Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Female to male transsexual talk (FTM) => Transsexual talk => FTM Gear => Topic started by: insideontheoutside on April 16, 2011, 11:29:25 PM

Title: What do you do ...
Post by: insideontheoutside on April 16, 2011, 11:29:25 PM
If you just absolutely hate the feeling of wearing a binder (assume surgery is not an option)?

I've tried adjusting the velcro on it but it still feels like crap on. It's the right size as far as I know. The damn thing cost like $50 with shipping from Love Boat so I don't want to just buy a medium one to see if that makes a difference and then get stuff with two of them that I don't like. I've been trying to use it off and on for a couple weeks and it drives me crazy. Anyone else out there that deals with this?
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: xAndrewx on April 17, 2011, 12:01:16 AM
I've seen some variations depending on your chest size. I've even seen a guy who just tapes his little bits to the side each day because they aren't big enough to need anything sturdy. Maybe just a compression shirt would work? Working out can turn a smaller chest into a more pec-like appearance and then there is always just wearing very baggy clothing. No suggestions if your bigger chested though sorry

I feel ya though man. I hate wearing my binder but since my chest is huge there isn't much option. I'd love to hear if you come up with anything :)
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: Brent123 on April 17, 2011, 02:26:24 PM
Personally, I wear sports bras if I don't feel like wearing my binder. Then I throw a hoodie over it. I'm pretty average I guess (I have a b cup). If its in the summer, I just wear cargo shorts with the hoodie so I won't get too hot. I don't know if that's an option for you though.
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: Konnor on April 17, 2011, 07:03:01 PM
I do the same as Brent. I have a B chest too tho, so if you're bigger that probably won't work. I got some decent sports bras from Wal-Mart that make my chest look ok on days where I don't need to be flat, so I try not to worry about it too much. It also might just be that particular binder or company. If you don't like velcro ones, perhaps you should try one of the pullover ones from Underworks? You might like them a lot better.
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: insideontheoutside on April 18, 2011, 01:07:30 PM
Thanks guys. I believe I'm a B something. I just buy the generic sports bras as well. I've even modified a few of them by sewing the straps tighter. I've noticed that it's not how tight it is around but how tight the straps are to make you flatter. So yeah in the winter I can sometimes just get away with that if I have layers on. But now that it's going to get warmer and I can't do all my layers I feel like I'm stuck with the binder. One thing I do like about the velcro one is it's easy to get on and off. I had one pull over underworks one but it didn't do anything and it was hard to get on and off so I just got rid of it. Even some of the sports bras are hard to get on an off.
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: Noah G. on April 22, 2011, 12:21:02 PM
What about it feels like crap?

I have a velcro binder from Love Boat (planning to buy a couple more before too long) and was uncomfortable in it until I did a little easy experimenting. But, if it's something else about it that feels like crap to you then my advice would be pointless.
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: insideontheoutside on April 27, 2011, 01:14:50 AM
Quote from: Noah G. on April 22, 2011, 12:21:02 PM
What about it feels like crap?

I have a velcro binder from Love Boat (planning to buy a couple more before too long) and was uncomfortable in it until I did a little easy experimenting. But, if it's something else about it that feels like crap to you then my advice would be pointless.

Well, considering that I don't even like wearing sports bras ... I just don't like anything around me that feels constricting in any way. Just one of my own quirks. But the binder itself feels like 10x worse than a sports bra, especially if it's on for an extended period of time. I guess other guys are just more able to get used it!
Title: Re: What do you do ...
Post by: Noah G. on April 27, 2011, 12:09:15 PM
Ah, wasn't sure if it was something to do with it being a velcro binder or what.

I had the same problem for a bit -- kind of a claustrophobic feeling -- which is why I know I could never tolerate a full-length binder because it's worse around my stomach. For a little bit getting the "right" arrangement, so to speak, helped until I got used to it, but as far as that that's about all I can offer.

Love Boat actually has a return policy which includes wrong sizes; maybe you could shoot them an e-mail kind of explaining the situation, give them your measurements, and see what they think? Their customer service is really good. I can vouch for it from experience.