What does everyone use? I've heard of people just using rash guards ... but I'm not the smallest person around and I just don't feel like that would be enough ... I went to a water park with my little sister last summer and the regular binder was fine, except that the bottom rubbed my legs raw on the back. I'm wondering if just wearing compression shorts or something UNDER it would stop that?? obviously I'd have to wear compression shorts over it too, to keep it from sliding up with it not on bare skin. I found some 'wetsuit' tops that are muscle shirt cut, or tank cut and was wondering how well those would or do work (if anyone has tried them) ? I wouldn't mind wearing a rash guard or swim style shirt over it, just more concerned with comfort while swimming lol
I went swimming a couple times last year in just a binder (double-front Underworks that I cut the bottom off) with a t-shirt overtop, and as far as I remember it worked fine. The benefit of wearing a rash guard over a binder would probably be that it's lighter and easier to swim in than a normal tee, and dries quicker once you're out of the water.
I have no idea how well just a normal wetsuit would bind, but personally I would think not very well because I haven't heard many good reviews about the ones that are actually made for ftms..
I went swimming yesterday. Wore swim shorts (boxers underneath so that my binders wouldn't kill me with friction and stuff), two binders (both Underworks doublefront, one medium, one small) with a tshirt overtop and was just fine. My binders survived the waterpark experience and I wasn't dying in the heat. Everyone is different, of course, but for me it worked. :)
I have gone swimming with a under works double compression binder and a black t shirt, but I wouldn't recommend it, its pretty much impossible to pass with a shirt or a rash guard on in the pool because guys never wear those unless they are overweight, or surfers, plus you would have to get your chest really really flat because the water makes it cling to every little bit. but I can understand wanting to wear a shirt and binder to ease dysphoria, that's what i did it. You know, my dick of a 'friend' who know my trans status kept asking me, "well why are you wearing a shirt? why don't you have a bikini top?" oh hell no.
anyway, it wasn't a pleasant experience binding and swimming, its super hard to breathe and swimming is vigorous, I kept getting out of breath and had to tread near the side of the pool. but I still freaking lapped the douche bag who asked about the bikini top, while binding i beat his ass haha
anyway, thats just my opinion
I swim in a tri-top under a non-cotton muscle shirt. Not sure if you've tried that, but it would probably at least solve your problem of having the binder chafe on your legs.
I just use the binder and trunks from les love boat.
Unfortunately, I think the tri-top is too much like a bra. And, I dont really like the les love boat designs, I really dont think a big piece of velcro down the side would be all that comfortable, not to mention, I cant imagine it really stays together all that well. The only place I really plan on going is my friends pool, and its not really big enough for lots of swimming, not to mention, they all know. LOL.
I hate not being able to go to seaside cause of this thing. People are inviting me and I am running out of excuses. To those that know about me, it's cool but it would be strange for them that I swim in something cause a lot of people would look strange at me. Hate that!
I mean, if you're going surfing or something like that, a wet suit is acceptable some times so :-P