(TW maybe?) Binder causing more dysphoria?

[DarkWolf_7]

I love how my binder makes my chest appear flat but I hate the fact I can constantly feel it compressing on my chest which just aggravates me more about the existence of my breasts. If I am alone I tend to avoid wearing anything under my shirt and just not look in the mirror because at least that way I can pretend I have a masculine chest. But I don't know what to do in public, I have trouble passing as it is and I probably can't pass at all without a binder (not to mention I would look strange once I am on T).

I don't know if there is way I could modify my binder or buy another binder that wouldn't make me feel quite as dysphoric? I'd hope that having a binder would help, not make things worse.

[ridleysw]

I found myself in a similar situation, and I feel like I'm just finding my workable solutions!

I am large-chested (38 DDD), and no matter how much I bind, there will always be something to notice until top surgery.  So I am figuring out how to balance the desire for a flat-appearing chest and what my body can physically handle.  Mentally, this is tough, and continues to take daily (almost minute-by-minute) practice.  I remind myself that some men have more prominent breast tissue.  I also look at myself in the mirror to show myself that I am WAY more flat than I give myself credit for being when I am looking straight down at it. 

I am never going to pass, even with binders that would prevent me from breathing or moving.  Tough to accept, but it's my reality.  But my friends and coworkers are using my chosen pronoun, even with the obvious chest.  The people who matter see me for who I am.  I just have to remind myself that the opinions from the strangers on the street doesn't in/validate my transition or who I am.  Their confusion is their own.

Then, there's the physical.  After much trial and error, I've found a binder that works well when I add a thin-fabric crop-top underneath (which provides traction for my skin so they don't migrate to the center as quickly).  The key for me is being able to truly, fully breathe with the binder.  I got several panic attacks when I tried on my first few binders, and I realized it was because of the specific location of my lower ribs it was crushing.  If I am struggling to breathe, I can't think about anything other than my chest.  I was also hurting my back and shoulders with my previous binders, so I was beginning to be in daily pain.  But now, with the right binder set-up, I can actually go 30-60 minutes without thinking about my binder!

Long story short: don't give up on the binder search!  I had given up hope of ever finding a comfortable, non-harmful method until just a few weeks ago.  I spent a lot of money, time, and pain with binders that didn't work, but I am thankful I kept looking and was able to find something to make this last year of binding a bit less tortuous!

[reddon]

I get binder-related dysphoria, and it's not something that changes if you use a different binder.

The thought that my ribcage, already smaller than it should be and misshapen by estrogen, is being pressed against is painful.

[Elis]

Same here, I want my chest 100% flat which I know isn't possible until I have top surgery, so I still get dysphoria. I recommend GC2B binders, they're amazing and flatten really well. They're specifically designed for trans men and are very breathable. I can wear mine all day with no problems.

[Fenn]

After much trial and error, I've found a binder that works well when I add a thin-fabric crop-top underneath (which provides traction for my skin so they don't migrate to the center as quickly). 

Hey, I would love to know which binder you've found. I'm a 36 DDD and could use some input. Thanks!

[ridleysw]

Hey, I would love to know which binder you've found. I'm a 36 DDD and could use some input. Thanks!

Sorry I didn't see this when you posted - hopefully I am not too late!

I have two binders that I rotate wearing from LesLoveBoat.  I wear one of those at a time with the "crop top" I mentioned underneath.  The binders are the Cool Mesh Pullover (http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=368) and the Cool Mesh Velcro Chest Binder (http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=78_79&products_id=367).  Then the "crop top" is here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037XCYZQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1).  Basically, the "crop top" just adds some traction between my skin and the LesLoveBoat binder because the binder is really slick material.  I think the same effect could be achieved with trimming down a thin, tight tank top.

The LesLoveBoat binders work for me for several reasons, but the biggest perks are: racerback design (so my shoulders have complete range of movement and it compresses them less), cool fabric (I run warm!), and just enough stretch to be comfortable but still do the job.  I was never able to wear the Underworks binders for more than a couple minutes, and the other binders I tried were not much better.  The LesLoveBoat binders actually make it possible to bind daily for work!