Tips for Crossdress Shopping

When I first started shopping for my female wardrobe, I was much nervous. I felt everyone was wondering why I was intently browsing women's apparel. This was my imagination of work, but it felt "real" to me. In the event you are shy or new to the fem game, you might experience similar trepidation.

I developed a "crutch" that helped me get past this preliminary fear. I'd carryover a list in my hand and appear slightly frustrated - like a man on a mission for his spouse - which they didn't require to be on in the first place.

Plenty of gals always have a hard time with this. Don't feel lonely. To this day - I still have moments where I walk away from a feasible purchase because my "psyche" is not up for what I perceive as a feasible hassle. This is always wrong - it is my feeble male side running for cover. Retail stores and their associates don't necessarily "want" to understand why I am purchasing a skirt - but they require my commerce. When you make a brand spanking new purchase for "her" - you are doing exactly what the store intended for you to do.


In the event you are nervous about shopping for women's clothes, make your list, carryover it with you, appear slightly agitated, keep staring at the list as you are browsing bra sizes - and you'll fit right in!


 For purchasing Necklace immitations,Clothes for Dress & Sarees there is no issue.But for other materials it is embarassing.Particularly Blouses & Dresses to fit U ideal, a tailor is a must.I still keep in mind a long ago when I ordered an unknown tailor for a blouse by giving him a tiny piece of paper where I have written the measurements,his embarassing questions demoralised me.But anyway I could manage to get it & with that single blouse I continued my CD activity for four years.

Shopping at unknow place is less embarassing than UR own locality.But I could manage to buy four nos of wigs from a ladies shop close to my office.Of work the shopkeeper did not ask me the purpose.When I puschased the ist I was one time shaky,but the shopkeeper's cooperation increased my confidence in purchasing three more wigs.While purchasing the 3rd the shopkeeper asked me the purpose.I could confidently say that my causin sister has undergone cancer treatment(a true fact) & due to total hair loss they desires those for going out.And while purchasing the 4th the keeper asked me about the quality of earlier three.I said ok.

Usually I buy Bra from any other city.On official tour I use to go to some new places at least one time a year.I do not feel embarassed because I am a stranger there.Nobody knows me.So getting a padded 40/42" Bra is nobody's concern except me.

Tailoring or Stiching is the most important prob.Particularly Blouses.Readymade blouses do not fit well.Shoulder is the main prob.Our shoulder is longer than those of females.

With lot of confidence I went to a small tailor who is known to me for last 15yrs.I told him that a contest will b held at the neighbor place, where males dressed as females will participate.Since I am interested in that I requested for his help.And I could persuade him in getting two dresses three Blouses stiched by him.I also told him that if I get any prize 25% will b his.And U won't think I have got stiched for myself from that particular tailor-a dozen of Blouses of various designs,4 set of Dresses & two nos of gowns.

Finally  Buying women's clothes isn't like buying beer....you don't need an ID!

How to Pass as Female as a Cross Dresser

Pass as Female as a Cross Dresser

Passing as a woman in public is important to most cross dressers. Presenting a feminine image depends not only on learning to disguise natural male attributes, but also how to dress and carry yourself like a woman. For most cross dressers, being believable as a woman requires a considerable amount of practice.

Difficulty:

 

Challenging

Instructions

1. Body Language and Physical Appearance

   • 1
     Before you try to walk in heels, practice standing in front of your mirror. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed. When walking, step with your heel first, following with the sole of your shoes. Make sure the length of your step is in proportion to your height and that your gait isn't too long or too short. If you are tall, you may want to wear pumps or flats.
   • 2
     Buy the best quality wig you can possibly afford, because higher quality wigs are much more convincing looking. Select a style that is appropriate for your age and a color that is similar to your own, so it will look more natural with your complexion. Comb the wig after each wearing and wash it regularly to keep it in top shape.
   • 3
     Wax or shave. One of the most obvious give aways that you aren't a woman is masculine body hair. Focus on your face, chest, back, underarms, arms and legs. And don't forget to pluck your eyebrows and trim your nose and ear hair.

   Clothing

   • 1
     Wear a waist cincher and a girdle. The waist cincher will create a more feminine hour glass shape, narrowing the waist and accentuating the bust and hips. A girdle will help to round your hips and will also hide male genitalia. A long-legged girdle is helpful, but if you wear short skirts, use a panty girdle.
   • 2
     Buy a pair of realistic breast forms and make sure they are appropriate for your body size. Disproportionately sized breast forms will be sure to attract unwanted attention.
   • 3
     Dress appropriately. Don't wear a cocktail dress and high heels to the supermarket. Don't wear an evening gown to a casual luncheon. Observe how women dress in different situations.
   • 4
     Wear high collars, scarves or turtlenecks if you have a large Adam's apple. Necklaces that hang down below the neck can sometimes draw attention away from the Adam's apple.

   Makeup

   • 1
     Get in the habit of using moisturizer, even when you aren't cross-dressing. Soft, smooth skin looks much more feminine and makeup will be easier to apply.
   • 2
     Experiment with a good beard cover or camouflage cream. Follow it up with foundation, applying it evenly over your face and neck. Apply blush to the cheekbones, blending it in carefully so you don't look like a clown. Cover your face with a light powder.
   • 3
     Apply a fine line of liquid or pencil eyeliner to the lash line, starting at the inner corner and then apply mascara to give your eyes a more long-lashed feminine appearance. If you have light skin, don't wear black mascara, but choose a light brown. Experiment with false eyelashes if you don't like wearing mascara.
   • 4
     Trace the natural line of your lips with a lip liner and then carefully fill in with lipstick. Although women have fuller, pouty lips, be careful about reshaping your lips until you've had plenty of practice. Going overboard can make you look clownish and attract unwanted scrutiny.

HOW TO CHOOSE A WIG THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR FACE SHAPE.

WHICH STYLE IS BEST FOR ME? 

HOW TO CHOOSE A WIG THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR FACE SHAPE.

If your unsure of which style will be most flattering on you, use these suggestions as a guide to find a look that works with the shape of you face.
To determine your face shape:
In front of a mirror, pull your hair back. Trace the outline of your face, with a bar of soap, onto the mirror. Compare the outlined shape on the mirror to the illustrations below

1. TRIANGLE SHAPED FACE...

Narrow forehead with a wide chin.
Try a shapely-layered look or a curly style. Heavy fringe and layers build fullness on top to soften a wider crown. Hair should be layered all around and tapered in back and at the sides.

2. SQUARE SHAPED FACE...

Angular jaw line is the same width as the forehead.
Try a short style that is wavy on top. The wispy edges soften a wide forehead and strong jaw line.

3. OVAL SHAPED FACE...

Well proportioned, with length of face longer than width.
Try any style. A classic oval shaped face looks great with all styles. Perhaps a longer style with a few graduated layers around the face.


4. HEART SHAPED FACE

Wide forehead, high cheek bones narrow ( V-shape ) chin.
Try a short and smart elfin crop that is wedged or tapered at the neck. The long wispy fringe softens a rounded and peaked forehead: layers are long at crown, graduated at the sides, and tapered at the nape of the neck.

5. ROUND SHAPED FACE...

Full cheeks with a circular form.
Go longer, with lots of soft curls, a layered style, or a classic page. Layers on top and longer length at the back elongate your face.

6. NARROW SHAPED FACE...

Slender face with a narrow chin.
Try a chic bob, or a bob with waves or soft curls on the top and sides. This style tends to round out your face.



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CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR  Top 

COLOUR CHART MATCHING.

Click here to view our colour charts.
If you require more definition of the colour description contact us by email, telephone or fax.

FREE CUSTOM COLOUR MATCH.

Cut a sample from the front or top of your hair - 1" long, and if possible. as thick as a pencil. Write the colour numbers ( see Colour Chart ) that are closest to your own colour and send the sample with your order. We'll ship your wig in a colour that best matches your own hair sample!

WIG COLOUR SAMPLES

We can send you actual colour swatches upon request. Sometimes it takes a little patience to find that perfect colour match. We won't give up until your completely satisfied. If you're not happy with a colour selection, we'll gladly exchange it.
Swatches are available for viewing for £20.00. per colour swatch ring, this is either refunded or credited towards your purchase upon return to Alternative Look. The swatches can be requested by telephone, fax or post, providing us with the Designer, wig name and colour of your choice.

We recommend the Colour Swatch service if you are ordering hairpieces, colour match has to be perfect, also please check the colour in natural daylight, as fibre can look different in artificial light.

If you are looking for a complete change always remember it is more flattering to choose a lighter shade than your own to create a softer and more youthful look.
If you go darker the effects can be quite harsh and unflattering, you would need to wear a much darker make-up to balance your look.

Download swatch order form


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FIND YOUR CORRECT HEAD SIZE  Top 

It is important that your wig fits properly, click on the link below to insure you find your correct fit.
Wig clips and tape are also available to assist in your feeling secure, please look in Accessories.

Click here to find your size correct head



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TIPS ON CARING FOR YOUR WIG  Top 

WASHING YOUR WIG

Before you wash, gently brush out the tangles and hair spray. For tight curly or all over curl, do not use a brush - finger pick thoroughly and gently remove tangles.
In a sink or basin, mix with wig shampoo with tepid water and immerse wig. Gently swirl and let soak for 5 minutes. Rinse wig in cold water until all wig shampoo is removed.

DRYING YOUR WIG

Wrap in a towel and gently pat out excess water. DO NOT TWIST,OR BRUSH YOUR WIG WHILE WET. Gently fluff your damp wig. Allow to air dry on a wig stand. For a healthy shine, spray on your spray conditioner.

CONDITIONING YOUR WIG

We recommend that you apply spray conditioner to your wig each time you have worn it and then always keep it in it\s box until the next time it's put on, this will stop the fibre from drying out and looking thick and dull, it also prolongs the life of your wig.

WIG CARE DO' S  AND DON'TS 

To maintain your wig's natural look..

DO spray your wig or hairpiece with wig lustre between washings to add shine and body.

DO use wig products to keep your wig or hairpiece looking it's best.

DON'T use regular shampoo, conditioner, delicate fabric wash, or baby products on your wig or hairpiece.

DON'T use a hot curling iron or hair dryer on your wig or hairpiece.

DON'T brush or wring out your wet wig or hairpiece.

DON'T wear a wig or hairpiece near any sources of excessive heat such as an open oven, boiling water, barbecue grill or even some cigarette lighters.





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STYLING TIPS  Top 

1. Out of the box

When you take your new wig out of the box -- it will not look like the style you pictured in the catalogue -- it has been specially wrapped and packed to hold it's preset style.
Remove the hairnet and any tissue paper.
Cup your hands inside the wig at the crown and nape, and give it a good shake. This wakes up the wig fibres.
For best results place your wig on a wig stand overnight. This allows your wig to breathe and loosen into it\s preset style more completely.

2. Preparing to wear your new wig

No matter what your hair length, we recommend a wig cap ( retainer ). This will hold all hairs securely in place under your wig. The wig cap is also useful if you have little or no hair. It will make your wig feel more secure. The wig cap can be found in our Accessories section.
Short hair-Brush your hair back in the front and up on the sides - then spray with hair spray. Longer hair - Pin up your hair in flat pin curls away from the front, side, and the nape of your neck. Set pin curls. evenly all over your head, so that your wig will lay flat.

3. Putting on your new wig

Hold the wig with one hand gripping the back of the wig, at the label, and the other hand holding the centre of the front hairline. Tilt your head forward and slip on the wig from front to back. Slide the wig back until the front edge is even with your front hairline. Then use the ear tabs to adjust from side to side, restring the wig.
Use the sizing adjustments to adjust the size to your comfort level. The sizing adjustments allow 1" larger or smaller.

4. The styling basics

Relax and have fun! Experiment with your style to get the look that's right for you. Trying to get every hair in place can make your style look " wiggy "
Many of our styles just need a good shake and they're ready to wear.
For our other styles, always use a good quality wig brush or pick comb. A regular comb or brush will stretch the wig fibres and loosen the curl.
If you have chosen a wig with " styling flexibility," don't be afraid to try different looks using your wig styling brush or pick comb,
To finish your style and hold it in place, use wig styling spray, if you wish to create a more textured and natural look, spray the wig with water then brush it through gently to get a modern effect.
Never use regular hair spray, styling gels, and mousse - they will leave a film that attracts dirt and dust.

SPECIFIC STYLING 

A tight or ringlet curly style - -

Give a good shake and then gently lift and separate curls with your pick comb, or style with your fingers.
Do not brush.

Wavy with loose curls - -

Lightly brush using short lifting strokes, just enough to relax and shape your style.

A fluff style or soft curls ( especially back and sides)

With short upward strokes, lightly brush away from your face.

Straight

Lightly brush with long, even strokes, from the crown to the ends for a smooth, sleek look,

It takes it little time to get accustomed to your new style. You may not feel quite right about it the first time you see it On. Take a few days to get used to seeing the " new you ". Walk past a mirror a few times, ask a close friend or family member to give you their opinion.