I know what a trial and tribulation it can be buying clothes that fit women, let alone us special girls.

As real women have got larger over the past 50 years sizing has changed. Women's clothes from even the 1970's are a lot smaller than they are now; and each retailer has adapted their sizing to their own standards, so finding clothes that fit and look good is not easy. I usually wear hip and bum padding, as well as false tits, so that my shape is something approximately like a big real woman. Which means that I have curves and face the same issues as RGs. Even for those girls who don't wear hip and bum padding hopefully these links below are useful.

Most women's shops do not sell clothes in the same size as each other and buying on line can be even more of a nightmare. In a shop there is the issue - can you try it on or not? And then there is the real issue - a size 16 in Zara is not the same as a 16 in Next or Primarni. By the way in my dreams I would be a 16 anywhere - well maybe the US where the sizing is even more screwball than the UK

And if you buy something on line ...will it fit? Yes you can buy from catalogues and send it back if you don't like it or it doesn't fit, but many E bay sellers don't do returns, and when you buy in a shop you hope it will fit when you try it on at home.

So I did some research with that friendly google thingy and found 2 really good sources of information about comparative sizing and some good tips for buying clothes on E bay.

1. A comparison of UK high street sizing can be found on this interactive site where you feed in bust, waist and hip measurements and can figure out which size you are in each retailer
http://sizes.darkgreener.com/

2. How to buy on EBay. Some really useful tips on the questions to ask - before you start bidding

http://www.ebay.co.uk/gds/BUYING-CLOTHES-ON-EBAY-MAKING-SUCCESSFUL-PURCHASES-1-/10000000002163857/g.html


I am sure lots of you have tips that can be passed on as well, in the meantime I hope this is useful for many here.

hugs


Pauline xxxx

go shopping in fem mode and try on!

Very true Linda - but how do you know what size you are?

A size 16 in one shop can be a 14 or even a 12 in another. That is why the woman behind darkgreener.com did all her analysis.

true. my knuckles rapped this time!

Thanks for that Pauline i know getting the correct size is a nightmare...12 in M&S is a 14 in Next...etc etc so the site will help with that so much x

I have several items which don't even come close to fitting... all same sizes on the tags

fab info Pauline and fankuuuuu xxxx

Thanks for another informative post Pauline, "False Tit's" ??? i thought all of us who carried a couple of extra pounds developed our very own "Fem Moob's".

On a serious note thought, Finding clothes that fit how they should is a nightmare. Having "the balls" to go out and try on the clothes in store is probably one of the best options, although i have not done it myself, but i'm fortunate, Shar is a Seamstress.
I did manage to buy some flat shoes from Asda on Sunday - in blokey mode mind, i did try them on in store, in the aisle!

Thanks honey
¡¡¡ I love Ebay!!!!

Have a look at www.crossdressingcloset.com - we offer clothes, shoes & lingerie for special ladies.

We show actual measurements rather than clothes sizes & will our best to help you.

Any feedback on the site will be gratefully received & if you are looking for something particular just let us know.

Have a great day.

Ellie x

I like that Ebay guide, cheers for that! x

Here is another one I found today - the Retro Chick guide on how to charity shop. Some of the tips like having a tape measure are also useful in full priced stores; so you can make sure that the waist will fit as clothes from 60s and 70s even 80s are much smaller for the "same size" than today.

I often buy costume jewellery and sometimes handbags in charity shops. Clothes is tricky for me as I am a size 22.

Happy bargain hunting

hugs

Pauline xxx

http://www.retrochick.co.uk/2013/01/30/how-to-shop-charity-shop/

Great links Pauline, thank you xxx

Next & Dorothy Perkins serves me well as they do a "Tall" Range.
With Ebay,
I always message the seller and ask questions;
What is the waist size when measured flat?
What is the length
What is the length of the sleeve when measured from under the arm to end of the cuff?
Thanks for the suggestion Pauline x

I buy my clothes from catalogue companies like Simply Be and order several sizes for the best fit.I also buy from the high st and always try clothes on in store.
I understand the problems that people have buying online as sizes are different from store to store.

Ebay is a godsend. I used to buy stuff on the high street years ago but now I get them delivered to me! If they're a little too big or small, it's no big deal. The stuff I get on ebay is mostly high quality and much more of a bargain than the hight street.

Brilliant tips Pauline xx