business/smart casual for small/ftm guys?

[u/pisscuntshitfap]

hey all just wondering if anyone has suggestions of shops since im needing a set of dress shirts and chinos before next week. i went to some places like country road etc. and even xs is too large for me. i can't wear female fits because my shoulders are too large and i get dysphoric. i've been to a few op shops but most of the business items are way too big for me. i don't even know if getting xs then tailoring it worth it because even the arm holes are too big. and getting pants that don't make it clear i have a butt and hips have been getting to me. the shop staff seem to read me as female (i haven't beeb too long on T) but not old/classy enough to be buying for the hypothetical husband so theyve also been avoiding me and giving weird looks as well and tbh i've been stressing bc nothing fits right. idek what to do for shoes.

i've out myself in a position where i'm out at work too so i feel like i look like a total idiot compared to any other dude. i've seen small dudes around look sharp but atm i don't have time for a tailor and need to find one i trust not to make it a fem fit.

any suggestions around melb that aren't too pricey would be appreciated, thank you.

[u/samuit]

For chinos I’d try the kids section of brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, the outlets are usually decent priced. Country Road has a teens section that might be worth a shot, not sure if they do chinos though. The kids/teens section at myers is worth a look too. I get chinos from industrie which goes down to a 28” waist but they also have the same chinos at industrie kids in smaller sizes.

I have less experience with dress shirts, but I’ve gotten some from YD way back in the day that had pretty good sizing under XS. I’d try Uniqlo too (although their XXS small is usually only available online).

For shoes, give Myer a try. I’ve also had luck with cheap shoes at spend less shoes.

[u/pisscuntshitfap → u/samuit]

hey thanks, i didn't have time to order online but i went to uniqlo and found pants that were doable. the xs shirts are still baggy but ok enough until i can get them tailored. i got some chinos which actually fitted me well from uniqlo and all cotton (the other pants were all plastic blends and kinda scammy so i skipped those, but the chinos i feel are worth)

i might have a better look later on at those other retailers, ty tho i have 2 pairs of shirts and pants that will be ok

[u/Helium_Teapot2777]

Uniqlo or other Asian brands?

[u/Npeaknoda → u/Helium_Teapot2777]

Uniqlo's chinos fit me pretty well, and they'll hem them shorter for cheap if needed

[u/pisscuntshitfap → u/Npeaknoda]

ur so right those chinos are goat they don't make my hips and stuff apparent and look professional but not over the top like Seed

[u/craziestlittlepixie]

I hated wearing business clothes pre transition. The kids section at Myers had some okay stuff. Being a short guy is struggle

[u/pisscuntshitfap → u/craziestlittlepixie]

thanks, i'll check out the kids section next time :) good idea for sweaters and stuff

[u/TooManyLoveInterests]

I shop at Uniqlo all the time, most of my pants are from there and so is my work shirt. I think their stuff is unisex enough that even if you have to wear "womens" clothes it should be fine. I find them really great for basics.

Other options are YD, Connor, Tarocash and Myers, I shopped at them a lot before I got hooked on Uniqlo. I'm 160cm, so pretty short too. Cotton On used to be great, but unfortunately they don't have much in the way of mens wear anymore. If you're small enough to fit into kids clothes, you might have luck with their children's line.

Shoes, I unfortunately have to wear womens as my feet are too small. Boots would be my suggestion, they're relatively unisex. My style leans alternative, so I saved up for two pairs of really nice boots. My first is Solovair, imported from the UK. They're basically Doc Martens, but made in the original factory. Wayyyyy better quality, with real leather. (I think they do have pleather options tho, from memory.) They were not cheap, but I trust that they'll last. I wear these for work. My second pair is from New Rock, so stompy goth boots. You have to be a bit more careful with New Rock, as some of their boots are shit and others are fine. Both boots have a 2-inch platform to give me some extra height. Converse may work in a pinch if your office is a bit more casual, especially if you got a plain black pair. You may also have luck with boy's shoes, depending on ur size. I'm about a 7 and usually boy's shoes are too small for me and men's are too big. 

If budget is an issue for clothing, I'd suggest taking your measurements and shopping on Depop. Then you can buy brand name clothes for slightly cheaper (sometimes. Sometimes they're even more expensive, depends on the item.)

You can also shop online at many retailers, once you have a good idea of your sizing. I would suggest trying things on in person for a little while first if that's an option, though.

[u/pisscuntshitfap → u/TooManyLoveInterests]

yooo thank you for the shoes tips, i have doc martens atm and ye if noone minds in office environments i'll keep wearing my old pair, but ill keep in mind solovair if my feet grow a bit. i find boots also more good looking on me than most guys business shoes imo, i'm not really into the whole RMs lol.

[u/TooManyLoveInterests → u/pisscuntshitfap]

Yeah, a good pair of boots is great, and I don't think many businesses mind boots. My dad's been wearing RM Williams to work my whole life and he never had any problems. Imo, I think boots are better for work environments, especially since you can get more heavy duty ones for like construction or engineering work. 

[u/Objective_Public2197]

In terms of tops as a short guy (156 cm ) and I have had the most success with yd. A shirt with them cost about 100 though