love you the way you are and recommend that you do the same."
     
  • Bras For Men - A Basic Guide To Bras
    "Many men love to wear bras, but quickly become confused when confronted with the plethora of bras that are available on the market today. There are a wide range of terms and types of bra that can be a bit befuddling. That's why I've prepared this simple guide to walk you through the more common types of bra, and give you a few pointers on which might be best for you."
  • Getting A Good Fit
    "A good fitter will measure you when you come in to make sure you are wearing the right size bra. The fit of the bra is extremely important in supporting the prosthesis and holding it snugly against the chest wall. Bras will last an average of 4 to 6 months before they need to be replaced. If the bra is too loose or stretched, the prosthesis will sag and feel much heavier. If the bra is too tight, the prosthesis will be visible and the band will be very uncomfortable."

    Although this site does relate to women who have had surgery, some of us just lack that first step. A proper fitting bra makes all the difference in comfort and believe me it relieves one major worry. I know you worry about bra straps slipping and possibly letting their captives escape. *smile*

  • Bras For Men - How To Get A Bra That Fits
    "Many men love wearing bras, but find that getting one to fit is quite a hassle. Don't worry guys, women have the same problem."
     
  • Will Vanity Fair Bras Fit You?
    "Vanity Fair strives to understand the specific needs of every woman. With their profound reach VF Co. has the unique capability to deliver variety, style, and quality like no other."
     
  • Vanity Fair -- Find Your Size (Bra)
    "The better the fit, the better the look. Follow ... steps to find your perfect fit..."
     
  • Vegetarian Shoes Size Converter
    International Shoe Size Conversion Charts
    International Women's Shoe Size Conversion
    SHOE SIZE CONVERSION CHART
    Who knows who has the best conversion chart so here's a few.
     
  • DiscoveryHealth - aging changes in body shape
    "As an individual ages, his or her body shape gradually changes. This is a normal part of aging." I think we girls need to realize we change and there is not too much we can do about some of it. The nice thing is that as we get older, it gets easier for us to pass.

Fixes for Your Shape

  • corsetted lady with tummy Long Island Staylace Association
    This is a sister site to my favorite Pettipond so I know it is full of good stuff. "The LONG ISLAND STAYLACE ASSOCIATION is an advocate group that promotes the concept that there is little more erotically artistic than women clad in what is popularly known as 'Victorian' corsetry." It so happens that they have a great resource list and, yes, men avail themselves of the shaping a corset can give them. I did.

    By the way, I picked the picture on the right from Staylace to illustrate a point. A corset is not a girdle. You do not get rid of tummies with a corset.

  • Classic Curves
    "Hello - Welcome to Classic Curves International, the world's leading custom made body-enhancer company for crossdressing. All of our garments are custom fitted for the end user. We are tgirl specialists, and help each client one at a time." Is there anyone out there in the TG community who has not heard about Classic Curves?
     
  • Decollete Enhancement
    Now I don't normally do any endorsing, but I trust Georgia's opinion. She says, "I am sending this message to you as you asked, for the purpose of recommending a company called Decollete Enhancement which sells, among other products for TGs, a brand of breast forms called 'Pals.' I first encountered this company from a winning bid on eBay for a pair of the 'teardrop' shaped Pals. There are other dealers for this product and I have to say honestly that I don't know anything about them. However, since I did deal with Decollete Enhancement I can tell you that person who runs it is efficient, friendly, prompt and VERY honest. When I sent my payment for the Pals, I didn't realize that I had overpaid by 10 cents. Within a week of dropping the envelope in the mailbox (yes, I use snail mail for my purchases), I received the Pals breast forms AND the ten cents change that I had overpaid. Now, of course I realize that 10 cents is not a great deal of money, but the principle behind the return is very important to me. If someone can take the time to be honest enough to return 10 cents, he or she gets my vote for having the highest scruples. In this day and age of 'who cares about trivial matters?', it is encouraging to know that merchants like Decollete Enhancement exist. I hope I haven't been too wordy here, but I figured you might want to hear the whole story....and by the way, I really like the Pals, too!" ... Well maybe just a little wordy, but then so am I *smile*

    Don't forget to check out my How to Select Breast Forms" page before you buy anything.

 

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