Navigating Women’s Clothing Sizes as a Transgender Woman

As a 55-year-old transgender woman who has been on hormone replacement therapy for over 18 months, transitioning has been a deeply personal and transformative experience for me. Only recently have I felt comfortable enough to start socially transitioning in my community, though not yet at work. One aspect of my journey that has been both exciting and overwhelming is discovering my personal style and learning how to shop for women’s clothing that fits my body as it evolves.

Growing up in a different time, I always had a love for fashion, but societal norms and the fear of being outed kept me from expressing this passion. Fashion, for me, was something to admire from a distance, a secret interest that I couldn’t fully explore. The thought of browsing women’s clothing racks, let alone trying things on, was a distant dream. But now, as I begin to embrace my true self, I find myself immersed in the world of women’s clothing—navigating sizes, styles, and the emotional journey that comes with dressing in a way that reflects who I truly am.

However, like many trans women, especially those who are new to transitioning, I’m finding that shopping for clothes is not as simple as I imagined. My body is changing, my weight fluctuates as I follow a weight-cycling diet to achieve a more feminine figure, and my budget doesn’t allow for frequent wardrobe overhauls. Every purchase needs to count, and that means getting the right size is crucial. In this guide, I want to share my personal experience navigating women’s clothing sizes, particularly for trans women like myself, and offer tips for finding clothes that fit beautifully—without the stress of shopping in stores if you’re not quite ready for that yet.

Understanding Women’s Sizing: A Complex but Empowering Process

One of the first challenges I faced when I started shopping for women’s clothing was understanding sizing charts. Unlike men’s sizes, which tend to be more straightforward, women’s clothing sizes can feel like a mystery—numbers, letters, and terms like “petite,” “tall,” and “curvy” all play a role in determining the fit. To make things more confusing, a size that fits in one brand might be completely different in another. As a new shopper in the world of women’s fashion, this can feel overwhelming, but with a little knowledge, it gets easier.

1. Vanity Sizing: One of the reasons for the confusion is something called “vanity sizing.” Brands sometimes label their clothes with smaller numbers to make customers feel better about the size they’re wearing. For me, it was a learning curve to realize that my size in one store might not be my size in another. Instead of relying on the number on the tag, I learned to focus on how clothes actually fit my body.
2. Body Proportions Are Key: As a trans woman, I’m keenly aware that my body is different from the average cis woman’s, particularly in areas like the shoulders, waist, and hips. This means that even when I find clothes in my size, they don’t always fit the way I expect. Understanding my measurements—like my bust, waist, and hips—has been essential. It’s not just about the numbers but how those measurements correspond to my body shape, which is still evolving as I transition.
3. Taking Accurate Measurements: Taking my own body measurements was one of the best things I did to ensure a good fit when shopping online. This simple step has helped me feel more confident in my purchases. For anyone else navigating this process, I recommend measuring your bust, waist, hips, inseam, and shoulders. These numbers will be your guide when looking at sizing charts, and they help you better understand what sizes might work for your current body—and how that might change over time.

Converting Men’s Sizes to Women’s Sizes: A Guide for Trans Women

For many trans women, especially those early in their transition, converting men’s sizes to women’s sizes can be a useful starting point when shopping for clothes. Since men’s and women’s sizing systems differ significantly, it’s important to know how to adjust for these differences. Here’s a guide to help you convert men’s sizes to women’s sizes more accurately.

Tops (Shirts, Blouses, Jackets): In general, men’s sizes run larger than women’s. To convert a men’s shirt size to a women’s size, subtract about 1.5 to 2 sizes. For example, if you typically wear a men’s size Medium, you would likely fit into a women’s size Large.

• Men’s XS = Women’s S
• Men’s S = Women’s M
• Men’s M = Women’s L
• Men’s L = Women’s XL

Pants (Jeans, Trousers): The most noticeable difference between men’s and women’s pants sizes is how they are measured. Men’s pants are typically labeled by waist size and inseam (e.g., 32×32), while women’s sizes follow a number system (e.g., 8, 10, 12). To convert men’s waist sizes to women’s, subtract roughly 21 inches. For instance, a men’s size 32 waist would roughly correspond to a women’s size 10.

• Men’s 30 waist = Women’s 8
• Men’s 32 waist = Women’s 10
• Men’s 34 waist = Women’s 12
• Men’s 36 waist = Women’s 14

Shoes: Shoe sizing varies widely between men’s and women’s sizes. Women’s shoes are typically about 1.5 sizes smaller than men’s. For example, if you wear a men’s size 8 in shoes, you would generally need a women’s size 9.5.

• Men’s 7 = Women’s 8.5
• Men’s 8 = Women’s 9.5
• Men’s 9 = Women’s 10.5

Tips for Accurate Conversions

• Check for brand variations: Keep in mind that sizing can vary significantly by brand, so always consult the size chart specific to the brand you’re purchasing from.
• Try on multiple sizes: If you’re shopping in stores, don’t be afraid to grab a few different sizes to try on. The fit of clothing can differ greatly depending on the cut and style, so experimenting with sizes is often necessary.
• Know your measurements: As always, relying on your body measurements rather than size labels will give you the best chance at finding a perfect fit.

By using these conversions as a guide, you can make your transition into women’s clothing smoother and more comfortable as you explore your personal style.

Body Changes and Evolving Sizes

Since I’m in the midst of both transitioning and following a diet plan to reshape my figure, I’ve found that the sizes that fit me now may not work in the months to come. This is something many transgender women experience as we undergo hormone therapy and our bodies naturally shift.

My goal has been to achieve a more feminine shape, but the reality is that this process takes time. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that my clothing sizes will change, and that’s okay. It’s part of the journey. When I first started shopping for women’s clothing, I was hesitant to invest too much in a new wardrobe, knowing that it might not fit for long. To adapt, I’ve focused on buying a few key pieces that are versatile, comfortable, and flexible with sizing—like dresses with an adjustable waist or tops made of stretchy materials.

International and Brand-Specific Sizing

Something that caught me off guard was how sizing differs not only between brands but also between countries. Since many trans women, including myself, shop online, it’s important to recognize these international differences.

• U.S. vs. U.K. Sizes: I learned early on that a size 10 in the U.S. is not the same as a size 10 in the U.K. In fact, U.K. sizes tend to run two sizes larger. A U.S. size 10, for example, is roughly a U.K. size 14.
• European and Asian Sizes: European sizes also differ, and often a U.S. size 8 equates to a European size 38 or 40. Asian sizes, on the other hand, can run much smaller than Western sizes, so it’s always important to check the size conversion charts and reviews when shopping online.

Shopping on a Budget

Like many trans women, I don’t have an unlimited budget for my wardrobe, which makes every purchase important. One thing I’ve learned is to shop smart by focusing on versatile pieces that can transition with me as my body changes. For example, wrap dresses and tops are wonderful because they can be adjusted to fit as my waist size fluctuates.

I also tend to gravitate toward fabrics with some stretch—like spandex or elastane—since they offer flexibility and can accommodate body changes without the need for frequent replacements. Shopping in the sale section, second-hand stores, or using apps to buy gently used clothing is another great way to save money while still building a wardrobe that fits.

RELATED: Express Yourself: Discover Your Personal Style After Transition

Tips for Finding the Right Fit

Shopping online can feel intimidating, especially for trans women who may not feel comfortable yet browsing in stores. I know the anxiety that comes with stepping into a dressing room, but I’ve found ways to make online shopping work for me, and I hope these tips will help you as well:

• Read Sizing Charts Carefully: Each brand has its own sizing chart, and these charts are invaluable. Compare your measurements to the brand’s sizing guide to ensure you’re selecting the right size for your body.
• Customer Reviews Are Your Friend: Reviews often contain helpful insights into how a garment fits. Many reviewers share their measurements, how a particular piece fit them, and whether they had to size up or down.
• Stick to Fabrics That Stretch: Fabrics like jersey, cotton blends, and materials with elastane or spandex offer more flexibility. These pieces will fit better over a range of body shapes and sizes, and they can be especially helpful during times when your body is still changing.
• Experiment with Different Styles: Don’t be afraid to try different cuts and styles until you find what works for your body. For example, A-line dresses are great for creating a more balanced silhouette, while high-waisted pants can help define the waist.
• Stay Kind to Yourself: Fashion should be fun, but it’s easy to feel frustrated when clothes don’t fit the way we expect. I’ve learned to be gentle with myself on this journey. There’s no “perfect” body shape—there’s only the shape that’s right for you.

The Bottom Line

Shopping for clothes has been a way for me to reconnect with the part of myself that I kept hidden for so long. It’s also a reminder of how far I’ve come in my transition. Yes, there are challenges—like learning how to navigate women’s clothing sizes, figuring out what fits my body, and accepting that my figure is still changing. But each of these challenges has also been an opportunity for growth and self-expression.

For those of you who are at the beginning of your transition or are just starting to explore women’s clothing, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay if it takes time to find what works for you. Shopping for clothes is a personal and emotional process, but it’s also a way to express your identity and feel more comfortable in your own skin. Be patient with yourself, experiment with different styles, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Transitioning is a deeply personal experience, and finding clothes that fit and make you feel good is just one part of that. Whether you’re shopping online or eventually feel comfortable going into stores, remember that your body is valid, your style is your own, and every step forward is a step toward embracing your authentic self.