I met a young crossdresser with whom I had a discussion about dressing. He believes that men should have complete freedom to dress as they wish. While nice in theory, in practicality it just doesn't work if you want to look presentable as a lady. Consider this analysis:

Hello,

I must say, you gave me pause to think, after our brief conversation about freedom in dress. I came home and thought hard, and wanted to give you my perspective to at least consider.

As I understand it, you believe any crossdresser should have complete freedom with no guidance or suggestion to dress this way or that way, or to do anything to modify his body or wear any particular garment of clothing.

While that is nice in theory, it doesn't translate well for men in practice, and not for many women for that matter.

Anarchy in self image and presentation is not good for any individual and certainly not for those of us who have to live in close social quarters with others, and have to look at them, too! Consider the following examples.

We all need a little help, but fun not onerous or painful help, to improve our posture and presentation. I surmise you believe in doing at least one or two things to present yourself well. You did look clean and nice at the social.

Start with hygiene. I surmise you recommend crossdressers shower every day and use deodorant? Anarchy does not do well considering this issue.

Proceed to the penis. I surmise you recommend crossdressers not "let it all hang out" especially if they are well endowed and especially if they are trying to look presentable or even "pass"? Anarchy does not do well considering this issue.

Travel on to the belly.

The quintessential thing that signifies and symbolizes a woman in this society and many others, is the hourglass shape.

Men, however, don't naturally come that way.

In fact, men as they age, add weight typically to their bellies and become even less feminine.

There are a lot of middle aged and aging men who get into crossdressing They don't have that youthful slim figure like you do. They struggle to feel good about themselves and overcome years of slouching and over-indulging. Yet they want to look like women.

Are you arguing that these men with fat beer bellies should "let it all hang out" along with their penises when they want to present themselves as women?

There is one, simple, easy way to get that hourglass instantly, and that is to put a corset on, especially a well fitted custom corset.

Bingo! A 2.5" waist reduction without any stress whatsoever to most people (there is even research to show that).

Put a corset on, practice wearing it and with some effort, bingo! A 4" waist reduction and the quintessential female figure.

What could be easier to get that female figure than a corset???? Certainly not adding huge DD boobies (that many hetero men who are sexist at heart and training, opt for in place of nipping in their waists!).

Look at what a crossdresser client recently wrote me:

"Hi Ann, It arrived last week. It's beautiful and I feel beautiful in it. After years of diets, workouts and hormones all I had to do was slip it on and tighten it up and finally I had the figure I was looking for so long. I wish I had a digital camera I would send you a picture. I'm so happy. Thank you."
Bill 2/28/02

I think this lovely letter says it all.

Do I think women with beer bellies and fudge thighs need to wear foundation garments, i.e., corsets?

You bet your bippie I do.

Cothes fit better wearing a corset.

We have better posture.

We get a better self image.

People compliment us on the above and we feel great.

What's so wrong about recommending that men try a corset for the above reasons?

Anarchy has no place in an approach to advising crossdressers. It would be just wrong, as well as a grave disservice to them.

Best to you,

Ann Grogan
President, ROMANTASY Exquisite Corsetry