Binding during spring/summer?

[williamspace]

So, I am not shaped very well. I'm only 4'7" tall, so all my body weight is compressed into less than 5 feet of man. Well, because of that, I am plus sized, according to women's sizes. Not beating around the bush, my boobs are huge. I don't know my exact bra size considering I've been binding the last year and I'm not sure I knew my bra size before that anyway. Just know my breasts are huge, unfortunately.

Because of this... my 2 binders from Underworks don't fit well? I mean I measured myself and everything but it bunches up in the front and there's like half an inch by my armpits of boobs that aren't covered. Because of this, binding under a single layer is a no-go because I'm all lumpy.

I'm guessing my cup size might be around a G? I believe it's bigger than DDD but I'm unsure. Every time I use a measuring calculator, it says DD but I have worn DD bras before and they don't fit.

But should I just try somewhere for a different binder? Or should I just get a good sports bra to wear under tanks this summer? Are there any good minimizing sports bras for people with my big chest size? Truth be told, I'm feeling the idea  of a sports bra more during the summer just because I could breathe better and it looks better than a binder on me anyway. But I don't want one that will push up my boobs and give me hella cleavage.

This is turning into a long rant and I'm sorry. I guess I was just looking for advice for larger chested guys during summer? Experiences?

[FtMitch]

This might not be something you want to do, and I could totally understand that, but you might try going to a specialty undergarment store (not a place like Victoria's Secret!) and have them measure you and give you suggestions for support garments.  I know someone with a 34G chest, and they were living in undergarment hell before they went and got advice from a professional who works with people with above average sized chests.  You would be surprised how important fit is to managing the bust area, so working with a pro can REALLY help.

If you don't want to go this route, however, I would look into getting some high level support bras made for large chested people and layering them if your Underworks binder isn't helping much.  I personally like GC2B, but since I am small chested I can't say if it would work for you as well as it does for me--hopefully other people with more experience will have answers for you on which binders are best.  I just wanted to put in my two cents in regards to seeking out assistance from someone who works with undergarments for a living as it has SUCH a positive effect for my friend (who was having serious back issues before).

[Elis]

I think you should switch to Gc2b binders. I found the Underworks binder to be rather uncomfortable and wearing one for a few hours made my back and ribs ache. I've not had any problems with GC2B  (apart from the need to measure yourself accurately). I've always heard they work great for bigger chested guys.

[Laura_7]

There are black binders that look almost like a shirt. Have you tried one of those ?
A black surface looks more even.
And there might be sizes at different companies that fit and don't compress to much.


*hugs*

[williamspace]

I think you should switch to Gc2b binders. I found the Underworks binder to be rather uncomfortable and wearing one for a few hours made my back and ribs ache. I've not had any problems with GC2B  (apart from the need to measure yourself accurately). I've always heard they work great for bigger chested guys.

I originally looked into them. But I heard the opposite; that they don't do anything for larger chested guys. So I got 2 from underworks but they're so awkward and it's been a really weird binding experience this past year. I can't wear normal t-shirts because it creates a weird lump in the center of my chest.

[williamspace]

There are black binders that look almost like a shirt. Have you tried one of those ?
A black surface looks more even.
And there might be sizes at different companies that fit and don't compress to much.


*hugs*

My first binder was a black tri top from underworks. That's why I got it. And my second was a nude color in the same style. I haven't tried the full tank ones but if these don't fit me with measuring right... I'm not sure anything will    :-/

[Laura_7]

You could have a look here:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,89184.msg639967.html#msg639967

and here:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,145087.msg1186442.html#msg1186442


*hugs*

[Elis]

This may be helpful:

https://queeringthenerd.wordpress.com/2015/01/15/all-about-binders-a-first-hand-review-of-binders-for-larger-chested-people/

http://www.thelingerieaddict.com/2015/03/the-perfect-binder-the-gc2b-reviewed.html

http://transgendar.tumblr.com/post/115523724924/underworks-binder-vs-gc2b-binder

[FTMax]

I couldn't get perfectly flat unless I layered. Yes, it sucked while it was hot out. But you gotta do what you gotta do. All I needed was a binder, tanktop, and a t-shirt. If you tuck the tanktop into your pants, you should be able to flatten out any curves that you don't like.

There were times were I used 2 layered sports bras. It may not be enough if you have a large chest though.

I'd also suggest trying out the full tank. Maybe talk to Underworks and send them a message about sizing with your measurements. I carry most of my weight in the core region, and the tri-top was awful. I like the full tank because I could pull the fabric further down and compress more. You just have to be mindful of your shoulders.

[williamspace]

I'll have to find the time to browse the articles you posted, thank you.

And, ugh! That sounds like it will suck. I, personally, am a sleeveless/tank top kind of man. So not being able to wear them really sucks. I was hoping there was some magic, minimizing sports bra that would help me out but I don't think I'm that lucky.

[FTMax]

Underworks does make a compression bra that you could try. My girlfriend also recommends the Frog Bra. She's a little chesty and has to wear something super supportive to exercise, and apparently that's the only one that does the job.

[williamspace]

Underworks does make a compression bra that you could try. My girlfriend also recommends the Frog Bra. She's a little chesty and has to wear something super supportive to exercise, and apparently that's the only one that does the job.

I've looked into the Frog Bra but their sizing confuses me. I've also heard good things about this bra (http://www.amazon.com/Panache-Womens-Underwired-Sports-Black/dp/B005X5FHPA?ie=UTF8&refRID=HX4636PJPMQTPBPHMX9J&ref_=pd_ybh_a_25) too. My main goal is just to be able to be comfortable in a tank top this summer. I mean I don't pass anyway, so I feel like as long as I can find a binder or bra that doesn't give me crazy cleavage... I guess I can be okay.

[MercenaryElf]

This might not be something you want to do, and I could totally understand that, but you might try going to a specialty undergarment store (not a place like Victoria's Secret!) and have them measure you and give you suggestions for support garments.  I know someone with a 34G chest, and they were living in undergarment hell before they went and got advice from a professional who works with people with above average sized chests.  You would be surprised how important fit is to managing the bust area, so working with a pro can REALLY help.

If you don't want to go this route, however, I would look into getting some high level support bras made for large chested people and layering them if your Underworks binder isn't helping much.  I personally like GC2B, but since I am small chested I can't say if it would work for you as well as it does for me--hopefully other people with more experience will have answers for you on which binders are best.  I just wanted to put in my two cents in regards to seeking out assistance from someone who works with undergarments for a living as it has SUCH a positive effect for my friend (who was having serious back issues before).

I also recommend both getting measured at a place that isn't VS (if you're willing to go that route), and GC2B's binders.

Roughly once a year for the past several years, I've gone to Nordstrom to check my bra size (I'm a DDD with a small band size, and that funky way that VS calculates your bra size makes the sales associates swear up and down that I'm a B cup, which put me in undergarment hell for years as well).  Once you have that size, it makes looking online for one easier.  Having a properly fitting minimizer and sports bra helps me cope with the fact that I still need to wear one most days.

I recently bought two of GC2B's binders and have really liked the results.  However, they're also my first binders, so I could also just be too euphoric over the flatter chest to know any better compared to other brands.  Based on my experience, though, I'd recommend trying them, and have equally liked the half tank and full tank styles.

[arice]

I've looked into the Frog Bra but their sizing confuses me. I've also heard good things about this bra (http://www.amazon.com/Panache-Womens-Underwired-Sports-Black/dp/B005X5FHPA?ie=UTF8&refRID=HX4636PJPMQTPBPHMX9J&ref_=pd_ybh_a_25) too. My main goal is just to be able to be comfortable in a tank top this summer. I mean I don't pass anyway, so I feel like as long as I can find a binder or bra that doesn't give me crazy cleavage... I guess I can be okay.

Panache is a great sports bra for minimizing bounce during exercise but you won't get a flat chest with it. I have 34H chest and I wear the Panache when I exercise or am concerned about comfort rather than looking masculine. It is comfortable and compresses way more than a regular bra but not in the way a binder would. The breasts are firm and high in it.
My brother-in-law's wife is also large chested she wears the Panache as her regular bra.

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[WorkingOnThomas]

I'm a G cup, and I spent years looking for a good, minimising bra. I never found one. Not even after getting professionally measured. That did help somewhat, especially with regard to the back problems I was having, but to go through with it I also had to take a anti-anxiety pill first. As a result, I never did it again and when the model was discontinued, and my supply of bras had run out (I bought about ten of them) I just had to deal with guessing and hoping.
I would say the best thing a big guy can do is get a full tank binder, and layer. The full tank really helps smooth out the bulges that you get with the shorter binders, and helps prevent roll up (also a particular problem for larger guys) because you can tuck it into your undies and then belt your pants over it. The simple truth is that I - at least - am never going to be entirely flat until I have surgery. But the full tank and couple of layers makes me look more like I just have really well developed pecs as opposed to ginormous mammary glands.