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Amanda Foster — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor

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How to Handle Be a Tomboy Step by Step

When be a tomboy leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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Part 1

Dressing Like a Tomboy

Wear loose-fitting t-shirts.

[2] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview Go for solid prints and straight cuts. You can either wear wide T-shirts with your favorite band’s logo or other print, or a collared button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Whichever style of shirt you choose, try it on before you buy it to make sure it’s comfortable.

[2] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview Go for solid prints and straight cuts.
You can either wear wide T-shirts with your favorite band’s logo or other print, or a collared button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
Whichever style of shirt you choose, try it on before you buy it to make sure it’s comfortable.
[2] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview Go for solid prints and straight cuts.
You can either wear wide T-shirts with your favorite band’s logo or other print, or a collared button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

Look for pants with pockets, a straight cut on the legs, and belt loops.

Women’s pants tend to have a curve at the hips and taper down towards the ankle to create a slimming shape. They can also be very tightly fitted and have “fake" pockets. Instead, go for “chinos” (trousers made of a material called “twill”). Jeans are also a good option. [6] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview You can also wear loose sweatpants if you’re feeling really casual.

Women’s pants tend to have a curve at the hips and taper down towards the ankle to create a slimming shape.
They can also be very tightly fitted and have “fake" pockets.
Instead, go for “chinos” (trousers made of a material called “twill”).
Jeans are also a good option.
[6] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview You can also wear loose sweatpants if you’re feeling really casual.

Skip the ballet flats, strappy sandals, and high heels.

Wear slip-on or lace-up sneakers, boots, or formal men’s shoes, like oxfords. [7] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview Solid colors or gender-neutral prints, such as a checkerboard pattern or stripes, will help make your look more masculine. Avoid stereotypically feminine features like flowers and glitter. You can also skip the socks if you want!

Wear slip-on or lace-up sneakers, boots, or formal men’s shoes, like oxfords.
[7] X Expert Source Natalie Tincher Style Strategist & Wardrobe Specialist Expert Interview Solid colors or gender-neutral prints, such as a checkerboard pattern or stripes, will help make your look more masculine.
Avoid stereotypically feminine features like flowers and glitter.
You can also skip the socks if you want!
Wear slip-on or lace-up sneakers, boots, or formal men’s shoes, like oxfords.

Part 2

Finding Tomboy Interests

Try new sports.

You don’t have to be an athlete to be a tomboy! If you’ve never played any sports before, try a game like soccer or kickball first. [12] X Research source Once you’re more comfortable on the field, American football and Ultimate Frisbee are fun team sports.

You don’t have to be an athlete to be a tomboy!
If you’ve never played any sports before, try a game like soccer or kickball first.
[12] X Research source Once you’re more comfortable on the field, American football and Ultimate Frisbee are fun team sports.
You don’t have to be an athlete to be a tomboy!
If you’ve never played any sports before, try a game like soccer or kickball first.

Play video games.

Video games are thought of as a fairly common male interest, but they can be fun for anyone! If you’ve never played before, ask your friends who play what their favorite games are. If you already play games, join online forums to discuss your favorite video game. [13] X Research source If you need to buy a console, ask the employee at the electronics store what they would recommend.

Video games are thought of as a fairly common male interest, but they can be fun for anyone!
If you’ve never played before, ask your friends who play what their favorite games are.
If you already play games, join online forums to discuss your favorite video game.
[13] X Research source If you need to buy a console, ask the employee at the electronics store what they would recommend.
Video games are thought of as a fairly common male interest, but they can be fun for anyone!

Develop a tomboy sense of humor.

You might want to learn how to “dish it out,” or poke fun at people. Make sure you can “take it” (laugh at yourself) as much as you can dish it out, and don’t be excessively mean with your jokes.

You might want to learn how to “dish it out,” or poke fun at people.
Make sure you can “take it” (laugh at yourself) as much as you can dish it out, and don’t be excessively mean with your jokes.
You might want to learn how to “dish it out,” or poke fun at people.
Make sure you can “take it” (laugh at yourself) as much as you can dish it out, and don’t be excessively mean with your jokes.
You might want to learn how to “dish it out,” or poke fun at people.

Part 3

Making Friends as a Tomboy

Go to events with activities you enjoy.

Go to sports games (or sports bars if you’re an adult), outdoor events like fishing and ski trips, car shows, and game releases at video game stores. If you see someone you want to be friends with, go over to them and talk to them about the event. [17] X Research source

Go to sports games (or sports bars if you’re an adult), outdoor events like fishing and ski trips, car shows, and game releases at video game stores.
If you see someone you want to be friends with, go over to them and talk to them about the event.
[17] X Research source
Go to sports games (or sports bars if you’re an adult), outdoor events like fishing and ski trips, car shows, and game releases at video game stores.
If you see someone you want to be friends with, go over to them and talk to them about the event.

Keep a calm and confident attitude.

Don’t get upset over things like getting dirty or doing badly in a game. Instead, keep your interactions friendly and casual, and don’t be afraid to make your opinion known. [19] X Research source

Don’t get upset over things like getting dirty or doing badly in a game.
Instead, keep your interactions friendly and casual, and don’t be afraid to make your opinion known.
[19] X Research source
Don’t get upset over things like getting dirty or doing badly in a game.
Instead, keep your interactions friendly and casual, and don’t be afraid to make your opinion known.

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