So I've been binding for near 5 months now, and both of my binders seem to be losing their tightness. I've never really noticed a complete tightness with binding, and it's never been painful on my ribs nor have I ever had trouble breathing in one (even after wearing them for 8+ hours).
I've been thinking about using bandages and a binder on top, has anyone with a larger chest tried this? I have D sized chesticles so I realise I won't be able to get them completely flat (though I know they can definitely get flatter than what they are in a binder) but I just need something tighter. Currently I can't afford a new binder, so I'd appreciate if someone could point me in the direction of cheap and effective alternatives. Thanks!

I am in the same boat.  I wear a size D as well.

I typically bind with a binder & I get a compression shirt from a sports store -- or you can get them at Target or Walmart for $10 and then I wear and undershirt ... it passes ... as long as I tuck them down and to the side.  I am called sir in public all the time.

I don't think I've thought of a compression shirt before.. I'll definitely keep an eye out for one of those next time I go shopping. I can only find one place that sells them (that I trust) and they're £18 and upwards and I don't have a lot of money most of the time. Are they as good as brand new binders?

No -- they are not nearly as good as a binder...but over a binder it adds a bit more compression.  Plus I get very hot sometimes wearing my binder so it wicks away the moisture and often times stops it from coming through to my shirt

Something I've been thinking of lately but haven't tried on myself, what if you sewed two or three ace bandages together, side to side not end to end, wrapped that around and covered with a sports bra (sized smaller than what you need) or binder. Three tank style sports bras from Walmart are only about $10.

I tend to go a size smaller than my measurements when I buy a binder since I tend to be in between sizes. Some binders work better than others. I'm larger than a D and tend to hide my chest in ways other than binding. Busy patterns distract the eye, layering creates a flatter appearance, and open shirts/vests/jackets are your friend.

Sewing smaller pieces of bandage together might save on money too? I'm going to look into acquiring some bandages soon, I don't think I'd ever wear a bra of any kind again though.
Nygeel, I was always careful when buying binders, because from what I heard buying a size too small could really end up hurting your ribs or chest, and I've always been a bit paranoid about that. I tend not to wear anything with recurring patterns, like plaid, because I just don't find them really eye pleasing,  usually I wear a hoodie or a jacket which I look pretty flat in, and underneath either a plain t shirt or one with some fancy-pants design on it. I think layering would be okay for the season now, since it's getting colder.

What I've been doing, since I'm broke, is a tight sports bra covered with a wide ACE bandage. With a tank top, T shirt and jacket/hoodie over it I'm nicely flat (just look like a heavyset short guy, which I am!). I have a D (or bigger, as I've never really measured) and even without binding I've been called a boy wearing that many layers.

If your binders are stretched out, you can modify them to be tighter.  I did this myself once, to a well-worn "small" Underworks Tri-Top someone on another forum gave me.  I'm rotten at sewing, so it took me over an hour to do (by hand), but it works pretty well.  I can send you a picture if you think you want to do something like that.

So I've got like a D small DD Cheatse's but yeah.
Okay here goes.. & I'm gettin' yelled at by my other T guy friends as I write this...
If you've already got a binder but it's not tight enough; Wide ace Bandage or tight sports bra. Make sure you pull the bra all the way down to flatten not hold up your cheaste's. If using a bandage make sure to wrap the top then pull your binder over. Sports Bra usually works way better, it gives you a peck look. from here you can either layer or just a shirt no larger them a SINGLE size bigger then what is form fitting. Remember too large, or too small SHOWS CURVES, you don't want that.
If you don't have a binder; Sports bra, pulled down like before, then a cheap neoprene back "support" really cheap like two bucks cheap, then a tight under armour shirt, dugee or tank top.
Another option, the best in my opinion for a flat chest is a medical supply surgical abdominal binder. It's velcro and creates an extremely flat chest. it isn't completely realistic but it's flat.
My favorite realistic looking chest is get an underworks 997 a size smaller then your measurements works well, and as always PULL DOWN AND TO THE SIDES, looks like pecks, if you've got a stout active looking male body.

But seriously, take this into effect... PLEASE DON'T BIND INTENSELY FOR MORE THEN SIX HOURS! seriously even that long is pushing it. Simple binding for small chests for eight hours is NO BUENO. So at the six hour mark peel that sucker off cough a couple times and leave it off for at least thirty minutes.

Hey guys, I'm a D cup too and today I just found my solution. Went to Target and in the "body shaper" undergarment section I got a tummy flattener. Made by Hanes. Only $15. It's called a high waist shaping brief. (The one without the legs)I bought a Med. Cut a hole in the crotch for your head and pull it over. It's got a sort of ribbed texture on the inside but the outside is smooth and the ribs don't show through. Yeah, I'm wearing womens underwear on my chest but *shrug* a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. 

Hey guys, thanks for your replies so far. I ordered some ace bandages from ebay. I got about 12 rolls that are like 15 feet each, and for only £10, I'm really hoping they work because I don't want to be stuck with 12 rolls and not know what to do with them. Lol.
Andy, thanks for the in-depth advice. I think I'll only be intense binding when I go out, so probably for four hours tops. Then I can just revert to my normal binder after that.
Ilan, how exactly did you sew them? A picture would probably be helpful. Haha.

I used to wear bandages a long long time ago. But i'm done with dealing with it. They're a frustration to deal with. I'm a pretty big chested guy myself. I used to drive for a really flat chest so i doubled binded with  Love Boat's binders. They work nice and feels nice against my skin. I can wear it all day no problem. But nowaday, i've worked out and got more muscle definition on my upper chest so it's nice that I wear a single binder now. I may on occasion still double bind, on a night with a date. But it's definitely a better choice and I'm glad it really made me feel good. good luck mate