binder modification

[RomeoEcho]

I got a new binder that is too big. At this point, I really don't think I can afford to exchange it. (exchange fee, plus international shipping, plus import taxes). Has anyone successfully modified one themselves? I'm not so good with sewing, but I was thinking it might be possible to add velcro or hooks to adjust it smaller. (It's a pullover) Anyone have any better ideas?

[LordKAT]

I personally had that problem with one. I had a friends mother alter it for me. Do you know someone else who sews and may be willing to do it?

[RomeoEcho]

No, unfortunately, I'm on my own on this one. What did you have done? Just take it in at the seams or add fasteners of some sort?

[LordKAT]

Took it in at the seams. The only issue was that the armholes got smaller too.

[RomeoEcho]

Brilliant! I found a dry cleaner that does alterations and for cheap they did a same day alteration. I didn't know how much to take it in, and I don't speak the language, but it's good enough for now. It's not "flat" per se. But under a shirt, it's probably not my biggest problem. And it's super comfortable, unlike my underworks, no constriction at all. So the binding to comfort ratio is probably worth it. It's also good to know that this is possible and I could probably get away with it again before the armholes get to small. Thanks! You made my day, I was really depressed that this wasn't going to work and now it's been rescued.

[LordKAT]

I am glad it worked out for you. I wouldn't have thought of a dry cleaners , but it does make sense that they could.

[Ayden]

I wouldn't have thought of a dry cleaners either. Brilliant idea though! Glad it's working out. Measurements for binders can be tricky. I had to modify two myself. I'm not too handy with a needle but I'm passing.

[DriftingCrow]

I've successfully modified binders I have used. I think I posted a tutorial before long ago. . .

Basically what I did was just take the shoulders in, which were too large, and just simply pinched the excess fabric up until it got where I needed it and took a marker and drew a line where I needed it cut up too. Then I cut and sewed using a backstitch.

The sides on mine were fine where moobs were, but underneath the fabric was much too loose. So, I just measured my ribcage and calculated how much fabric needed to go. I just cut from the bottom up to about an inch below moobs and brought both sides in at the seams.

[RomeoEcho]

Yeah, actually, I didn't think of it either. I was walking by and they had a table with a sewing machine in the window. I had a little extra time and its right near my apartment, so I went back upstairs and got it and started the whole charades game to explain what I wanted. I should have asked for a little more, but I was afraid to make it too small too especially with the warning about the arm holes. I think the measurements are harder for larger guys because of the size difference between ribcage and widest point. My uncompressed size is rather different than my compressed size and different manufacturers also vary. Too bad there isn't enough demand that we could have real stores to try them on.

[aeonthrax]

Sorry to be random but are binders kinda like corsets? Or just like a compression shirt in a way? Im not too savy in the matter. Wheres a good place to look em up?

[AndrewB]

Sorry to be random but are binders kinda like corsets? Or just like a compression shirt in a way? Im not too savy in the matter. Wheres a good place to look em up?

A binder is more like a compression shirt; a corset is more about enhancing the breasts and sucking manipulating bone structure (over time) to idealise body shape to an unhealthy standard. Binding is just compressing the breasts (hopefully without bone compression if done safely and correctly) against the chest, since they're mostly just fatty tissue, anyway. Technically speaking, one of the more popular brands, Underworks, is actually made for cis guys with gynecomastia or other chest insecurities to make them appear more shapely and remove excess fat from appearance.

[aeonthrax]

Well fantastic lol im slowely coming out but body is changing faster now than expected in month 11 soooo while im at my summer job till college starts up next fall ima need somethin extra lol i work construction so you could umaging the flak i would catch. But i only have to deal a few months then my lifes really gonna start lol i used to have peirced nipples too so with the breast growth and the forever hard nips a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do

[adrian]

Hi aeon, sorry for asking a dumb question, but you're on estrogen right? (i use the tapatalk app, it doesn't show the gender of folks). If so, maybe look for gynecomastia vests/shirts. I think they look like tank tops...so it would be possible to pass as male for a bit longer. Just make sure not to bind too tightly!


Edit: oh sorry, just saw that you already got a recommendation Re: gynecomastia. [emoji15]

[aeonthrax]

Youre fine adrian lol ive been on m2f hrt for about 10 months now and im starting to become more top heavy and have been out of the loop on certain things for a while because of the navy lol

[aeonthrax]

And my name is chris btw