So, for any of you that read my introductory post, things have gotten alot better since then. My mum and dad are getting along really well in comparison to how they would of a few weeks ago.. which is awesome. Me and my mum went shopping yesterday too, and that is the first time I've been shopping in a while.
I'm going to be ordering a binder on Monday(24th) from Underworks, and I was just wondering if there is anything vital I should know about them?
I know you're only supposed to keep them on for 8-12 hours, but how flat will they make my chest? I'm a little worried I won't be as flat as I'd like...
I'd appreciate any feedback you guys have to give. Thanks! :)
How flat you get depends upon how big your chest is, and how firm the tissue is. Me, I'm probably a large-ish C cup, with a lot of fibrous tissue, so I can't get completely flat. But then, since I'm a bit over weight, it wouldn't look natural if I did. As it stands, I can at least get it all mushed around in such a way that I can wear a t-shirt and it just looks like pecs and a barrel chest.
A couple tips -
- When you take your measurements, measure under the bust and at the widest point, then take the average of the two. If you get one that is too small, you won't be able to get it on. They're great about returns, but judging by your writing I'm guessing you're over seas, so you won't want to be shipping things back and forth if you can help it. :)
- Get a rash guard, or similar slick-fabric undershirt to wear under it the first few times before it stretches out a bit. It will make it much easier get the dang thing on.
- Remember - layers are your friend. So are stiff-fabric button-up shirts, preferably with some sort of pattern (check, plaid, etc.) Extra layers and thicker/stiffer fabrics help to hide any odd bulges, as do darker colors and patterns. (Hence why black is thinning. ;) )
That's all I can think of right now. Hope it helps.
It depends what binder you plan on getting?
I personally recommend the tri top. Its amazingly flat. I'm nuts about how flat my chest is and it makes it so I can wear tight shirts...until it wears out a bit that is. I put my binder in the freezer when i take it off cause with the material its made of, it helps it to keep its shape and binding properties.
I wear mine pretty much 24/7. It cut into me at first and I have scars from it, but I've gotten used to it. Then again, I can't stand the sight of my own chest so that's why I keep it on as much as possible. To me, its worth it.
Here's a binding tip: When you bind, try and stick your hands in there and position your moobs until it looks natural. Try pushing them up, down, out, etc. It works differently for everyone, I think.
you could also buy a sports compression shirt in a size too small and fold in up and then down so you have three layers of compression
I do this it's made of spandex and it allows me to breathe, run, jump,hop, whatever. I just have to safety pin it at the top so it doenst fold back down. It's not to hot either.
When you get your own binder, put it on and go shopping (or go through your/your family's closets) to find your own style that gives you a look you can tolerate. A lot of the bigger guys recommend layers and baggy clothes and stiff fabrics and buttonups. I personally look ridiculous in that style - put me in a big stiff baggy buttonup and I look like I'm wearing a muumuu. Or a tent.
What works for me (and I don't/can't bind completely flat, so it's not necessary) is the exact opposite of what they recommend: fairly close-fitting shirts in solid-coloured knit fabrics that do show the shape of my chest. I find it's best if they're short enough to show off my butt. And I have to be fairly picky, because I need them to fit correctly at the shoulders while still being wide enough at the bottom that they don't catch too much on my hips. I'm still working out exactly what's best on me, but it's definitely not standard trans guy fashion - it's probably best described as "conservatively gay."
Anyway, the particular binder you get will affect what looks best on you. I have several different binders that I wear with different clothes, although my all-round favourite so far is the 998 because it eliminates the need to camouflage the armpit bulges. Any correctly-fitted Underworks binder will give you a chest that can be passable if you pick the right clothes to go with it, so you just have to go experiment and find out what those clothes are.
A note on fit: The instructions tell you to average your bust and underbust measurements. That put me at a smallish Medium - but the size that actually fits me is a Small in the heavy-duty binders like the 997 and Tri-top, and an Extra-Small in the softer ones like the Cotton Concealer and the 998. Consider ordering 2 different sizes of the binder you like, one in the correct size according to the instructions and one a size smaller, and just returning whichever one doesn't fit.
^...what he said.
It's necessary to find your style that you can wear with different methods of binding. If you're crazy about how it makes your chest look, then I definitely recommend this.
Woah.. Thanks for the replies, guys. :)
I guess I'll have to shop around for some more clothes, since most of what I wear is plain tank tops and boot-cut jeans. We're a little short on cash at the moment though. But I ordered two of the 988 models, one black and one white, earlier today; that set us back almost £70... The trip-top did look pretty good, though. I might have to save up for that some time in the future.
Once I get this binder I'll have to take a few pictures, hopefully I'll of made more posts by then.
A hair cut is also in order.
Quote from: kyril on May 24, 2010, 11:36:04 AM... it's probably best described as "conservatively gay."
Hah, that made me laugh. Probably a good description of how I dress as well.
But yeah, back to the topic of binders, I measured as a small tritop, but it's a tad big on me, I think a smaller one might bind a bit better.