So I'm a woman who loves shopping. But I'm a very short woman and I prefer to shop from the petite section - for most stores, petites are only offered online, if they're offered at all

So I do a LOT of online shopping and returning. I would also prefer to be able to try things on in stores before purchasing, but a lot of times I literally don't have that option. So essentially I try stuff in the privacy of my own home. I prefer to shop online from stores in my area and then return in-person, but a lot of places offer free mail returns too.

Point is, if you're returning women's clothes to a store, no one needs to know they were ordered for you. Maybe you're shopping for your wife, maybe she's disabled so she can't get out and shop for herself, or maybe you just love buying her presents. Nothing is stopping you from lying to cashiers if they asked - but usually it's just "was anything wrong with the item" and you just say "no it just didn't work out/didn't fit her/I ordered two sizes and she's keeping the one that fits."

The best stores will list either garment measurements or suggested physical measurements for the sizes they offer. If you know your own measurements, this should help you make informed decisions until you get to know your sizes at various brands (...and even then, it will still vary widely! 😏)

Looking at women's plus size options may show you options that are more accommodating of broader shoulders, etc.

[–] angrystego 7 points 1 day ago

Now I imagine being a man pretending to be shopping for my wife, saying it just didn't fit her, while the cashier is looking with suspition at the skirt I'm wearing.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 day ago

Oh don't get me wrong, I know my sizes and have places to shop online. Femboy apparel is also a rapdily growing market, and I try to keep fresh with new sites.

I'm just a weird romantic. I like the nostalgic idea of going to a mall with friends, trying on some clothes, and buying maybe one thing. There's a lot more issues with buying things physically in general now, beyond just my niche. Finding a mall that doesn't scream "beached whale" is tough nowadays, so it's just longing for a simpler time.

I'm also kinda an asshole speaking from a place of privilege, because I live in a place large enough to have a queer district where I can thrift. That's basically Femboy Aeropostale. I just think it would be cool if there was a chain that catered to femme attire for men.