this post was submitted on 11 Dec 2023
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So, I just had the realization a few days ago that i'm probably trans. I shaved my legs for the first time today and WOW! Physically it feels great, all smooth and soft, but mentally it just feels RIGHT. Like this is something i should have been doing forever. Its kind of overwhelming for such a small thing, but i just felt like i needed to share this with someone. Now i need to figure out how to buy girly clothes that fit...

Also it look forever and im sure i missed the hard to reach places, so id appreciate any pro tips!

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[–] [email protected] 32 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Congrats on cracking your egg! Welcome to the family! A few things that I suggest to start out with is to begin wearing panties under your boy mode clothes. Also paint your toenails. Long flowing skirts are amazing must-haves in your new wardrobe, look for "maxi skirts" and pair them with any old T-shirt and a cardigan for an instant easy girly look!

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Ive been painting my nails for a few years, so thats definitely part of my repertoire already. Maxi skirts definitely look like a winner! Is there some trick to figure out my size for women's clothes? Im a little intimidated by the idea of shopping in person, but im guessing ill just have to work up the courage and experiment.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Take your measurements! Most brands post sizing charts for their clothing online, and you can use those as a good reference with what should fit you best.

Totally get you on shopping in person being intimidating. Shopping online can be great when they have charts, but make sure to read the reviews too!! See if people say that the clothing in question runs small or large, or if it's generally true to size. That can give you an idea of if you should size up or down from what the chart says.

In cases where there's no chart, you gotta give it your best guess. Sometimes, brands will list some of the basic measurements in the item description box. But ultimately, you're gonna wanna know what the return policy is and how you can go about returning items that don't fit quite right.

Sadly, there are some things that can be very difficult to size online, like bras, for instance. Going with bralettes or bandeaus or sports bras will be much easier at first. The subreddit a bra that fits has a calculator online that can help you out with finding your bra size using your measurements when you're ready for that.

Personal advice, but if you're new to women's fashion and interested in styling for your body there are so many guides online to dressing ways that will flatter your figure and look great on you. They're not the be all end all and you shouldn't feel confined 100% by what they say, but if you're like "I don't even know what would suit me" it can be a great way to get some ideas :)

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

Thank you! I'm definitely in the "i dont know what would suit me" camp, so i'll look into finding some guides.

[–] [email protected] 24 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I was overwhelmed when I finished shaving my legs, belly and arms for the first time and ran my hands over my smooth skin and started to cry. I felt so much euphoria. After 2 weeks though I got tired of constantly shaving every 2 or 3 days and the stubble feels so bad. My friends gifted me an epilator for my birthday and I'm so glad that I powered through the pain because now I only need to do it like every 4 weeks and there is no prickly stubble.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Key point, the pain goes down over time. I think it feels good now, like scratching a deep itch, but I recall holding back yelps when I first tried.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago

Yep, the first time is very painful but every additional time it gets better.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Do you have an epilator you could recommend? Once every 4 weeks sounds like a dream...

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I use a Braun Silk Epil 9. But how long it takes until your hair regrows depends entirely on your body and not the epilator you use. You can savely assume that it will last 2-4 weeks.

[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 year ago

I had the same sensation as you and it was just as intense. That feeling of something "just being right", even a small thing and so overwhelming? I remember that moment very well and it makes me happy that you got to experience it too!

Also, I would like to share how I approached the whole leg-shaving thing: For a first time shave on the legs I would go with shaving creme, because its just more effective. Especially if you start from "never shaved my legs" and go to "clean shave", a blade might get dull, the area is to large and some spots are hard to reach on a first try. Also, buy way more cream then you think you need. I had to do that two more times, before I learnes that lessen. Not for the legs, but its a small step from "I like my legs without hair" to " I want it gone from the other places too". (Spoiler: It feelt just as great for me!)

After that is done, try getting some thigh-high socks! They can be worn under regular clothes, are comfy (and girly) as hell and offer a wide array of patterns / colors to chose from. Try getting ones that are really nice to feel on you skin. For that, you really need to try them on. Just touching the material is not enough for measuring if you like them, because the rubbing during walking needs to be felt for good judgement. Something to keep in mind: If you never shaved your legs, some clothes (especially jeans) can start to feel uncomfortable on the skin, another reason why I got the socks.

Last Point: Some lotion! It helps with potential irritations / dryness after a shave. Especially for a first shave, I would advice on that. Hidden Bonus in doing that: You get to touch,caress and really experience your now smooth legs and it is just great!

Feel free to ask for more advice!

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago (3 children)

You shaved your legs with a regular razor, or electrical?

Perhaps try hair removal creme (something like Veet), just throw it on your legs, let it soak it for several minutes and then remove your jellified hair with a spatula. Your skin gets smooth as a baby face. I love it :)

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I tried an electrical razor, but ended up using a regular bladed one. Ive heard of those cremes, but kind of assumed they didnt work very well. I'll have to try that out! Sounds much easier.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They work pretty great but you have to be very careful with them as they have chemicals in them that burn the hair off, which incidentally it can also do to your skin if you leave it on too long. It also smells absolutely brutal 😅 but some women swear by it!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Definitely start with a sensitive or regular strength option first. My hair is fairly durable, and I don't have sensitive skin, so this one works great for me.

https://www.naircare.com/en/products/shower-cream-argan-oil

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

I have really thick and dark hair on my arms and with the creme the hair just looked away for several weeks. It was magical.

So yeah I don't think that legs will be any different.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

Yes, the razor burn can get extremely uncomfortable!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

thanks, i wasnt aware of this,
will try it at my next hair removal i guess, if can avoid the painfull side,

but hey, i guess its shit on the ecology's side ? Or thats ok ? Chemical usually..

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

Pro tip, next time you shave your legs, change your bedsheets. Freshly shaved legs on fresh bedsheets feels divine. Also, make sure you exfoliate

Source: I'm a cis woman who started out shaving my legs because expectations, then didn't for a while because fuck the patriarchy, then started shaving legs again, for myself rather than expectations.