I've been looking on the internet for binders and have come across quite a few. I'm curious at to what brands or types you'd recommend. What worked good for you? What didn't? I'm a B cup so I'd like to know what would work good for me. Thanks.
I use the Underworks Cotton Concealer tank. It's pretty stretchy and probably doesn't compress as much as one of those Lycra Panzer-tank-from-hell binders, but I like it.
Radar, there are some really informative threads on this very topic.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,30963.0.html (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,30963.0.html)
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,41534.0.html (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,41534.0.html)
Thanks Arch. ;D I'm trying to steer clear of Lycra because it makes me itch.
If Lycra doesn't agree with you, then try the Cotton Concealer--and you might try a size smaller than you think you need. Let me know if you want to talk about sizing for this particular garment. I've had some experience with it. Perhaps some other guys will chime in, too.
I've suffered from eczema and severe skin allergies all my life. I can't wear synthetic fabrics--only 100% cotton for me. So I originally had strong reservations about binding. Perhaps you can learn something from me?
The nice thing about the CC is its composition. The inner layer is nylon and spandex, but the outer layer is 90% cotton and 10% spandex. Yes, it's a double layer of binding, but it can be great for people with sensitive skin. Lots of guys turn this binder inside out and wear it right next to their skin.
When I first started binding regularly, I had been on T for maybe a month. I was turning the binder inside out, but my skin still couldn't take the 10% spandex. So I wore a wifebeater under the binder. In fact, I was double binding then. The weather was cooler then, so I didn't mind all the layers.
Last week, it was pretty warm in my neck of the woods. I had a new binder, a smaller size, and I wondered if T had sufficiently toughened my skin that I might be able to wear the binder without a wifebeater. I had had an annoying eczema outbreak that hadn't gone away for months, and it was suddenly clearing. So I had hopes.
I wore the binder inside out, right next to my skin, for eight hours. No problems whatsoever. Now I don't bother with the wifebeater.
I would never have thought to try this smaller size if I had been going by the sizing charts. I only bought it because the size I had was clearly too large, so large that only two binders would do the trick. So the CC might be a solution for you. I'll give you all the info I can--just ask.
I'll definitely look into the Cotton Concealer. My skin can become... temperamental. You said your skin toughened up with T. I've read that when you start T your breasts could get larger due to the underlying muscle getting bigger. Over time does the chest size go down any? How does the CC handle sweat? How do you wash it so it doesn't shrink? About how long does it last before wearing out? Thank you for your help.
at that size, you may be able to get away with a sports bra.
I've worn those before and can kind of get away with it, but it looks like I have huge pecks like a weightlifter... but not the rest of the muscle. It would be too suspicious IMO.
Quote from: Radar on May 08, 2009, 04:41:43 PM
I'll definitely look into the Cotton Concealer. My skin can become... temperamental. You said your skin toughened up with T. I've read that when you start T your breasts could get larger due to the underlying muscle getting bigger. Over time does the chest size go down any? How does the CC handle sweat? How do you wash it so it doesn't shrink? About how long does it last before wearing out? Thank you for your help.
My skin has definitely toughened, and I've been on T for under three months.
My freakbags do seem to have changed. They seem to have gotten a little, well, stiffer. I know I'm picking up some muscle underneath, but the composition of the actual boobs seems to have changed somewhat. It's hard to tell because there's no good way of measuring--and because I have gone out of my way to NOT touch them. But I used to be able to flatten them (under the binder) in a particular way, and that seems to have changed a bit. Binding still works fine, though.
I can't speak from experience about a reduction in the chest area--just what I said above, which is kinda vague.
I think the CC does a good job with sweat, but the weather isn't very hot yet. Still, cotton absorbs sweat. Another reason I'm not a good judge of the sweat situation is that my skin condition requires me to apply hypoallergenic goop to my entire body every day after I shower, and it's hard to tell what effects I can attribute to lotion rather than perspiration.
The binders stretch out a little when I wear them, so I like it when they shrink in the wash. The care instructions say to wash in cold and then line dry. This treatment will probably minimize shrinkage and add to the life of the garment. But I'm lazy, so I wash in warm and throw my binders in the dryer. They sort of shrivel a bit at the seams, but they stretch out find and function as well as ever.
I haven't worn out any binders yet. First I got a size too big, but then I lost weight and had to go down to a smaller size a couple of times. But I think one of the threads I posted has info about lifespan.
I should add that I have no idea what cup size I would be. But I'm pretty big. I used to be a B when I was twenty. I'm much bigger now.
Freakbag? :D I'm thinking I'll refer to mine as moobs.
Where I live it's been hot for awhile and will only get worse. That's why I was interested in how they handle sweat because there's going to be alot of it. I checked out the CCs and they sound good, so I ordered the white tank. I'll try it out and see what I think.
Quote from: Radar on May 08, 2009, 05:09:57 PM
I checked out the CCs and they sound good, so I ordered the white tank. I'll try it out and see what I think.
If you do get the wrong size, be sure to keep the original packaging and return the binder right away. You'll have to pay return shipping, but I've heard that the Underworks people are nice about returns. I don't know from experience.
freakbags. i like it. :laugh:
Quote from: Arch on May 08, 2009, 05:13:12 PM
If you do get the wrong size, be sure to keep the original packaging and return the binder right away. You'll have to pay return shipping, but I've heard that the Underworks people are nice about returns. I don't know from experience.
Will do. Thanks for your help. :)
Quote from: Radar on May 08, 2009, 04:41:43 PM
I've read that when you start T your breasts could get larger due to the underlying muscle getting bigger.
I've only been on T for about 2 1/2 weeks, but I swear mine have gotten smaller. Could be that I'm losing fat and gaining muscle. At any rate, I assume that's what's going on, because I keep tightening my belt, but my weight isn't changing. I wouldn't worry too much about your pecs appearing too muscle-y, though. I know at least one skinny, scrawny guy who appears to have massive pecs. I think some guys get so focused on the amount of weight they can bench press, that they forget to work out anything else. ::) Or maybe he's trans, and I totally missed it. ;)
P.S. Radar, I love your avatar. It's amazing that cat put up with having a rice bowl on its head long enough to snap a picture. :laugh:
I would not recommend sports bras. Even though they may make you flatter, no binder will ever make you completely flat unless you're an AA. Sports bras are designed women who who like their boobs, and thus will contour whatever lumps you got left after the compression to look like small breasts, rather than flatten everything out.
Quote from: Jamie-o on May 09, 2009, 01:45:02 AM
P.S. Radar, I love your avatar. It's amazing that cat put up with having a rice bowl on its head long enough to snap a picture. :laugh:
My cat looks exactly like that but that's not her. I don't even remember where I found that photo. I'm also a fan of Stuff on My Cat so my cats have all been on the rounds. :D
Im a 36B and use the tritop from underworks.
Myles
Quote from: Radar on May 08, 2009, 04:41:43 PM
... I've read that when you start T your breasts could get larger due to the underlying muscle getting bigger. Over time does the chest size go down any?
I can't say I've heard anything about actual BREAST size increasing. Maybe your overall chest size. I've only been on T a month and I can tell that my breast tissue is starting to break down a bit. Not to mention I'm on a low dose compared to most people I've heard of. So my moobs are shrinking, for sure, and I expect people on a more typical dose experience it to an even higher degree. I don't work out, though, so I have no way to test this muscle-mass-affecting-breast-appearance theory.
I've got As and I'm a bit larger body-wise, so I've actually stopped binding and just gone for the "I've got manboobs" look since I'm HOPEFULLY going to be a candidate for peri for surgery on July 16th. Trying to keep that skin elasticity.
in regards to moobage...
mine shriveled like grapes in the sun. lol
for shiz though, the breast tissue has atrophied. this is going to be gross, so you might not want to read any more. but imagine stretched narsty skin with a ball of tapioca floating in gel.
they are easier to hide though. :)
Quote from: Josh on May 11, 2009, 03:39:02 AM...this is going to be gross, so you might not want to read any more.
I can handle alot. I've seen photos of moobs looking like that right before top surgery (before/after thing).
well, i'm bigger chested...triple D...so i wear the double compression binder from underworks with the tri-top binder from under works over it. it hurts after a few days of doing that, but it's the only way that i can at least pass every-now-an-then. and it leaves bruises on my breasts.
Quote from: kody2011 on May 11, 2009, 10:26:20 AM
well, i'm bigger chested...triple D...so i wear the double compression binder from underworks with the tri-top binder from under works over it. it hurts after a few days of doing that, but it's the only way that i can at least pass every-now-an-then. and it leaves bruises on my breasts.
I don't mean to sound rude, but when you're moobs are that big does the binder work well? I can't imagine having to crush triple Ds. I can't even imagine having triple Ds. The binding must be hell on you. :(
Quote from: kody2011 on May 11, 2009, 10:26:20 AM
well, i'm bigger chested...triple D...so i wear the double compression binder from underworks with the tri-top binder from under works over it. it hurts after a few days of doing that, but it's the only way that i can at least pass every-now-an-then. and it leaves bruises on my breasts.
All I have to say is... I'm so sorry. And OW. Bruises? That has to hurt.
I bet surgery will be .... well, a big load off your chest, as it were.
Hmm. My Underworks Cotton Concealer came in yesterday. When I tried it on it didn't give me quite the results I was looking for. I worked on shrinking it some and that helped, but not a whole bunch. At this point it looks like I have A cups and is not quite passable. I'm wearing it for now to get used to it and since it helps some I can work on gradually decreasing my moob size to decrease confusion at work (haven't even seen psychologist yet).
My question is what binder(s) would you recommend for Tit Crushing Action™? I got the muscle shirt and while nice the collar is up high so it's obvious I'm wearing something under my shirts. Colder weather is fine but in this heat it will look odd. It also looks really tacky with my polo shirts. Any info on binders with low necklines would be great too. :)
Edit:
After doing more research I'm interested to know anyone's results from Underworks double front compression shirt and the power compression vest.
I just noticed the same thing yesterday when wearing a polo shirt you can see the neckline. If I button one of the buttons it's a lot less obvious. Haven't had a chance to wear polos here much yet as its so darn cold.
I also layer to help make my chest look flatter, binder, tank top, white undershirt then shirt, definitely will not work in the summer when it's in the 90's but works in the winter.
I am a 36B so a bit lucky on that end, just looks like I have pecs. I use the tritop from underworks.
Myles
Now this might seem weird but not being fulltime but having some real breast more then man boobs, small B cup I need to bind at work, sports bra's work great, I just make sure the colors match a black sports bra under a white T shirt is a giveaway and some thin T shirts I just can't wear any more
Myles, I'm a 36B too (or around there). I'm wearing a t-shirt today and you can see the binder neckline- so I look like I'm wearing two t-shirts. ::) Layering won't be much of an option for me in summer here (even inside) unless I want to kill myself.
I should add I wear the Haines Sport, sports bra
Quote from: Radar on May 14, 2009, 07:00:02 AM
Hmm. My Underworks Cotton Concealer came in yesterday. When I tried it on it didn't give me quite the results I was looking for. I worked on shrinking it some and that helped, but not a whole bunch. At this point it looks like I have A cups and is not quite passable. I'm wearing it for now to get used to it and since it helps some I can work on gradually decreasing my moob size to decrease confusion at work (haven't even seen psychologist yet).
My question is what binder(s) would you recommend for Tit Crushing Action™? I got the muscle shirt and while nice the collar is up high so it's obvious I'm wearing something under my shirts. Colder weather is fine but in this heat it will look odd. It also looks really tacky with my polo shirts. Any info on binders with low necklines would be great too. :)
Edit:
After doing more research I'm interested to know anyone's results from Underworks double front compression shirt and the power compression vest.
You might need a size smaller than you think you need. I did.
I don't know many guys who get truly flat who are B cup or bigger. I do know one guy who does a killer binding job and is flat, flat, flat. And y'know what? It looks really weird and unnatural. He uses the Double Front Compression Shirt.
Most of us have to layer and/or wear somewhat baggy shirts over the binder. Since you're worried about temperature, I hope you just go with a baggy shirt. I don't know whether that will be enough to hide what you want to hide. If you don't know already, I suggest dark colors, and patterns.
I've heard of guys who tried to "build up" their pec area with some kind of neoprene stomach binder (over or under the regular binder, that is) so that the tit bulge is deemphasized. This would make you even warmer, and I've never talked to anyone who really did it. Don't know if it works.
Whatever you do, don't look down. I'm not assuming that you are, but you might not know that the freakbags usually look much bigger from the top than from the front or even the sides. And, depending on how floppy or pliable you are, you might need to experiment with different ways of, er, relocating yourself.
Are you folding the binder back up? That can squash you a bit more. It can also pinch you in and emphasize your belly. Depends on your body type.
I don't know about anyone else, but I prefer the tank to the muscle shirt.
I have a Double Front Compression Shirt but don't like it very much. It has very little give, so I can't breathe easily. It's hot. It's horribly scratchy, so I have to wear a tee underneath it--which makes it hotter still. Not to mention that for everyday wear I have to cut away the collar of the tee; otherwise it shows underneath my regular shirt. And this binder still can't fully squash my cannonballs. Perhaps if I went to a smaller size...but then I REALLY wouldn't be able to breathe. Also, I don't want to look like my acquaintance, He of the Ironing Board Chest. It really does look like he has a flat shelf under his shirt. But that's only one man's opinion.
I have no personal experience with any other binders.
On problem with the tritop is it cut in the mid section (not a full shirt) so you can see it through tshirts and so on, making the layering neccessary. I was hoping for top surgery before the end of summer to avoid a summer of layering. Not sure what I will do, I have to figure something out, or just plan to sweat a lot. The T has also caused my breasts to droop at a pretty major rate so that is also added into the equation. The drooping does allow them to flatten out a lot easier. As for a size you want soemthing that is pretty darn tight because they do stretch out. It should be really hard to put on the first couple of times, I needed help, then you'll figure out how to do it on your own.
Arrg
Myles
Does anyone else wear shirts under their binders? I usually wear a mesh shirt of some sort and have found that it makes binding less irritating to the skin..and a little bit cooler in warm weather.
I have read a few guys do that here in another thread, I know my binder is still too tight to fit anything under it.
Myles
Arch, what do you mean by folding the binder back up? Do you mean pulling the binder up from the stomach and flip over the moobs again? This binder goes down below the stomach and actually tucks things in nicely in that area (added perk). If I cut away the collar of the binder would that affect it's performance? I thought about doing that but not if it might make it less effective.
Post Merge: May 14, 2009, 01:53:09 PM
Quote from: myles on May 14, 2009, 12:32:34 PM
The T has also caused my breasts to droop at a pretty major rate so that is also added into the equation. The drooping does allow them to flatten out a lot easier.
I was thinking of that too.
Quote from: Radar on May 14, 2009, 01:51:24 PM
This binder goes down below the stomach and actually tucks things in nicely in that area (added perk).
I've had problems with full binders because they ride up. I've found that tucking them into boxer briefs or briefs and tightening your belt helps...but sometimes they ride up. It can be really annoying and awkward to fix in public.
Quote from: Radar on May 14, 2009, 01:51:24 PM
Arch, what do you mean by folding the binder back up? Do you mean pulling the binder up from the stomach and flip over the moobs again? This binder goes down below the stomach and actually tucks things in nicely in that area (added perk). If I cut away the collar of the binder would that affect it's performance? I thought about doing that but not if it might make it less effective.
Post Merge: May 14, 2009, 11:53:09 AM
I was thinking of that too.
Yes, I'm talking about just that--using one binder to double bind, essentially.
But I wasn't talking about cutting away the collar of the binder. I said that the DLCS requires me to mutilate the tee shirt that I wear underneath it.
I prefer tank-style binders because I don't have to worry so much about bits of the binder peeping around my shirt collar, stuff like that. Also, I guess they're marginally cooler.
Post Merge: May 14, 2009, 01:24:33 PM
Quote from: Christian on May 14, 2009, 02:08:03 PM
I've had problems with full binders because they ride up. I've found that tucking them into boxer briefs or briefs and tightening your belt helps...but sometimes they ride up. It can be really annoying and awkward to fix in public.
The Cotton Concealer is not as good at mashing as other binders, but it has a nice hem at the bottom that resists rolling.
Quote from: Arch on May 14, 2009, 02:23:48 PM
Yes, I'm talking about just that--using one binder to double bind, essentially.
O.K. I tried it but no difference.
Quote from: Arch on May 14, 2009, 02:23:48 PMThe Cotton Concealer is not as good at mashing as other binders, but it has a nice hem at the bottom that resists rolling.
Yeah, I noticed the nice bottom hem. I did your advice about keeping the packaging in case I had to exchange sizes. I've e-mailed them to see if that's O.K. I think it might really be too big because it's not very hard to get into. I'll probably buy another binder version too.
Quote from: Radar on May 14, 2009, 02:52:03 PM
O.K. I tried it but no difference.
Yeah, I noticed the nice bottom hem. I did your advice about keeping the packaging in case I had to exchange sizes. I've e-mailed them to see if that's O.K. I think it might really be too big because it's not very hard to get into. I'll probably buy another binder version too.
Too bad doubling didn't work. You probably need a size smaller. If I went by their sizing charts, I'd be flopping around all over the place. Ick.
I can only bind for a day or two before the binder becomes too loose to make me happy. Into the wash.
See those other threads for reviews of the various styles.
Quote from: Radar on May 14, 2009, 07:00:02 AM
Hmm. My Underworks Cotton Concealer came in yesterday. When I tried it on it didn't give me quite the results I was looking for. I worked on shrinking it some and that helped, but not a whole bunch. At this point it looks like I have A cups and is not quite passable. I'm wearing it for now to get used to it and since it helps some I can work on gradually decreasing my moob size to decrease confusion at work (haven't even seen psychologist yet).
My question is what binder(s) would you recommend for Tit Crushing Action™? I got the muscle shirt and while nice the collar is up high so it's obvious I'm wearing something under my shirts. Colder weather is fine but in this heat it will look odd. It also looks really tacky with my polo shirts. Any info on binders with low necklines would be great too. :)
Edit:
After doing more research I'm interested to know anyone's results from Underworks double front compression shirt and the power compression vest.
I really like the double front compression shirt. It's reasonably comfortable, and though it doesn't make me truly
flat (and I doubt anything would) it does at least hold everything into a "I work out and have nice pecs" sort of shape. I find that, although it doesn't compress quite as much as the tri-top, it gives me a more natural look. I also find it more comfortable, but others disagree with me on that point. ;D Also, it looks more like a regular under shirt, so if the lines show, it won't make people wonder. Last time I measured I was between a D and DD. I may have shrunk down to a C by now. It's also not as hot as some other binders. However, it is made of spandex (or lycra, maybe) which some people find itchy. BTW, I've tried the Underworks muscle shirt, as well, and it didn't do a whole lot for me. Not even in the smaller size.
One thing I thought I'd point out is that for those of us who have larger chests, knit shirts (t-shirts, polos, etc.) tend not to be a good option. I've taken to wearing a double-front compression shirt under a t-shirt, under a button-up shirt, preferably one that's a little on the stiff side, usually left open. As it's gotten warmer I've moved to a muscle shirt and a short-sleeved button-up, to reduce the amount of fabric as much as possible. If it gets too hot I may skip the t-shirt and just button up the button-up.
Underworks responded and I can trade the binder no problem. :) I'm exchanging it for a double front compression shirt. Hopefully that one will work better. If anything it'll probably be cooler. Down the road I might try the tri-top too.
I noticed at Underworks they also have these shorts that help give you more masculine hips and butt. Has anybody tried this? Also, how long were you on T until the fat started shifting to give you more masculine hips and butt?
Quote from: Arch on May 14, 2009, 12:26:11 PM
... If you don't know already, I suggest dark colors, and patterns.
This is more important than people make it seem. I noticed on my boyfriend this weekend. He's got a big chest and he wore a non-patterned shirt for the first time in a long time the other day and it made everything a lot more obvious than when he wears the shirts with patterns (over the whole front).
To fix the problem mentioned above, I scrawled the words '->-bleeped-<- boy' onto my plain white singlet... NOW NO-ONE WILL KNOW! >_<
;)