Transvestism (Crossdressing)
- Crossdressing Overview
- Reasons for Cross-dressing
- Tips for Crossdressing as realistically as Possible (Male-to-Female)
Crossdressing Overview
Transvestism is most commonly referred to as "crossdressing." Transvestites experience sexual arousal from wearing clothes normally associated with the opposite gender. For example, a man may become aroused by wearing a bra and skirt while a woman may become aroused by wearing a jock strap. Crossdressing is normally a brief, private activity. Transvestites rarely go outside dressed up, a behavior commonly referred to going out �in drag.�
Crossdressing is different from �transvestic fetishism.� Transvestic fetishism is when cross-dressing becomes a person�s only source of arousal and is more similar to object or clothing fetishism. Transvestism is also different from transgenderism, when individuals feel that their sexual anatomy does not match their gender identity. Most crossdressers identify themselves as heterosexual; therefore crossdressing is not necessarily a homosexual act.
Reasons for Crossdressing
Transvestism can be appealing to some for several different reasons. Some transvestites enjoy the feeling of violating a taboo that is associated with wearing the other sex�s clothing. Some people view cross-dressing as a fun version of role-playing. Others may enjoy escaping the gender roles imposed on them by society. Others cross-dress just for the experience. There are many other reasons why people might choose to don the other gender�s clothing.
Males are more likely than females to cross-dress for sexual arousal. Men are more likely to have sexual fetishes in general, because men have more eroto-sexual differentiation complexity. This means they are more likely to respond to visual images and tactile stimuli � such as wearing women�s clothing � as sexually arousing. Men also have more practical opportunities to cross-dress because there are many more garments exclusively labeled �female� than �male.�
Women seem to crossdress with less frequency than males. This may be because women are socially allowed to wear men�s clothing in Western societies. Sociologists argue that this can either take away the thrill of cross-dressing or make cross-dressing less noticeable.
Individuals vary in the extent to which they crossdress. Some men may try on their partner�s skirt or bra once or twice for fun and would not label themselves as transvestites. Some men regularly incorporate wearing women�s clothing with masturbation or sexual activity. Frequent cross-dressers may have a different name for their alter-gendered ego. Some transvestites even take hormone treatments or get breast implants to make their bodies look more feminine for when they are dressing up.
Tips for Crossdressing as Realistically as Possible (Male-to-Female, or Femme)
Keep in mind that subtle makeup can be used to highlight natural feminity while heavy makeup can be a fun way to express oneself and grab attention. Remove any mistakes with a Q-tip, possibly one soaked with water or makeup remover.
Before using makeup, pluck and or trim eyebrows. Shave cheeks, chin and upper lip as closely as possible. Spread moisturizer and foundation all over, using a sponge. Spread blush on the cheekbones and rub concealer over blemishes, scars and other imperfections. Dust bronzer along the cheekbones, nose, temples and chin. Apply a darker eyeshadow along the crease of the eyelid, with lighter eyeshadows towards the eyebrow and a medium colored eyeshadow on the eyelid. Use an eyeliner along the top and bottom of the eye and blend in the mark using a darker eyeshadow or a blending brush. Trace an extra-light eyeshadow below the eyebrow and along the inner corners of the eye. Dust the whole face using a facial powder and check for uneven spots. Trace the edges of the lips using a lipliner that�s the same color of the lipstick or lipgloss you plan on using. Apply lipstick or lipgloss and rub the lips together to spread the makeup evenly. To apply mascara, brush the mascara wand up against the lashes and wiggle the wand back and forth to create even lashes. Using a lash curler adds volume. Another option is to use artificial lashes. Just make sure that the lashes are well-aligned with the rim of the eylid.
How to create feminine legs and hips:
- Shave legs, feet and toes if necessary. For hairy legs use an electric razor with a guard and then follow up with a disposable razor to help prevent clogging the razor. Alternatively, waxing or epilators remove hair for longer periods of time.
- Wear panty-hoes, stockings or tights. Make sure that the tops do not show in public.
- Apply foundation, leg makeup or self-tanner to even the color of the legs.
- Carefully trim, file and polish toe nails.
- Wear shoes with heels, commonly called pumps. Stiletto heels might break or be difficult to walk in, especially for beginners.
- Special underwear with hip and butt padding pockets can be bought to help create a curvy figure.
- Tight or specialty underwear can be worn to minimize genital bulging.
- Practice walking while watching yourself in a mirror.
- Wear a longer skirt if you are very tall.
- Keep in mind that darker clothes are slimming.
How to create larger-looking breasts:
- Read up on proper bra sizing techniques, many online underwear stores give thorough bra sizing guides. Bra sizes have a number and a letter associated with them such as 36B. The number represents ribcage width while the letter represents breast size.
- Fuller breasts can be simulated by using special push-up garments that are worn under bras.
- Breast suction cups may offer temporary breast expansion.
- Bras can be by stuffed with Kleenex, water balloons, foam, silicone bra inserts or latex breast forms.
- Choose padded and/or push-up bras.
- Check out our breast augmentation article for more information.
Other things to consider:
- When choosing a wig, chose natural hair colors and buy natural hair if possible. Alternatively, some male hairstyles can be converted to become more feminine.
- Use bronzer or self-tanner to mask tan lines. Make sure to test the brand colors on a patch of skin before applying it all over.
- Shave armpits or wear long sleeves.
- Consult a healthcare provider before starting any kind of hormone treatments.
- Only use your own clothes or clothes from someone who has given you permission to use them.
- There are books about how to talk and act more like a female.
References
Murray, Thomas, Murrell, Thomas. �The Language of Sadomasochism� 1989. Greenwood Press.
Crossdressing Basics. TGToday. http://www.tgtoday.com/makeupandfashion/crossdressingbasics.html (Accessed: 5/16/2007)
Sami�s Closet. http://www.samiscloset.com/ (Accessed: 5/16/2007)
Crooks, Robert and Baur, Karla. (2005) Our Sexuality. Thomson Learning, Inc.
Image from Delia CD (http://www.deliacd.com/)