Planning on getting my first binder....help please?

[LexiToPeter?]

I'm not sure where to start, but I've decided it's time I get one. The current thing I have worked out is a couple sports bras, but I can only wear it with certain shirts or the straps show. Plus, while it does flatten me a little, my man boobs are still visible. More and more I've been dying to look in the mirror and see a male chest.

So my main question is, in your experience, what is the best brand that you've tried out so far? I'm looking for something that gets the job done with little to moderate pain. Also, I'm a B-ish/C-ish cup(I'm not sure on the exact cup size, but it's probably B.)

Thanks in advance guys

[Kreuzfidel]

I'm a similar size to what you describe, and I use the Tri-top binder from Underworks.  I've used that same style for years and it's not uncomfortable once you get used to it.  Just be sure to measure yourself correctly. Don't be tempted to go smaller just because you want to be flatter. Nothing can completely flatten our moobs the way we'd like.

[Mika]

I'm in the C-D range (binder size 37), and I've also used underworks tri-tops. Right now, I usually wear a medium tri top with a large chest-concealer tank on top. When they're new, it gets me really flat. When they've worn out some, it still gets me pretty flat, but I look a little barrel chested. It hasn't been a painless option for me, however. I get bruising and abrasions just below my armpits since the tri-tops have a non-elastic seam under the arm (some people modify it, or have no issues. If you're a little chubbier though it seems to be more of an issue).

But mostly I've gotten a lot of chronic back pain. I haven't tried this yet as I'm broke, but a lot of my trans* friends have recommended wearing a long-style binder either alone or underneath a short-style one. Also, some guys have less issues with back pain with different styles of binders: besides Underworks, Les Love Boat and  T-Kingdom are other big resalers. Les Love Boat has binders with higher Lycra content (a stretchable but sturdier and more durable kind of spandex) as well as less orthodox materials and designs. I have yet to purchase one from Les Love Boat, but I plan to and I have heard good things.

If you're worried about breathing, I recommend either a vest style with clasps, zip-up style, or velcro-style. If you aren't asthmatic and generally don't have breathing trouble, you're fine with a pull-over style. Just sharing the advice in case you're asthmatic like me.

Just remember to balance your health with your comfort when you can. Take breaks from binding if at all possible, and never bind tightly to bed. Best of luck.

http://ftm.underworks.com/
http://www.t-kingdom.com/
http://www.lesloveboat.com/

[Felix]

I have two Underworks binders, the tri-top and the 997. I'm an A-cup, sometimes B depending on brand.

The tri-top, for me, works a zillion times better, hurts less, rolls/rides up less, and is slightly more visible through clothing but is so much more effective that that feels okay.

I did have some almost unbearable compression pain for the first few days I wore it when it was new. I thought I was going to get sick or something, my ribs and lungs were so squished.

Also, it's not super-relevant to what most other people see, but I'd recommend getting black. I stained the hell out of my white one, and it's kind of embarrassing with new sexual partners.

[LexiToPeter?]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm definitely not going to try and get it too small or wear it 24/7, cause I'm not sure what the long-term effects are, but I don't want to mess up my ribs and/or lungs. Also, I'll need to be able to breath somewhat. (I don't have asthma or anything, but just in case I'm running around I want to be able to breath.)

I'm not the skinniest dude ever, so would it be better for me to get a longer one? I can probably figure out a way to deal with it riding up, I just don't want my whole chest to look weird. So if I do have a bit of a gut, would buying the tri-top be not so good of an idea?

And to Felix, and anyone else who has a tritop or something similar and a longer binder as well, is the pain difference huge? Is it moderate for the longer one, or really intense?

Anyway, thanks for all the tips.

[Felix]

I don't have pain with either one, now that they're broken in, but I'd say I breathe better in the longer one. I'm fairly active.

I have a bit of potbelly, and it is slightly weirder-looking when I wear the tri-top. But the long one doesn't really bind it down much, it just doesn't have an obvious hemline when seen through a t-shirt.

These differences are slight enough, and imo the appearance difference is big enough, that I prefer the tri-top hands-down. I get less shifting in it over the course of the day, and it's easier for me to get on and off.

[LexiToPeter?]

I think I'm going to get the tri-top. One last question, though. If I wore some kind of undershirt over it, would it get rid of the hemline showing through? And would wearing the undershirt help it not look weird as far as my belly goes?

[Felix]

Yes on both (for me), but I go back and forth on whether to do that, because sometimes I end up a little weirdly bulky or overdressed.

If I wear the binder, a t-shirt, and a button up dress shirt, there are no lines and it doesn't really look weird. If I wear a wifebeater and a more casual top, it depends on the sizes of stuff. Idk. Now that I'm thinking about it and trying to word it, I have to say that you kinda have to trial and error it with your own clothing and body.

[Kyle_S]

I have a medium underworks 997. I measure 36 C, so I have to layer with this to make it look ok. 1 shirt is NOT enough.

Problems I've experienced with this style is that it rolls up a lot, so if I have to adjust it, I look like I'm rooting at my underwear. Its ok for general wear out with friends and stuff for the 8+ hrs, but working with it on is a pain. Last time I wore it to work, after 4.5 hrs I had to get it off. My ribs were bruised. Not the best style if you are standing in one spot moving things around for hours.
Also, it compresses the stomach area a lot, so I wind up looking like I have a beer gut. Luckily, I have a big frame.
Breathing-wise, Deep breaths aren't likely to be achievable.

It does get easier to put on and take off after a little while tho. Pull it on like a shirt,  No more jiggly jumping to get out of it.

I Want to try for a tri-top next time I buy a binder.

[Sam-]

hey kyle_s, i wear a 36c as well and i use a small underworks tritop and it works great for me, i'm even (most times) comfortable in just one tshirt over it.

[Kyle_S]

hey kyle_s, i wear a 36c as well and i use a small underworks tritop and it works great for me, i'm even (most times) comfortable in just one tshirt over it.

I'm going to have to try that. I think small may do a better job, and tri-top better on my ribs. Thanks, Sam!