Community Conversation => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Transsexual talk => FTM Gear => Topic started by: ftmcal on March 14, 2010, 09:36:54 AM Return to Full Version
Title: binder advice needed
Post by: ftmcal on March 14, 2010, 09:36:54 AM
Post by: ftmcal on March 14, 2010, 09:36:54 AM
Hi guys,
I just got asked if I wanted to play beach volleyball this summer with some buddies who didn't know me before I began transitioning. This will be the first time I've played sports since starting and I think I'll feel much more comfortable wearing a binder. The problem is, I need something that will allow me to move a fair bit, I don't want to be completely restricted. The binder I have now does a decent job at flattening but I have very little range of motion. So if anyone has any suggestions about which binders work and will still allow me to play sports, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks guys :)
I just got asked if I wanted to play beach volleyball this summer with some buddies who didn't know me before I began transitioning. This will be the first time I've played sports since starting and I think I'll feel much more comfortable wearing a binder. The problem is, I need something that will allow me to move a fair bit, I don't want to be completely restricted. The binder I have now does a decent job at flattening but I have very little range of motion. So if anyone has any suggestions about which binders work and will still allow me to play sports, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks guys :)
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: kyril on March 14, 2010, 12:16:55 PM
Post by: kyril on March 14, 2010, 12:16:55 PM
I work out in the Frog Bra, a size too small. It's not 100% perfect but I think it's a decent compromise between flatness and being able to move. (I wear it over a plain white T-shirt so it doesn't cut in as much)
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: ftmcal on March 14, 2010, 08:46:48 PM
Post by: ftmcal on March 14, 2010, 08:46:48 PM
Thanks for the reply, I appreciate the help :)
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: Arch on March 14, 2010, 11:05:28 PM
Post by: Arch on March 14, 2010, 11:05:28 PM
How big are you, and what is the consistency of the tissue you are trying to conceal?
Underworks has something called a Cotton Concealer. It has a lot of give, so I found it very comfortable. Some guys complain that it doesn't flatten as well as the heavy-duty binders, but if you want flexibility, you will likely have to compromise.
I advise you to read the old binder threads on this site and see what tips you can glean. And if you decide to give the CC a try, you might want to go down to a size smaller than they recommend on their sizing chart. And remember, they do accept returns.
Underworks has something called a Cotton Concealer. It has a lot of give, so I found it very comfortable. Some guys complain that it doesn't flatten as well as the heavy-duty binders, but if you want flexibility, you will likely have to compromise.
I advise you to read the old binder threads on this site and see what tips you can glean. And if you decide to give the CC a try, you might want to go down to a size smaller than they recommend on their sizing chart. And remember, they do accept returns.
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: Silver on March 15, 2010, 02:13:24 AM
Post by: Silver on March 15, 2010, 02:13:24 AM
Sports bra, maybe combined with a slightly tight shirt underneath a normal one.
Only would work if you're small though.
Only would work if you're small though.
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: ftmcal on March 15, 2010, 06:50:00 AM
Post by: ftmcal on March 15, 2010, 06:50:00 AM
Arch: I'm between a 34B and a 32C, I've only worn my binder a few times in the last couple months so the tissue hasn't broken down at all yet, I like your idea though, I didn't realize I could return it if it didn't fit
SilverFang: I've tried that method and it doesn't flatten enough, then again, maybe I'm expecting too much, I just would really like to start passing consistently and I find that I am a lot more confident when I feel like my chest is hidden
SilverFang: I've tried that method and it doesn't flatten enough, then again, maybe I'm expecting too much, I just would really like to start passing consistently and I find that I am a lot more confident when I feel like my chest is hidden
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: Arch on March 15, 2010, 04:20:05 PM
Post by: Arch on March 15, 2010, 04:20:05 PM
To add to what SilverFang suggested, maybe a tight bra with a binder on over that, and then a loose t-shirt. You'll be hot, though, with any kind of binder.
You can also wear the Cotton Concealer doubled over. It goes down to your waist, but you can fold it up. If the binder is snug enough, you get a bit of extra flattening power.
It might tend to roll up if you're too active, whether you wear it full length or not. Some guys use safety pins and all of that. You'll have to experiment a bit.
P.S. 34B doesn't sound too bad, except you're verging on a C...and it all depends on your frame, too. And the consistency. I know a lot of guys who were, let's say, droopy; my tissue was always very dense and hard to hide, even when I reached my forties. It sucked.
You can also wear the Cotton Concealer doubled over. It goes down to your waist, but you can fold it up. If the binder is snug enough, you get a bit of extra flattening power.
It might tend to roll up if you're too active, whether you wear it full length or not. Some guys use safety pins and all of that. You'll have to experiment a bit.
P.S. 34B doesn't sound too bad, except you're verging on a C...and it all depends on your frame, too. And the consistency. I know a lot of guys who were, let's say, droopy; my tissue was always very dense and hard to hide, even when I reached my forties. It sucked.
Title: Re: binder advice needed
Post by: Radar on March 19, 2010, 08:20:07 AM
Post by: Radar on March 19, 2010, 08:20:07 AM
Like Arch said Underworks is very good about returns/exchanges. I've had to do 2 exchanges with no problems and quick service.