Do they work for binding? Since I'm underaged, I can't purchase an Underworks yet so I was thinking of some alternatives for now.

I was thinking of just getting a thick, 6 inch Ace Bandage. Do they work? Any tips for using them?

Any other alternatives you guys can think of?

I'm underage too and got an underworks binder just fine. What's your trouble with it?

If it's 'cause you need a credit card...very easy solution. A prepaid Visa. You can get them at most banks, I think...maybe even at Wal-Mart or somewhere like that.

Edit: In case that doesn't work out, an Ace bandage may do the trick if you're small enough. I thought it was an absolute hassle though, and I have acid reflux...something about how tight the bandages were made me really miserable. It would make my reflux flare up every single time I binded. They also have a really bad tendency to slide down, so you have to constantly re-adjust.

I'd say definitely get one from Underworks, if you can.

Yeah, I know I could get a prepaid Visa. The only thing is the shipping. My parents would be like "Uhh...what's that?" I just can't have it shipped to my house   don't know anyone I could ship it to? Is there any way I could pick it up at the post office or somethin?

I untransitioned once and had to bind for awhile (or really layer on some thick clothing).  I found a decent combo was a tight sports bra with bandages wrapped around for extra compression.  I usually wore a t-shirt over that and then a leather vest.  Ta da!  Breasts instantly disappeared.  I am only a 38B so YMMV.  Just be really sure about where you are going as long term binding (as you probably already know) can be rather damaging to the breast tissue.  For that reason I would often go a day without, add an extra layer and just slouch the shoulders a bit.  Again, YMMV.

Brady,
I can't tell if you're in the U.S. or not, but if you are, do you have a UPS store or a Mailboxes, Etc. nearby?  If not one of those two chains, look around for a place that rents private mail boxes.

Many of them will accept a package for you on a one-time basis for a minimal charge.  

Just a suggestion for you.

Good luck!

Carol

I had a friend who always used ace bandages. But he was small enough for a peri when he did have surgery. I tried his method once, which was wide ace bandages, then cover that with a tight sports bra, then an undershirt.

I found it pretty uncomfortable and the bandages tended to move around. Mind you, I didn't bind much at all because I had chest surgery really early and I pretty well hated any method of binding I used. About the only one I could stand was a homemade one that ended at about the bottom of my ribcage and looked like half an undershirt. Maybe if you have a friend that sews you could convince her to make one for you. Or you could learn to sew. You have to find non-stretchy material for it to work.

Dennis

I was looking for alternatives to ordering an Underworks binder yesterday and found this http://ftmbinding.tripod.com/. I plan on trying it myself, but I'm not sure what they mean by "elastic". Spandex?

Quote from: Yorick on December 13, 2006, 10:30:03 AMI was looking for alternatives to ordering an Underworks binder yesterday and found this http://ftmbinding.tripod.com/. I plan on trying it myself, but I'm not sure what they mean by "elastic". Spandex?

You can buy elastic at sewing stores. It's like the elastic in the waistband of jockeys, except you can buy it in different widths.

Dennis

Hmmm, I really like the UPS idea. I am in the U.S. How would I go about doing this? I would just have it shipped to my house, but our mailbox is down the street, one of those ones with the key? How can I get it shipped to UPS (I think our UPS is in the post office, is it like that every where?)

OK, thanks.
I've been using binders that I made out of some 18% Lycra shorts. They're not perfect but they're better than nothing. I hope this works a little better.

You could tell your parents that you need a sports bra for some reason and then buy a binder that looks like one, such as the frog bra.

Quote from: Brady on December 13, 2006, 11:53:32 AMHmmm, I really like the UPS idea. I am in the U.S. How would I go about doing this? I would just have it shipped to my house, but our mailbox is down the street, one of those ones with the key? How can I get it shipped to UPS (I think our UPS is in the post office, is it like that every where?)

                 UPS will deliver it to your door either ringing the bell or dropping it off on your porch depending on the neighborhood.  If the package is not left, they will leave a note on your door with the place and time you can go pick it up or attempt to deliver it again the next day.


beth

I'm just scared the package will come while I'm not home or something. but HEEY I will be home a lot during the holidays. hmmmm good idea, Brady hehe.

I just bought an Underworks Compression shirt. Muscle-shirt style, black. I bought it in Medium, that's what instinct told me... I hope it fits!

I used PayPal without issue. A bit pricey but if it works it's WORTH IT!

Im not FtM but I hope this helps alittle.....

Last year before comeing out I went to a water park with some friends who would and do not accept me for who I actualy am but *shrugs*  anyways I tried the ACE bandage thing wearing a tight black muscle shirt overtop.. was at a very large 34A at the time....  It was the single most painful and miserable day of my life ans I swore Id never do that again.... The bandages would shift and occasionaly come loose and Id have to find a way to discreetly make my way to a restroom and rebind.... Instead Im just not going to go swimming for a while

Id recomend..... anything but useing ACE bandages....

Darn i have no advice as this i not my delimma.... but i have certainly learned a lot from this post the boobs are just as hard to hide as the male parts..
agghhhhh when will we get a break!
kisses
Ricki