Questions for Transguys from other Transguys

[DapperButch]

How long did it take for your neck to stop growing after you started T?

I went out about a month ago and bought new dress shirts because my old ones were too tight in my shoulders/arms due to muscle growth.

I was going to be wearing ties for the first time to work and so I made sure the top button was comfortable when closed.

Well, a month later when I went to put on a tie, the shirts were already too tight around my neck, so I can't button the top button.

How much larger did your neck size get after you went on T? I don't know if I should buy new shirts to fit my current neck size, or go up an extra 1/2 inch beyond what would be comfortable now in case it keeps getting bigger.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Liam]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

How long did it take for your neck to stop growing after you started T?
How much larger did your neck size get after you went on T?

Thanks for any thoughts.

I have resigned myself to the fact that testosterone does mysterious things, and my body is in a constant state of flux. During my first year of being on T, I did notice that my neck was suddenly huge - it had increased in size by two inches! Several months later it had decreased by one inch, where it seems to remain, although I have noticed that there are times when its very difficult to button that top button.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Liam

I have resigned myself to the fact that testosterone does mysterious things, and my body is in a constant state of flux. During my first year of being on T, I did notice that my neck was suddenly huge - it had increased in size by two inches! Several months later it had decreased by one inch, where it seems to remain, although I have noticed that there are times when its very difficult to button that top button.

So much for consistency! ha! Thanks for writing, Liam.

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

How long did it take for your neck to stop growing after you started T?

I went out about a month ago and bought new dress shirts because my old ones were too tight in my shoulders/arms due to muscle growth.

I was going to be wearing ties for the first time to work and so I made sure the top button was comfortable when closed.

Well, a month later when I went to put on a tie, the shirts were already too tight around my neck, so I can't button the top button.

How much larger did your neck size get after you went on T? I don't know if I should buy new shirts to fit my current neck size, or go up an extra 1/2 inch beyond what would be comfortable now in case it keeps getting bigger.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Pre-T I wore 15s, and now I wear 16 1/2s. I don't know how long it took for it to settle at that number though. My suggestion is to buy shirts that you will also wear as an open collar "dress" shirt. I have quite a few 16s that I can't wear with a tie, but I'm still able to wear them with an open collar.

[Hominid]

There are also "collar spreaders" if you get in a pinch (forgive the pun). If your neck is slightly too tight you can put this thing on and it's not visible with a tie.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Pre-T I wore 15s, and now I wear 16 1/2s. I don't know how long it took for it to settle at that number though. My suggestion is to buy shirts that you will also wear as an open collar "dress" shirt. I have quite a few 16s that I can't wear with a tie, but I'm still able to wear them with an open collar.

This is good advice. I can/have been wearing them open, and I do need to keep in mind any new ones I purchase need to be able to be worn open, as well. It's all about button placement!

Originally Posted by Hominid

There are also "collar spreaders" if you get in a pinch (forgive the pun). If your neck is slightly too tight you can put this thing on and it's not visible with a tie.

I will look into this. I can button to top button (they are just too tight to be comfortable), so hopefully this will work for me. I appreciate you posting this.

Thanks, gentlemen!

[Liam]

Originally Posted by Hominid

There are also "collar spreaders" if you get in a pinch (forgive the pun). If your neck is slightly too tight you can put this thing on and it's not visible with a tie.

I think I will pass on the collar spreaders and go with the collar extenders.

[Hominid]

Originally Posted by Liam

I think I will pass on the collar spreaders and go with the collar extenders.

Well, it's a personal choice I'll have to respect ...

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Hominid

Well, it's a personal choice I'll have to respect ...

When I looked for "collar spreaders", it did make me chuckle. Some googling sent me to the right place.

I ordered some metal extenders (in fact the same ones Liam posted, but I got 5 on amazon for less $), and then thought it best to throw in a few pants extenders!

Oh the joy of being newly on T!

Has anyone tried the metal versus plastic ones? The metal ones look kind of thick, but I got them anyway.

Thanks again for your help, guys.

[Jess]

Haven't really had time to post on here, but I have been keeping an eye on this thread and wanted to pop in and give thanks to Dapper for starting it and all of you contributors.

Lots of great information!

As things settle down for me (hopefully in the next month or thereabouts) I will be able to participate actively. I have questions that I am sure you all can help guide me with and I am very grateful for what you all are already sharing. You are answering some questions I didn't even know I had.

Thank you!

[Hominid]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

When I looked for "collar spreaders", it did make me chuckle. Some googling sent me to the right place.

I ordered some metal extenders (in fact the same ones Liam posted, but I got 5 on amazon for less $), and then thought it best to throw in a few pants extenders!

Oh the joy of being newly on T!

Has anyone tried the metal versus plastic ones? The metal ones look kind of thick, but I got them anyway.

Thanks again for your help, guys.

I SO KNEW that was wrong when I posted it - but rushed right in anyway. Good for a funny, although I don't see why we all shouldn't order both!!

Dapper, I've tried both the metal and plastic. Frankly, I found the plastic ones I bought easier to use and didn't think about them throughout the day. I had two different brands, not knowing which would show up in time for the job interview. Each plastic brand has a little "give", just enough to get around each top button with ease. The metal were of course more stiff, and with no other consideration, nicer. But they're meant to remain unseen behind the tie, so no matter how much I liked the idea of the stainless steel, they just didn't work as well. I gauge this review largely by the degree of homicidal feelings toward the dude in the mirror while struggling with buttons never meant to be wrangled with by grown men. So, the plastic wins for ease of use, staying hidden well, and having several on hand afford-ably for emergency use.