ok, so I know that there are a lot of threads about binders, but I'm hoping to set one up that people can use as a reference fro different 'growth' (boob) sizes and different companies. So, like I want to try and get a post for every bra size. A-E or F or what have you. If you have A-sized growths and you use a binder from say... T-Kingdom and it works REALLY (and I mean like practically-flat) well, then post it so that everyone in the same range can look there and get a good idea of were to shop.

tell me if this doesn't make sense XD

the reason I'm starting this is because I'm a B-cup and I DESPERATLy need a new binder, but I'm not sure where to go or what size to get. I'm sure other people are having the same problem ><

Well, I'm an A and I got the tri top from Underworks.  It was awesome (see my default pic)

I'm a B, and I use cotton concealer muscle Ts from Underworks... they don't last an incredibly long time, though. I'm looking to find something better, hopefully something not so danged hot & sweat-invoking in this steamy Los Angeles weather... so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

S.D.

Well I will throw my two cents in even though it has been years since I bound. Sorry but that makes me smile just remembering how happy I am to be free of those growths.

I was a "C" cup after I had been binding for a while. I wore the walmart neoprene back support over a T shirt. The black and red one was best but the blue one worked it just wore out quickly and didn't flatten as well. It sucked, I had to pull it up periodically and diving into water with it on meant that it would be around my waist. But most importantly no one could tell that I wasn't flat. If I could have afforded it I would have bought a compression vest. Before I used the neoprene binder I used tensors or ACE bandages. That was worse, it took 3 just to bring things under control and was constantly coming undone.

People should bear in mind that I bound for 7 years and was so stubborn that even when the doctors told me that I was killing myself I wouldn't stop. I didn't care that I was hot, sweaty or in excruciating pain. I could have choose options that would have made me look smaller but not flat that wouldn't have hurt nearly as much or done the damage that was done but I couldn't bear people to know what was underneath. By the end every time I put it on I screamed and many days when I took it off the pain was so overwhelming I threw up and curled on the floor shaking. I couldn't eat with it on. I had pneumonia at least 4 times in the year prior to having surgery. I couldn't breathe or move freely. I still have problems with inflammation between my ribs and the muscles still haven't fully recovered no matter how much I work out. It really stretched out the tissue too.

So there it is my experience. Hopefully it won't be like that for others and apart from the heat most people I know who used this binder were fine. I suffered as I did because I wore the damn thing for 7 years for at least 14 hours a day and sometime 24/7 because I didn't want to see my chest. I suffered because surgery wasn't something I could afford because I was on a disability pension that takes away whatever you save and insurance didn't cover trans surgery. I finally had a genetic specialist take pity on me and in a desperate bid to get me to go away wrote the recommendation letter to get coverage for surgery under cancer risk. I still remember that moment that I looked down and knew that I didn't have to crush my chest anymore.

->-bleeped-<-boy

^Ouch dude.

I used tape (yes, duct tape, also that clear box packaging tape, used it over an undershirt) but that is not recommended for reasons that the above poster stated. It can mess up your lungs and ribs and such...I only used that method for a year...still, I'm lucky that I didn't do damage. Now I use the tri top from Underworks. It wears out fast, but it does a good job of binding while it lasts. Before the binder, I would also use neoprene waist trimmer belts, control top pantyhose with the crotch cut out, putting it on like a shirt, using the legs as sleeves or cutting them off entirely. All painful methods. The tri top is still somewhat uncomfortable. It cuts into my shoulders and leaves my skin irritated. Still, it's less damaging than using tape or ace bandages. Those should be avoided at all costs. Get surgery as soon as you can...your body will thank you.

hey cool! Thanks guys! It's cool to hear what everyone's done (no matter how painful ><). I use a tri-top from underworks as well, but it really isn't binding very well anymore. That couldn't have anything to do with the fact that it's second-hand, could it?   But it sounds like the tri-tops and the compression shirts do work well, so I shall look into one of those. Thanks again. I hope others can get useful advise from this thread.

And to all those veterans of the the Binding Battle, I hope that you and your chest are happy for the rest of your days! :3

Shige

32a fits me.
Thank God I don't have a C or a D cup.
I would've sliced them off long ago! 

I don't use anything, I wear baggy shirts.
Lately been thinking about doing what Brandon did in Boys Don't Cry.

What's this "Underworks"?

ftm.underworks.com

i'm not exactly sure what i am/was.  Either b or c?  Underworks tritop is what i use.

Ah, God, this sucks.
Will my Mum agree in me using her Bank account for this?

if not go with the layer method

Quote from: fluffy jorgen on April 01, 2008, 06:00:20 PM

Lately been thinking about doing what Brandon did in Boys Don't Cry.

What did Brandon do? I have never seen Boys dont cry??

Sorry.
Do recommend it!

The bandages you can get at every Chemist's.
Not sure how much you'd have to buy though.

I'm somewhere between an A and a B.  I wear the Underworks Tri-Top.  It's working out OK -- especially when exercising.  When I'm just hanging out, though, I often just wear a regular shirt over a sportsbra and a jockey undershirt.  I'm dreading layering during the summer, though.

By the way, anyone have any advice for taking off the Tri-Top?!  I look like Houdini trying to get out of that sucker!  Actually, I can take it off with a little effort, but I'm afraid of stretching it out or tearing it with all the yanking.  (Houdini didn't rip things, right?)

Quote from: Jay on April 02, 2008, 07:03:50 AM

Quote from: fluffy jorgen on April 01, 2008, 06:00:20 PM

Lately been thinking about doing what Brandon did in Boys Don't Cry.

What did Brandon do? I have never seen Boys dont cry??

I think he used tensor bandages. They are a bit of a pain because they roll up and slide down.

Dennis

Careful with tensors/ ACE bandages for reference these are what a doctor puts on when you sprain your ankle or the like. It provide temporary compression and support. The problem with these is you need a few that are tight to get it to look right and they don't survive long. Of course the other problems are hot, rolls down or to the side or up or worse you could have a breast stick out between layers and let me tell you that does nothing to help you pass. Brendon in boys don't cry used them and yes I started with them but quickly gave up after going through dozens stretched out bandages and a few bad moments where the binding failed. If you are going to use them get the 6 or 8 inch wide ones at least. Never ever cross half a breast because it will fail.

->-bleeped-<-boy

My boobs are not equally big. One is A, the other rather B. The problem with them is that they are very protruding and pointy so even really baggy shirts can't hide them even though there is hardly any material so to speak.

At the moment I'm only using tight girl sleeveless shirts or undershirts I bought before realizing my transsexuality. They are far from perfect, but at least they keep my boobs from sticking out and I can were them under anything. That's enough for the moment because I don't want to out myself at school two months before graduating anyway.

I tried duct tape today, but it isn't really for me. While wearing it was okay, but after taking it off (I wore it for less than 2 hours) my breasts hurt and are still aching a little now (more than eight hours later)--doing it longer or contiuously would probably be devasting for my health...

But I plan on buying a flat swimsuit top for girls. I already tried one on (but didn't buy it because they had no discreet colors) and I think it will be perfect for me: swimsuit fabric is tenser than my undershirts and it only covers the chest area, so it won't be that hot; also it is cut for girls that haven't got boobs yet which makes a big difference too.
I only hope it won't get too uncomfortable when I wear it for longer periodes of time.

^You say they're "pointy"? They do lose density over time as you bind more often...

But fcking A man...don't use duct tape. If you must, please use it over an undershirt so it's not right on top of your skin.

Also, no matter what method of binding you use, it will always be uncomfortable to some degree. Even the binders from underworks are somewhat uncomfortable...itchy too...it's a small price to pay though, imo.

I take off my tri top by pulling it over my head...and put it in by stepping into it.

Quote from: zombiesarepeaceful on April 02, 2008, 05:24:43 PM
^You say they're "pointy"? They do lose density over time as you bind more often...

But fcking A man...don't use duct tape. If you must, please use it over an undershirt so it's not right on top of your skin.

I would say so, they are actually very small, but as I said can be clearly made out under very baggy clothes--rather annoying.
And I won't use duct tape. I wanted to try it because I heard some people used it, but besides being very uncomfortable (and as I learned in this thread very unhealthy) and much more difficult to apply, it didn't really looked better than my undershirts. There is absolutely no reason for me to try this again.

I know that any binder is more or less uncomfortable, but some more so than others--I just hope I will be able to wear it for some hours without much problems.

bump

Like I've said in another thread I'm big and I've tried a few different kinds of inexpensive binders, none of them are great. The most effective is the ace bandage, but as stated before they roll down and stretch so it's only temporary. Plus if you get it as tight as it needs to be you can't really breathe in them.

I've shelled out a few more dollars and got a back support bandage, it's not inexpensive but it doesn't cost as much as getting a binder shipped from underworks, plus if you're living with people who might go through your packages it's a good alternative. I got it at RiteAid for $30. With some modifications I'm quite pleased. It's more breathable than an ace bandage and compresses better.

Binder-
Stretched out.

How you'll wear it.


Results-




Let me know if you want more details on how it's modified.

Gotta confess, I never got the hang of binding. Did it a few times and it hurt like hell. I was lucky and could afford chest surgery before I could pass as male anyway, so I just got em lopped off. Kind of helped that I did it that early because I was nervous about going into the US and not passing as male, so I just shaved close, dressed in drag and told customs I was going down for plastic surgery on my breasts. Then when I got there I went to a barber and got my hair cut normally. Coming back to Canada was not a problem, thank god.

But yeah, no matter what you do it's uncomfortable. I tried about 47 different binders before I found one I could live with for at least a day.

Dennis