I told my mom I wanted a binder for Christmas. I wanted to start of the new year actually transitioning physically even if it's not with T yet. But she said she wanted to do her homework on it and talk to doctors or whatever. That aggravated me in a way because she always does stuff like this. Even when I told her I wanted to use tampons, I went to the doctor with her and she brought it up even though I told her not to. I know she has the best of intentions but I know for a fact that I CAN use tampons. Though I can't exactly tell her that but whatever. Either way, she has a habit of doing this.
I am a little worried that maybe it would affect my lungs but I really hate having big breasts. It's not like I'm one of the lucky FTM's with a smaller chest. There is no way of covering these up without binding. But I would NEVER use bandages or anything like that. I know that spending like 30 bucks on a binder is more expensive but saving up that money isn't that hard. So I don't know why people act like they are impossibly expensive.
Anyway, does anyone know about some danger of binding? I would use an actual binder. Something from underworks probably.
Hey Nick :)
The most common advice I've heard (and put into practice myself - most of the time) regarding binding with an actual binder is to try not to wear it for over 8 hours in a day.
In terms of personal experience? It took me a few different binders to find one that worked the best - I've had t-shirt style ones, a chest only compression with a relaxed midsection style binder, which I ended up wearing a lot longer per day than I should've and left some nasty marks along my ribs. But most recently - and most effective for me - I use a double front compression singlet/shirt style. I've purchased my binders from Underworks each time and I've always been happy with it.
I guess my advice only goes so far as I'm lucky to have a small chest, which I think is partly because I have been binding since I was 12-13.
Go easy on yourself. I got into a bad habit of falling asleep with my binder on sometimes and it can't be doing anything good for your lungs when worn for so long. Also, take into consideration that it is an extra, tight layer under clothing. Summer always sucks for me. But I would much rather sacrifice a few hours of slightly extra comfort without it and stay home because I'm relunctant to leave the house wearing it opposed to sucking it up and enjoying myself and feeling more confident while having it on. :)
I've heard some people complain about back pain/their posture, but honestly, using a proper binder has actually improved my posture. I sit much straighter compared to before/when I began binding.
Anyway! Point is, if you get one, make sure you check the sizing charts thoroughly/carefully. Read through the description of the styles of binders and find what you think would be best for you. Read comments/reviews - I know a lot of Underworks products are reviewed by FtMs all the time on YouTube. Other than that, when you get one, make sure you go easy on yourself in terms of how long you wear it per day.
I think I've rambled a little, but I hope that helps :P
About the price, Underworks has the cheaper binders, but if you'd want one from Les Love Boat then you'd have to pay about twice as much.
But yea, mostly what Morgan said. It's a good thing to take 'm off when you're home. (yes, even if you don't want to) because your body needs the rest. Don't wear two binders on top of eachother and don't take a size too small. If you're in between two sizes, go for the bigger one (especially for your first binder, but still, smaller one could really be too small).
I, for one, have noticed my back is aching more often, it's not that bad, but it's definately from binding. Stress causes my back to ache as well, but that's a lot worse and in different areas.
Oh, and I am one of the lucky, smaller chested, guys though. But my boyfriend isn't, so besides binding, he layers his shirts (loose fitting tanktop under a t-shirt works wonders) and wears a lot of blouses when he's at school.
definitely double check the measurements, and try to trust it. I fell just out of medium into large and almost just went and bought an extra large, which would've been a huge mistake.
If you're going to ever double layer them, be careful. Like, more so than usual. to get any kind of decent effect I need to wear a tritop over my double front, and it tends to roll and constrict the hell out of my breathing. I've almost blacked out because of it, so just seriously be careful with the layering. And watch out for rashes, apparently. I've never had an issue with it, but some people do.
I would never ever EVER wear two binders at once. I hate my breasts but I couldn't put myself through that! And I'm not sure whether I should go for a medium or large binder...I'm looking at the 988 from Underworks and it looks great but I'm a 38 and I keep seeing that if you're unsure, go a size bigger. If I'm a 38, should I go up to a large which is meant for 40+? I'm not sure I should since I'm losing weight and finally getting in shape! I guess since I have until Christmas I should just wait and see to make sure. Either way, thanks everyone for your advice. I would only wear the binder to go to school/shopping/just going out. I would not wear it at home. And I sure as heck wouldn't wear it for exercise.
Quote from: Logan Bann on November 08, 2011, 10:44:42 AM
If you're really losing weight then hold on, because I got mine and then lost weight and it doesn't fit so good anymore. I was exactly borderline between S and M, went with M. It doesn't take much to shrink out of it when it's that close. So like you say, hold on until Christmas to make sure of what would work better.
Basically, wear the thing as little as you possibly can. Then it shouldn't be a problem. It's addictive, though, even when you start out not planning to wear it much you start feeling sick without it. You will need more self-discipline than me. :P
Yeah I figured if I lose weight, I'll look better, be healthier, and I'll get more of the effect I want. So eh...I will deal without the T and the binder for a while I suppose.
I want a packer but I feel like it's a waste of money if I am not even going to bind or be on T :(
Nick, I was using tampons for a long time before my mom new I was. When I realize that they would be so much less messy to use each month than pads, I had try them to see and only use a pad now if it maybe a long time before I can change. You need to try and figure out the best size for you when ordering in a binder. If you are losing weight which is great you may need a smaller size and your breast tissue may sagging slightly and be softer and compress better with the binder. A packer is not usually necessary for most situations. If you are wearing a tighter pair of jeans or think someone will be checking to see if you have a lump in your pants it is nice to be wearing one.
Quote from: Logan Bann on November 08, 2011, 10:44:42 AM
Basically, wear the thing as little as you possibly can. Then it shouldn't be a problem. It's addictive, though, even when you start out not planning to wear it much you start feeling sick without it. You will need more self-discipline than me. :P
that is definitely the truth lol. now that i've gotten the balls to wear it in front of my family and it was okay, i've been wearing it from the time i get dressed til i go to bed. not good.
maybe try a compression shirt from walmart or somewhere first, see if that will ease your dysphoria until you get a binder? or even if it works well enough for you that you wont need a binder, that'd be even better in terms of your health..
Quote from: Nick on November 08, 2011, 08:07:08 AM
I told my mom I wanted a binder for Christmas. I wanted to start of the new year actually transitioning physically even if it's not with T yet. But she said she wanted to do her homework on it and talk to doctors or whatever. That aggravated me in a way because she always does stuff like this. Even when I told her I wanted to use tampons, I went to the doctor with her and she brought it up even though I told her not to. I know she has the best of intentions but I know for a fact that I CAN use tampons. Though I can't exactly tell her that but whatever. Either way, she has a habit of doing this.
I am a little worried that maybe it would affect my lungs but I really hate having big breasts. It's not like I'm one of the lucky FTM's with a smaller chest. There is no way of covering these up without binding. But I would NEVER use bandages or anything like that. I know that spending like 30 bucks on a binder is more expensive but saving up that money isn't that hard. So I don't know why people act like they are impossibly expensive.
Anyway, does anyone know about some danger of binding? I would use an actual binder. Something from underworks probably.
binding isnt healthy and will hurt your more or less, however the damege depends on may fact and its 100% better for your body to bind with a binder than bandage,
you can get tips to how you bind most heathy, stuff like not binding to tight, and not all the time, ex, not binding when your alone, sleeping, doing exercise and so on.
Quote from: Sam- on November 08, 2011, 02:42:28 PM
that is definitely the truth lol. now that i've gotten the balls to wear it in front of my family and it was okay, i've been wearing it from the time i get dressed til i go to bed. not good.
maybe try a compression shirt from walmart or somewhere first, see if that will ease your dysphoria until you get a binder? or even if it works well enough for you that you wont need a binder, that'd be even better in terms of your health..
A compression shirt might just be a good idea. Though I didn't know they had them! I will look into it. Thanks :)
Honestly, if you're wearing a binder comfortably (meaning you can fully take a deep breath with ease - you could even do a physical activity in it - and it doesn't cause you any back/rib pain) then it's no worse then a tight sports bra. Hell I think bras are evil and uncomfortable and cause problems. Those ones with the wire in them? Even 2 of my chiropractors over the years told female patients not to wear those because over time they effect your ribs.
So it seems no matter what you do, someone's going to come along and say it's no good. Even not wearing anything there's some people who will say that you're "damaging tissue" by not supporting the breasts.