Binders: getting a size smaller than recommended

[DriftingCrow]

I am a pretty big chested guy for someone my size, and like most guys my size, binding doesn't really seem to work all that well. I basically look like I am just wearing a sports bra. And, I can position them alright in the morning, but then within about 10 minutes these perky things just wander back up front.

Underworks recommends a size small for me, but I've been thinking about maybe trying an extra-small, although I do enjoy being able to breath. But, I really don't want to have to walk around looking like a lumberjack forever because I am layering with plaid or checkered shirts. At the same time, I really don't see how going to an extra small will get me that much flatter since there's really only so much these tits can squish.

So, have any of you guys gone to a size smaller than was recommended? If so, did it seem to help some, or was it just more of a PITA and not worth it?

Edit to add: If I remember correctly, I am only about an inch or an inch and a half above the highest measurement for the size extra-small

[AdamMLP]

I'm on the lower range of the xs underworks 997, ie I measured what the bottom measurement was (my brains gone dead on how to explain it), but I much prefer to wear the secondhand, stretched out, tritop I have, which are sized an inch larger to start with. I can't imagine anyone being able to wear one smaller than recommended safely or in any sort of comfort.

[aleon515]

It's not recommended, and it could actually injure you.
See this thread: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,78429.0.html
It's a sticky and everyone who binds should wear it. You can also break a rib.

To smooth yourself out, you might wear a under armour shirt. Heat wear is particularly nice. You can wear under or over the binder. You can get a too small one on these. Look for them on ebay or go buy at a thrift store or try Target or Walmart's versions (I think Walmarts is $10). Another idea is to wear a gynecomastia shirt.
I like these from gc2. I can wear these as a "binder" but they don't really get me super flat. I think they'd be great for exercise. These are about $20 US. The only thing I dislike is I had to cut mine as it cut me under the arms, they aren't raveling or anything.

http://gc2compression.com/

--Jay

[DriftingCrow]

I did read the sticky one on the top, the ones I have almost seem to be too big. If I understand Alex correctly, the size extra small is 1 inch smaller than the size small, I think mine would fit better if it was just half an inch smaller, so the extra small would indeed be too small for me.

See it's all baggy at the bottom:

To smooth yourself out, you might wear a under armour shirt. Heat wear is particularly nice. You can wear under or over the binder. You can get a too small one on these. Look for them on ebay or go buy at a thrift store or try Target or Walmart's versions (I think Walmarts is $10). Another idea is to wear a gynecomastia shirt.
I like these from gc2. I can wear these as a "binder" but they don't really get me super flat. I think they'd be great for exercise. These are about $20 US. The only thing I dislike is I had to cut mine as it cut me under the arms, they aren't raveling or anything.

I'll have to check out the GC2 shirts, thanks for posting the link and they're really cheap too; for the Under Armor compression shirts I'd have to get a boys size and the boys section version doesn't compress.

[AdamMLP]

I did read the sticky one on the top, the ones I have almost seem to be too big. If I understand Alex correctly, the size extra small is 1 inch smaller than the size small, I think mine would fit better if it was just half an inch smaller, so the extra small would indeed be too small for me.

Sorry I wasn't too clear with what I was saying. The extra small double front is an inch smaller than the the tritop. I don't know which you have, so it might be worth checking the sizes on the websites to see what might fit better. In my earlier post I was saying that I find the double front quite uncomfortable and generally don't wear it as often because I'm at the smaller end of the range as it is and think that going any smaller would be a recipe for disaster.

[DriftingCrow]

Ah thanks for clarifying Alex. I just decide to do the DIY method and I am hacking away at this one currently to make it fit better, and if I fail at hacking this away, I'll let everyone know so they don't make the same mistake and waste $30 or so.

Edit: Okay, I tightened up the bottom part. At least I don't have that part hanging all around now and it's still comfortable and easy to put on. http://henrysftmadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/sewing-with-henry-adjusting-tri-top.html  (oh, and if anyone feels like looking at the little tutorial thing, let me know if it sucks, I only really did one because on that blog thing of mine, people manage to find my other binder altering tutorial through google and such, so I figure there must be a high demand for info on how to alter binders even though it doesn't seem too complex)

[aleon515]

I'm going to refer you here for the gc2 compression shirt. See it almost works for me for a binder, you can see it isn't entirely flat and that the Loveboat does a much better job. I am more suggesting these as an assist for you, rather than torture yourself. They might also be good for someone who wants to exercise. These are stretchy and I wouldn't expect them to last a huge amt of time but they are cheaper than the under armours.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,135721.0.html

--Jay

[DriftingCrow]

Thanks Jay, I bookmarked the page and I'll order one next payday!

I was also looking for an exercise thing too since I am planning on going running out in the park once the weather isn't so awful. I know I could jog wearing my binders since they don't feel tight at all, I just don't want to wash them all the time 

[aleon515]

I wash them like a binder. Throw into a mesh zipper bag and throw in the washer. I never put in the dryer.
Also keep in mind I am a 36 C. So not small, but not huge either. They don't bind me that well but they are comfortable (after the cut) and soft.

--Jay