Binding for big guys/large chests

[JeffJefftyJeff]

So... I got my first binder in the mail today. I'd read a lot of good things, both here and elsewhere, about Underworks 997 for big guys/guys with large chests, so I was pretty optimistic. Opened it up, tried it on...

Cue disappointment. It flattens me out a bit, but not really noticeably more than, say, double-layering sports bras would. I've tried different uh... "positions" (down and apart, up and center, etc.) and nothing really seems to make a difference. The gapping at the arms and the neck I can both deal with since I usually wear t-shirts and they don't seem to show as much, but I'm just bummed about the lack of compression, or at least what feels like a lack - I knew I wouldn't get TOTALLY flat, but it felt like I'd at least see a noticeable difference (I could deal with looking like a regular fat guy with moobs, for example!). For the record, I'm 5'6, about 315 pounds, and a 44DDD - I ordered the 4x based on the measurement my wife did around the biggest part of my chest.

Are there any tips, suggestions other larger (or just large-chested) guys might have for binding? Other binder places I could/should look at?

[RaptorChops]

I'm sorry you're having an issue with the binding. You should look into GCB2 Binders. I've see a few larger gentleman wear them and it looks pretty good. They're also a bit cheaper than Underworks too. I wore these binders the last couple of months before I had my Top-Surgery. They are a bit better with binding in my opinion compared to Underworks. Just make sure you size yourself properly before buying because mine were way too small.

You could also look into Man Sculpture binders as well. These are given the seal of approval by the top surgery "expert" Dr.Garramone. I had two of these and they also were better than Underworks.

[FTMax]

I used Underworks. Not as big as you, but I have a bigger frame. I found that pushing up and out (think toward the armpit region) worked best for me. And then layers. 2-3 layers on top of the binder was normal for me.

[Bimmer Guy]

So... I got my first binder in the mail today. I'd read a lot of good things, both here and elsewhere, about Underworks 997 for big guys/guys with large chests, so I was pretty optimistic. Opened it up, tried it on...

Cue disappointment. It flattens me out a bit, but not really noticeably more than, say, double-layering sports bras would. I've tried different uh... "positions" (down and apart, up and center, etc.) and nothing really seems to make a difference. The gapping at the arms and the neck I can both deal with since I usually wear t-shirts and they don't seem to show as much, but I'm just bummed about the lack of compression, or at least what feels like a lack - I knew I wouldn't get TOTALLY flat, but it felt like I'd at least see a noticeable difference (I could deal with looking like a regular fat guy with moobs, for example!). For the record, I'm 5'6, about 315 pounds, and a 44DDD - I ordered the 4x based on the measurement my wife did around the biggest part of my chest.

Are there any tips, suggestions other larger (or just large-chested) guys might have for binding? Other binder places I could/should look at?

The fact that you didn't see a flattening effect makes me wonder if you should have gotten a smaller size?  The fact that you have gaping armpit holes really makes me wonder, since that is often the tight/uncomfortable part on a binder.

I do hear lots of positives on the GCB2 binders, but I haven't heard about them being good for larger men, per se.

[JeffJefftyJeff]

Thanks guys. I'll look into the GCB2 ones when I've saved up a little more; visiting the doc tomorrow night (a few hours away) so have been saving up for costs of that (and starting T, woo).

Bimmer, that was my feeling originally when we were looking at sizing, but I was squarely in the sizing range for the 4x (even though I expected to be getting a 3x); wife encouraged me to do the size according to the size chart. She's actually seen me in it since I posted earlier and said it looks great and there's a "definite difference" so... going to give it some time.

Thank you also for the tip re: layering - somehow that just hadn't occurred to me but I'll give that a shot as well.

[Nicodeme]

I don't know why everyone recommends the double-front (997) for large chests. The tri-top is far better. More effective and way easier to put on.

It seems gc2b is very hit-or-miss once people get above, say, a c-cup. I've got one coming in the mail though because it seems to be *about* as effective as a tri-top and far more comfortable. May as well see what all the fuss is about.

[teddybear_zach]

I have underworks and I have the full compression tank in a 2x and it flattens me pretty well. I'm a big guy over 300lbs. I tried the tri top and it cut off circulation in my fat parts lol

[FTMax]

Yeah, agreed on the tri-top. I have a spinal curvature that makes my rib cage jut out, and the tri-top was constantly digging in and leaving awful marks there. I can't imagine it would be comfortable for a bigger guy to wear regularly. I only wore mine for days when I wouldn't have a chance to re-tuck the 997 if it rolled up.

[kaidenhendricks89]

My favorite binder was the underworks  997 ... I'm not a little guy either (230 at the time ... I've since had top surgery) I tried the gc2b and I went by the size chart and couldn't even get it on properly it fit very weirdly (I think that's a word haha)
But back to the 997 ... I had days where I felt it flattened more than others, (some days my dysphoria was much worse than others) my wife always told me that it flattened me out nicely and when I wore it with Polo shirts  (particularly ones made of a slightly thicker material) I felt the best.

[JeffJefftyJeff]

Huh! Nicodeme, would you mind sharing about the fit/how you like the new one once it arrives? I'd be curious to hear how another big guy fits it (if that applies to you). And Zach and Max, that was what I suspected my problem would be - some folks suggested to fold the 997 back up over your chest and while I tried that and it did compress a bit more, it ended up bisecting me in a way that looked weird (and felt even more uncomfortable), so I'm not sure the tri-top would be better at all.

I'm warming to the 997 *a bit* but still thinking about trying a new one. I see some folks mentioning the 997 "rolling up" - is there something you're doing with it instead of just pulling it straight down? That's how I've been wearing it and as-is it just hits the top of my thighs. Starting to wonder if I'm wearing this puppy WAY wrong, haha.

[FTMax]

I'm warming to the 997 *a bit* but still thinking about trying a new one. I see some folks mentioning the 997 "rolling up" - is there something you're doing with it instead of just pulling it straight down? That's how I've been wearing it and as-is it just hits the top of my thighs. Starting to wonder if I'm wearing this puppy WAY wrong, haha.

Nope, you've got it on right. Mine would roll up about 2-3 inches once I started really moving around beyond standing/walking/sitting, even if it was tucked into my pants with a belt and another shirt holding it down. I tried it a few different ways over the years and nothing really seemed to fix it. Rolling it up to mid-chest helped, but like you said, uncomfortable and not aesthetically pleasing.

It wouldn't have been too bothersome if my job didn't involve lifting and bending. It's more likely to happen once it's stretched out a bit, so you may be good for a little while. It's easily something you can ignore as long as it isn't already too tight on you.

[Nicodeme]

I was much thinner in high school (albeit still with disproportionately large boobs) when I was initially binding so the double-front was just compression where I didn't need it and nowhere near enough where I did.

Anyway, my gc2b is here and I've got it on. I measure 32G so went for a medium. It's pretty flattening but I've got some terrifying sideboobs going on which my tanktop is just barely covering. They really need to come up with different styles because there is not enough fabric to cover my chest.

Also it does a weird thing when I lift my arms that I'm not exactly thrilled with but eh. For the flattening-to-comfort ratio I'll take it.






Also...pardon the mess. I live here.