Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Since I am new to binding I went with a tri-top so I didn't have a full length binder. I was afraid of even more restricted breathing. So I went with an underworks tri-top binder. I've had ones from Les Love Boat suggested, but I can't afford the base price let alone combined with shipping right now. I also only want to buy from companies in the U.S.A. or maybe Canada if there isn't another option for what I need in the U.S. So I need to know how to modify my current binder. Should I cut it in front or back to add velcro (preferable option)? Should it be sewn in?

I have tried again and again to put the binder on by myself but every time I just get stuck. I have been diagnosed with panic attack problems before, and trying to put one on only to get stuck sends me into an anxiety attack. I start hyperventilating. It's awkward to have the only supportive female relative I have help me with it. My partner is away a lot so I can't have him help me. Pulling it up my hips won't work they are too stupidly large.  I really need to modify this so I can put it on and take it off myself with no help.

a good way that my friend taught me with bras is to put the bra on backwards on your stomach, then spin it around and voila.

if you want to modify it though I'd go with hook and eye. just make sure the measurements are good and won't cause breathing problems.

I bound with an abdominal medical binder from the pharmacy back in the 90s...  So I haven't worn/handled the fancy stuff you guys use these days.

However from what I know about making and modifying clothing items, you're likely going to have a hard time fastening the binder if you just cut it and don't add in more material.  Consider a front fastening if you do choose to modify it so you have a hope in heck of being able to bring the sides together, as you will be able to hold both sides at the same time there.

You would want to use velcro the entire length so there won't be as many stress points, and you will want to sew it very securely, at least along the edges, but down the middle of the strips too wouldn't hurt.

Good luck.

Shortman

I would look at the lesloveboat and T-kingdom models which have velcro/hook and eye closures too see how they're put together.  I would suggest having the closure at the side as I've heard people complain about one of the binders -- I forget where from -- which had a zip up the middle.  The top of the zip was visible through tight-ish clothing.  Zips might be something you could look into as well though, I'd imagine they would be easier.  This would definitely be something I'd want to use a sewing machine for though.

I modified mine, and posted pictures on my blog.... I kinda suck at explaining things so hopefully the pictures are okay. I'd cut up the seam and then sew it down to keep it neat, and then add in the hooks or velcro.

Edit to add: Here's the link to all the pictures http://henrysftmadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/sewing-with-henry-adjusting-tri-top.html (http://henrysftmadventures.blogspot.com/2013/03/sewing-with-henry-adjusting-tri-top.html)  I was going to add a button to one side, but then got lazy and never finished. Mine also looks a little messy and that's because I don't have a work surface, so if you use a table and a sewing machine, yours won't look so crappy. I was making mine smaller, so obviously you'd need to do things a little differently, but if you need help just let me know, I am not afraid to take scissors to anything and I'll gladly try something out on mine.  ;D

Thank you for the input. It is safe to cut the material then without worrying about it not working or just destroying the binder, then?

I don't think the fabric Underworks use will unravel.  You could run a zigzag stitch along the edges to make sure, though.

I hear you re. hips.  I can't get those things over my backside either, and I reckon to get them on over your head you have to have really flexible shoulders.

I've cut up both my binders, and they're never unraveled or seemed to weaken. I do sew it just in case, but I don't think it would unravel even if left unsewn.

I cut my underworks binder and left it unsewn and so far it's doing perfectly fine- no fraying or anything.

Binder fabric doesn't seem to ravel, in my experience. I've never heard of anybody else having trouble with it either.

--Jay

Thanks gentlemen!