Hey guys,
I have one binder and am considering getting more so I can bind regularly (wear the one I have and it gets dirty/smelly so I can't wear it again until laundry gets done).
My biggest concern is injuring my back. I already have back issues and would be grateful for anyone's recommendations on binders for skinny (I'm currently 5'2" and 100 lbs, though trying to get myself back up to a reasonable weight of at least 115). I've heard enough stories here to be wary of binding too tightly so help!!! Please :)
The only binder I have is a GC2B (the full tank one). I like it a lot, it doesn't hurt me, but I don't really have anything to compare it to. Though I am debating between either getting a second GC2B or trying out Underworks (and leaning towards a second GC2B because I love it so much).
But the one thing a lot of people told me was to make sure you measure correctly and use the company's measurements when you order Some companies size a little different and you don't want to get something too tight (or too loose:) ).
I have no pain with either of the Underworks binders (the tri-top or the full tank). My recommendation would be based on how active you are during the day and what parts of your back you have the most pain in. I have a lot of lower back pain and several spans of otherwise dead sensation zones along my thoracic spine that will get tingly if I'm doing too much. That said, both of these issues existed way before I started binding and I don't feel that they've been exacerbated by wearing a binder.
If you're going to be doing a lot of moving around, I'd say go with the tri-top. Even with my chest range spinal pain, this style hasn't been an issue. But I could see it being a problem if you feel pain at the bottom edges of the binder, because it rolls up about an inch and puts a little more stress on that area.
If you're more sedentary during the day, I'd say use the full tank style. My only issue with it is that it constantly rolls up at the bottom and it bothers me to the point that I need to go to the bathroom and adjust/tuck in my binder and undershirt at least once an hour when I'm moving around a lot. I don't have any additional back pain with it.