Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Okay, so this isn't me buying or selling a binder (I think this is acceptable). Somebody posted about binders on ebay.
This one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHO-Les-Lesbian-Tomboy-Chest-Binder-Undershirt-Slim-Fit-Vest-Tops-XS-XXL-J0028/251245214760?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D8421127891761092078%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D151040205963%26) is $10 in the US, and from what I saw binds alright. For $10, I wouldn't expect it to do much so if you don't have a lot of money to gamble, go ahead and try it out (then write back with what you thought).

This link (http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-Les-Lesbian-Tomboy-Chest-Binder-Undershirt-Slim-Fit-Vest-Tops-XS-XXL-WF-353/1235281716.html) also goes to the same company but directly and is 50 cents less.

I saw a review of these from a guy on tumblr who was amazingly flat and I believe he said he was a C. I'm tempted to try one out.

Here (http://"http://fictionalfeather.tumblr.com/post/52662083359/okay-can-i-talk-about-my-binder-for-a-sec-im-a")'s the link to that post on tumblr Dean mentioned for anyone else who wanted to see it.

Someone I know has just ordered two of these, he's a 42E, and I can see what he makes of them when he gets his.  I'd take one for the team and  buy one to test straight away, but the shipping time is too long, and it probably wouldn't arrive before I left home, and I don't know the full address of where I'll be moving to, or even if they'll ship there (Navy base).  And there's no way I'm spending $40 on faster shipping when the thing only costs 9.  I just wish I knew about these sooner.

EDIT:  Should have mentioned that I'm in the UK which is why any shipping other than standard airmail is silly prices for me. Free for air mail (15-29 days) or £30 for EMS (5-10) to the UK

There's three options for shipping. One is really slow, takes up to 20 business days, for like $1 more you can get it in 5-7 business days. That's the option I picked (yeah, I caved and bought it). I got two, one is an XL, one is a XXL because my chest is sort of in between the two and I know sizing can be weird...plus, if it doesn't work out I didn't spend THAT much and could easily find a friend to buy it off me. I got an email earlier today saying it was shipped out. No idea what my bra size would be. I'm mostly worried about it not fitting my belly/hips.

Just giving a heads up, I'm looking at the tracking info and it seems like I should have my binders on Tuesday. Will post a review when I get 'em.

Hey, so a bit of an update for you all. I got the binders today! And I have to say...for the price, and considering it's a product from Asia which means generally made for small bodies, this binder is pretty darn good. If you've listened to me talk about binders then you KNOW how picky I am. Basically, my heart has been set on the underworks 997 (the long one with double compression in the front). Now, the 997 does a fantastic job. It binds my chest, it sucks in my gut. I love the crap out of it.

When I saw a $10 binder, I was skeptical. I mean, $10 isn't much. I thought that it might not fit my body, it might not compress that well, blah blah blah. I was wrong. I was very very very wrong. This binder is great. This is coming from a "fat guy" with a fairly large chest (saggy too). I'm not sure if I would go as far as to say that I like this binder more than the 997, but it's pretty damn close.

I ordered two, one in an XL, one in XXL. I was concerned that with my belly and hips that it would be too tight or restricting. IT'S NOT! The fabric is similar to those on a-frame muscle shirts.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnabeeloo.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F03%2Fwife-beater-shirts.jpg&hash=243a5299f80ba80b930e22aaf36ee1966a3c620b)
Seen above. You know the type (I don't like using the language most people say to describe those shirts).

It has that rippled sort of texture where it's able to stretch and conform easily and freely. The binder itself is probably a nylon. It's a strong synthetic that doesn't have give. The "stretch" that exists comes from the three straps on the side that are made of elastic. If you have an allergy to elastic material, you might need to avoid this.

Pros:
Gets my chest fairly flat
Can be worn without anything over it
Has some leeway for adjustments
Comes in a variety of colors
Non-chest fabric is breathable
Very inexpensive

Cons:
The closure can be difficult to close
The sizing is a bit off...I was in between a XL and XXL but the XXL was difficult to put on with the loosest setting
The armpit hole is a little high but it's not THAT bad

Neutral things:
no belly/hip binding
Made for short people. The length is just right for me, maybe a tiny bit too short. Would not recommend for anybody with a long torso or over maybe 5 foot 5?

I think that's about it. I only have one picture of me wearing it because that's all I took:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F31.media.tumblr.com%2F04b76cd42a15c2c8b00ac2f3907e5230%2Ftumblr_mskkih1QHA1qal7xro1_500.jpg&hash=49e02946164222178ea73353590f979a9feb534b)
Gives you a pretty good idea of the fit.

I've got a couple of questions, how does the elastic bits work?  Is there elastic on both sides and one of those sides are adjustable or what?

How comfortable is compared with underworks?  Do you have a photo of you in your 997 to compare with?

Is the packaging discreet?

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just wondering if it's worth trying to arrange something so it can get to me.  With my new job living away it seems like post is only for emergency things, and not casually ordering clothes.

I've got a couple of questions, how does the elastic bits work?  Is there elastic on both sides and one of those sides are adjustable or what?
There's three elastic strips on the left side that connect the front piece of fabric to the back piece of fabric. These three strips are the same height (top to bottom) as the fabric so it doesn't have caps or anything. The right side has hook and eye closures similar to a bra. There's a strip of maybe 8 closures.

How comfortable is compared with underworks?  Do you have a photo of you in your 997 to compare with?
It's roughly the same amount of comfort.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F31.media.tumblr.com%2F2cd368bc1f8adc217cf7119489169289%2Ftumblr_msmf22LOxZ1qal7xro1_500.jpg&hash=3f346316248b3d84a60449a48e898ae49bafbcb8)
The above is without adjusting, just putting the binder on with a tight t-shirt over it. The binder (997) is a little worn out.

Is the packaging discreet?
Yeah, it's a plastic airmail bag with some words in Chinese. I bought mine off ebay so it has my name and screen name on there. If your ebay screen name was transtacular or something like that, it would raise eyebrows...but the font for that is really small.

Looks great Nygeel! (btw, nice tat)

I'm so tempted to get one of these. I love my 997s with my life, but this looks good for the summer when it's hot and I just want to wear a tank top. Can you order 2 at the same time but in different sizes?

Quote from: Joey. on September 04, 2013, 07:27:01 PM
I'm so tempted to get one of these. I love my 997s with my life, but this looks good for the summer when it's hot and I just want to wear a tank top. Can you order 2 at the same time but in different sizes?

That's what I did on ebay.

I ordered an XL off eBay and now I'm afraid it might be too small :/ I wear a M in Underworks binders and am about 5'5" 165 lbs. Based on how yours fit Nygeel, you think I will need to get the XXL? It's already on its way so I'm hoping the XL will be ok.

Quote from: Konnor on September 05, 2013, 11:36:07 AM
I ordered an XL off eBay and now I'm afraid it might be too small :/ I wear a M in Underworks binders and am about 5'5" 165 lbs. Based on how yours fit Nygeel, you think I will need to get the XXL? It's already on its way so I'm hoping the XL will be ok.

You might be okay with an XL. I wear an underworks medium for the 997 but I'm towards the large end of the medium. I'm 5 foot 3 170lbs right now. If you wear a medium tritop (which runs smaller) you'll probably be fine.

These are Loveboat. Nice deal to get them without paying for the shipping from Taiwan. The thing is the sizign is strange. First thing on the page is about getting something two sizes too big (or what you think would be). I think might be about right. I got one XL and one XXL!!! I am guessing the XXL is actually too big for me, where I would normally wear a small/medium. Funny thing, the colored ones are smaller than white.

--Jay

Quote from: aleon515 on September 05, 2013, 03:52:33 PM
These are Loveboat. Nice deal to get them without paying for the shipping from Taiwan. The thing is the sizign is strange. First thing on the page is about getting something two sizes too big (or what you think would be). I think might be about right. I got one XL and one XXL!!! I am guessing the XXL is actually too big for me, where I would normally wear a small/medium. Funny thing, the colored ones are smaller than white.

--Jay

They're not loveboat.

Quote from: Nygeel on September 05, 2013, 04:20:33 PM
They're not loveboat.

I don't see them specifically on their webpage. They look like a style similar to something they make. Might be one of the companies of products they sell though.


--Jay

Quote from: aleon515 on September 06, 2013, 12:14:21 AM
I don't see them specifically on their webpage. They look like a style similar to something they make. Might be one of the companies of products they sell though.


--Jay

It vaguely resembles LLB binders BUT! The fabric on the actual binder is nylon with elastic on one side and hook and eye closures on the other. The companies on LLB's site do make binders but I've never seen any of them make binders with hook and eye closures. Also, I think the velcro tends to close on the left side, and this is on the right.

DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN

Quote from: Nygeel on September 06, 2013, 01:04:21 AM
It vaguely resembles LLB binders BUT! The fabric on the actual binder is nylon with elastic on one side and hook and eye closures on the other. The companies on LLB's site do make binders but I've never seen any of them make binders with hook and eye closures. Also, I think the velcro tends to close on the left side, and this is on the right.

DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNN

Hook/eye closures is a neat idea. I am not a big fan of velcro on a binder as I feel the stuff on the side of me (actually makes more sense on the right as more people are right handed). Sounds like they are not a company LLB deals with. I'd buy one but kind of silly given I'm having top surgery in a bit.


--Jay

Thanks Nygeel! I'll post feedback here when mine comes!

As soon as I saw this post, I ordered one of these binders as well. I have some G2 binders which dont bind flat enough IMHO as well as Underworks 998's which had been my favorite, but I love these much better than Underworks. These get me flatter and with the one side elastic they move with me as well as stretch a bit when breathing so they're more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I have large shoulders and a small chest which makes it difficult to find binders that compress tight enough and still fit loose enough in the shoulder area to not dig in, these ones definatly do the trick. These look great being worn as-is with no layering needed at all. The only negative thing I would say about them is the side that has the hook and loop closure is quite stiff so after you get the tank top on, that side tends to stick out a bit, my hope is after wearing and washing a bit more that hook and loop side will soften up a bit and lay flatter. My chest size is 36B, I wear Underworks 998 size Small, these tank tops I ordered a size Medium and it fits great. I will be ordering a few more of them today.

Both pics shown below are with just the binder on and no shirt over the top of either. First one is me in my Underworks 998, the second is the tank top binder that this topic was started about.


(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi139.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq284%2Fgsp23%2FBinder2_zpsf3e0c610.jpg&hash=6b691d135f81ad7ddad6c2567b8e79b2406224d7)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi139.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq284%2Fgsp23%2FBinder3_zps37e7c402.jpg&hash=41966a8a948e4c7b859694fee5c2ceadd4075035)

Quote from: Nygeel on August 18, 2013, 09:17:44 PM
Okay, so this isn't me buying or selling a binder (I think this is acceptable). Somebody posted about binders on ebay.
This one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHO-Les-Lesbian-Tomboy-Chest-Binder-Undershirt-Slim-Fit-Vest-Tops-XS-XXL-J0028/251245214760?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D8421127891761092078%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D151040205963%26) is $10 in the US, and from what I saw binds alright. For $10, I wouldn't expect it to do much so if you don't have a lot of money to gamble, go ahead and try it out (then write back with what you thought).

Nygeel, this is awesome, ty! I want to get one now but I'm in a debate on whether to get one or not, I'm currently working out and losing extra weight I have so I'm wondering if it'll be safe to buy one and two months later I might be buying another one and so on.
I'm 5'2 and 134lbs atm, not a very tall person, seems the M one is right for me or S.

overdrive, the 998 isn't a very good binder from underworks. Try the tri top or 997.

Nygeel, since you ordered two sizes you might have an answer to my question. If I'm right in between two different sizes according to their chart, should I go up or down?

Quote from: CursedFireDean on September 15, 2013, 09:39:37 AM
Nygeel, since you ordered two sizes you might have an answer to my question. If I'm right in between two different sizes according to their chart, should I go up or down?

I'm guessing up since it's two sizes smaller than U.S, if you're a medium/small you'll be a large/x-large? I'm wondering that too.

Quote from: Exus on September 15, 2013, 03:32:01 PM
I'm guessing up since it's two sizes smaller than U.S, if you're a medium/small you'll be a large/x-large? I'm wondering that too.

I measured myself according to their size chart, and I'm literally right on the line between XS and S :/ (Yeah, I'm a tiny guy) It's only $10 so I may order both but I figured if I could get an idea from someone else, that'd work too.

Quote from: CursedFireDean on September 15, 2013, 03:41:29 PM
I measured myself according to their size chart, and I'm literally right on the line between XS and S :/ (Yeah, I'm a tiny guy) It's only $10 so I may order both but I figured if I could get an idea from someone else, that'd work too.

Then go for a medium or large. I'll do the same, probably buy two just in case.

So general consensus would be go up a size or two from what they recommend?

Quote from: Joules on September 15, 2013, 05:30:29 PM
If you are in between sizes on the chart, I'd say definitely go with the bigger size.

I looked at the chart again, The 2XL is for a band size of 85 - 91 cm, or 33 to 36 inches, guess I should have looked a little closer, lol, no wonder it doesn't work for my 46 inch band size.

That's conflicting, I'm pretty sure my "chest" size is 36in(I don't check much and when I buy "bras" they're sport ones anyways that puts me in a medium but the chart says Asia is 2 size smaller than america, I'm a small or medium when I buy shirts. So I'm conflicted if to get a Large or something b/c of the whole "smaller sizes in asia" but my chest isn't 37/38-42 and not even the weight would match.

Just saw these right now.

I measured my chest and saw that I was on the high side for the XL. I ordered an XL and XXL, and the XXL fit way better. Go based off the sizing chart, and if you're close to the high end, go up a size.

Quote from: Nygeel on September 16, 2013, 01:18:58 PM
Just saw these right now.

I measured my chest and saw that I was on the high side for the XL. I ordered an XL and XXL, and the XXL fit way better. Go based off the sizing chart, and if you're close to the high end, go up a size.

Alight, btw Nygeel, does that also work for underworks or is it regular for them?

Quote from: M a t t on September 16, 2013, 03:31:39 PM
Alight, btw Nygeel, does that also work for underworks or is it regular for them?

My experience with underworks, and their sizing is that it's accurate. I measure the widest part of my chest, and just under then average it.

You can also buy these on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Lesbian-Tomboy-Chest-Binder-Undershirt/dp/B00ENZ63EU

Finally got mine and am pretty pleased with it! It binds decently and is very comfy. The XL fits me perfectly on the loosest setting and I'm 5'5, 165 lbs and last I knew I was a 36B. As long as it proves to be durable, I'll probably order another one or two of these in other colors. I wouldn't get one if you are taller than about 5'5-5'6 though or have a long torso, it's almost too short for me. Overall though I'm quite happy with it for ~$15.

Also, Nygeel, was there any difference in length between the XL and 2XL?

Quote from: Konnor on September 22, 2013, 11:57:29 AM
Finally got mine and am pretty pleased with it! It binds decently and is very comfy. The XL fits me perfectly on the loosest setting and I'm 5'5, 165 lbs and last I knew I was a 36B. As long as it proves to be durable, I'll probably order another one or two of these in other colors. I wouldn't get one if you are taller than about 5'5-5'6 though or have a long torso, it's almost too short for me. Overall though I'm quite happy with it for ~$15.

Also, Nygeel, was there any difference in length between the XL and 2XL?

I didn't even try on the XL because the 2XL was fairly tight. They are made for short people. The XXL is on the edge of being too short for me.

I've just received the L and it fits pretty good. I do think I'l have to wear something underneath it because the elastic annoys me (I can be a bit sensitive). I must be short because it's a bit to long for me and it's also kind of to broad at the bottom. The top however fits fine so I'm doubting about getting a smaller size next time.

Thanks for the reply Nygeel! I kinda figured about the length. Oh well, it's good for an undershirt and lounging around.

Quote from: Nygeel on September 13, 2013, 05:33:10 PM
overdrive, the 998 isn't a very good binder from underworks. Try the tri top or 997.

Thanks Nygeel, I'll check those out. Any experience with the 988's, as I'm very athletic I was thinking of trying one without tummy compression.

Thank you so much for this post. I received mine last week (took about 2 weeks to reach the UK) and they are AMAZING. Binds so much flatter and more naturally from all angles than my T-kingdom one which cost about 6 times the price. Extremely comfortable as well due to the stretchy elastic strips on the side. Only con is that the seams on the left (near the elastic bits) stick out quite a bit especially on lighter fabric. But if you get one in a darker colour or wear a shirt over it, it's not noticeable. The product pics show an obnoxious logo around the upper back area, but the ones I got were totally plain, thankfully.

I was in between an L and XL so bought one of each, have not tried on the L but the XL is a great fit for me (I am Oriental, 5'2, 68 kg, probably a C). Initially I thought even the XL on the largest setting was too small. But the trick to put it on easier, is to rotate the inner binding layer slightly anticlockwise so you can reach the hooks easier, and to first focus on stretching the elastic straps as far as they will go, while doing up the hooks (puffing out the chest helps with handsfree stretching). Once all the hooks are in position it is easy to reposition and squish the boobs down and out. With that technique the XL on smallest setting is perfectly comfortable.

In summary, these are absolutely amazing for guys within their size range. It's a shame they don't make it in more sizes as I think the design is ingenious. Worth at least 3x the price.

I know it's already been mentioned but do these still come in discreet packaging? I just want to be 100% sure because there's no telling what will happen if it's intercepted before I can get it out of the mail. My family won't open my mail but all Hell will break loose if they see a package labelled with trans stuff.

Quote from: Contravene on October 14, 2013, 05:48:56 PM
I know it's already been mentioned but do these still come in discreet packaging? I just want to be 100% sure because there's no telling what will happen if it's intercepted before I can get it out of the mail. My family won't open my mail but all Hell will break loose if they see a package labelled with trans stuff.

I bought mine on e-bay. It had the seller's ebay name, my ebay name, says it's from china and stuff like that. Under the description of contents (for customs) it says "YF fashion accessories." It does say the colors and sizes, but doesn't say anything about what it actually is beyond that.

Awesome, thanks! I'll probably put my order in on eBay for one tonight then.