Any advice for us that can't buy anything?

[sony]

Hi,

do you maybe have any advice how to pass better for us that can't afford or can't order because of the country we are living in. I'm interested in advices on how to pass better as regarded to binders, packers, clothes and etc. So, do you have any advice on how to pass better or maybe how to make something on our own?

[aleon515]

I am not taking this question quite literally. I am taking it as "I can't buy anything online which says ftm on it".

I really think packing is more psychological. I don't know how often someone wouldn't pass if they didn't pack. Maybe if you wore REALLY tight jeans?
http://www.ftmguide.org/ 
Contains info on packing, including how to make your own packer, if you want.

Binding might be more important-- smaller guys can wear the cheapo Walmart under armour knock-offs. I've heard of getting them in a size too small. I've also heard of wearing two, so this is pretty close to a binder actually. This doesn't work, imo, if you are larger as it just shows things more. There are compression sports bras (these say compression don't get anything that says "uplifts, separates, etc" you don't want that). There are how to make binders using old jeans and that sort of thing online. I think you can use back braces as well. They can be made of  gauzy material or this thick heavy material used in water proof supplies.
Don't use tape or ace bandages.

Go to thrift stores for clothes. It's actually where I get mine mostly. I think jeans and pants are the hardest for us trans guys, so it will take patience finding your size. If you are smaller look in boys from about size 14-20. Be sure to look into husky sizes-- even if you aren't husky.


I don't know if the later helps outside the US or Europe.

--Jay

[sony]

Thank you for a respond. Well, I have a problem because I live in a country from where I can't order anything (still a student, customs, and living with parents - that's also one big no no because I can't order online). What do you say about the elastic abdominal binder, would that work (something like this: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/v1/480047794/Elastic_abdominal_binder.jpg)? Hm, yes, maybe I could find a back brace in a pharmacy store. Does that work nicely?

[aleon515]

That can work, and was what I was talking about. They make them out of bandage type material which would be cooler. The complaint I have heard is they don't breathe, but they work well.

I didn't mention layering. So how this works basically is shirts within shirts. Perhaps an undershirt, a t-shirt or two, and a button down shirt. You do a button down with stripes or plaid that is distracting to the eye. I basically "bound" like that for months.

--Jay

[sony]

Thank you again, I also use layering and button up shirt. So I suppose if I get an abdominal binder like that I have to get it in a smaller size, right?

Tnx

[anibioman]

Hm, yes, maybe I could find a back brace in a pharmacy store. Does that work nicely?

i used a neoprene back brace for a couple of months before i got a binder. it worked really well but it gets sweaty under there as it was spring/summer. it would work best if you wear a tank top under and maybe safety pinned the back brace to it because it slipped down on me. also a cotton tank top could help with the sweaty issue.

[Bastian]

Really early on in my transition, when I couldn't order anything because I hadn't come out, didn't have a paypal account and therefore couldn't order anything I used a woman's silhouettes type body shaper thing. it was meant to go over ones tummy to help make you look thinner, kind of had the look of a bustle that was missing the top (breast) half. This worked for me for about 5-6 months till I got the chance to upgrade thanks to a friend who was over 18 and could order it for me and have it shipped to her place.

I'm not sure where you live exactly, but a lot of online stores will accept a pre-paid VISA (the kind you can buy at a gas store). Then all you need is a friend who will let you ship something to their house. Tell them you are buying a gift for one of your parents but don't want them to know about it if you aren't out to them. That can work.

Depending on your bust size, if you have a smaller chest i've heard layering tight t-shirts can help, or using tight sports bras with tight t-shirts over top. If your bigger chested like me, picking up a body fat compression shirt like I mentioned earlier is your best bet, coupled with a baggy sweater.

With regards to a packer, I had an FTM friend who used a condom filled with lube, I've also heard of men using rolled up socks. I'm not very dyphoric with regards to my groin so I just waited till I can out to my family to order myself a packer.

Short hair will help you pass the most I think (after dealing with your chest) I definitely felt way more confident when I got my first men's haircut, and I definitely looked more male. Try shopping in the men's section when it comes to clothes. Men's pants fit differently then woman's, so not only will you feel better but you'll also help yourself to pass.

Also try studying men's subtle non-verbal behaviors. How do more men sit? How do they talk? How do they stand, walk, run? If you can begin to mimic those behaviors, that will also aid you. Mostly though it's about doing what makes you more confident.

[Liminal Stranger]

Rolled-up sock user over here. It'd be weird if a kid who can't see over the counter at most places tried to buy condoms, so it works for me.

I'm using two pairs of control-top tights on the unwanted topography upstairs, one for compression and the other to make it not feel weird to the touch. If you do this, make sure to take breaks because it can and will dig into your skin (especially if you make the straps too thin like I did).

Anyway, I use that plus layering and guys' pants (or if not ones that are a little baggy) and a belt to combat the dysphoria while on a budget and under the rule of Ms. I Don't Believe In Transgender People.

[AdamMLP]

You can make a 'condom packer' out of gloves, I saw a tutorial for it somewhere, I can get the link on my phone because of t mobiles stupid content filters, but if you Google "how to make a packer gloves" it comes up. It's on the lauras playground website. I made a pretty decent packer based off that method, I changed it a little as I was doing it from memory and started experimenting.

My harness was made out of the remains of an old bra, but there are plenty of methods for that out there.

Binders I don't know.

[MattFlo]

This guys tumblr is really awesome for FTM DIY projects. You might find you can make tons of your own stuff. This guy has posted instructions and photos etc. Take your time and browse through all this posts including the archive. http://imakeftmthings.tumblr.com/

[sony]

Hey all, I haven't been here for awhile, thank you all for writing. I really have a problem with buying over the internet because of the credit card, but pretty much mostly because of the customs (binders are expensive and they stay at the customs, so you have to go to the customs and pick them up). I already got like a stomach brace, but it's too big for me, it doesnt tight me as I would want it. I suppose I should get a smaller one. When I do, I'm gonna let you know what worked for me. Thank you really for posting everything you did, it means a lot to me, any help to get is important a lot

[Bastian]

Just a thought, if you're worried about a credit card number being out there on the wide web, you can buy a gift visa and use that on a lot of websites. Also underworks (I only use underworks so I can't talk about any other companies) uses pretty good discretion with their packaging, it just looks like a heavy envelope and says clothing on it or something like that. In any case the medical brace will still work if that's not an option  .

[sony]

Thank you for your reply. Well I live in Croatia and a lot of things are not possible here So I'm stucked with the medical brace I wonder how does a proper binder feel.

[Bastian]

If I compare the medical brace I used to my binders, it's tighter and a bit more uncomfortable than a binder, but I bought all my binders in the correct size (as opposed to buying a size smaller as some guys do) so i found them very comfy. With regards to the level of compression you get, I'm rather large chested so overall the difference between the medical brace and my binder is pretty null, they bind me almost the same amount, so don't feel like you're missing out on that too much.   

[tomthom]

my best advice is to learn how to sew. look up validated tutorials on what you need to make. make it. it's a lot cheaper and more customizable.

[Blaine]

my best advice is to learn how to sew. look up validated tutorials on what you need to make. make it. it's a lot cheaper and more customizable.

I agree with this. You can alter things that don't work the way you think they should and make it more comfortable. Once you've messed with enough things, you get pretty good at it and prefer your own (cheaper) creations over anything you could buy. Just keep in mind that you may have to buy a little extra material or a few extra pairs of underwear or whatever you're experimenting with until you get some practice in.