Hey guys    I am thinking of buying a binder for the first time and have some questions....they are pretty basic but I don't really know where else to ask.

1 - do you have wear a bra/sports bra under one ?
2 - how often do you wash them ?
3 - when measuring for one, do you do it naked or wearing bra etc ?

Hope these don't make me look too dumb !

Xx Lake

boardshortsandboythoughts.wordpress.com

I wore underworks binders

I never used a sports bra under my binders

I washed mine every couple of days, I always just used the washer and dryer, it didnt seem to harm them.

You should measure your chest naked if you can, but you could probably do it in a T shirt.

i have a cheap one with clasps from lesbinders and let me tell you it is sh*T

so dont buy one from them.

i wash mine every couple days or so, at the most 4 days, and ive had it for less than a month, and already im missing three clasps.

gc2b is a great binder company. They are a little pricey, but unlike underworks, which is designed for cis males with gynecomastia, gc2b is made by transguys for trans guys.  The reviews are wonderful, they rant and rave goodness on most things, the things they dont are pretty petty.

thats just my two sense, kind of unrelated, but if your looking for a first binder, if it were me, i wished i would have just saved up and got a gc2b.

1. No; however, some people find this to be more comfortable. You can also try wearing a tight shirt under it, or nothing at all. I personally don't wear anything under it, but also I don't really feel the need to because I don't have any issues with chaffing, whereas many other guys do. Find what works best for you.
2. I wash mine every week-ish (usually more like 5 days, but it depends how often I wear it in the week). Technically I don't think you're supposed to put it in the dryer, but I've done it by accident a few times and it isn't really a problem.
3. I don't think it really makes a difference, as long as your not wearing something that could be compressing your chest (like a sports bra).

I've used binders from both Underworks and T-Kingdom. The T-Kingdom is more comfortable, but is also more expensive and doesn't bind as well as the Underworks. I've also heard pretty great reviews from GC2B, so you might consider that too.

1. No, I don't see why you'd need too and it wouldn't compress you more.
2. I wash mine every two days, not sure if that's obsessive but my logic is that you wouldn't wear a tshirt for more than 2 days straight so why a binder. Also handwash it as it'll last longer, I use a handful of washing up powder, let it soak for a few mins in warm water and then rinse it in clean water a few times.
3. When you're meusuring be naked, wearing a bra will scue your measurements.
GC2B binders are amazing, flatten much better than underworks and are more comfortable with better material. I use my underworks tri top binder just for sleeping in as it's much looser. Definitely buy from them. Also stay away from the 'lesbian' bindersthat you get cheap on amazon/eBay that has clasps, those will damage your ribs.

This is super helpful, thank you   one other thing, what's everyone's opinion re full length or mid length ?  I'm drawn to the full length as these seem more vest like but then worry about it sticking out from beneath my tops.

Quote from: Lake on February 25, 2015, 11:49:24 AM
This is super helpful, thank you   one other thing, what's everyone's opinion re full length or mid length ?  I'm drawn to the full length as these seem more vest like but then worry about it sticking out from beneath my tops.

I like midlength bcos of the reason you gave, I'd rather me wearing a binder was as inconspicuous as possible. Also I just find it more comfortable as I'm not wearing two things that are full length all day (my tshirt and binder) and I imagine I'll be less hot in summer.

Quote from: Lake on February 25, 2015, 11:49:24 AM
This is super helpful, thank you   one other thing, what's everyone's opinion re full length or mid length ?  I'm drawn to the full length as these seem more vest like but then worry about it sticking out from beneath my tops.

Full length is more likely to roll up, but it can easily just be tucked into your pants to avoid this problem. Half-length binders also might be a little more difficult to bind with if you're larger chested. Personally I would start off with the full length, but if you have the money you might consider buying both just to see which one you like better, plus it's always good to have an extra binder lying around just in case.

I liked the full length since it sucked in my belly. Now post op I am fat

Quote from: Lake on February 24, 2015, 11:13:02 AM
Hey guys    I am thinking of buying a binder for the first time and have some questions....they are pretty basic but I don't really know where else to ask.

1 - do you have wear a bra/sports bra under one ?
2 - how often do you wash them ?
3 - when measuring for one, do you do it naked or wearing bra etc ?

Hope these don't make me look too dumb !

Xx Lake

boardshortsandboythoughts.wordpress.com

1) Nope!
2) Once a week, but I alternate between 2 of them.
3) I measured naked.

My preference for long vs. short depends entirely on what I'm doing that day. Lots of sitting, low movement levels, etc. I like the full length one. It also thins me out. If you're very active, I like the tri-top. Much less rolling up means less needing to adjust.

I can confirm that gc2b are a fantastic company! The binder is super comfortable and the customer support is above and beyond what I got from Underworks. I would strongly suggest staying clear of Underworks. They're kinda expensive for what you get - uncomfortable binding and scratchy, itchy material.

Well I'm quite small chested, active and something rolling up would drive me nuts.  Going to go for a half length GC2B I think.  Thanks for all the advice. 

Quote from: Lake on February 28, 2015, 12:28:49 PM
Well I'm quite small chested, active and something rolling up would drive me nuts.  Going to go for a half length GC2B I think.  Thanks for all the advice. 

Good luck! Let us know how it fits once you get it.