Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Binding is something I feel a lot of trans guys debate about: which binder to buy, what will work the best, and what's the most comfortable?

So, I'm looking to ask all of you "What do you bind with?" You can also explain about what your size was/is, which binders you've used, why you like whichever one you've listed as your favorite, etc.

For myself I chose the underworks double compression. I have the 997, tri-top and a T-kingdom binder. I've also used ace bandages in the past. The T-kingdom binder doesn't bind in the right spots, is 3 sizes too small (according to the t-kingdom site), and just doesn't bind more than a sports bra. The tri-top rolls up in a weird place and has caused intense rib pain. The 997 to me is moderately comfortable and binds fairly well. I'm not entirely sure of my cup size because different websites say different things but underneath my chest measurement is a 35, above is about a 45.

Right now I'm binding with two or three layers of sports compression shirts that I got at Goodwill and Salvation Army.  You can get them at Wal-Mart too, for $10.  I cut out the sleeves and the neck, so they'll fit.

I found that i had the most success with the tri top. Yeah, it rolls a bit. But it makes me look good with the right shirt. I have the double front compression shirt too. It's okay, but it doesn't flatten as nice and i found things... jiggle. It's the right size (i did a whole exchange thing three times) and it works nicely for when i don't want to use the tighter tri top (namely when i'm around the house).

I also have a t-kingdom one that i plan on getting rid of at some point. It was okay for a while, but i found it doesn't bind near as well. I also use a Frog Bra when i work out (which isn't often) and i have a neoprene vest for swimming (still looking for other options on that one, too.)

i bind with a 997 (m) and i have a tri top (s) that i put over it.

the tri top does roll, but i think i've gotten used to the pain in my ribs. Most of the time i only wear the tritop for a couple of hours, especially on bad days, then pull it off.

mostly i use the 997. it work pretty good the only problem i have is having to readjust ever so often and the way it rolls up is irritating.

I have the 801 model from T-Kindom. It doesn't bind perfectly but therefore also isn't too tight which is great for days when my chest is extremely sensitive and also perfect for working out (I played a soccer tournament with it without issues and with sportsgear it doesn't bind too bad).

Favourite however is the one I got from Danae's trans-mission line. It looks a lot like the tritop but seems lighter since I have so much less trouble putting it on than the 997 look-a-like and it's also a lot more comfortable (and binds really well).

I have a 997 (S), a 997 (M), 2 998s (XS), a Cotton Concealer (XS), and I just ordered another 997 (XS). Still haven't found anything that makes me completely happy under every shirt. The 998s alone are great under a sweater, and they work under a T-shirt in cool weather if I wear a Frog Bra under them, but they're too hot for warm weather and the neckline is a bit higher than I like. The Cotton Concealer is both quite warm and weak in the compression department (but it's very comfy for just hanging around the house in my PJs, so that's its purpose now).  The small 997 causes armpit bulges and I tend to migrate into uniboob position relatively quickly in it, but it gives respectable compression without being too hot. I'm hoping the extra-small 997 holds things more securely and has smaller armpit holes.

I won't even consider the Tri-Top for 2 reasons: (1) If I thought I could pass with a horizontal line across my back I'd just be layering Frog Bras or folding up my 997, and (2) I can't stand the thought of rolling around the ribs. But the line across the back is the dealbreaker because I wear lots of soft stretchy knits (like all the guys in my area) and any binding technique that ends above the belt line is blatantly obvious when you lean forward in a soft stretchy knit shirt.

ive got a large 997 a large 998 and a medium (i think) tri top. the 997 is the comfiest cos ive had it the longest tho things tend to squeeze out of the armpit holes. the 998 is my favourite at the moment simply cos im having issues with getting into the tri top so ive only tried it the once

I use the tritop, which Jamie-o had generously passed on to me and it's great.

Now that I have a job though I'm considering trying out other options, specifically T-Kingdom. The 998 binds great, but it tends to roll right under my moobs and this is uncomfortable. It gives me some pain and usually affects my breathing, but it's nothing some slight adjusting can't fix.

I'm hoping someone here can offer a review on the T-Kingdom 1500 binder, or any other for that matter. I'm like a large A, but I'm big around since I'm overweight. A friend of mine IRL uses one and while he's a D, it get's him completely flat from what I can tell.