Hi guys,
I'm in that inbetween stage, the one where a person takes a second look--and then male fail    . 
I can't bind tight enough to not show.  Even binding to not being able to breathe, they just don't squash down enough. 
Help and hints on what shirts to where to help? I'm an over 50 guy, so too trendy won't cut it.  Also, I live in high temps and major humidity, so layers will not only be uncomfortable, but look strange and out of place here.

Help!

Well, I don't really know your body type or anything, so that makes it difficult. My first advice is to bind to where breathing ability is not restricted; bind too tight and you might not be able to bind at all due to injury, fluid buildup in the lungs, etc. Binding safely is the first rule, always.

My first question for you, then, is if you're within a normal weight range for your height. If not, working out can really bring down chest size—I've lost 30 lbs and though I haven't measured or worn a bra in 5+ months, I can tell you I've dropped at least 1-2 letters and a good few cup sizes. I wasn't gigantic in the chest area pre-weight loss, but a C or D for sure. So yeah, weight loss is a big helper. If you are just unlucky in the breasts size department and perfectly fit, feel free to ignore this tip.

Also maybe if you posted a picture of yourself, from at least the waist and up, it might help give us some ideas on how to present with a more masculine silhouette/figure.

Quote from: FriendsCallMeChris on June 02, 2015, 01:44:37 PM
Hi guys,
I'm in that inbetween stage, the one where a person takes a second look--and then male fail    . 
I can't bind tight enough to not show.  Even binding to not being able to breathe, they just don't squash down enough. 
Help and hints on what shirts to where to help? I'm an over 50 guy, so too trendy won't cut it.  Also, I live in high temps and major humidity, so layers will not only be uncomfortable, but look strange and out of place here.

Help!

Hello there,

Before my top surgery my surgeon said I had to take a break from binding so that left me in a state of panic - how I would possibly go anywhere without my chest showing to some extent. What I did was wore shirts with patterns. I'm 23 but due to work, 95% of the time I have to dress business casual - button up shirt, slacks, etc. A technique I used was wearing vests or in higher temps, I recommend plaid or checkered patterns. I've seen people of all ages wearing such patterns. You could always cuff your sleeves too.

Hope you find a solution that works for you

You could try dark colours... they tend to hide details on a surface...
maybe sweaters one or two sizes bigger...
you could try second hand stores as source, to give it a try...

I'd make up for it with a bit brighter colours for the rest...


hugs

Quote from: AndrewB on June 02, 2015, 02:20:14 PM
Well, I don't really know your body type or anything, so that makes it difficult. My first advice is to bind to where breathing ability is not restricted; bind too tight and you might not be able to bind at all due to injury, fluid buildup in the lungs, etc. Binding safely is the first rule, always.

My first question for you, then, is if you're within a normal weight range for your height. If not, working out can really bring down chest size—I've lost 30 lbs and though I haven't measured or worn a bra in 5+ months, I can tell you I've dropped at least 1-2 letters and a good few cup sizes. I wasn't gigantic in the chest area pre-weight loss, but a C or D for sure. So yeah, weight loss is a big helper. If you are just unlucky in the breasts size department and perfectly fit, feel free to ignore this tip.

Also maybe if you posted a picture of yourself, from at least the waist and up, it might help give us some ideas on how to present with a more masculine silhouette/figure.

I could stand to lose 10-15 pounds, but overall, I'm in pretty good shape.  I'm a total gym rat and am lucky to have wide shoulders, both genetically and from working out, but my arms around defined enough to make me look like I should have huge pecs.  I'm 35" around the rib cage and an unbound 41" around the other part.  I'll try to post a pic in a little while. I usually wear T shirts( M and L), mostly b/c they have always stretched to fit my shoulders and my chest, but the arm holes don't hang down to my waist like button ups.  Hoping this info helps.

Hello there,

Before my top surgery my surgeon said I had to take a break from binding so that left me in a state of panic - how I would possibly go anywhere without my chest showing to some extent. What I did was wore shirts with patterns. I'm 23 but due to work, 95% of the time I have to dress business casual - button up shirt, slacks, etc. A technique I used was wearing vests or in higher temps, I recommend plaid or checkered patterns. I've seen people of all ages wearing such patterns. You could always cuff your sleeves too.

Hope you find a solution that works for you [/quote]

My work calls for dress just above the Tshirt and jeans stage.  ie khakis and a collared golf shirt or button down.  I've never been into patterns, I'm really a plane and simple kind of guy, but will definitely try some.  I've had problems w/ arm holes being cut way too low. Any brands to suggest?

Quote from: Laura_7 on June 02, 2015, 03:08:57 PM
You could try dark colours... they tend to hide details on a surface...
maybe sweaters one or two sizes bigger...
you could try second hand stores as source, to give it a try...

I'd make up for it with a bit brighter colours for the rest...


hugs

Thanks, Laura.  Dark colors are good advice.  I am a huge fan of thrift stores!

Quote from: FriendsCallMeChris on June 02, 2015, 03:18:00 PM
Thanks, Laura.  Dark colors are good advice.  I am a huge fan of thrift stores!

You could try dark colours for shirts and sweaters... and a bit brighter ones for the rest.
I wouldn't go too dark overall because it might affect mood.
Yet a bit darker is sometimes more associated with maleness... females tend to wear very bright garment.
You might try to find some kind of compromise


hugs

Button ups. Button ups are your friend. I like double pocket shirts, because I can carry a wallet and notebook and it significantly helps. I mean yeah there's a "bulge" there, but then if anyone looks it's just stuff in that dude's pockets. I use this when I'm on a road trip in combination with a button up that's two sizes too big plus a light undershirt. That way I don't have to bind while just sitting in a car.

Quote from: Frank on June 02, 2015, 08:29:29 PM
Button ups. Button ups are your friend. I like double pocket shirts, because I can carry a wallet and notebook and it significantly helps. I mean yeah there's a "bulge" there, but then if anyone looks it's just stuff in that dude's pockets. I use this when I'm on a road trip in combination with a button up that's two sizes too big plus a light undershirt. That way I don't have to bind while just sitting in a car.

Thanks, Frank.  Any specific brands you like? 
Looks like I need to do some intense shopping.

Quote from: FriendsCallMeChris on June 02, 2015, 03:16:18 PM
Hello there,

Before my top surgery my surgeon said I had to take a break from binding so that left me in a state of panic - how I would possibly go anywhere without my chest showing to some extent. What I did was wore shirts with patterns. I'm 23 but due to work, 95% of the time I have to dress business casual - button up shirt, slacks, etc. A technique I used was wearing vests or in higher temps, I recommend plaid or checkered patterns. I've seen people of all ages wearing such patterns. You could always cuff your sleeves too.

Hope you find a solution that works for you

My work calls for dress just above the Tshirt and jeans stage.  ie khakis and a collared golf shirt or button down.  I've never been into patterns, I'm really a plane and simple kind of guy, but will definitely try some.  I've had problems w/ arm holes being cut way too low. Any brands to suggest?

hey so I usually just shop at Target and buy Merona. I usually get compliments on the patterned shirts and have felt better about my chest not showing too much while in something patterned. I know you  mentioned not being too much of a pattern guy so I'd like to second the idea of slipping a phone or notebook into the breast pockets. I definitely made use of that. My phone was always in my breast pocket and when using it, I would even stuff a watch in there as if I would be putting it on at some other point. I hated taking all of those measures, which may even sound silly, but it's a situation I had very few options for. Best of luck!

Quote from: FriendsCallMeChris on June 02, 2015, 01:44:37 PM
Hi guys,
I'm in that inbetween stage, the one where a person takes a second look--and then male fail    . 
I can't bind tight enough to not show.  Even binding to not being able to breathe, they just don't squash down enough. 
Help and hints on what shirts to where to help? I'm an over 50 guy, so too trendy won't cut it.  Also, I live in high temps and major humidity, so layers will not only be uncomfortable, but look strange and out of place here.

Help!

button ups or tshirts that are a size or two too big.
i am also bigger chested and i found that darker colors conceal better