Hello everyone,
I am in need of a binder, as every day I become more and more uncomfortable without one. My chest affects how I simply move. I'm always hunched over, conscious of my chest, and trying to hide it. I am a B-cup, not too large. I could get exact measurements, but I have no idea where a measuring tape is around the house. Firstly, I don't care about money. Secondly, I just want what's best, and makes my chest as flat as possible while not being overly uncomfortable. What is the difference between T-Kingdom and Underworks binders, and of all the individual binders available from both manufacturers, which do you feel is the best?
All opinions are welcomed and I would be interested in hearing stories.
I have two binders from Underworks, the Double Front Compression Shirt and the Extreme Chest Concealer FTM Chest Binder- all sleeveless. I like both of them and they both have a different feel to them. FYI I'm a B cup too. It's said you should get a size smaller than you need from Underworks, but that didn't work out for me. Originally I got a small but couldn't even get it past my shoulders, so I traded for a medium and I'm pleased with it.
The Double Front Compression Shirt goes all the way down your torso so that you can tuck it in your underwear. It will have a tendency to roll up on you if you don't. I find it very comfortable and the fabric is actually a bit cooling. The whole binder compresses so it compresses your sides and stomach too. Some guys don't like that but I find it comfortable.
The Extreme Chest Concealer FTM Chest Binder goes down your torso too but the compression is just in the chest. The rest going down your torso is just like any shirt. Because of this I get hotter in it than the Double Front Compression Shirt. Both binders compress about the same and do a good job. I did get the Cotton Concealer Compression Muscle shirt but returned it. Even though it was very comfortable it didn't bind well.
I also would like to hear opinions on T-Kingdom's binders since they're made for FTM by a FTM.
Don't particularly know the difference. I had an underworks binder though... well multiple actually. I had the muscle shirt style one in black.
I would definitely recommend it for a few reasons.
1. the muscle shirt, as opposed to the more tank top style ones, allowed more space for boobage to be squished/tucked/hidden in. I probably had average sized boobs (never got fitted for a bra, so I couldn't really tell you like that) but... they certainly wern't small (or large) so I'm betting average =p (b or c? total guess I have no clue what those even would look like) and even with the muscle shirt upon first putting it on my boobs would be all tryin to escape out my armpit holes (and I don't have much extra fat...so it wasn't that) I don't think the tank top style "straps" would have created as flat a look all the way across my chest.
2. its better than the ones with actual sleeves because your armpits can breathe which when so much of your body is being so tightly clothed is very helpful/important for comfort and not overheating. also, I found while doing activity (hiking, biking ect. which I do/did a lot of in my binders) it helps to be able to take a breather and be able to use those arm holes to casually/not awkwardly or obviously pull your binder away from your body to cool off/get a chance to take a deeper breath. though really I probably should have dawned a sports bra for these activities I couldn't bring myself to. Really without the binder I wouldn't have really been all about riding my bike too much (wind and all making my boobs look more... there)
3. its full length... like a real shirt... The only thing that made the binder ineffective was when it would start to slide up my torso (not really "rolling" up ... but I guess thats what they mean by that) and as opposed to compressing it would end up forming itself around my boobs (giving a sports-bra like result so... not too happy.. well minus those bra lines on the back of the shirt.. so bothersome...) BUT this can be easily solved just by tucking it in to your pants, and wearing a somewhat snug belt. (don't go overboard on the snugness... my hipbones got somewhat bruised at first ... doesn't need to be THAT tight) This is cool because it looks more like an undershirt than if it was one of those ones that only goes halfway down/just covers the chest area which through a light colored shirt would, to me, look more like a bra type thing... or at least more feminine than just a black undershirt.
also, as the shirt looses its elasticity (which can easily be reclaimed by handwashing (I don't recommend using much detergent just enough to where you feel its clean/not stinky) and then air drying. Often I'd just put the binder on a plastic hanger and either hold it up to/hook it to the shower head and turn that sucker on hot until I felt that it was clean (water running from it looked clean.. at first it'll be all black...... thats just the dye [duh.]) and then leaving it there to dry/hang it in front of a fan (drying can be slow.... they're thick[ish]) anyway got a lil ADHD there.. sorry... so... as it looses its elasticity (on like day 3 of wearing the same one [yes I am that gross at times.../poor at first]) it will tend to do that whole sports bra effect type thing, which I imagine would be even worse/less preventable with one that you can't tuck in. As the horizontal elasticity takes its toll (due to boobage pressure) you can always (in a bind.. hehe) stretch it further downwards which forces the fibers in horizontally. (pull on some elastic... it gets skinny.)
one more plus the the full length: it kind of creates a false front from boob to pants. when you've got it tucked in, and are standing, the binder usually (unless it has escaped from your pants) is pretty taught, so instead of having that awkward "drop off" or cliff effect under your boobs if you're wearing tightish clothes/there is even the slightest of breezes the binder will stop your shirt from pressing against your actual torso/underboob/"boob cliff region" and the world will see a much flatter surface rather than a shorter binder which just compresses the boobs as much as possible but doesn't prevent from revealing that unevenness. (also its okay to have SOME volume up there and when there is no[or a lot less of a] dip under the boobs they look more like manly pecs than boobs also less noticable, but having it tucked in creates the same effect with the "tummy"/curvey/hips? it creates a false "shell" between curves looks much more manly and utilitarian)
4. GET BLACK because I'm sure the white ones will get nasty FAST. No one wants a sweat stained yellow binder. ew. I guess get one perhaps for if you need to wear a nice white shirt or something, but I'd just put a white t-shirt over my black one and its fine.
5. The muscle shirt version cuts out any possible "cleavage" because it goes up about as high as a regular t-shirt (not quite, but past the collar bones most definitely) The tank top version is a little lower so if you stretch it down I could easily see your boobs being pushed into a "cleavage" sort of situation which god knows we all want to avoid. (minus the MTF of course!)
man.. I hate to type more... I feel as though I've already way over done this... but alas:
Okay... so those were my reasons to get the muscle shirt style underworks binders.
Now some other advice.
1. buy the 3 pack... its cheaper in the long run and you're going to want more than one really even more than 2 if you wear them every day.
2. rotate them. They really do loose elasticity after a whole day of wear. I found if I folded them in like 4s (so half then half.. kinda like they come in the package) and just put them in a drawer or wherever they were best. Gravity pulls on them a bit if you hang them up (I mean not like permanent damage, and its not like it doesn't work pretty much just as well.. but i found folding them maintained/allowed for the elasticity to return. (don't fold them wet obviously)
3. wear deodorant... =p but really get some of the spray kind just in case to help combat the binder sweat body odor.
4. I know you're probably afraid of smallish/snugish fitting clothes.. I was at least.. with the binder go ahead and let yourself try on some smaller clothes... you may find they look BETTER than the larger ones... I'm quite small (fit into kids clothes and small/medium shirts) and was wearing large shirts... without the binder I had to or my boobs were just obvious... with it the extra fabric left the boobs up to the other persons mind... whereas smaller shirts show off the "yea I'm flat what of it" gives you confidence
5. do some yoga at the end of a long day of binding. I mean you'll be breathing at what feels like 3/4 capacity all day (you won't notice.. you'll be far to ecstatic that you're so flat and then when that excitement wears down... if ever... you'll be used to it.) but you're lungs need to expand all the way and all that and yoga is so good for that (and stretching the rest of your torso/chest is probably also a good plan after all that compression) ALSO you'll get SUCH an oxygen high. its wonderful. (dunno what kinda person you are... but I can honestly say pack a lil bowl of that stinky green with the yoga and you'll feel like you're trippin face [on the realz yo.]) also it REALLY helps with the back/posture thing. I know I was always hunched over and ->-bleeped-<- before binders/surgery and it must have been awful for my back/neck really whole body to be all self compressed like that. you really don't let your chest/lungs/back/stomach have enough room to breathe at all!
(yoga can feel awkward with boobs, but I actually could pretty easily ignore it (and I couldn't even lean over my desk to do homework without cursing the fact I could feel them there.. quite distracting) you don't do much that you'd notice them with suprisingly.
6. oh yea. when I would configure myself within the binder I at first figured flat down would be best, but that created more of an odd bulge and actually discovered the best/flattest was more up. not like up UP but like... I suppose lay down, and have them flat to where they come out of instead of pushing them up against other flesh/themselves. This makes them look more like pecs (as they are where your pecs would be as opposed to lower like slightly saggy boob bulges) and they can be flatter to you they're not trying to be compressed into themselves they've got more room to spread out their blubbyness into... and it helps prevent from having them being all pushed up against your other skin which can become hot/itch/sweaty/nasty/uncomfortable.
k im done I promise...
wait no I'm not....
some downsides to the binder I got:
1. belt can rub against the sides and fray/tear at them but this will be under your shirt/pants and won't effect the effectiveness of boob binding. Though if it stretches up above the belt it can allow some of your "spare tire" (even if you don't really have one) to ooze out through the worn out area. I mean.. contents under pressure... any part not under compression is going to do its best to get out of that pressure.. upside you may look skinnier overall because you're stomach area is a lil compressed too...
2. downside to that is that you can't breathe into your stomach area as easily as those that are not as long. but I'd personally rather be flatter and not have that underboob drop off there.. and my binder left me some room to breathe just... also hotter than the shorter ones as more area is covered/compressed/skin unable to breathe and all and its tucked in, so it can get a lil hot, but in hot hot weather I was still bikin 5 + miles a day and was fine!
I really, really want to get a binder bandages suck anyone know where I can get a cheap but effective one?
Wonderful information, GnomeKid, and completely helpful. I'm pretty skinny, meaning I really just can't fit into most men's clothes (unfortunately), and am about 120 pounds at 5'7 or so. I usually wear less baggy clothes as I don't want to look huge. I like the skinny, form-fitting look for men, and when I have the ability to wear tighter shirts without having my tumors show, I'll be happy to wear more "form-fitting" clothes. I have a boy-ish figure, thankfully.
You have honestly been a great help and I think the muscle shirt is up there in my top three at least. I don't know much about the others, but I'd be glad to hear some detailed "testimonials", so to speak, for other types of binders.
Milliontoone - Underworks has affordable prices compared to a lot of places.
Quote from: milliontoone on June 26, 2009, 12:58:14 PM
I really, really want to get a binder bandages suck anyone know where I can get a cheap but effective one?
Maybe try the Big Brothers Used Binder Program over at The Transitional Male.
Quote from: Arch on July 26, 2009, 05:15:05 AM
Maybe try the Big Brothers Used Binder Program over at The Transitional Male.
By the way that they advertise it, it seems like you need to have a binder prior.
Quote from: Monty on July 26, 2009, 05:30:40 AM
By the way that they advertise it, it seems like you need to have a binder prior.
really? what does it say? been wondering about donating mine.
Quote from: Nero on July 26, 2009, 06:11:18 AM
really? what does it say? been wondering about donating mine.
I'm not sure how it exactly works because they're confusing me.
First it says
QuoteThis Program was Created ONLY for Transmen Who Cannot Afford a New Binder!
This program is based on HONESTY and INTEGRITY by those requesting a reservation.
Each person who lies to get a free binder is only cheating others who truly cannot afford a new one - Can you live with that? Search your conscience before you proceed.
It specifically says a new binder, as if theirs had worn out. Then in the rules it says "This program is for Transmen who are pre-transition, just starting their transition or well into their transition ONLY!"
So maybe you don't necessarily need a binder prior.
Somehow I think I'm still better off paying for my own, seeing as I'm almost smaller what they make.
Edit: I tried filling out the form and I'm confused yet again because they ask you why you need a 'new' binder. They aren't very descriptive.
I have a t-kingdom 801, which is the sports-bra-ish one with a zipper down the front.
for reference, I'm 5'6", 145lbs, 30/32B cup.
It doesn't bite at all around the arms, and the shoulders are comfy. On me, it comes down almost exactly to the bottom of my sternum, so the pressure of the bottom seam on my ribs really gets to me after 5 or 6 hours, and I feel the need to try and tug it down; it always ends up right back in the same place. I think it's worse than it would be for other people, because it makes my stomach poof out underneath it, and I'm exceptionally self-conscious about being 'fat'.
The binding quality is nice. When you first put it on, you can either push your lumps up and out to the sides, or down and out to the sides.
Up and out can leave them sort of protruding from the arm-holes, which is fine in loose clothing, but might be awkward in tight clothing. I also needed to stop and 'adjust' myself halfway through a 9 hour workday when I did this, because they slowly migrated inward. The shape looks the best this way, for a manly profile, I can usually totally eliminate that underbust shadow. It does end up looking like I have a set of pecs, which is awkward with noodly arms, so I either wear a slightly loose shirt, a black shirt, a button down shirt, or a 2/3 or 3/4 sleeve long shirt under my overshirt it to cover my arms.
Because I work in a greenhouse and am rather active (walking, running, moving and lifting heavy objects, getting wet, etc), I usually adjust down and out; not quite as awesome of a manly chest, but flat, and more comfortable for me. They don't migrate at all, and I still usually don't have any underbust shadowing to make it look strange. I do tend to sweat in the chest-area more like this though, so that's something to consider.
As for the company, I ordered mine on a thursday, and it was at the post office (USA-east coast) by the following tuesday; with the extra 10USD or whatever for quick shipping. They make much smaller sizes; I have a size L with them, compared to the XS I ordered from underworks on their 997--Double Panel Compression Shirt Binder. I may have been able to fit an M, but I don't know that I could have gotten it zipped up at all. They definitely break in after the first 2 or 3 wears.
"This program is for Transmen who are pre-transition, just starting their transition or well into their transition ONLY!"
Um.... wouldn't that pretty much be everyone? :-\
Quote from: Radar on July 26, 2009, 01:59:49 PM
"This program is for Transmen who are pre-transition, just starting their transition or well into their transition ONLY!"
Um.... wouldn't that pretty much be everyone? :-\
They deny drag kings.
... but when you actually get to the forum it gets even more confusing. I mean, 7$ for a binder is great and all, but I'm not even sure if I qualify for them if they keep flip flopping rules around to the point where I'm not sure what they mean.
Quote from: Radar on July 26, 2009, 01:59:49 PM
"This program is for Transmen who are pre-transition, just starting their transition or well into their transition ONLY!"
Um.... wouldn't that pretty much be everyone? :-\
I took this to mean that non-transmen and post-transitional transmen are not welcome.
And, Monty, this is how I've always understood it: if you need a binder and can't afford to buy one yourself, then you can qualify for one of Big Brothers' used ones. It doesn't matter whether you've never owned a binder or your current one is too worn-out to work.
If you're confused about a point of information, maybe you should point out their discrepancy and urge them to fix it. You could be helping a lot of other confused people.
I love the Underworks double front compression. It's comfy and it works well. The muscle shirt didn't work any better than a sports bra for me, which is unfortunate because it was very comfortable. I tried a T-Kingdom 1700 and found it very uncomfortable (the velcro chafed) and the binding was ... odd. It wanted to compress just below the fat bags, which kind of undermined the purpose of the binder. IMO T-Kingdom is not worth the higher price.
Quote from: Arch on July 26, 2009, 02:43:18 PM
I took this to mean that non-transmen and post-transitional transmen are not welcome.
I can see that point but why would a non-transman or a post-transitional transman need a binder? It just seems like a "duh" statement. They should probably just say "a transman in need". Once they get the background story of each guy (which I assume they do anyway) then they can decide.
Quote from: Radar on July 26, 2009, 05:29:31 PM
I can see that point but why would a non-transman or a post-transitional transman need a binder? It just seems like a "duh" statement. They should probably just say "a transman in need". Once they get the background story of each guy (which I assume they do anyway) then they can decide.
Drag kings and tomboys apparently.
They do ask for your background story, but I'm not sure if that qualifies you or not.
Quote from: Radar on July 26, 2009, 05:29:31 PM
I can see that point but why would a non-transman or a post-transitional transman need a binder? It just seems like a "duh" statement.
Some transwomen live double lives--at work, they present as male, and they wear tight sport bras or binders to conceal their breasts. I guess that's one more type of person that Transitional Male is trying to screen out.
I agree that the site is kind of unclear, though.
Thank god- someone who isn't pinching their pennies so tightly that $10 doesn't make a difference.
I found T-Kingdom to be much better myself. The Underworks binders compress your whole abdomen and I found I could hardly eat with them on.
Quote from: Mister on July 26, 2009, 11:04:06 PM
Thank god- someone who isn't pinching their pennies so tightly that $10 doesn't make a difference.
I found T-Kingdom to be much better myself. The Underworks binders compress your whole abdomen and I found I could hardly eat with them on.
Many thanks. I want what is best, regardless. There isn't much of a price difference, anyway. I've purchased more expensive things.
I will have to order one, then.
Quote from: Mister on July 26, 2009, 11:04:06 PM
The Underworks binders compress your whole abdomen and I found I could hardly eat with them on.
To solve that, I pulled the bottom edge up over the shirt itself and pinned up, making the binder lay double. Even more compression where I want it that way and no pressure on my abdomen.
Quote from: Miniar on July 27, 2009, 07:04:43 AM
To solve that, I pulled the bottom edge up over the shirt itself and pinned up, making the binder lay double. Even more compression where I want it that way and no pressure on my abdomen.
I tried that but couldn't do it. A friend eventually made some modifications to it so I could eat and otherwise function like a normal person.
The big brother binder program is more simple than they make it out to be - I got a t-kingdom binder from them and all I did was send off a simple email explaining that I didn't have much money and was just beginning my transition and they were fine with that. He was really nice and ended up putting 5 dollars in with the binder to apologise for it taking longer than he said it would. Only by a few days too :P I was really surprised, he could have taken as long as he wanted - he was the one doing me a big favour.
Quote from: Mister on July 27, 2009, 11:00:11 AM
I tried that but couldn't do it. A friend eventually made some modifications to it so I could eat and otherwise function like a normal person.
Sounds to me as if you needed a larger size. I have to admire you for being able to get it on in the first place if it was that tight! :o
Also, Underworks redesigned some of its binders about 6 months ago, so that could be one reason that some people have had problems with them, while others haven't. That, and of course, everybody is shaped differently. After trying about half-a-dozen different binders, the Underworks double-front compression is definitely the one for me. YMMV.
Does anyone know whether 998 or the cotton concealers (978, 974) provides better compression? The cotton concealers have a layer of nylon spandex and a layer of cotton, whereas 998 has a layer of nylon spandex and a layer of something called powernet. The website says 998 has "extra compression," whereas the cotton concealers have "extreme compression." Makes it kind of hard to distinguish between how much compression they provide...
I think they have a few charts to help compare binders and assist the buyer in choosing one that works best. At least, I thought I saw one. It shows varying comfort and binding levels among other things.
I've not tried the regular cotton concealer, but my experience was that the ones I've tried with "power net" (tri-top and double front) work very well, while the one I tried with nylon spandex (the muscle shirt) didn't.
Quote from: Jamie-o on July 29, 2009, 08:08:23 PM
I've not tried the regular cotton concealer, but my experience was that the ones I've tried with "power net" (tri-top and double front) work very well, while the one I tried with nylon spandex (the muscle shirt) didn't.
I liked the cotton concealer because of my allergies to synthetic fabrics. The concealer has a 90% cotton shell; I would turn the binder inside out and wear it that way.
When I first starting binding regularly (about six weeks on T), I still had to wear an A-shirt underneath the binder because that 10% spandex drove my skin nuts. A few more weeks on T, and my skin was sufficiently tough for me to do without the wifebeater.
I was hoping that the eczema problem would go away entirely, but alas, no. I've got a roaring outbreak at the moment. Must be stress. Or the weather.
Anyway, the cotton concealer is comfy, but it's not as effective as some of the other binders. I usually wore two.
I own two styles of underworks binders, and one t-kingdom binder. To give a little background I am a very large chested guy (F) with hips. I have an underworks 997, and a tri top and the full length T kingdom binder. All of them have their plus sides and flaws, some have more flaws, some have more pluses...
I have tried the cotton concealer and other underworks binders only to return them. In all honesty, if you are looking to really flatten yourself out you want the 997 or the tri-top.
Since I have hips I like the 997. It compresses my chest fairly well, the fit is pretty darn comfortable even though it rolls up.
The tri-top is good since it does more compression, but since I'm large there's a point where compression comes to near suffocation. The tri-top binds too much for me, and the fit is weird. In the front there's a big gap between my skin and the binder. In the back it rolls up at my waist. It digs in a bit in the arm pit.
The long T-kingdom binder I have is pretty comfortable with velcro on the side. The fit doesn't work for me at all. I'm a short but chunky guy so it could just be for me. The straps are too long and put the binding material too long. The binding material doesn't cover enough for me. It doesn't bind anywhere near good. I think a frog bra would do better. Also, the seams on mine ripped and dig in a bit much.
For those asking about big brother's binders:
If you identify as a guy you can get a binder. It's a matter of who (in theory) would need it the most.
Quote from: Nygeel on August 03, 2009, 01:22:35 AM
In the front there's a big gap between my skin and the binder. In the back it rolls up at my waist. It digs in a bit in the arm pit.
These are exactly the same gripes I have with the Tri-top, which is why mine gets very little use. However, it does do a better job of keeping the extra flesh from spilling out the armpits.
I've been reading alot of what you guys have been saying, over various binding threads. I've tried to no ends wits to bind, no vail with bandages (by the looks of things, that was a good thing then, despite how annoyed I was that I couldn't pull that off.) to tight tops and sports bra's. I'm currently using a sports crop/bra to try and flatten everything out as much as I can, wich I wash the reglally to get them to 'spring back' and tighten for a firmer/flatter finish.
However I've always wanted binding, as soon as I started to develop the doombags, even as they were starting to develop, I tried everything I could to 'Push them back into my body' without avail (Of course they didn't travel south instead either -Sigh- oh well. LoL). I was told by a few family members that this was bad during development, mainly, if I wanted a smaller chest in comparison trying to compress them would make them develop more, as a rebelion, kinda like bonsai *bad example* but without the trimming...Ok. Really bad example, I can't think of a better one, but I hope you get what I mean. Anyway, I'm curious if that is possibly true or not. Or it is just (for us) bad luck and mainly hereditary.
*Main point* I'm (33") 12-14C, 5'2" 50-60kg (Last time I weighed) and looking into the (after compairing) getting a T-Kingdom 1300, or the 1700. Hopefully, I've judged right and that would *seem* to be the right one for me (only one way to really found out though, I suspose) But also thinking of the Double Compressor from underworks. I might end up getting both and taking them for a test spin. (Eventually both, have to get the one frist at least LoL.)
I've not noticed anything like it in the other threads, but I was wondering how tight a compressor actually feels, as I can see how they look. But I'm curious how to one feels, if it can be described.
Thanks. :)
- Laf
A T-kingdom binder is pretty much only good for thin, small chested people. Here are some comparison pictures:
IMAGES REMOVED
Underworks 997 (very old, and worn)
The T-kingdom binders aren't worth the money.
As for how it feels: the t-kingdom ones feel like a neoprine waist trimmer or one big elastic band around your chest that slips around and isn't quite long enough.
The underworks ones roll up, and in general feel like you're wearing a tight piece of clothing.
I'm curious as to what thin and small chested means?
They don't exactly give any information regarding exact cup size vs. binding capacity, which would be a very good thing, I imagine... I am probably a small B. Lost some size with weight. But I'm not sure what "thin" even means. It's probably pretty individual.
Maybe small framed is the better phrasing? A B cup might be okay, but it really won't bind very well.
Really? I can look pretty flat-chested with the proper shirt. Perhaps it is the binder itself rather than whether it comes from T-Kingdom or Underworks? I'm contemplating buying a binder from each, now.
Nah. The fabrics are completely different and the cuts are nowhere near the same. T-kingdom material just doesn't have the binding power and feels like an elastic band around my chest.
I also bought it a size too small (which was an XL) and it didn't do much. Seams split:
More pics?
IMAGES REMOVED
Here are some comparison pics I've taken in the past:
Before reference:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi674.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv110%2FJamie-O7%2FBefore.jpg&hash=e774fe9bb310189c56054ae20d1e9f1adf6206ee)
Underworks Double Front Compression
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi674.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv110%2FJamie-O7%2FDoubleFront.jpg&hash=ecfd9c23089977585d77f75f9e279b7fed178e17)
UW Muscle Shirt
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi674.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv110%2FJamie-O7%2FMuscleShirt.jpg&hash=86a00ee12b60a2a02e3d001dbc276a45bfa452fd)
UW Tri-top (with underarmor underneath)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi674.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv110%2FJamie-O7%2FTri-top.jpg&hash=22b61579ee81fae2d8755f93a999f38148b62452)
T-Kingdom 1700
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi674.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv110%2FJamie-O7%2FT-Kingdom1700.jpg&hash=909e25fbece3bed541b9d6f36a1d43b5a20cb555)
That Underworks binder sure is flattering on you, Jamie-o. Does a great job.
I will try one of each, see which works best for me. Seeing as some say "T-Kingdom is much better" and others say quite the opposite - I need to figure out for myself.
But all these comparisons are fantastic.
We should get a reference that shows comparisons for differently framed guys, with different binders. That could be extremely helpful for just about anyone who wants to buy a binder.
However, what is the comfort of the double front compression shirt?
Quote from: Adrian on August 04, 2009, 07:40:16 PMHowever, what is the comfort of the double front compression shirt?
I find mine really comfortable, the only time its really uncomfortable is when it rolls up.
Double front is fairly comfortable. I let mine roll up at the hip since I know it's not worth stressing over. If you have a smaller bum, and less hips it won't roll as much.
So you could roll it up so it wasn't pressing against your stomach? I don't know how I feel about that.
No. Just under my muffin top. That's what I meant by "at the hip."
I knew that.
But there's no way you can fold it upwards so that it's not on the stomach? I think I've heard of people doing that before.
Yea there is. You pretty much take the bottom and pull it above your chest. Pretty much fold the whole thing over. I personally don't like it that way, and can't wear it that way. Other people have done it and it works for them.
Quote from: Adrian on August 04, 2009, 07:40:16 PM
That Underworks binder sure is flattering on you, Jamie-o. Does a great job.
However, what is the comfort of the double front compression shirt?
Thanks. Though, to be fair, I believe I lost a few pounds between the bottom 3 pictures and the top picture. In answer to the comfort question - my measurements landed right on the edge between the Large and the Medium. (As I recall that's the Medium in the photo.) The large is perfectly comfortable for wearing 12+ hours, including at my very physical job. (Lots of bending, stretching and lifting.) The medium is fairly comfortable for a few hours, but by the end of a work day I'm
really ready to get it off. Also, the medium a major pain in the butt to get on unless I wear a slick shirt underneath, and because it's shorter it has more of a tendency to roll. It does bind just a bit better, though.
OP: if you haven't seen it yet, there's another thread that discusses binders & has a lot of pictures that might be useful to you. https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,41534.msg366044.html#msg366044 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,41534.msg366044.html#msg366044)
I can't comment on T-Kingdom binders as I've not tried them. My review/pics of the Underworks double-front and muscle shirt is at the above link.
Very many thanks, Eryk. That thread has some very good information for me.
Quote from: Adrian on August 04, 2009, 08:19:28 PM
So you could roll it up so it wasn't pressing against your stomach? I don't know how I feel about that.
My Double Front Compression shirt is long enough to pull over my butt so it does roll up but not past my briefs. Wearing a belt would help control the rolling up too, but it usually doesn't bother me. I find it very comfortable, breathable and great compression.
I also have an Extreme Chest Concealer FTM chest binder from Underworks. It binds about the same but is hotter since it has a cotton overlay. It's too hot here in the summer to use it but will work great for colder climates and weather. Plus, if noticed, it looks like a white tank top under your sweaters/shirts which is totally acceptable for men.
I came across this thread and thought I'd share as well, for what it's worth. Like Radar I have also tried the Double Front Compression shirt (Item 997) and Extreme Chest Concealer (Item 988) from Underworks. I got the size small, 32-35. I'm very happy with the Extreme Chest Concealer because it only binds the chest and not the stomach as well. Like Eryk mentioned in the thread link that he posted earlier, the Double Front was too uncomfortable. I like being able to breathe. Plus I don't need my stomach to be bound, just the chest. I find the Extreme Chest binder to be very comfortable - it sort of feels like I'm wearing a sports bra, except obviously my chest is much flatter and my dysphoria is lessened. I can put it on the same way I'd put on a tank top. I don't breathe noticeably differently either in normal conditions or when I'm lifting weights. I haven't tried doing aerobic exercise with it though, because it'd be too hot, especially during the summer. The best part about the binder - no more stupid bra lines showing on my back through my t-shirt! Like Radar said, tank top lines are totally acceptable.
Oh, and by the way, when I measured myself according to Underworks' instructions, I was a 32. Perhaps one reason the binder is comfortable is that I'm at the lower end of the size range (32-35).
i had the tritop from underworks and i was borderline between medium and large because of my chest size even though im a relatively small person, so i went with a medium. it was relatively uncomfortable and between 7 months and 13 months of binding, it lost a LOT of elasticity where it ran across my freak bags. i tried a friends large tritop and it was much more comfortable and bound better because it wasnt pulled so tight across my bags.
hi everyone, i'm going to buy a new binder within few days. i've had a t-kingdom model 1700 since nearly one year and its almost lost binding characterictic.
so i've read all post in this headline and finally decide to buy from underworks "Double Front Compression shirt". but i had a problem, i'm normally a small size guy (thin), but my chest size (84 cm) i suppose not fit small size because of my chest.
Can you help me if you have any idea?
Which size (size s or size m) am i going to buy and correctly fit me?
Personally, I'd go for the one that fits your chest, not your torso. If you get it too small, it's not going to work as well, probably hurt, be a pain to get on (or impossible), and wear out faster.
T-KINGDOM!!!!! I got underworks for my first binder and couldn't even put it on, I thought I was going to dislocate my shoulder or something. Then I found T-kingdom, I have the short one with the zipper at the front. Although I do get a little bit paranoid that if someone hugs me they might feel it under my t-shirt, but really they are just going to think I'm wearing a singlet. I think it has an awesome binding effect and it's comfortable as anything, doesn't restrict my breathing and when I look in the mirror I feel as confident as any other skinny flat chested boy.
I am kind of big in the chest area (I was a C for a while, I only weigh on average 55kg and I am 5"8, skinny as anything) so having a good binder is really important for me. You absolutely cannot tell there is a chest under my t-shirt, maybe from an angle it just looks like I have fit pecs. :laugh:
I was just wondering if anyone has had a extreme chest concealer and if so how did it work. I have been binding for 6 yrs. Have tried the double compression vest and the frog bra, but neither really work for me that well( I am 5'4, 160lbs, and roughly my chest size is a C) I am currently saving up for surgery, but until then, I have to find something that works. All feedback is appreciated.
I haven't used it. I'm about an F, 170lbs and the double compression vest works for me if I wear baggy shirts. Tri top also binds good enough.