#masc tag

[gemsandjunk]

google how do I get butch without going to the gym or learning how cars work

[gougarfem]

what happened to butch + masc/gnc women taking testosterone with the understanding that it doesn't change your biological sex. what happened to lesbians who took T while occupying the butch role unapologetically. what happened to the women who were seen as men by everyone except other gnc women. what happened to those moments of tenderness in recognising another woman's femaleness, reconciling that with her masculinity, understanding the space she took up and why she did so. why does everyone use they/them pronouns. are there other people like me? am i setting a bad example? am i erasing a future little girl's role model by making the choices i do? will i inevitably be grouped in with the trans crowd? is it possible to be recognised as a woman who looks and sounds like a man anymore?

[yrbutchgf]

sorry if this is a weird question but do you have any advice on starting to present masc? for about a year now I’ve been really wanting to but my parents aren’t all that supportive and literally all of my clothes are feminine so I don’t know what some good basic masc items would be

not at all a weird question! i'll answer as best as i can.

my parents were pretty supportive when i came out and started experimenting with masculine presentation, so i asked the butch/femme server i'm in for tips. here's what they told me.

before the tips, i should specify that there are plenty of different ways of presenting masc depending on what you like or you're trying to do. wanting to look butch/gnc/generally masc without minding what gender you're read or wanting to be read as a masculine woman are both very different from if you're trying to pass as a man, for example.

basic items:

cargo pants and shorts, jackets, plain and patterned button downs and tees. long-sleeved shirt with oversized tee was one person's go-to pre-transition. oversized graphic tees can be an easy buy, since tht's a style that isn't just associated with men anymore you can buy it and just say you like the fit better or are going for a "skater" look.

big jackets -- not necessarily oversized but BIG, heavy, thick jackets -- will give a more top-heavy silhouette and broaden your shoulders

army-style pants or joggers are great for a casual and easy masc silhouette

unisex sneakers or leather shoes/boots; anything cut like a vans, converse, classic sneaker style or dress shoe/chelsea boot/doc martens in a unisex cut or that has a square or round toe rather than pointy -- a good pair of work boots will also last you a long time!

for a more classy look, a watch and gold chain is a great option. generally thicker-banded jewelry and belts are seen as more masc, but just wear what you like honestly

generally neutral and/or dark colors

i will say that if you want to get gender-affirming clothing but are worried about your parents' reactions, i would recommend finding a buddy with more accepting parents that wouldn't mind receiving packages for you (e.g. binders, thrifted men's clothes, etc) and changing into them after you leave the house if you have to. i knew a few people in high school tht did this. it's not ideal obviously but it can work!

making use of old/women's section clothes:

you can style women's cut buttondowns to look more masculine by leaving them unbuttoned with a crew neck tee underneath and rolling up the sleeves

some butches i've spoken to from less accepting houses have said they've worn women's tees backwards (just turning them when out of sight of their parents) and the neckline will look better. same thing with tanks. obviously this only works if you're layering.

women's section bermuda or linden shorts will be longer and tend to have a less form-fitting aesthetic than other cuts. you can also get basketball shorts for this purpose if you want a more casual material (or an excuse to buy them -- say you wanna work out more).

if you can't buy pants from the men's section bc you're worried about getting comments, straight-leg women's pants will be your closest equivalent to the men's cuts. "boyfriend" style clothes are similar.

shop at thrift stores if you're worried about money! bring lgbt friends if you have them to help hype you up. if you can't go to thrift stores irl bc of covid or otherwise, check sites like thredup.

on hair: specifically if you're trying to pass as a man you can go for a variety of men's styles but this person recommends avoiding the buzz cut. because buzzcuts are commonly associated with butch women people will likely read you that way. if you want to change your hair but can't cut it, pushing your hair out of your face with no bangs is a pretty masc look. pulling it into a low bun or ponytail can also feel pretty masculine, if it's on the longer side/just pushing it behind your ears won't cut it. a single straight braid with no bangs can also have a similar vibe.

this isn't a tip for clothing, but a lot of transmasc people get gender euphoria from working out in certain ways. i recommend looking into this if you have the chance! it's more of a mental trick than it is a physical one, but for some people strength training can really help. the endorphins you get if nothing else may raise your spirits.

this got long, sorry! but this is all i can think of at the moment. if you have any other questions about specific gender strategies or style tips or like anything feel free to follow up, i really don't mind and am happy to help. if anyone following me has any additional tips they'd like to share, feel free to leave a comment or a reblog with your thoughts.