How long are binders?

[kesenaie]

Hi

I want to buy a binder and I'm stuck between picking a black 978 (vneck shirt) and a black 983 (tritop).
How long is a small? I'm only 1.53 meters (a boy's M size in shirts xD) which is about 5 ft.
If it's too long, can you just cut it?

[Robert Scott]

I would go with an extra small....my son is bigger than you and he wears an x-small.

Several folks including my son have cut binders

[kesenaie]

You sure? The X-small recommended size for the chest is smaller than what my chest is I have an A I think. I need to ask my mom to know for sure.
If you cut it, do you need to get it stitched too or will it be fine?

[kyril]

My measurements put me in a M in Underworks sizing and I actually wear an XS. I think the binders run big for those of us on the small end of the spectrum, and small for those on the large end.

And the "powernet" fabric binders can be cut to size without needing to be stitched, although you might prefer a hem because the fabric is thin and stiff and can cut your skin. The "cotton concealer" and nylon or microfiber binders would need to be hemmed, they'll fray like ordinary fabric. But I wouldn't worry about cutting those if you choose them because they're soft enough you can just fold them up if you need to.

[kesenaie]

Thanks for the answers

I need to get it shipped to EU. What kind of box/bag do you get? I'd like a subtle one, not something that screams FTM underworks xD

[kyril]

It's very subtle, just a white FedEx envelope here, with the binder inside folded in a clear plastic bag. I assume they'd use equivalently ordinary packing for different shipping methods.

[xAndrewx]

Just adding another vote to going for the XS instead of the S. I was measured at a large for the tri-top and a medium fits me well enough a large would have been huge. My packaging I think said underworks in small letters but, like Kyril said, nothing obvious.

[kesenaie]

Yep, I'm going for XS.
I want to get the shirt, would the compression be enough since I'm small anyway? The tri-top seems a bit overkill and it looks like you can't cut it if it's too long.
Thanks again for the replies. Soon I can wear my tshirts without boobage

[xAndrewx]

Oh I didn't realize you were going for the shirt. I got that one as well but never review it because it didn't do anything for me. I'm well over a D though so for an A it might work out. Just suggesting against the V-neck because in my experience it was cut too low to entirely hide my chest there but as an under the T-shirt thing it might work for you. Also the fabric was thick in comparison to the average binder so it made me sweat way more. Good luck though and I do hope you have a better experience with it then I did.

[Robert Scott]

It is my understanding that thin and small boys prefer the tritop...my son is an A and wears small in men's clothing or xl in youth ... he loves the tritop and hated the full length ones

[riccirules]

What would you suggest for a guy like me, who is about 5ft tall, a 40D chest, and not at all thin?
I typically wear a large in shirts, because they're a bit big on me, but I don't swim in them.

I've been looking at the Underworks 997, because it offers chest and midsection compression.
This'll be my first binder purchase, so I want to know that this one is worth it.

[Robert Scott]

Larger guys tend to prefer the double compression - chest & stomach.  It has been my experience to go one size smaller than you typically wear.  I wear XL and got a large .. it usually takes me and someone else a couple times with a new binder and then it loosens up and I can do it myself.

[riccirules]

Thanks Rob!

[kesenaie]

It is my understanding that thin and small boys prefer the tritop...my son is an A and wears small in men's clothing or xl in youth ... he loves the tritop and hated the full length ones

Can I ask what he didn't like? It didn't work properly, or was it just too long or uncomfortable?
Andrew, I might still go for the shirt. Do want to try it and I want to wear it as a t-shirt, though underneath plaid shirts etc. The reason I'm not going for a tri-top is because I'm worried some might see it and the shirt is a bit more stealthy.

[gilligan]

As for the packaging, I believe the return address says "simple solutions" not underworks.

[Redshirt]

I'm 5'1", kinda stocky build plus curvy hips, and I think my chest is small B. I'm Medium in tri-tops and Small in the double front compression shirt. You can cut binders, mine have never frayed or anything after cutting them. I cut my long binder in half because it kept rolling up my hips. I think the long ones work better for guys who are slender or don't have much difference between their hips and waist. The long ones could work for a bigger guy if he has more of an apple shape body, I think. I find the tri-tops much more comfortable and effective than the double fronts, but it depends on your body type.

[Robert Scott]

Can I ask what he didn't like? It didn't work properly, or was it just too long or uncomfortable?
Andrew, I might still go for the shirt. Do want to try it and I want to wear it as a t-shirt, though underneath plaid shirts etc. The reason I'm not going for a tri-top is because I'm worried some might see it and the shirt is a bit more stealthy.

He complained that it kept rolling up on him and he has a boy's boy --- no hips & no butt --- so he didn't need the extra length.  The tritop looks like a half shirt and not a bra -- he goes completely stealth - changes in locker rooms & uses the bathrooms.  He can wear his tritop & a t-shirt and be completely flat.

[kesenaie]

aah
I ordered a tri-top after reading your posts again.
I can't wait, I ordered a white one cause black seems like it may be easily seen when wearing white shirts

[riccirules]

Just ordered the Underworks 997.
Next business day, baby!
Should be here by Thursday.

[kesenaie]

Wow...
I need to wait for it to arrive by airmail.
How come USA can get it so fast even if you live in another state?