Binder recommendations

[LittleBoyBear]

Hi all.
So, I have a binder I got on Amazon. It was about $30 and is from an Asian company. I sent them my measurements and they recommended a size, which I ordered. It really isn't enough. It doesn't feel any different than a sports bra, and a kinda crappy one at that.
I am looking into getting Top Surgery ASAP (I asked for Surgeon suggestions in Chicagoland a few days ago on another board) but in the meantime, I would still really like to bind successfully. I was looking at the Underworks tri top, but am a little confused, seeing as the model wearing it is male. Also, there is no sizing chart, which makes me nervous when ordering stuff online...
I am: 5'2", 135-140 lbs, 34" just under the breasts and a C cup.
Thanks, Bear

[pianoforte]

There is a size chart!

So, on the tri-top page of the underworks website, http://www.f2mbinders.com/binding-tops/tanks/tri-top-chest-binder

Where it gives detailed information about the binder, pricing, and reviews, there are tabs. The default tab is "The Details" and then next to it is "Size Chart" and then "Reviews" and "Write a Review"

The tri-top runs a little smaller than the Ultimate tank (aka 997), at least in the larger sizes, dunno about in your size though.

Make sure to get accurate measurements before you order. The one I use is the Ultimate/997 so I can't really tell you much about the tri-top, except that most people I know go for the full-length one because even with its problems with rolling up, it tends to sit more comfortably on the body. But again, that's a matter of personal preference.

I hear bad things about binders ordered from Amazon... some are good and some are bad, obviously, but it seems like a minefield. Underworks generally has good quality all around from what I hear.

[adrian]

It took me a moment to find the size chart and measurement instructions too
I have the cotton concealer tank top (which only binds the chest, not the stomach area), I'm assuming it's quite similar to the tri top (the tri top has three layers though).

I measured the way described on the page (taking the average of the two measurements described) and it put me at an XS. I decided to go for the S instead (that's the size I need when only taking into consideration the measurement across the moobs). I must say that it binds perfectly for me. Flat chest without feeling too constricted.

[Teacherology]

It took me a moment to find the size chart and measurement instructions too
I have the cotton concealer tank top (which only binds the chest, not the stomach area), I'm assuming it's quite similar to the tri top (the tri top has three layers though).

No the sizing is different between those two products. By example; the Tri-top in size small = 31 to 33 inches and the Cotton concealer tank top in size small = 32 to 35 inches.

I also thought they were the same size the first time I bought from them. Save yourself the hassle and check the size chart of every binder.

[adrian]

Thanks!

[AdamMLP]

I find the tritop much more comfortable than the 997 personally, it all depends on the person.  I find that my 997 is baggy around the stomach because I'm fairly skinny, which means that it rolls up pretty badly.  I don't have that issue with the tritop.  Measure the way that the site suggests, it seems right for most people.  I can't deal with binding that tight because of the length of time I have to wear it for, but that's a pretty rare finding from what I've seen.  Definitely never go a size down.

[LittleBoyBear]

Awesome guys, thanks!
Obviously I have a lot to learn. I just went to Underworks.com, I didn't realize there was a separate FTM site or option or whatever.
Here's the link to the page I ended up on: http://www.underworks.com/tri-top-chest-binder.