Hey everyone,

I learned from this thread https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,164452.0.html about the GC2 compression shirts, and I bought one to try out since it's really affordable compared to Underworks. So I thought I would write up a quick review of it here, since I don't make videos or anything about my transition, and I didn't find many reviews of the GC2 done by trans people before I bought it.

Full product name: GC2 Gynecomastia FTM Chest Compression Tank, size XS (mine is in white, it also comes in black and nude)
Cost: $19.99 + ~$6.00 shipping USPS

I just got it today and tried it on a bit, and I have to say that for me, with a small chest, it works just about as well as my Underworks one, but MUCH more comfortable. With a t-shirt over it there is no problem at all, it just looks like I have nice pecs if you were to pull the shirt tight across my chest. It also lays on my shoulders much better and is not stiff at all, unlike my Underworks one, where I have the problem of the shoulder straps sticking out under a t-shirt, which means I haven't been able to wear just a t-shirt without it looking funny. It also has high arm holes, which some will like and some might not. Personally they don't bother me and I think they help with compression a bit and giving a natural look. I think the GC2 will be much cooler and more comfortable, especially for the summer months (Underworks binders can get pretty hot as I'm sure many of you know). The material is very soft and light-weight, but not flimsy and it seems well made. It is made in the U.S. of 70% polyester and 30% spandex. The size I got was XSmall/32-34 which fits well (for reference I'm 5'2", around 102lbs, and I usually wear a size 34S in jackets, blazers, etc.)

Also a note on their customer service, which I had read mixed reviews of in the comments of a review of their shirts: I ordered with a Paypal 'e-check' on June 5, and the check cleared on the 10th. I never got a notification that it shipped so after giving it several days I emailed them and asked about it. They got back to me right away and said it was an oversight while waiting for the e-check to clear, and mailed it out right away the next day. When I got the package today I found that they had sent me an extra shirt, due to the oversight and delay in sending it out. So I would say that despite their mistake they certainly rectified it and I am very satisfied with everything.

Overall, I would highly recommend this shirt if you have a pretty small chest. I can't recommend it for those with larger chests because I just don't know how it would work for them, but I would guess that they might need stronger compression.

Effectiveness (for my and similar chest sizes) - 4/5
Comfort - 5/5
Value - 5/5

Feel free to ask any questions you have. Perhaps later I will do a photo comparison between my Underworks and my GC2 shirts. I hope this was helpful.

Thanks for this review man!
I've been on the hunt for a binder to replace my underworks, because to me, compared to a sports bra, underworks just isn't worth the discomfort. It's not awful, but I pass equally well in a sports bra so why suffer. I've only found one binder so far (out of not many) that is comfy enough, but it's like $75 and I'd rather suffer underworks than pay that much. I had a gift card which is why I spent the money in the first place. I've been curious about this binder, but as you said, there aren't many reviews. It's great to hear that they've got good customer service.
If you don't mind my asking, what size chest do you have? I'm an A, but it's a somewhat dense A, so small, but not as easy to bind as most small chests. (Hopefully that'll change on T). Since it's only like $26 I might try it regardless. But if it works similarly to your underworks, that sounds awesome.
I'd also love if you have the time to do a photo comparison, that'd be super helpful.

Quote from: CursedFireDean on June 21, 2014, 05:09:08 PM
Thanks for this review man!
I've been on the hunt for a binder to replace my underworks, because to me, compared to a sports bra, underworks just isn't worth the discomfort. It's not awful, but I pass equally well in a sports bra so why suffer. I've only found one binder so far (out of not many) that is comfy enough, but it's like $75 and I'd rather suffer underworks than pay that much. I had a gift card which is why I spent the money in the first place. I've been curious about this binder, but as you said, there aren't many reviews. It's great to hear that they've got good customer service.
If you don't mind my asking, what size chest do you have? I'm an A, but it's a somewhat dense A, so small, but not as easy to bind as most small chests. (Hopefully that'll change on T). Since it's only like $26 I might try it regardless. But if it works similarly to your underworks, that sounds awesome.
I'd also love if you have the time to do a photo comparison, that'd be super helpful.

I'm actually not entirely sure what size my chest is, which is why I didn't say haha. But if I had to guess I'd go with A? But yeah, the shirt is definitely comparable to Underworks for me, although like I said it might not work for those with larger chests. I just checked out their return policy as well. They will do exchanges but they don't give refunds, so that's something to keep in mind. But if a sports bra does an adequate job for you I would guess this would work as well, since it probably has more compression than a sports bra (although I could be wrong since I don't have experience with sports bras).

And I will try to have the photo comparison up by tonight.

Ok, here are the photos (pardon my messy room):

The GC2 by itself


The GC2 under a simple undershirt, no other layers




Underworks


(This is what I meant when I said the Underworks one sticks out at the shoulders)





Under a thin undershirt the GC2 isn't quite as strong as the Underworks, but under a regular t-shirt I'd say it works just as well.

I did do a youtube review of these and have talked about them here. Your link was some of the discussion I've had I here.  I did like them, and feel they would work VERY well for a small chested guy. (I was really too big but went thru a process of more binding as time went on.) I agree with your review.

--Jay

Quote from: aleon515 on June 21, 2014, 11:31:09 PM
I did do a youtube review of these and have talked about them here. Your link was some of the discussion I've had I here.  I did like them, and feel they would work VERY well for a small chested guy. (I was really too big but went thru a process of more binding as time went on.) I agree with your review.

--Jay

Yeah, I think your posts were how I found out about them, so thank you for posting about that. Otherwise I'd still be stuck with the just Underworks one. And I don't want to bad mouth Underworks a lot, because it works well for a lot of people, and it certainly did the job for me, but GC2 is definitely a better option for me personally.

Quote from: TheGrayWolf on June 21, 2014, 11:52:26 PM
Yeah, I think your posts were how I found out about them, so thank you for posting about that. Otherwise I'd still be stuck with the just Underworks one. And I don't want to bad mouth Underworks a lot, because it works well for a lot of people, and it certainly did the job for me, but GC2 is definitely a better option for me personally.

Nothing wrong with Underworks, since so many guys are happy with them. But they might not be right for everybody. I think this is a great option for small chested guys or guys like me who wanted some binding but maybe not a lot for various reasons. Underarmour shirts can be good as well, but these are actually more expensive than the GC2.

--Jay

Hi guys. I'm glad the binder works for you, OP! I'm just wondering, do you think it will work okay for someone who measures around a 34 B cup? I just did it with a tape measure too, so my measurement in inches is 32". I'm broad-shouldered yet fairly skinny, so I think my chest size is probably "average" for my height (5'5") and body type.

I'm really poor, which is why I haven't caved and gotten an underworks binder yet; I have to consider carefully what I can afford. Also, I have asthma and chronic pain issues, so maybe underworks will end up being too uncomfortable for me.

Obviously you guys won't know for sure and that's okay, but maybe anyone has any opinions or suggestions? I have one of those cheap ebay "tomboy lesbian" tank binders, which aren't bad or uncomfortable, but I've lost weight and now it doesn't bind effectively at all so I need some other ideas.

Quote from: catshark on July 02, 2014, 09:28:27 AM
Hi guys. I'm glad the binder works for you, OP! I'm just wondering, do you think it will work okay for someone who measures around a 34 B cup? I just did it with a tape measure too, so my measurement in inches is 32". I'm broad-shouldered yet fairly skinny, so I think my chest size is probably "average" for my height (5'5") and body type.

I'm really poor, which is why I haven't caved and gotten an underworks binder yet; I have to consider carefully what I can afford. Also, I have asthma and chronic pain issues, so maybe underworks will end up being too uncomfortable for me.

Obviously you guys won't know for sure and that's okay, but maybe anyone has any opinions or suggestions? I have one of those cheap ebay "tomboy lesbian" tank binders, which aren't bad or uncomfortable, but I've lost weight and now it doesn't bind effectively at all so I need some other ideas.

Hey Catshark,

I'm sorry I'm replying so late, I didn't see this post until now. I can't say for sure how it will work for you, but it sounds like you may be small enough that you could give it a shot. It would definitely be better for your asthma, since it doesn't restrict breathing and compress the chest and back so strongly the way Underworks binders do. I don't find I have any kind of soreness or pain relating to the shirt after wearing it to work for a 8 hour shift (although it's certainly a relief to take it off), and I would feel comfortable working out in it. I do sometimes have a bit of upper back pain, but I'm not convinced it's from the shirt. More likely it's just soreness from standing all day. I definitely had a lot more soreness when I used the Underworks one.

I do also plan to get another of these shirts, but the v-neck t-shirt version. This shirt can sometimes cut into my skin under my arms a bit which is not comfortable, so I think one with sleeves might remedy that. When I get that shirt I will make a follow-up post in this thread on that.

I used a scissors to cut the compression shirt. It doesn't make it look nicer but it won't ravel. I did find this one problem. I did like them. I was 34 C, they didn't work really for me, but I used them because I had a little sensory issues with binding. (I later found Loveboat binders.) They were definitely are fairly comfortable and lightweight. The prices are better than *underarmour* compression shirts and worked a little better for me.


--Jay

Quote from: TheGrayWolf on August 18, 2014, 11:13:51 PM
Hey Catshark,

I'm sorry I'm replying so late, I didn't see this post until now. I can't say for sure how it will work for you, but it sounds like you may be small enough that you could give it a shot. It would definitely be better for your asthma, since it doesn't restrict breathing and compress the chest and back so strongly the way Underworks binders do. I don't find I have any kind of soreness or pain relating to the shirt after wearing it to work for a 8 hour shift (although it's certainly a relief to take it off), and I would feel comfortable working out in it. I do sometimes have a bit of upper back pain, but I'm not convinced it's from the shirt. More likely it's just soreness from standing all day. I definitely had a lot more soreness when I used the Underworks one.

I do also plan to get another of these shirts, but the v-neck t-shirt version. This shirt can sometimes cut into my skin under my arms a bit which is not comfortable, so I think one with sleeves might remedy that. When I get that shirt I will make a follow-up post in this thread on that.

Hi All -
My first post 

I personally did not like the Underworks shirts at all.  I found them to be TOO short! The GC2 shirts are at least four inches longer.  I tried on the Underworks and it hit right where my hips bend.  I guess if a person was not going to sit AT ALL it would be OK?  I had to return them.

I first bought the regular GC2 shirt and it was OK, but not quite enough binding. After my Underworks disappointment, I ordered a DUAL GC2 shirt and I really like it! It is more expensive - $29 - but it binds MUCH better.  They use a different blend of material with the dual and I think it is even softer than the regular.  I too wear size XS and am fairly small.  I have also had several spine surgeries so the added compression on my back and mid section is a plus for me too. The shirt is long enough that it covers my butt and eliminates the roll up issue.  The binding with the DUAL is enough that I appear to have pecks (although a bit lop-sided) LOL.

Anyway - just my 2 cents worth.

J

Hey, JandJ, welcome to Susan's!

Thanks for your $0.02.    I've been wondering about the dual GC2. I also wear the GC2 tank and find it very comfortable, but at times -- under T-shirts and such -- I'd like a bit more binding. I have an Underworks 988 that I keep for "formal occasions" when I don't mind putting up with the discomfort, but in general, I'd rather be comfortable than flat as a board. (I'm a geezer, pretty much, and big, so I can get away with a bit of "moobage.")

The dual GC2 sounds like it might be just what I need.

Thank you for doing this review man!  The pictures helped as well.  I'm going to try buying one when I have money tomorrow!

Thanks for the Welcome 

I feel there is a huge difference with the Dual.  I wear mine inside out so the seams don't bother me.  I don't know if some would consider this a pro or con, but I don't want to eat a really big meal with the stomach compression LOL. 

The regular tanks, V-Neck and T-Shirts are made with 70% polyester & 30% spandex.  The DUAL tanks are 50% polyester 30% cotton & 11% spandex

QuoteThe regular tanks, V-Neck and T-Shirts are made with 70% polyester & 30% spandex.  The DUAL tanks are 50% polyester 30% cotton & 11% spandex

Better yet. The one thing I don't like about the regular GC2 is that it has that slippery, all-synthetic feel to it.

Not sure if I can figure out how to post a pic, but I'm going to try.  This is the Dual shirt, inside out as always.  I do think the cotton ads to a softer, less synthetic feel.  Still not like a regular A shirt, but better - in my opinion

Nice pecs, man.

Quote from: Tysilio on August 27, 2014, 10:31:49 PM
Nice pecs, man.

Awe, thanks Ty!  I am trying to come out to my partner, of 25 years!, finally as my true self.  When I ask her, "Pecs???" I usually only get an eye roll  so that really felt GR8 man - Thanks!

Hey JandJ,

First, welcome. Second, thanks for giving info about the Dual shirt. I was thinking about getting it as well because there are certain times where, although the regular shirt works fine, I would like a bit more compression, especially under a thinner t-shirt. I will be getting the Dual shirt since it looks from your picture and review that it will work well.

I would also like to mention that having worn the regular shirt for around two months now, they seem to have lost a little of their power. Is there any way to shrink them down a bit so they compress as much as they did when new? Although it's also possible that they work as well as they did before and I'm just being paranoid, haha.

Hey guys, I wonder if any of you ordered this in Europe, and what did it cost?
I'd like to order it because I don't need that much binding, just a little bit. Usually it's enough for me to wear an undershirt, but if I have to take my T-shirt off, the shape isn't the best. So I just need a little compression for the male(ish) shape. Do you think it would be good for me?
Thanks