Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So I'm an pre transition trans guy and I want to go swimming, but of course my chest is in the way. A swimming binder is way too expensive, so is there anything similar that will flatten my chest. I'll even consider something for women if it'll work. Btw, I need a UK website ideally and 20 pounds is about my budget. Thanks for all your help.

if you want something inexpensive I've heard of people using tension bandages you can pin them so they won't come out in water

Don't EVER use bandages, especially when doing something physical.

I've never done it personally, but I hear of people recommending, and swimming in, a normal binder (preferably a little stretched out), with a rash vest/shirt over the top.

I've thought of the old binder method, but assumed it would get too waterlogged and hence too heavy when it gets wet while swimming. I don't get why there aren't more choices in what to swim in on the market  :-\

I personally have had no issues with a binder getting wet, it's the rashguard that gets heaviest. But that doesn't hinder my swimming in any way.

When I used to go to the beach before my top surgery I would wear a sports bra with two regular short sleeve shirts over it. But the people I swam with knew I was trans, and no one else at the beach ever paid attention. That's the beauty of cisgendered people. They don't know what to look for, so they are oblivious.

But I am assuming you are swimming in a pool in close proximity of people who don't know you are transgender. My technique also might not work if you have a bigger chest.

What sort of binder do you have? I can't imagine my underworks one getting waterlogged while swimming, it never seemed too bad when I was handwashing it. I know of someone who swims every week in a binder and rash guard.

Underworks is a great option but it's out of your budget (roughly 30gbp with shipping). It lasts over a year depending on how you take care of it. I tend to wear a binder and a rash guard with trunks. Another option would be a tight sports bra with a rash guard.

I swim in of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/IUK-New-Les-Lesbian-Undershirt-GL-Tomboy-Chest-Binder-Slim-Fit-Vest-Tops-J0024-/151161120823?pt=US_Corsets_Bustiers&var&hash=item2331e7a837
It's cheap and I don't need a shirt or anything over it.

If you're aren't too big up there, you could just wear a rashguard. They're cheap (usually anyway) and if you get the right size they can be more than form fitting.  They about 30 pounds (visually anyway) off my dad, but I don't know if that will be enough for what your looking for. Definitely wear trunks under it, not something short either. Knee length at least.

I always swim with binder (old tri-top from Underworks) and a cheap rash guard.

If you can't spend much, just buy an asian binder off Ebay and a rash guard. If you don't mind the brand you can find one for cheap.

Quote from: FTMKyle on August 08, 2014, 01:15:05 PM
That's the beauty of cisgendered people. They don't know what to look for, so they are oblivious.

...Unless you working in the Nursing /Health Care field like I do :-/

To Jared, that looks great, what material is it made from and what size did you get if you don't mind me asking? I assume you haven't had chest surgery as well.

I don't know re: a triathlon suit, but I know someone who wore a sport's bra and then a triathlon suit.

--Jay

I have been swimming a lot just lately. I wear a tomboy binder. The kind that has clasps. That makes it easier to get off when I'm done. And then I either way a rash guard (got that advice here) or a tee-shirt over it. It's been working fine. The tomboy binders are lighter material than the underworks and they dry fast.

Quote from: Elis on August 09, 2014, 07:13:28 AM
To Jared, that looks great, what material is it made from and what size did you get if you don't mind me asking? I assume you haven't had chest surgery as well.

I think it's cotton, it's not written on it. I got M but these are smaller than european sizes, you should go up a size than your usual I think. Yeah I didn't have the chest surgery yet.

While I have a separate binder specifically for the water, I've heard of guys using a rash guard over their binders.

I'd recommend Underworks as a second, though like Nygeel said, it could be out of your price range.. but I fully recommend their binders, they are made to last you pretty well and I find them to be worth the extra few dollars. I'm personally a smaller guy so I wore one of my relaxed binders (http://www.ebay.com/itm/190882726368?var=490173958250&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649) under a dark tank top. If that wouldn't work, then another good solution is to wear a binder under a rashguard or even a loose-fitting t-shirt that does *NOT* cling. Like.. an old t-shirt would be pretty good. If you feel insecure about any clinging then you could also wear the t-shirt with a tank top and a binder underneath.