I am a big guy - 6ft and just under 250lbs.  probably about a 38D before I started T

I have 3 different underworks binders

The Tri Top tore me up, for whatever reason that thing cut into me pretty bad. Mostly the issue was where it would roll at the bottom. But it did it's job and kept me pretty flat

I switched to the Double Front Compression Shirt (style 997) and this has become my regular. Since I have a few extra lbs (kgs for our overseas friends;-) around the midsection it is nice to have full torso compression, plus it gives my front a general flat look instead of a sunken in chest and big belly that the tri top seemed to create. Also this one doesn't cut into me at all.

The third one I have is the  New! Extreme Chest Concealer FTM Chest Binder (style 988) and honestly - don't waste your money. All it really is is a tri top sewn into an A shirt. The seam on the side where they connect started to tear the first time I put it on. It doesn't roll as bad as a regular tri top did on me, but it just isn't really worth it. Plus the cotton shirt isn't long enough. I couldn't even tuck it in, I had to have a friend sew an extra 6 inches on it so I could tuck it and keep it down.

The plus side is that since starting T the moobs have flattened (deflated as my ex put it) quite a bit and that makes it more comfortable for me to bind.

Also, I haven't seen the frog bra from title nine mentioned here. Before I started transitioning I used these, now I use them for swimming so I don't break down my binders. For larger breasts they defiantly minimize a lot, but for smaller sizes they can pretty much flatten.

http://www.titlenine.com/product/sports-bras-and-undies/medium-high-impact-sports-bras/310900.do?sortby=ourPicks&page=4

They describe it as a "major masher" - I say, mash away

-Jace

i had the 997 double panel front compression shirt from underworks. i had a pretty big chest (size d or bigger) and it didn't get me perfectly flat but it helped a lot and stopped any kind of bouncing/movement.
the only problem i had was that it would roll up at the bottom, sometimes all the way up over my belly.

I've gotten three binders through underworks, two ultimate chest binders (style 997) and the tri-top binder. The chest binders were...mediums, I think, and the tri-top was a small. The tri-top probably gets me the flattest. But it's the newest, so that was to do with it as well. They stretch out pretty quickly on me, probably because I'm constantly rolling them down. The rolling up is definite the most annoying part, it drives me crazy and the tri-top actually hurts a bit when it rolls up. As of recently, my binding goes like this: the tri-top, the 997, and a pair of biker shorts-those really super tight spandexy shorts that no one should wear in public-that I tuck the 997 into so it doesn't roll up my fat belly. I can never pull any of my binders over my hips cuz it's just impossible. They'd probably rip. I have like...a thirty four inch chest? Maybe thirty two. I don't know.
http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=81&products_id=126
I want that. So bad. I'd get a small because I am so, so insecure about my chest. I hate it.

This is a really cool idea, once I get back to my computer I'll be happy to add my thoughts on the T-kingdom 1700 and Underworks Tri-top, if that's helpful

Sorry for the double post, but I think this is a good enough reason

T-Kingdom 1700 "Long T-Shirt"

Size: Medium
Price: €52.94 (About $71 or £44).
Shipping: Shipping to UK was around €10 ($13 or £8), and it took just under two weeks to get here. Between 9 and 13 days, I'd say, but I'm not too sure.
Comfort: Getting the binder on is a total pain in the rectum. It's suggested that you can do up the elastic and slip it over your head, but if you do it up too tight it's impossible to get over your shoulders (I have a pretty small build too) — the only way to do this is to fasten it very loosely, which doesn't bind very well at all. You'll eventually get the hang of it, but you probably will need somebody to help you fasten the velcro the first few times you put it on. It's actually quite comfortable for the first hour or so (as comfortable as these things get anyway) but after a few hours (especially after eating) I would begin to suffer the most horrific back ache. The best thing by far about the velcro is being able to unstrap myself very easily at the end of the day. Whilst on the issue of comfort, the binding panel is quite long and stops just below my ribcage, so a very small portion of your stomach experiences some compression. This is not comfortable!
Binding ability: Once it's on, it really doesn't bind that well at all — the side of my chest where the velcro is never got as flat as the other side, giving me an attractive lumpy effect. Every morning I tried to put this on would turn into a stressful round of "boob aerobics," in which I would desperately squash my chest every which way in an attempt to find the best position for binding. Not cool.
Longevity: My 1700 lasted me about a year and a half before the elastic started to wear out. The little velcro panel also came unstitched and started to peel off towards the end of its life, however I did use my binder for swimming, which I think may have significantly shortened its lifespan.
Other: It's worth mentioning that about two days after I got my binder, when trying to do it up, I managed to pop a few of the stitches on the elastic. Probably my fault, but yeah — to me, it didn't seem that sturdily made!

Don't get me wrong, the 1700 is by no means a horrible binder and I thought it was brilliant when I got it (aside from the aforementioned boob aerobics), but at its rather hefty price I would certainly think carefully before ordering it. There are cheaper, better alternatives out there!

Underworks Tri-top

Size: Small
Price: $29.99 (About £18)
Shipping: Shipping to UK was around $19 (£11). Arrived astonishingly quickly — within two or three days of ordering, which was the absolute best.

I USED THE "UNDER10" DISCOUNT CODE WHICH KNOCKED $3 OFF THE PRICE, making my total with shipping $48.99, or £30

Comfort: It took me a while to wiggle my way into this thing — I was not able to get it on over my head on my first two attempts, and stepping into it didn't work for me either. Third time lucky as they say, I managed to get it on over my head and was astounded at the comfort of this thing. For me, personally, it's a gazillion times more comfortable than the T-Kingdom binder — the binding panel thing stops just above the bottom of my ribcage leaving the rest of my midsection free to breathe, and God what a difference this makes. It does get pretty uncomfortable after extended periods of time, but it's nowhere near as bad. It's a little more difficult to take off at the end of the day, but it's a small price to pay for something that doesn't give me terrible back pain whilst wearing it.
Binding ability: Binds gloriously. I was astounded at how flat this thing got me — I wasn't too hopeful, but oh my god it's amazing. Much, much, MUCH better than the 1700 and I cannot stress that enough. It does stretch out a bit over time (I have the most horrible habit of not washing my binders very often at all) but from what I've heard it shrinks back down after a good wash. Requires only the most minimal of chest adjustment to bind effectively.
Longevity: I've only had it a couple of months, and I don't tend to bind 24/7 (I bind less in winter 'cause I'm covered up pretty well by my gigantic coat) but it's showing no signs of wear so far. Time will tell!
Other: I've suffered from a dreadful case of sore nipples from both of my binders (most notable when new or just after washing) but, for me, it was much worse with the Tri-top when it was brand new. I seriously thought they were rubbed raw and oozing at one point, it was like I was on fire. The material is quite a bit rougher than the T-kingdom one, so if you have sensitive skin you might want to think about using some small squares of fabric to protect your nipples!

Hope that's okay, sorry it's not terribly detailed. I'm kinda half asleep, but hopefully it'll be useful

the problem I have with the tritop is that I can't breath when wearing it.  I didn't purchase it though a friend sent it to me. 

36-39 is about the right size for me, the tri-top is smaller than that and doesn't feel too small.

Tri-top Chest Binder, Style 983. M
Binds the tightest, cuts me under my arms, but I can put padding there and the pain of the binder is less than the pain of the dysphoria for me. For bigger guys who want the tightest bind that's the one to go for, as it binds the tightest it may also cause issues like Andy mentions above.

Chest Binder, Style 988. M
Is quite comfy to wear, has the relaxed midsection which I like if I'm wearing it for extended periods, and I generally wear it inside out to stop the binding part from riding up.

The Ultimate Chest Binder Suit, Style 967. M
Because it's a body suit it can't ride up, it's pretty comfortable although I prefer not to wear it for longer periods because of the all-over compression, it's good for times when I'm going out for a few hours and really don't want any dysphoria or to be constently pulling the binder down when it rides up. It's also made with a spot just for a packy, and stp if you want.

I'm currently waiting for my 997 and 974 Muscle Shirt to arrive from the States. I've also ordered some Compression Shorts, just to see what they're like.

I just ordered this one
http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=83&products_id=124

I'll make a review once I get it.

Hello! Great idea

http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=98

I just got the High Strength Velcro Short Binder from LesLoveBoat in the mail a few days ago and I absolutely love it. It gets me pretty flat and it's incredibly comfortable considering how much it's compressing my chest. My only complaint is that I have to do quite a bit of adjusting to get it to look just right, but once it's there everything stays put and I forget I'm even wearing anything.

My ribcage measures 29"-30", and when I'm not binding my moobs measure about 33"-34". I ordered a small and it fits perfectly with the adjustable velcro at about the 3/4 point on the side strip. The v-neck is also a nice addition- definitely gives me more leeway with my button down shirts haha.

Here's a shot of me wearing it- and for the record I'm wearing a necklace in this photo so if you see a small oddly shaped bump higher up on my chest that's all it is haha. http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h125/Stunsehs/IMG_1056.jpg

Ok I figured I'd put my two sense in about this. I own two binders; the Double Front Compression Shirt from underworks, and the Sports Pullover Short Binder-White. I'm a size 34 B I believe for reference.

Double front (http://ftm.underworks.com/):
This binder is super uncomfortable. It would bunch in my stomach area and hurt like crazy. I have to readjust several times a day. It was really just a hassle.
With that said, it does bind pretty well. I'll post a picture.
http://i.imgur.com/tcuA7l.jpg

Overall though, I don't like it. I got a small. It was uncomfortable to move and it cut into my armpits, stomach, and sides. I would not recommend it unless comfort is not an issue.

Sports Pullover Short Binder (http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=124{2}5):
I just got this binder today and I already love it. At first I didn't see how it could bind that much but when I put it on, it did a pretty decent job. Its super comfortable and it breathes easily. It is much cooler then my double front. Basically, it barely feels like I'm wearing anything.
Binding wise, it's decent. I don't know that it gets me as flat as my double front does. I got a medium but I feel like I could have gone down a size.
http://i.imgur.com/byMkPl.jpg

I like this binder way more then I like the double front.

*Note: I'm not wearing any sort of undershirt in either picture. Just that one shirt*

I've only tried the tri-top from underworks so far.  I have a medium (I was a 34 by their measuring standards).  I'm about 5'6, 150lbs, and a 36D.  The tri-top gets me pretty close to flat.  You can't see anything under a normal shirt, but I probably couldn't wear anything tight without some layering.  I find it pretty uncomfortable for long periods of time, though (more than 2 or 3 hours).  It starts to hurt my neck and back and cut in under my armpits.  Wearing an undershirt underneath it helps with the under the arms issue, though.  It also rolls up a little bit at the bottom which can be annoying.

"Super Strength Zipper Short Binder-Black"
From lesloveboat, I just ordered it today so it'll get here in a week or two. Fifty five dollars. I got a small, even though I'm well aware I should have gone with a medium, but whatever. I'd rather have a too tight bind than not enough. I'm five four, about one forty, and around a thirty two inch B cup. Or something like that. And I need to lose at least twenty pounds by June because that's when I have my appointment to get started on the whole testosterone process and I wanna be like fit. I'll write a review on the binder as soon as I get it. I'm sooo excited.

Quote from: Xyrenth on January 23, 2011, 11:25:26 AM
Also, one thing I would be really helpful (for those who are posting reviews) would be to give actual measurements of around the ribcage and over the widest part of the chest - given how many bras are mis-sized, not to mention sizing variations between underwear manufacturers, I think concrete measurements would be much more useful to those of us trying to work out what size binders to buy.

Okay... I already posted my review of the underworks tri-top. But my rib cage under my moobs is 28 in, and across is 33. Above is 31.5. Moobs are also pretty... dead. And were before I used an actual binder, so they bind easily.

Someone also mentioned the tri-top ended where their ribs ended, whereas for me it was about navel length, so height might be relevant. I'm 5'4.

Never had a problem with the underarm digging in thing, but maybe that's because I have stick arms? So that would make the width of your upper arms something to keep in mind, I suppose.

i hav an XS white tri-top binder from underworks and i absolutely love it!!
every1 sez it rolls up but i hav nevr had that happen to me.
so yeah its great. i also hav a teeny tiny bump, but i think it looks like pecks so thats all good. ill post sum pics later.

so here is me in my binder. (excuse the weird pose)

As a larger guy (5'1" and 220lbs) binding has been a problem for me. Either I end up with it rolling (didn't matter which unless it was minimal support like the Concealer shirt) or not enough compression. It's been interesting reading all these comments. I think one of the bigger challenges is many of these aren't designed for larger FTMs, or -- as is the case of Underworks -- they were designed for cis-gendered men who have chest surgery or are hiding their "tires". I wish that someone would design a binder for the likes of me so that I could get compression that works (at least until surgery).

I will say that Underworks, for the most part, offers the best compression. I've been using their Concealer for now (having a beard makes people think I just have moobs).

Andrew, could I ask your chest measurements? If you'd rather not disclose that's fine.

im about 28 or 29 inches. so i think like an A or B in bra sizes. idk ive nevr had a bra.

Size: 36 D
I have two binders from Love Boat: the Super Strenght Velcro Binder and the High Performance Velcro Binder. I typically wear both of them.

Super Strenght Velcro Binder (size XL)
This one is the best for me, very comfortable and nice results. Although the size is alright, I went ahead and added some more velcro tape for extra tightness, sacrificing some comfort and breathing ability for better flatness.
It's made of a strong, thick material, and although it allows for fairly good ventilation, during a hot day it makes me sweat a lot.

High Performance Velcro Binder (size 2XL)
Although this one is said to give better flatness than the Super Strength, I find that my chest is a lot flatter with the Super Strength. This binder is made of a lighter material that allows for better ventilation and it looks really nice, it's very comfortable. The size is good but again, I will be adding some additional velcro stick tape.
For best results I wear it under my Super Strength Binder. I believe it makes me as flat as I can get, being a D cup.

Both of these binders stretch throughout the day... I usually make a couple of stops at the restroom to adjust them everyday.
I will try to add pictures when I can.

I have the tri top from underworks. I havent worn a real bra in years but I think I was like a 38 D. I have a medium tri top. I have no breathing or underarm problems. It sometimes rolls up a bit when Im making pizzas working 12 hour shifts, but I just pull it down. Its a little annoying but not too bad. I plan on purchasing the 997 soon, so ill review that when I do.