Sports bra(s) as binder & a question

[mikaellucien]

I picked up 2 sports bras earlier tonight.  They were cheap & a proper binder isn't really in the budget this week.

When layered, they bind nearly to the max that my moobs allow without restricting breathing etc.  I'm currently a 44c (volume equivalent of 42d/40dd/38f). 

I layered 2 sports bras, an A-shirt & a t-shirt.  The compression pushes the tissue toward my sides, leaving a distinctive curve. 
Face36


Adding yet another layer, an unbuttoned short sleeve dress shirt, covers those curves mostly.
Face19

I'm a big guy, so hiding them completely isn't an option & would probably look kind of odd I suppose.

Now, for the question(s)..

Is there a *tuck* method that works more efficiently than others for larger moobs?  Pushing them up & out gave me the side curves.

Based upon the second pic, does anyone have any suggestions on ways to hide/detract from their appearance?

[Nygeel]

Questions: How much were the sports bras? What kind of sports bras are they?

With a sports bra you can't push down because the sports bra pushes up. That's usually what works for me...down and out.

[mikaellucien]

Fruit of the Loom - Full Motion - Sport Racer Back ... $3.98 +tax each (USD) (purchased at Mal*Wart)

After reading your post I put them back on, pulled the front/bottom band down further than it would normally sit & pushed down & out.  Mine naturally lay down, which helps I guess.

There's a bit more room for compression from this angle, but I'm not certain my lungs will appreciate it.     I don't know how well they'll hold their position during the day but they stayed put while bending, sitting & jumping a few times.  They also have a lot less side bulge, so I think I'll give this a go tomorrow & see how it treats me.

I do have a question regarding down/out.  Is there anything specific that helps with moisture control?  I'm prone to yeast infections under the moobs if I don't keep them dry underneath.

[JCH84]

Although this doesn't really answer your actual question i thought it might help, my friend had the same problem dude had big moobs...plaid button up shirts seemed to distract the eyes from the area type of thing, usually they have have them on clearance at khols, dunno if you have one of those near u but if they do, might help a little and as far as the moisture, gauze pads help.

[RagingShadow]

i think the second picture looks fine
as a bigger guy, some man boobs are expected and not out of the ordinary. the only bad thing is that I expect all of those layers would be really hot, unless it's winer

[KamTheMan]

Sorry to say, dude, but they're really not helping like a binder would. If you're only dropping $4 on a sports bra, it's not going to have proper support or last very long. And without "support" it prob won't do what you as a guy want it to do which is flatten you out. A good plan would be to get a jar and drop as much into it daily as you can. Try to put in a dollar minimum every day. Then, within six weeks, you can run to the bank and drop it in your checking account to buy a real binder. Or save a lil extra to buy a one time use credit card if you don't have a checking account. I don't mean to be insensitive about money if this isn't possible for you. But that's $8 plus tax that you could have saved up for a binder rather than have these sports bras that you'll never wear once you finally get a binder anyways. I wasted a ton of money on sports bras hoping they'd be enough and they weren't so I saved up over and over for different ones from underworks. Now I have like 4 binders I cycle through depending on what I'm wearing over them and never leave the house without one on. Binders are the shiznit and there is no replacement for a proper one ( until top surgery anyways :] ) Good luck, bro!

[Nygeel]

There are websites that allow people to post requests for donated binders. Some sites list binders they have to give away.

As for keeping dry, try baby powder.

[KamTheMan]

Try the Big Brother's Used Binder Program --> http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/BBUB.html

[Darth_Taco]

I'm sorry, but your chest is really noticeable in the pictures. They're better in the second one, but it's still not great. I suggest something like the Big Brothers binder program or something similar.

As for keeping dry, baby powder or Gold Bond. Eating yogurt also helps prevent yeast infections :'P.

[mikaellucien]

I've been setting aside any extra cash for top surgery.  Pulling a small amount from that fund for a proper binder shouldn't be much of a set back.  I suppose I can always look at it as step one in that process.     I will definitely save the link for the Big Brothers program but right now I'd feel like an @$$ if I tried to go that route, as I do have some financial resources available to me.

As for the sports bras, they still have their tags on them & I saved the receipts.  (Just in case I woke up today & realized that their purchase was a waste.)

Thanks for all the feedback. 

[aleon515]

Well you could wait around, read the ftm gear section. Sometimes guys will sell their old binders (often not too old) for pennies on the dollar. If you pay *something* you might feel better. Also do look at the Big Brother thing and there is another one (?). One of them has used non-underworks binders. They charge for these but not as much as what you'd pay to buy.

--Jay Jay

[mikaellucien]

I am now in possession of an Underworks double panel compression shirt, size XL.

This photo, from left to right:  No bra, 2 sports bras, binder
bda-front

This photo: binder
DSC01045

I still feel like my chest is f*n huge.  Does anyone have any opinions/suggestions?

Thanks.

[wheat thins are delicious]

I think the binder front and side pic look fine.  A larger guy would have a larger chest area like on your photos.  An unbuttoned short sleeve button up over that would help.

[aleon515]

I agree with Andy on both how it looks and using a button-down (or is it button-up?) shirt.
My dysphoria really decreases wearing one (depending on the shirt).

--Jay Jay

[Ayden]

I think us guys are always a little overly aware of our chests. I always think mine is visible despite the husband telling me its not. Your chest looks pretty much spot on for a larger guy. Most of my bigger bio male friends have pretty much the same profile, so don't worry so much! The binder totally is doing its job.

Like Andy and Jay Jay said, having an over shirt of some kind really does help and it certainly makes me feel more comfortable. Something like a loose button up or the like. I generally always have an over shirt as long as it isn't death hot outside.