I was wondering if anyone knew of any ways to make a (safe to use) binder? Or if there was some other way to binding that wouldn't cause me any negative health issues. I have the money to buy a binder and plan to do so once I am not living with my parents (they refuse to acknowledge my sexuality even though I came out to them about that years ago - and their comments on trans people on tv pretty much cement my plan of not coming out until I leave for college which is thankfully not long off), or at least until I can get my own bank account to order it through.

But I'm moderately decent with needle and thread and have heard of people making their own binders, though I was wondering on the safeness of it and if it would be affordable and easy to do? And what kind of binder would you recommend to buy, later on? I have a relatively small chest, I've never gotten measure but I think I'm a B-cup, so for the last year or so I've been using old sports bras and baggy shirts but they just aren't cutting it lately.

I'm still new here and browsing through the forums but I haven't yet found a post that answers this, apologies if it's a reoccurring question...

As for the making your own binder, the biggest question is finding a fabric that will work well. I suppose that if you can find a fabric that doesn't stretch TOO much to bind, but is also able to be breathed in, you could make something pretty decent but honestly I know very little about fabrics.

As for what binder to buy, since you say you're on the small side, I would consider Underworks if you want cheaper and LesLoveBoat if you're willing to go more expensive. Underworks are great for the price but they're so uncomfortable. Loveboat on the other hand is more expensive but more comfortable.
Good underworks binders would be the 997 or Tri-top
Good Loveboat binders- there's tons of them and it depends on what you want

I find binders from anyplace online unbearable to wear. I use a back support from K-mart or Wal-mart instead with no ill effects and it works well for me.

CursedFireDean; thank you, I will look into those sites. I honestly don't know much about fabrics either, so I guess more research is in order for me there haha.

LordKAT; I didn't know people used those for binding - If I can get the chance to shop without my mom hovering around I'll try that out, thanks.

target sells compression sports bras (i hate that word, sorry) that work pretty well. i believe they're champion brand. i've been binding with one of those for awhile now and haven't had any issues or pain. also i'm pretty flat chested to begin with, so that might help.

Thanks! Compression sports bras (I feel you on not liking that word, blugh) might be easier for me to buy without suspension, too, so I think that would be my best bet here. So glad it's turning into winter so I can layer without being looked at weird, haha.

I have previously made my own binders with a long rectangle of non-woven material (cut from hotel laundry bags), and fastening with old bra hook/eye attachments (or press on metal buttons), so it turns out like a tank top. Works very well.