Binder "funk"

[89thDay]

Kind of an odd question, but does anyone know of a way to keep a binder smelling "fresh" for longer? I wash it fairly frequently[every 2-4 wears], and use a scented soap when I do, but due to the fact that I work in a kitchen, I frequently find myself reeking of onions at the end of the day. The smell does genuinely seem to just be from what I'm working on in the kitchen, but it's not exactly a pleasant smell. any tips? I'd rather not have to wash it every single day, as I feel that would stretch out the fibers quicker, and it takes a while to dry.

Also, while we're here, I was wondering if anyone could give me some recommendations on new binders? I've got a relatively low budget, but I've tried a couple and looked at many "ebay binders," and they have all been side-clasps from what I've seen, which just hasn't been working...Kinda sucks spending what little money I do have, waiting the three weeks for it to ship, only to have more of a sports bra effect than anything. I've been using the 997 Underworks for a while, but it's getting on in age, and could use at least a swap-out[I only have the one so far].
¬Edit!: Felt I should add on that I fit into a D/DD when binderless, so I need something fairly heavy duty for compression.

Many thanks,
--Lukas

[Carbonated]

I had the same problem (working in a kitchen) but i never found a way to keep the smell out. I tried a loveboat and and a t-kingdom, they didn't smell as bad, but they where terrible at binding (D-cup). 997 is the stuff.
My suggestion is that you buy a binder that you wear outside of work and use your old one only at work. That's what I ended up doing. My workbinder smells but when I'm in the kitchen it doesn't matter that much imo:)

[Kreuzfidel]

I'd just suggest handwashing them at the end of a really smelly/busy day to get the sweat out.  I used to use dishwashing liquid instead of detergent.

As for binder recommendations, I only ever used the Underworks Tri-Top so I never went for anything else.  I think they're among the cheapest and best IMHO. 

[notyouraverageguy]

Try sticking it in the freezer

[FlightyBrood]

seconding underworks

i was quite impressive in the chest department, and underworks got me completely flat

[Bimmer Guy]

I was lucky I was able to afford several binders and would just switch them out.  Like Kreuzfield, I was all about the Tri-top!

I would agree with Carbonated with keeping your old one for kitchen duty only and the new one for everywhere else.  No one will smell you in the kitchen!  Maybe save up for another one then you will have 2 to switch out for kitchen? 

I know those ebay ones are cheaper, so maybe you can buy two?  With being a cook, do you have an apron on and you can maybe wear one that doesn't flatten you as well if you are worried about how you look to others?  People say they work just as good as more expensive ones, too. 

[overdrive]

I use only the SHO binders that are on eBay (also on other sites like Amazon) and they get me completely flat. I personally didn't like any of the Underworks binders that I tried, couldn't get flat enough with them so its all about a person body composition I guess. The SHO binders do have side clasps and the ones that are separate (not sewed into the tank tops) are different than the tank top ones and do get you even flatter. I have large broad shoulders though and a small B cup and Underworks just couldn't get me flat enough.

I agree with Carbonated though to buy a binder or two to use exclusively at work.

[AdamMLP]

There's no real way of avoiding the smell in the kitchen.  I've lived/worked in a pub for 17 years, and there really is no way.  I can't even wear the same trousers two days running because of the smell they get, I think it smells like gone-off milk.  I even know people who keep clothes just for going to a specific pub because of the smell that creeps into the bar as they've got poor extraction, so maybe make sure there's enough extraction if you have the ability to do anything about it.  That'll help keep the air a little cooler too so you'll not get as hot and sweaty.

[89thDay]

Currently working on saving enough money to get two binders at once[just to save on shipping], so I'm thinking a black and a white and keeping the old one[like you all suggested] for work. As for the SHOeva/ebay binders, they just don't work for me, and I think that's because of chest size when it comes down to it. Most happy reviewers I've found tend to be a bit smaller in the chest, or a bit bigger all over so it's not as apparent. For me, my chest is notably larger than my stomach, so a lot of time with these there's just too much of a "divet" under the chest, and it just looks awkward on me...but hey, more power to the people that they work for though. [I do have one that is a side clasping one, and I used that for when I was travelling last. It's not the most effective thing in the world, but if I throw on a cheapo sports bra underneath, it does an alright job, and when I want to go to sleep, I can simply unfasten instead of having to wrestle the whole thing off in an airplane bathroom]

Brett: I have a coat that I wear in the kitchens, and it does help, but for aprons I almost always wear it at half-mast, as to me it feels like it draws more attention to any size changes when I do have the apron up.

With y'alls input, I think I'll just start keeping my clothes separate. I've noticed recently that even my kitchen pants and t-shirts have a certain funk to them when I take them out of the dryer after washing. Thank you everyone~

--Lukas

[james-felix]

I feel you! Post-shift onion stink is no fun at all. I have a separate binder that I use for work. I wash it all the damn time too, but there is really no getting it out - I just try not to let in infect my real-life binders.

I buy from underworks and they're machine-washable, just need to be hung to dry. It tends to work a lot better.