Hey everyone,
I learned from this thread https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,164452.0.html (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,164452.0.html) about the GC2 compression shirts, and I bought one to try out since it's really affordable compared to Underworks. So I thought I would write up a quick review of it here, since I don't make videos or anything about my transition, and I didn't find many reviews of the GC2 done by trans people before I bought it.
Full product name: GC2 Gynecomastia FTM Chest Compression Tank, size XS (mine is in white, it also comes in black and nude)
Cost: $19.99 + ~$6.00 shipping USPS
I just got it today and tried it on a bit, and I have to say that for me, with a small chest, it works just about as well as my Underworks one, but MUCH more comfortable. With a t-shirt over it there is no problem at all, it just looks like I have nice pecs if you were to pull the shirt tight across my chest. It also lays on my shoulders much better and is not stiff at all, unlike my Underworks one, where I have the problem of the shoulder straps sticking out under a t-shirt, which means I haven't been able to wear just a t-shirt without it looking funny. It also has high arm holes, which some will like and some might not. Personally they don't bother me and I think they help with compression a bit and giving a natural look. I think the GC2 will be much cooler and more comfortable, especially for the summer months (Underworks binders can get pretty hot as I'm sure many of you know). The material is very soft and light-weight, but not flimsy and it seems well made. It is made in the U.S. of 70% polyester and 30% spandex. The size I got was XSmall/32-34 which fits well (for reference I'm 5'2", around 102lbs, and I usually wear a size 34S in jackets, blazers, etc.)
Also a note on their customer service, which I had read mixed reviews of in the comments of a review of their shirts: I ordered with a Paypal 'e-check' on June 5, and the check cleared on the 10th. I never got a notification that it shipped so after giving it several days I emailed them and asked about it. They got back to me right away and said it was an oversight while waiting for the e-check to clear, and mailed it out right away the next day. When I got the package today I found that they had sent me an extra shirt, due to the oversight and delay in sending it out. So I would say that despite their mistake they certainly rectified it and I am very satisfied with everything.
Overall, I would highly recommend this shirt if you have a pretty small chest. I can't recommend it for those with larger chests because I just don't know how it would work for them, but I would guess that they might need stronger compression.
Effectiveness (for my and similar chest sizes) - 4/5
Comfort - 5/5
Value - 5/5
Feel free to ask any questions you have. Perhaps later I will do a photo comparison between my Underworks and my GC2 shirts. I hope this was helpful.
Thanks for this review man!
I've been on the hunt for a binder to replace my underworks, because to me, compared to a sports bra, underworks just isn't worth the discomfort. It's not awful, but I pass equally well in a sports bra so why suffer. I've only found one binder so far (out of not many) that is comfy enough, but it's like $75 and I'd rather suffer underworks than pay that much. I had a gift card which is why I spent the money in the first place. I've been curious about this binder, but as you said, there aren't many reviews. It's great to hear that they've got good customer service.
If you don't mind my asking, what size chest do you have? I'm an A, but it's a somewhat dense A, so small, but not as easy to bind as most small chests. (Hopefully that'll change on T). Since it's only like $26 I might try it regardless. But if it works similarly to your underworks, that sounds awesome.
I'd also love if you have the time to do a photo comparison, that'd be super helpful.
Quote from: CursedFireDean on June 21, 2014, 05:09:08 PM
Thanks for this review man!
I've been on the hunt for a binder to replace my underworks, because to me, compared to a sports bra, underworks just isn't worth the discomfort. It's not awful, but I pass equally well in a sports bra so why suffer. I've only found one binder so far (out of not many) that is comfy enough, but it's like $75 and I'd rather suffer underworks than pay that much. I had a gift card which is why I spent the money in the first place. I've been curious about this binder, but as you said, there aren't many reviews. It's great to hear that they've got good customer service.
If you don't mind my asking, what size chest do you have? I'm an A, but it's a somewhat dense A, so small, but not as easy to bind as most small chests. (Hopefully that'll change on T). Since it's only like $26 I might try it regardless. But if it works similarly to your underworks, that sounds awesome.
I'd also love if you have the time to do a photo comparison, that'd be super helpful.
I'm actually not entirely sure what size my chest is, which is why I didn't say haha. But if I had to guess I'd go with A? But yeah, the shirt is definitely comparable to Underworks for me, although like I said it might not work for those with larger chests. I just checked out their return policy as well. They will do exchanges but they don't give refunds, so that's something to keep in mind. But if a sports bra does an adequate job for you I would guess this would work as well, since it probably has more compression than a sports bra (although I could be wrong since I don't have experience with sports bras).
And I will try to have the photo comparison up by tonight. :)
Ok, here are the photos (pardon my messy room):
The GC2 by itself
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn230%2Ffrankp85%2FDSC01303_zps194c6b6d.jpg&hash=70db91a2fbb565d9e6fe8207fcff373d572d080c)
The GC2 under a simple undershirt, no other layers
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn230%2Ffrankp85%2FDSC01306_zps27ecbc9d.jpg&hash=6c1d4d9febe8f8d412820abeb49bdde421b7b0f2)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn230%2Ffrankp85%2FDSC01307_zpsd4cda1c3.jpg&hash=6efd09f043f4760964570611e279c0589368c47d)
Underworks
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn230%2Ffrankp85%2FDSC01308_zpsceaef616.jpg&hash=b62bed5de579824f8292d6dbfb0aa6fcacbf2e76)
(This is what I meant when I said the Underworks one sticks out at the shoulders)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn230%2Ffrankp85%2FDSC01309_zps4a01e889.jpg&hash=0c5f53783e98fc0381ca1940b946a1c05dd26fe7)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi113.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn230%2Ffrankp85%2FDSC01310_zps88372e2c.jpg&hash=4c3a87235fb77e054bb6d08331a1107d909d089d)
Under a thin undershirt the GC2 isn't quite as strong as the Underworks, but under a regular t-shirt I'd say it works just as well.
I did do a youtube review of these and have talked about them here. Your link was some of the discussion I've had I here. I did like them, and feel they would work VERY well for a small chested guy. (I was really too big but went thru a process of more binding as time went on.) I agree with your review.
--Jay
Quote from: aleon515 on June 21, 2014, 11:31:09 PM
I did do a youtube review of these and have talked about them here. Your link was some of the discussion I've had I here. I did like them, and feel they would work VERY well for a small chested guy. (I was really too big but went thru a process of more binding as time went on.) I agree with your review.
--Jay
Yeah, I think your posts were how I found out about them, so thank you for posting about that. Otherwise I'd still be stuck with the just Underworks one. And I don't want to bad mouth Underworks a lot, because it works well for a lot of people, and it certainly did the job for me, but GC2 is definitely a better option for me personally.
Quote from: TheGrayWolf on June 21, 2014, 11:52:26 PM
Yeah, I think your posts were how I found out about them, so thank you for posting about that. Otherwise I'd still be stuck with the just Underworks one. And I don't want to bad mouth Underworks a lot, because it works well for a lot of people, and it certainly did the job for me, but GC2 is definitely a better option for me personally.
Nothing wrong with Underworks, since so many guys are happy with them. But they might not be right for everybody. I think this is a great option for small chested guys or guys like me who wanted some binding but maybe not a lot for various reasons. Underarmour shirts can be good as well, but these are actually more expensive than the GC2.
--Jay
Hi guys. I'm glad the binder works for you, OP! I'm just wondering, do you think it will work okay for someone who measures around a 34 B cup? I just did it with a tape measure too, so my measurement in inches is 32". I'm broad-shouldered yet fairly skinny, so I think my chest size is probably "average" for my height (5'5") and body type.
I'm really poor, which is why I haven't caved and gotten an underworks binder yet; I have to consider carefully what I can afford. Also, I have asthma and chronic pain issues, so maybe underworks will end up being too uncomfortable for me.
Obviously you guys won't know for sure and that's okay, but maybe anyone has any opinions or suggestions? I have one of those cheap ebay "tomboy lesbian" tank binders, which aren't bad or uncomfortable, but I've lost weight and now it doesn't bind effectively at all so I need some other ideas.
Quote from: catshark on July 02, 2014, 09:28:27 AM
Hi guys. I'm glad the binder works for you, OP! I'm just wondering, do you think it will work okay for someone who measures around a 34 B cup? I just did it with a tape measure too, so my measurement in inches is 32". I'm broad-shouldered yet fairly skinny, so I think my chest size is probably "average" for my height (5'5") and body type.
I'm really poor, which is why I haven't caved and gotten an underworks binder yet; I have to consider carefully what I can afford. Also, I have asthma and chronic pain issues, so maybe underworks will end up being too uncomfortable for me.
Obviously you guys won't know for sure and that's okay, but maybe anyone has any opinions or suggestions? I have one of those cheap ebay "tomboy lesbian" tank binders, which aren't bad or uncomfortable, but I've lost weight and now it doesn't bind effectively at all so I need some other ideas.
Hey Catshark,
I'm sorry I'm replying so late, I didn't see this post until now. I can't say for sure how it will work for you, but it sounds like you may be small enough that you could give it a shot. It would definitely be better for your asthma, since it doesn't restrict breathing and compress the chest and back so strongly the way Underworks binders do. I don't find I have any kind of soreness or pain relating to the shirt after wearing it to work for a 8 hour shift (although it's certainly a relief to take it off), and I would feel comfortable working out in it. I do sometimes have a bit of upper back pain, but I'm not convinced it's from the shirt. More likely it's just soreness from standing all day. I definitely had a lot more soreness when I used the Underworks one.
I do also plan to get another of these shirts, but the v-neck t-shirt version. This shirt can sometimes cut into my skin under my arms a bit which is not comfortable, so I think one with sleeves might remedy that. When I get that shirt I will make a follow-up post in this thread on that.
I used a scissors to cut the compression shirt. It doesn't make it look nicer but it won't ravel. I did find this one problem. I did like them. I was 34 C, they didn't work really for me, but I used them because I had a little sensory issues with binding. (I later found Loveboat binders.) They were definitely are fairly comfortable and lightweight. The prices are better than *underarmour* compression shirts and worked a little better for me.
--Jay
Quote from: TheGrayWolf on August 18, 2014, 11:13:51 PM
Hey Catshark,
I'm sorry I'm replying so late, I didn't see this post until now. I can't say for sure how it will work for you, but it sounds like you may be small enough that you could give it a shot. It would definitely be better for your asthma, since it doesn't restrict breathing and compress the chest and back so strongly the way Underworks binders do. I don't find I have any kind of soreness or pain relating to the shirt after wearing it to work for a 8 hour shift (although it's certainly a relief to take it off), and I would feel comfortable working out in it. I do sometimes have a bit of upper back pain, but I'm not convinced it's from the shirt. More likely it's just soreness from standing all day. I definitely had a lot more soreness when I used the Underworks one.
I do also plan to get another of these shirts, but the v-neck t-shirt version. This shirt can sometimes cut into my skin under my arms a bit which is not comfortable, so I think one with sleeves might remedy that. When I get that shirt I will make a follow-up post in this thread on that.
Hi All -
My first post ::)
I personally did not like the Underworks shirts at all. I found them to be TOO short! The GC2 shirts are at least four inches longer. I tried on the Underworks and it hit right where my hips bend. I guess if a person was not going to sit AT ALL it would be OK? I had to return them.
I first bought the regular GC2 shirt and it was OK, but not quite enough binding. After my Underworks disappointment, I ordered a DUAL GC2 shirt and I really like it! It is more expensive - $29 - but it binds MUCH better. They use a different blend of material with the dual and I think it is even softer than the regular. I too wear size XS and am fairly small. I have also had several spine surgeries so the added compression on my back and mid section is a plus for me too. The shirt is long enough that it covers my butt and eliminates the roll up issue. The binding with the DUAL is enough that I appear to have pecks (although a bit lop-sided) LOL.
Anyway - just my 2 cents worth.
J
Hey, JandJ, welcome to Susan's!
Thanks for your $0.02. ;) I've been wondering about the dual GC2. I also wear the GC2 tank and find it very comfortable, but at times -- under T-shirts and such -- I'd like a bit more binding. I have an Underworks 988 that I keep for "formal occasions" when I don't mind putting up with the discomfort, but in general, I'd rather be comfortable than flat as a board. (I'm a geezer, pretty much, and big, so I can get away with a bit of "moobage.")
The dual GC2 sounds like it might be just what I need.
Thank you for doing this review man! The pictures helped as well. I'm going to try buying one when I have money tomorrow!
Thanks for the Welcome ::)
I feel there is a huge difference with the Dual. I wear mine inside out so the seams don't bother me. I don't know if some would consider this a pro or con, but I don't want to eat a really big meal with the stomach compression LOL.
The regular tanks, V-Neck and T-Shirts are made with 70% polyester & 30% spandex. The DUAL tanks are 50% polyester 30% cotton & 11% spandex
QuoteThe regular tanks, V-Neck and T-Shirts are made with 70% polyester & 30% spandex. The DUAL tanks are 50% polyester 30% cotton & 11% spandex
Better yet. The one thing I don't like about the regular GC2 is that it has that slippery, all-synthetic feel to it.
Not sure if I can figure out how to post a pic, but I'm going to try. This is the Dual shirt, inside out as always. I do think the cotton ads to a softer, less synthetic feel. Still not like a regular A shirt, but better - in my opinion :)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/15058235432_3d8c4b3e82.jpg)
Nice pecs, man. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefiringline.com%2Fforums%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fwink.gif&hash=fd49c1687b59c0ea097a7b4f1ed562a996fdaf5c)
Quote from: Tysilio on August 27, 2014, 10:31:49 PM
Nice pecs, man. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthefiringline.com%2Fforums%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fwink.gif&hash=fd49c1687b59c0ea097a7b4f1ed562a996fdaf5c)
Awe, thanks Ty! I am trying to come out to my partner, of 25 years!, finally as my true self. When I ask her, "Pecs???" I usually only get an eye roll :embarrassed: so that really felt GR8 man - Thanks!
Hey JandJ,
First, welcome. Second, thanks for giving info about the Dual shirt. I was thinking about getting it as well because there are certain times where, although the regular shirt works fine, I would like a bit more compression, especially under a thinner t-shirt. I will be getting the Dual shirt since it looks from your picture and review that it will work well.
I would also like to mention that having worn the regular shirt for around two months now, they seem to have lost a little of their power. Is there any way to shrink them down a bit so they compress as much as they did when new? Although it's also possible that they work as well as they did before and I'm just being paranoid, haha.
Hey guys, I wonder if any of you ordered this in Europe, and what did it cost?
I'd like to order it because I don't need that much binding, just a little bit. Usually it's enough for me to wear an undershirt, but if I have to take my T-shirt off, the shape isn't the best. So I just need a little compression for the male(ish) shape. Do you think it would be good for me?
Thanks
Quote from: Jared on September 13, 2014, 02:22:11 PM
Hey guys, I wonder if any of you ordered this in Europe, and what did it cost?
I'd like to order it because I don't need that much binding, just a little bit. Usually it's enough for me to wear an undershirt, but if I have to take my T-shirt off, the shape isn't the best. So I just need a little compression for the male(ish) shape. Do you think it would be good for me?
Thanks
I'd say it might suit you. It doesn't pass on its own as a vest (its a bit too see through and obviously tight), but under a shirt it's okay. I'm in the UK and brought off eBay I think, or it might have just been the main website, I can't remember now.
You might see what the shipping is. I think the rate of exchange would favor you in the UK.
--Jay
Thanks guys. I don't have a binder that looks like a regular undershirt, so I have nothing to wear under white shirts. If I'll get the job I want, I'll have to wear a white a shirt, and I guess there would be changing rooms at the work place. How much can you see through it? I would change quickly, and I hope it would be ok.
Shipping is a bit expensive to me (14$). I'll think about this.
You might check out underarmour shirts (I don't mean underworks). I've heard these can work for much smaller guys (A cup or smaller). A smaller size than you normally wear might work out. I think $!4 for shipping is a lot, though can't say I am terribly surprised, except that they don't have to be packed well.
--Jay
I wouldn't wear it alone, even to get changed quickly. It's just way too tight for that, and too stretched between the chest lumps to not look suspect. It looks fine under a shirt, but not alone for me.
Can you not just wear the shirt to and from work? Saves getting changed.
Thanks Jay, I checked out underarmour shirts and they are more expensive than the compression shirt WITH shipping -.-" They look good though and I can imagine it could work for me. I think I'll look around at sport stores in my town.
Thank you too lxndr, I won't order it. Yeah I could do that, I just don't want to be the weird guy who never uses the locker rooms. I do it in the gym and no one said anything about it, but sometimes I feel like they think I'm weird for this. Oh well, I know I shouldn't mind what anyone else thinks.
Wow that's quite a price difference. GC2 worked better for me. I was larger than the size for which these would really work, but underarmour made me look "busty". I don't know why they're different as it is basically the same idea.
--Jay
Quote from: Jared on September 19, 2014, 11:49:37 AM
Thanks Jay, I checked out underarmour shirts and they are more expensive than the compression shirt WITH shipping -.-" They look good though and I can imagine it could work for me. I think I'll look around at sport stores in my town.
Thank you too lxndr, I won't order it. Yeah I could do that, I just don't want to be the weird guy who never uses the locker rooms. I do it in the gym and no one said anything about it, but sometimes I feel like they think I'm weird for this. Oh well, I know I shouldn't mind what anyone else thinks.
You could always use the locker room to change your trousers (if you need to), or keep a coat/shirt and put that on over the top. I always wear a white tshirt under my work shirts and put a polo on over the top to go to and from work, so I still need to use my locker. I have to change my trousers and footwear as well so I do that there too. No one has ever questioned it.
Yeah I also don't understand that price difference. It sucks to live in Europe when you want to order something from the US :'D
Thanks for the suggestion lxndr, I'll try that if I'll get the job.
Sorry to bump an old thread, but I don't think this deserves its own thread:
Is the dual as comfortable as the regular gc2 shirts?
I absolutely love the gc2 shirts, I wear a size S and have had 3 of them for a few months now, but lately I have been feeling very dysphoric (I don't have a big chest, maybe a 36A) and would like to be a bit flatter, yet still more comfortable than if I wore an actual binder (I have plenty of those, I hate how hot they get compared to the gc2).
The gc2 has been a lifesaver for me in summer and for college, work, etc, but I would really like an extra bit of compression while being as comfortable. Should I try the dual?
Quote from: Tragique on July 30, 2015, 08:20:43 PM
Sorry to bump an old thread, but I don't think this deserves its own thread:
Is the dual as comfortable as the regular gc2 shirts?
I absolutely love the gc2 shirts, I wear a size S and have had 3 of them for a few months now, but lately I have been feeling very dysphoric (I don't have a big chest, maybe a 36A) and would like to be a bit flatter, yet still more comfortable than if I wore an actual binder (I have plenty of those, I hate how hot they get compared to the gc2).
The gc2 has been a lifesaver for me in summer and for college, work, etc, but I would really like an extra bit of compression while being as comfortable. Should I try the dual?
I actually just ordered a GC2B tank binder about a week ago and they only had it and the half binder for sale. I believe that's because all of their current binders have dual panels now. The ones earlier on in this post are probably older models.
I'm confused, are we talking about the GC2 or gc2b binders?
I ordered a GC2 binder the other day. Just waiting for it to get here, now.
Quote from: Contravene on July 31, 2015, 12:36:03 PM
I actually just ordered a GC2B tank binder about a week ago and they only had it and the half binder for sale. I believe that's because all of their current binders have dual panels now. The ones earlier on in this post are probably older models.
Quote from: Asa Spades on July 31, 2015, 04:50:38 PM
I'm confused, are we talking about the GC2 or gc2b binders?
I ordered a GC2 binder the other day. Just waiting for it to get here, now.
We're talking about the compression shirts on https://gc2compression.com/
GC2B is a sub company of GC2Compression, I think because GC2B is more geared toward ftm's, though it seems a lot of us can get away using gc2compression' single-layer compression shirts to bind.
I tried using gc2b binders, but honestly, for the size of my chest it was overkill, it didn't bind any better than the single layer compression shirts and felt a lot hotter and more uncomfortable, so I sent it back.
Quote from: Tragique on July 31, 2015, 04:56:47 PM
We're talking about the compression shirts on https://gc2compression.com/
GC2B is a sub company of GC2Compression, I think because GC2B is more geared toward ftm's, though it seems a lot of us can get away using gc2compression' single-layer compression shirts to bind.
I tried using gc2b binders, but honestly, for the size of my chest it was overkill, it didn't bind any better than the single layer compression shirts and felt a lot hotter and more uncomfortable, so I sent it back.
Ah, okay thanks. I was thinking it was the same company. Maybe I'll look into a GC2compression shirt sometime depending on how this new binder works out.
Quote from: Contravene on July 31, 2015, 11:38:43 PM
Ah, okay thanks. I was thinking it was the same company. Maybe I'll look into a GC2compression shirt sometime depending on how this new binder works out.
If you're A or B it's really amazing. It binds almost well as most binders for me, but I breathe so much better and I wore them on a few occasions while doing some hard labor in the sun in 40C weather and felt about as hot as I would have just wearing a shirt and an undershirt. Doing the same kind of labour in 30 C weather with an actual binder was pure torture, I thought I would pass out from the built up heat and extreme sweating.
I actually feel so comfortable in them I pretty much wear them everywhere now, except on bad dysphoria days (which is why I was wondering about their "dual" shirt, since people here said it binds a bit better. It would be great to eliminate my binders entirely and just use these)
Here is an update: I ended up buying 2 dual shirts and 2 regular shirts (since mine were getting worn out anyway).
I like the dual ones, they bind much better, but also feel more constricting. I'm going to keep the dual for days where I feel more dysphoric and the regular ones for the rest of the time.
Despite being more constricting, they are still much more comfortable (and also a lot less hot in summer) than any binder, and get me as flat as my old underworks and lesloveboat binders.
I'm glad I decided to try out the dual shirts, but I'm also glad I decided to order the ones I'm used to along with them.
More small-chested guys on here really should try out these shirts (or other A-shirts) before jumping up to uncomfortable binders. They won't get you 100% flat, but I think it's the perfect balance of flatness and comfort.
As a side note: You'd be surprised how much people don't care about guys chests. I used to be obsessed with being flat as a board until I realized that people really don't care. As long as I keep everything kind-of-together, people don't give me any second look even if there's some mass on there. I've even passed without issues before with loose shirts and no binder/gc2 shirt at all, despite obviously having boobs.
I also own a GC2B binder. I'd warn anyone against getting any size smaller than an S, because although I'm an XS according to their size chart, the XS was way, way too small. I feel like the only people that would fit into it would be people who have significantly smaller than average shoulders (and my shoulders are pretty small as-is).
The S is a good fit, though. I've heard bad things about the lasting power of the stitching on these, though.