Binding a large chest

[Aeryn Zaher]

When I say large, I mean I have a 44F (44DDD) chest. Thus far I use a flimsy homemade binder that can bring me down to a C or maybe a B, but still looks like breasts. I plan to buy a real binder in the future, but I would like to know what size and brand would work the best. Most all the transmen I've met started out with a much smaller chest and could use just about anything.

At the risk of sounding rude, I don't need to know what size/brand worked for a size C, because, frankly, it doesn't matter when you are nearly three times that size. I need to know what was used by guys who started out as an E/DD or larger.

[HeyTrace19]

Sorry, man, I feel your pain...  I was a 38DD and I used an ace bandage and compression T-shirt.  Sometimes the Frog bra, a compression shirt, and a big sweatshirt would work in the winter, but truthfully, I could never bind to the point that my chest looked masculine at all, especially since the rest of my body was pretty small.  I made top surgery the first step in my transition...that was the only way it would work for me.  I know there are other guys out there who had/have big chests.  I hope they have some more ideas for you.

[Darth_Taco]

I think my size has been similar to yours, but I'm not sure. The largest bra I wore was a 40DD, but that was too small. If it helps, I think I had something like a 50 inch chest at my biggest and they were uncomfortably dense and perky. Anyway, I've been able to bind successfully. It took some trial and error, and a lot of squishing. Eventually this is the best binding method I've found that pretty much works 100% of the time while letting me (an asthmatic) breathe just fine, even during exercise and sex.

My first layer is a compression shirt like athletes wear. I wear the smallest one that will fit me. It won't bind much, but it will compress a bit. More importantly, it gives support and prevents chafing. Trust me, you don't want nipple chafing. Anyway, it would be something like this. Don't worry, you won't need to get anything that expensive. Unless you want to of course. I get mine at Target for something like $10 or the thrift store for almost nothing. I've worn these in 115 degree dry Vegas heat and in 100 degree humid LA heat and I've been fine.

Second layer is my binder. I simply wear the 997 from Underworks. I've tried others from many other places (my best friend likes helping out), but this one has been the best one for me in keeping me evenly squished. The Tri-top is better in terms of chest binding, but unless you have a flat belly it'll just make your belly stick out and make it blatantly obvious you're binding. It's temping to go a size smaller than recommended, but I advise against it. The recommended size has always been enough to hide my formerly perky ones. That's another great thing to look forward to, by the way. The longer your bind, the more floppy they get so they'll get easier and easier to squish down.

Third layer is just whatever shirt I'm wearing. I've worn tight t-shirts while binding like this and been perfectly fine. Mater of fact, I'll go take some pictures. I didn't wanna get dressed though...->-bleeped-<- it, there's no proof on the internet without pictures.

The one thing that's helped the most in regards to both binding and passing for me has been losing weight. I was afraid my chest would actually look bigger because I've never had a small chest regardless of my weight. I was pleasantly surprised to see that once I started dropping weight that my chest started to shrink as well. I was kinda pissed that I had to buy a smaller binder, but that's just part of life.

So that's all I have for now. Hope this helps some.

[Aeryn Zaher]

It looks like it might work. I'd probably have to go a size up though. Thanks for linking pictures.

[Tyler]

From what I know, underworks binders work on every size. My friend is a DDD and she uses Underworks compression Tri-top and and compression vests in 3x size, and from what I see if works perfectly as a compressor. However, every body is different and regardless of chest size some binders work better on some people.