Question about sizing on underworks binders

[Lee]

Hey guys,
I ordered an XL 997 from underworks and found that it fits my hips snugly.  My chest size is in the range they list for it.  However, I don't feel much compression, and it doesn't get me anywhere close to flat.  The fabric is lose around the underarms and collar as well.  I'm wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between the XL and the L.  I'd love to have it tighter on top, but I am worried about having it not fit over my hips.  I was thinking of exchanging it for a L and trying that, but I'd rather not pay the postage if I find out the L will be too small.  It sounds like some of you guys use two of them at a time, so this might be an option as well.
I'd appreciate any info on this.

[Konnor]

I don't know if you tried the Underworks tri-top 983, but you could get the large in it and it will probably compress better, along with not having to worry about your hips fitting in it since it's shorter. I have a double front and the top and chest definitely shouldn't be loose if the fit is proper!

[Bahzi]

I don't know if you tried the Underworks tri-top 983, but you could get the large in it and it will probably compress better, along with not having to worry about your hips fitting in it since it's shorter. I have a double front and the top and chest definitely shouldn't be loose if the fit is proper!

Seconding this.  I have a 997 in a medium I got a few years ago and it fit okay in the chest but always rolled up on my hips to the point where the rolled fabric would crush my bottom ribs.  I'm even thinner now (size 28) but my hips are still a fair bit wider than my waist so I had to cut the bottom off of the 997 to make it tolerable.  I got a tri-top 983 in a medium recently (which fits smaller than the medium in the 997, so check the site measurements), and not only does it compress MUCH better because of the stronger fabric and extra layer, but it ends at a very comfortable place (end of ribcage).  Unless my measurements for my waist and hips near matched, I'd never use the longer ones again, I can't even see them staying put on a lot of cis-men.

[kyril]

Seconding this.  I have a 997 in a medium I got a few years ago and it fit okay in the chest but always rolled up on my hips to the point where the rolled fabric would crush my bottom ribs.  I'm even thinner now (size 28) but my hips are still a fair bit wider than my waist so I had to cut the bottom off of the 997 to make it tolerable.  I got a tri-top 983 in a medium recently (which fits smaller than the medium in the 997, so check the site measurements), and not only does it compress MUCH better because of the stronger fabric and extra layer, but it ends at a very comfortable place (end of ribcage).  Unless my measurements for my waist and hips near matched, I'd never use the longer ones again, I can't even see them staying put on a lot of cis-men.

Wow, I guess that goes to show we're all different. I wear a size 33 or 34 waist pants (so way bigger than you) and the 997 works just fine for me in an XS. Just tucking it into my underwear keeps it from rolling, and a tight belt keeps it from sliding.

[Bahzi]

Wow, I guess that goes to show we're all different. I wear a size 33 or 34 waist pants (so way bigger than you) and the 997 works just fine for me in an XS. Just tucking it into my underwear keeps it from rolling, and a tight belt keeps it from sliding.

Ah, I wasn't clear on this, but I was probably about a 32-34 (and top heavy) when I wore the medium in the 997, I recently cut it shorter, and also took it in about 2 inches on both sides and it's still much looser than the medium in the tri-top I have.  I probably would wear an XS in the 997 now, they run so much larger than the tri-top 983 unless the sizes changed between 2007 when I ordered the 997 and this year when I got the tri-top.

You're right though, the fit is different for everyone.  I was very curvy at a size 32-34, with my waist and hips probably having a 12" measurement difference.  O_o