https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:26:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms/page/2#post-1697929 Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:38:07 +0000 MsGreer 1697929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>you know it is a changing time and yes I've been helped recently by male SA's.<br /> If it's bra's, undergarments etc I usally always help myself anyway. These people are doing their jobs and I'm confident they all have been pre-employment screened and are not there because they are creepers. They see 100's if not 1000's of women and they see the things we are trying on. I'm not going to get myself worked up about it and just go with the flow..but careful...lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms/page/2#post-1697896 Wed, 20 Jul 2016 01:11:28 +0000 Windchime 1697896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone, for weighing in! I agree that we will see more mixed-gender fitting rooms in the future for many reasons, including those you wrote about, BARBARA DIANE. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1697319 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:44:09 +0000 Barbara Diane 1697319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I don't shop in the smaller cool stores. The only time I have had a male SA was when I was window shopping/walking and walked into a Tina Turk store in another city. And I wasn't trying anything on, just chatting. That was within the last year.<br />I guess one advantage with these new style dressing rooms is that it works for people with less conventional gender histories/identities. (Please excuse me if I'm using the wrong language.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1697306 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:00:16 +0000 Dee 1697306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've seen this more frequently over the last few years too, but honestly never gave it a second thought until I read your post! In high throughout stores like Old Navy, I rarely ask SAs for assistance anyway and in stores like BR or JCrew, the male SAs have been equally helpful and professional. Including one at the Gap who I asked if I was trying a particular dress on backwards because the shape was so odd... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1697217 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 01:33:24 +0000 Style Fan 1697217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had male SAs and mixed gender fitting rooms at many stores.&nbsp; The Gap, Levis, some small independent boutiques and others.&nbsp; Back in the 1960s I shopped in stores that had one fitting room in England.&nbsp; I remember when I bought jeans in the 1970s there was a change room area that was mixed gender and male SAs.&nbsp; I don't care as long as the SA&nbsp; is helpful.<br />I also have had make up counter SAs who are male at MAC and other places.&nbsp; They are often wearing make up.&nbsp; I love it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1697057 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:59:38 +0000 rabbit 1697057@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop in the same mall stores Laura and Lenni mentioned so I'm pretty used to mixed gender fitting rooms and SA's. &nbsp;But I also don't expect a salesperson to get anything for me or make an exchange while I'm trying on unless the store is dead quiet (and then the fitting room usually isn't staffed anyways).</p> <p>If I was bra shopping or something I could see how it might be awkward for a minute but not a big deal for me really overall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1697050 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 20:52:12 +0000 texstyle 1697050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it depends on the personality and fashion sense of the SA. That said, I really don't want to go into a long hallway of unstaffed fitting rooms with both men and women possibly in them -- so for me, I'd shop elsewhere (or stick to shopping online) if that were my only option. I think stores need to really think about the feeling of privacy all around if they want to sell more clothing and continue with brick and mortar.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696993 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 19:38:29 +0000 Thistle 1696993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never had this happen, but like others, trying to find a staffed fitting room is a true HEWI.</p> <p>I almost never shop in stores anymore. And the last time I did, the fitting rooms were bursting with items and there was no one within yelling distance should I have needed a different size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696987 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 19:28:33 +0000 Lenni A 1696987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can recall experiencing this at Gap, Uniqlo, Old Navy, and H&amp;M recently. Several years ago I recall a male SA at the Limited - an exclusively women's store. I remember him because he was extremely helpful in advising me regarding dressing for a particular event. I have to say...I haven't batted an eye at mixed-sex dressing rooms or attendants! It never occurred to me before reading this thread. I'm a 43 year-old mom, so maybe I don't have much expectation of privacy! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696978 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 19:03:05 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1696978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is pretty common in my area in free standing stores that sell both men's and women's clothes, like BR and Gap, or H&amp;M. All the dressing rooms are their own independent stalls floor to ceiling/quite high so there are no privacy concerns. I don't usually ask for fit feedback from SAs (honestly, most stores are so busy that the SAs don't have time to do more than let you in and clean up when you're gone), so it hasn't even occurred to me that it might bother me.</p> <p>I suspect, from a space planning perspective, it's better for the store because they only have to staff one area and they have flexibility as far as the number and gender mix of the people that are trying on things at any one time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696726 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 11:30:39 +0000 chirico (Chiara) 1696726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a similar experience last year. I went to a store to buy a bra. This store is owned to a friend of my husband and his sister. And of course he was the one helping me!<br /> I was a bit embarassed, not because he is male, more because he's husband friend. But he picked up very on point choices after I told him what I needed, and I left with two great bras (I went for one). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696721 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 11:13:03 +0000 bella 1696721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a sort of similar experience recently. I was in the women's dressing room (so separate dressing rooms for men and women) and this was the part of the store closest to women's lingerie section. I stood in line with all the undergarments that I wanted to try on on my arm and realized that the whole area was being serviced by two male SAs. I did feel very self-conscious and did not ask for further help tracking other sizes.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696709 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 10:19:01 +0000 Summer 1696709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would have felt uncomfortable, too, Windchime.&nbsp; I hope this isn't a glimpse of the future, but suspect that it may well be.&nbsp; If the worst comes to the worst, I will simply do all my shopping online! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696690 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 07:31:12 +0000 Jane 1696690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would tend to shy away from male SA and mixed changing rooms. Particularly if the doors aren't close fitting.<br /> I do wonder if this is an age thing, but actually I'm pretty conservative and self conscious, and less than I used to be, so I don't think it's an age thing. </p> <p>I like being with other women when trying on clothes, particularly if I can engage with a SA in an edgier store like All Saints as I feel i can learn things from them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696651 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 04:52:27 +0000 rachylou 1696651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, I don't care so much about physical exposure, but I feel men don't have the same relationship and feelings about clothes. I feel the task of communication is harder. A male tailor is different. The one I've been going to is male. I think it's different because he actually makes clothes and has had the experience of trying to make them fit the female form. It's not just a matter of looking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696630 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 03:27:36 +0000 Suz 1696630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bricks and mortar shopping around here is pretty much what Sally describes. At our local branch of The Bay, I'd be happy to find <b>any </b>sales associates!! A clean dressing room would be a miracle.&nbsp;</p> <p>(And you wonder why I am such a committed online shopper??)&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't mind male SAs in most circumstances but if I were shopping for a bra or a bathing suit I would feel uncomfortable. &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696628 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 03:23:00 +0000 Carla 1696628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, the few times a male SA has helped me, he has been MOST helpful. I got a navy cashmere turtleneck at BR because the (male) SA sourced it out for me, even though a previous SA (female) had said 'if it isn't out, we don't have it.' A good SA is a good SA regardless of their gender, and just maybe, a SA working against type might work a little harder.</p> <p>My aesthetics place has had a male receptionist the past 4 months, and he is great. I don't mind booking my appointments (including things like bikini waxing) with his help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696620 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 03:03:17 +0000 nicoleb 1696620@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Meh. Urban Outfitters had been doing that for years. One time the guy was literally looking underneath each stall to see if the room was empty. XD it doesn't bother me, but I generally don't ask a SA more than if they will grab me a different size. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696606 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 02:36:14 +0000 Aquamarine 1696606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've noticed the change too, but it really doesn't bother me. I'm almost too old to care, I guess It takes a lot to embarrass me these days. The male SAs I have encountered have always been very professional, also. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696595 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 02:18:17 +0000 DonnaF 1696595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Doesn't bother me too much and prefer it to those cattle call dressing rooms where everyone changes in a single room.&nbsp; Was it Filene's?&nbsp; This was maybe 40 years ago and I still remember! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696587 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:57:39 +0000 Gigi 1696587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess for me it depends on the store. If the store seems to be tidy and well run, and not a free-for-all, I am OK with it. So I am OK at BR, Loft, and AT (where I often have males assist me). I actually kind of like having a male's point of view. But if the place is messy and lower end, like my local Old Navy, then I am uncomfortable with the co-ed dressing area, though I'm OK with male salespeople. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696567 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:10:03 +0000 Windchime 1696567@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RACHYLOU--Yes. these two were college aged and young enough to be my sons. I just could NOT ask them if something was too tight on my hips! </p> <p>GAYLENE--Your favorite tailor sounds like a gem. He'd be my favorite tailor, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696561 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:58:22 +0000 Gaylene 1696561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gender doesn't fuss me, but I detest messy or dirty dressing rooms. If a male SA cleans up the room before I go in, is helpful when I want another size, and is willing to help me assess the fit, I'm a happy camper. </p> <p>For what it's worth, my favourite tailor is a middle-aged man with an amazing eye for seeing exactly what needs to be tweaked to turn a nice-fitting garment into a great one His methods involve a lot of hands on touching while folding, draping, and pinning. He'd be devastated to think anyone would feel what he does is inappropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696555 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:45:32 +0000 rachylou 1696555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. I rather don't like it, but at the same time it makes no difference to me, if that makes sense. I usually encounter them at stores staffed by indifferent college-age kids who can't be bothered in the first place, lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696536 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:01:27 +0000 Windchime 1696536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>RETAILGIRL--Yes, you make a great point that women routinely assist men in clothing stores! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696534 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 23:57:21 +0000 Diana 1696534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always had good interactions with male SAs, and I have also on occasion used the men's fitting room when the line for women's was too long. Of course I ask first but nobody has ever said no and in fact sometimes at places like gap they'll offer to let you use the men's if you don't want to wait in line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696530 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 23:52:38 +0000 retailgirl 1696530@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm fine with a male SA. And I worked in Menswear in several stores and my male customers had no problem with a female SA. (Me) And I would ask a male SA for an opinion on fit, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696508 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 23:18:48 +0000 columbine(erin) 1696508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. I had a really helpful male SA at Loft recently. If I'd been searching for something personal that would've made me uncomfortable. I was just searching for trousers and he tracked down sizes and fits and colors and hung them on the door outside the dressing room, with plenty of warning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696497 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 23:01:30 +0000 Joyce B 1696497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never had that happen in a fitting room and I don't think I would be too comfy most of the time, particularly if I needed specific advice on fit. On the other hand, maybe male SAs would be less pushy so that could work to my advantage. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/culture-shifts-and-dressing-rooms#post-1696494 Sun, 17 Jul 2016 22:54:55 +0000 Classically Casual 1696494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've encountered male SA's for awhile now, and am fine with them. Even in Sephora recently, and he was wearing more makeup than me. In my experience they've been professional, knowledgeable and helpful. I'm fine with them working the dressing room areas too. Working retail is not easy, and anyone who is good gets my vote and support. </p>