Ok, I know that there are many binding threads. Like where to get one, how to wear one, how to wash it etc, but a lot of these threads and suggestions seem to mainly pertain to people smaller than a D cup. I want to make a thread specifically for people bigger than a D because I've looked everywhere and very little seems to be out there for the bigger guys.
I've been binding constantly for over a year and am a G cup and have learned a few things along the way. I am by no means an expert and everyone's body is different. YRMV. Just some things I've learned are:
You will not get completely flat
No chance in hell. Your chest will flatten out, but if you're as big as I am you'll look barrel chested at best. Yes, even if you double bind. (more on that later). Be prepared.
Not all brands will bind the big chested guy.
Things like Les Loves Boat binders wear similar to a sports bra from my experience. I spent $70+ on one of their binders and it did nothing. I really don't see how LLB works for anyone bigger than a D. I say the same for Dr. Garramone's man sculpture binders. Although, I haven't tried one. I've honestly seen that underworks is the best brand for bigger guys, from my experience. They're cheapish and can bind all types of chest with varying models. I've never tried T-kingdom, but I've seen that their binders are also for the smaller chested. Concealer tops are a waste unless you're using it to smooth things out. Remember, it's another layer that may be more trouble than it's worth. I can honestly only recommend Underworks for anyone bigger than a D or DD. If anyone knows anything that works better, let me know!
Double binding
Double binding can help, but honestly, it can look weird if you're not careful. To me, having the most natural "male appearing" chest is more important than being 100% flat and if you're a heavier guy, looking 100% flat will look unnatural and maybe suspicious to some. In my experience, double binding made my chest look weird. There was a massive bump where my chest started and then it flattened out. I was wearing 2 underworks 983's (tri-tops). This might work if you're smaller than I am, but if you're big like me, I would not recommend it.
Down and out
Any variation of this method can leave massive arm-pit "fat" or where the "area" spills into the arm-pit area. If you're massive, this can be more harmful than helpful. While it *can* help stop the uniboob effect, it is also not possible to really do this if you're big. There is really only so much room for the chest to go. Because of this, I find going "out" only a *tiny* bit is more effective than out. Be careful of the "down" position. I've been clocked because people noticed the outline of the bottom of my chest in my shirt. Just a heads up.
Proper fitting
This is important!! Smaller chested guys seem to get away with ordering a binder a size smaller than their measurement, but if you're bigger, this can be dangerous. A smaller binder may bind tighter and make you flatter, but there is less room for the chest and therefore less room to position things properly. A smaller size can look weird too because the chest has only so much room and arm fat is twice as likely to happen. I'd honestly just get the proper size and avoid the mess. Also remember to adjust yourself frequently. Models like underworks 997 and 988 have stomach compression so they may catch anything that "spills" out, but remember, the chest binding is twice as much as the stomach binding, so it might leave extra "Bumps" below the chest if anything is slipping. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is adjust throughout the day.
Clothing helps
At this point it's a general binding thing. The usual, wear clothes with patterns etc, but I've recently discovered that button ups, whether short sleeved or long sleeved seem to do best to hide my massive chest. Be careful not to get "slim fit". I have no hips, but slim fit doesn't look right on me. I'm not a V shape. I'd at least compare regular fit and slim fit button ups at the store to see what works best. Just be aware that slim fit might be problematic. Obviously dark colors work better than bright to conceal the chest.
clothing size
Try getting a size bigger than your actual shirt size. It helps to hide things as a binder can only do so much. Avoid clingy material and slim cut anything. I know it looks nicer and it's "in", but it's problematic from my experience. The object is to draw as little attention to the chest as possible.
I may have missed some things, but this is generally what I've learned. Hope it helps. I may add more later.
