GenderLife Forum: The Information Exchange

Do you think it's possible to pass with wide shoulders and back? Is there a way I can minimize their appearance?

It all depends, how far are you into your hormone therapy? Generally over a couple of years a good deal of muscle mass is lost in those areas and that is what a lot of the "wide shoulders" effect is.

If you have a really wide frame, you can learn to dress to offset whatever features you want to de-emphasize.

Yeah I've been on hormones for almost 3 years now. I did lose quite a bit of bulk on my shoulders, but I just have a wide frame. Any tips on dressing to de-emphasize?

ave_maria- I found the following link very helpful: http://www.susans.org/reference/dresguid.html ~ Rachel

Wear loose clothing. Anything tight will make you look too strong.

In summer, strappy tops do wonders for strong shoulders.

In winter, a scarf around your neck draws attention away from the wide frame.

Avoid shoulder pads. Only get jackets and blouses without them, or where it's easy to take them out.

Emphasize length. Wear pants with heels, and avoid having more than one line across your body (if your blouse has a line marking the waist, about showing the line of the pants).

A big necklace also draws attention away from the shoulders. Blouses that are long but have some definition at the waist without hugging it are winners.

Throw your shoulders back when you walk. The world is yours.

I do. This is me from the back. I think you can see that I'm still pretty wide:

This is one that shows my shoulders:

Yep...long or 3/4 length sleeves, fitted waists and deep, narrow v-necks.

Oh yes, the V-neck is a classic for the wide-shouldered woman. 3/4 sleeves, yes, I find the wide ones work best for me.

Also, strappy tops that show my full shoulder work fine in summer. It's counterintuitive, perhaps, but I've found they do minimize them, for my taste.

I'd kill for those abs

OMG, I'd do anything (besides work out and eat right) to get those abs! wow!

Ok, so I went to the site referenced above, and don't know what the hell she's talking about lol. Here is what is recommended for broad shoulders:

1). raglan sleeves, 2). dolman sleeves, 3). V-neck. 4). drop shoulders.

Obviously know what v-neck is, but what are drop shoulders, raglan sleeves and dolman sleeves?

dolman
Raglan
Drop Shoulder

Try straps too, if your shoulders are not too massive.

When it's mild but not warm yet, a strappy top with a cardigan looks quite cute, even in women who got broad shoulders.

Thats my basic look for summer.

Stay away from white blouses.

I'm just trying to help here: There's like, and internet and stuff, and it really does help-out when needing to know what certain terms mean. You can go here---> http://www.susans.org/reference/dresguid.html , and begin your journey into what kind of clothes will be good for you. If you run into a term you don't know, consult an online dictionary or wikipedia. Good luck