Ok, I first bought a 988 back in October of last year and it made me look like I have a uni boob so I ditched it and got a tri-top which was much better, but it made me look like I have a bubble chest. Someone said I look like I have bubble wrap in my shirt. I passed a few times when people saw me far away, but once they got close up they realized. Anyway....I just can't seem to win with this binding thing. I'm a 38 DDD and it's hard to cover up. I hate wearing bras and they hurt after a while. Does anyone else have this issue? Can some of the larger guys post some before and after binder shots? Any advice? I wear T-shirts, but recently got some button up shirts which some people say helps. Thanks.....

Sevan has this issue.
40 F

If ze binds and wears a button up shirt with a tshirt under it somewhat works but it is highly uncomfortable for hir.

Curently Sev' is doing allot of work trying too loose some weight with the hope that some of the boob will go with the rest of it.

I'm working on losing weight now. I just joined weight watchers and will start riding my bike more.

I'm a huge fan of sweat shirts and jackets, but that's out now that it's summer.  You could try layering binders with sports bras or rash guards. 

Indeed big chests suck!! Cyndi speaks true however!!! I have had some weight loss suceess!! Some weight has come off my best some already which I'm very excited about.
My chest has also...deflated some since starting T. I didn't lose any actual cup size but they go in the binder a little more easily.
The thing I like fashion wise is fleece vests. Not too hot cuz it's a vest...you can wear it open and it really distracts from my chest.
HTHs

I have (had maybe?) a very large chest and have done a combination of things to get my chest looking a bit better. Now, I've got hips that measure wider than my chest measurement so my hips are also a major issue. I also have a lot of sagging. I tend to use the 997 from underworks because it forms one continuous line as opposed to the tri-top which stops at an odd spot. I also layer my clothes. I'll wear my binder, a tight T shirt, a button down or T shirt and  maybe a vest or opened jacket. Busy patterns help break apart lines, but you wouldn't want a pattern just on your chest (or words). Also, wearing black or dark colors makes the shadow under your chest not as visible.

I'm able to push my chest under my armpits so I don't have as much of a bubble (or I don't think I do).

I also have trouble with the tri top poking out at the top so it looks like I have a little bump. Anyone have this issue?

I saw some compression shirts at Wal*Mart and tried them on over my binder, but it didn't make a difference.

Quote from: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy on June 04, 2011, 07:52:49 PM
I also have trouble with the tri top poking out at the top so it looks like I have a little bump. Anyone have this issue?

I saw some compression shirts at Wal*Mart and tried them on over my binder, but it didn't make a difference.

I think (don't quote me on it) you can cut a tiny triangle of fabric from where it has that fold bit and stitch it back up.

I know this depends a lot on where you live, and/or your insurance - but is there any chance you'd qualify for some form of chest reduction surgery?

As for concealing - I've heard dark t-shirts/shirts can help passing, moreso under an undone button-up. Vertical stripes help too, from what I've read. On a windier/cooler day, you might be able to get away with a loose windbreaker without overheating For actually binding, I know some people have luck wearing compression shirts underneath their binders (haven't done it myself so I don't know which types/styles work best).

Wouldn't it be a bad idea to get a breast reduction if one plans on getting chest recontruction later on?
Thats two serious surgeries.

Quote from: cynthialee on June 04, 2011, 08:21:26 PM
Wouldn't it be a bad idea to get a breast reduction if one plans on getting chest recontruction later on?
Thats two serious surgeries.

I haven't actually decided if I want chest reconstruction. I don't identify as FTM, but as genderqueer with an FTM leaning. I like dating women and would worry I wouldn't find a date if I had no boobs. I'm actually in the process of getting a reduction.

DDD = F right? I forget these things. Anyway, that's my cup size too. It truly sucks. Bras always hurt me. When I was about 15 I almost got a breast reduction. I've read a about a few guys that had one before getting top surgery. It didn't seem to change results any, that I saw. I believe they just follow the original scars.  I have a tri top. I think mine is an older version. I just looked at their website and in the picture it almost comes down to the guys belly button. Mine is shorter than that.  The bumps left from binding are as big as some peoples boobs unbound.  I was down to about 130 pounds last summer.  That's skinny for me, could see my ribs. It just made the fact that I had boobs more obvious since they didn't get much smaller. I think it looks better now that I've gained weight. I wear t shirt under a button down. Double pockets help hide it the best. I also leave the first few buttons open. The top of the binder does ripple and stand out. It's really obvious through just a T shirt. I'm thinking of getting the muscle shirt that underworks  sells.  It looks like it has the neck line of a T shirt and should help smooth things out.

That's great to hear about the breast reduction/top surgery. I'm hoping insurance will cover the reduction. I know they won't cover top surgery. Having smaller boobs will be better than what I have now. I'll try the T-shirt under the button-up's thing. Do you have a picture of you bound if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to see someone else with my size bound so I can get a better idea of what it looks like on others.

I've got a picture of me up in the androgyn board that I'm bound in: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,98870.20.html
by the by...come join us! I too am androgyn identified, but I'm transitioning with T. I'm planning a reduction but I'm trying weight loss right now A. So that I have a healthy weight to work with going into surgery. B. Don't end up having my body redistribute fat into my chest and bringing it back anywhere NEAR pre-surgery size.
I tried to get my insurance to cover my reduction because apparently they do cover some...but they didn't cover me. I would have had to be an even larger cup size to get covered. *sigh* However...that's MY insurance, and the only way you can know if you'll be covered (basically...) is to find a surgeon, go in for a consult and have them put it through your insurance to see if you'd be covered or not. Apparently every insurance has vastly different requirements in this area.

Here's me bound and unbound in just a T.

Unbound


Bound


Just a binder



Yeah it sucks a lot. Looks much better in a button up.


When I was talking to surgeons one took and sent photos to my insurance. They said they would cover it. I think I had Aetna at the time. I was young and just not up to major surgery. Plus, none of them would make me lower then a full C or D, because big boobs are sexy.  Lately I've been considering just getting a reduction and letting my parents pay for it, I know my mom would. She's convinced if I had it that I would be happier and able to live as a woman.