I've never purchased a "binder". Recently been looking into it, because frankly my "method" gets annoying. When I tell you what it is most of you will think WHAAAAAAAAAAT, but hey...it works

I duct tape. Started it at a very young age, and perfected it along the way lol. As long as I don't keep it on over night, I'm ok. I just NEED to have them completely flat. But over the years, I get scars. Not very visible but I can see them..from where after wearing it overnight (after a long night, whatever the case) the tape will dig in and cut.

It didn't really bother me until one night I was sitting on the couch in my "wife beater" wasn't bound down, and my ex saw a scab about 5 inches long on my side. She burst into tears. I was like "What what?!?!". And she said she couldn't believe the measures I go through to just feel comfortable.

Still doesn't  bother me, but once I do have surgery, I dont want to have a whole bunch of scars when Im shirtless.

So question is, do binders bind really well? I honestly don't know my "size" Iv'e never worn a bra in my life. I'm guessing a B. Just wondering if any guys can give me some insite on what's the best one to get and so forth? Thanks.

I found that the most effective was a surgical abdominal binder. You can get them at medical supply stores. It wasn't particularly comfortable, but it's gotta beat duct tape.

Underworks binders are also effective. Also uncomfortable, but they look a little better than abdominal binders - if anything shows through, some of them just look like undershirts.

Dennis

An Underworks binder isn't gonna make you completely flat, unfortunately. Maybe try something in combination with the duct tape? Put an undershirt on before you start taping away.

Don't know about the abdominal binders that Dennis is talking about - but I'm thinking you could probably get one cheaper and quicker than an Underworks, because you wouldn't have to send away for it.

My Underworks binder is the most comfortable method I've used, but it's not mega comfortable. I'm also prone to dry skin and it makes it a hell of a lot worse.

I put on a whole bunch of lotion before taping. Then put a single sheet of of TP over my nipples before going over them. It's super ghetto, but it works lol.

Why are they so "uncomfortable" the underworks? Just really tight?

And the adominal binders, are those the ones with the velcro going down the middle?

I'm not worried about the actual binder "showing through". I just want something that's tight a smooth.

Thanks for the replies.

Underworks are uncomfortable, yeah, because they're tight. Also it sucks to get them on and off (you basically have to step into it or it simply won't work).

An Underworks binder isn't gonna make you flat enough to be able to just wear a wife beater...I still wear layers. I usually have a wife beater, white undershirt and then another shirt (or two, even) on top. And I'm probably an A (I don't know, either). So, man, you want super flat? I don't know what to tell you, other than it's gonna hurt.

Yeah the abdominal binder is the thing that looks like a huge ace bandage with velcro joining the ends. I managed to get it so the velcro didn't show and I could just wear a t-shirt and a regular shirt.

It did make me flatter than Underworks, but I dunno how flat compared to duct tape.

Dennis

I recommend Underworks binders, especially the tri-top(tho I know some guys who prefer the double front). I wear an XS that sucks when I just wash it cause it shrink down. The longer you bind, the flatter you'll get, so even if you wear a really small binder, there's nowhere for the tissue to go. The tissue degrades and gets softer over time, so it gets easier to bind. Since I wear my binder everyday and only wash it once or twice a week, tho, I gotta watch out for zits on the shoulders and back.

Also, I only had to step into my binder when it was new. Unless you have wide shoulders or aren't too flexible, you should be able to pull it over your head. Stepping into binders isn't so bad, though. You just gotta make sure you do it before you put you boxers on.

The abdominal binders are nice because you can just stick the velcro part underneath your arm (doesn't show that way). It rubs a little, but it's not too bad.

But I really would go for the underworks binder. It's not completely flat, but what remains really just looks like you have pecs. I have a tri-top and a compression vest (the compression vest I only wear with button up shirts because it has clasps in the front, but it binds best for me and is easiest to get on).

Also, be careful about binding. I mean, besides the whole ruining your back and ribs thing, be careful of your chest. If you want to have top surgery some day, you want to have the maximum elasticity of your skin and if you bind "down" and too tight your chest is going to have lost a whole lot of elasticity. Binding "up" (pressing your boobs kinda up and then over instead of down) retains elasticity.

I just realized how little I knew about this. Where are you guys finding this information?

...personal experience.

^^word.

Plus I read a lot. I read the entire memories section of the FTM group on livejournal and I research everything of interest I find there and on this site (and the wiki here).

I know it might sound weird having a mtf respond to this, but I've worn what I call 'flattering' clothing.....they make me flatter.  Why would I do such a thing?  I used to do it at work, before I cared so much if anyone knew I had breasts.  Also at church.  A really good item I found a few years ago, and still use once in a while can be bought on eBay here:  http://cgi.ebay.com/GYNECOMASTIA-GC2-COMPRESSION-SHIRT-GIRDEL-TANK-LARGE_W0QQitemZ120087107262QQihZ002QQcategoryZ15687QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem.

It's a compression shirt, and works well on a 'B' cup, makes you look muscular, not buxom.  Now it won't work for me. 

It' s worth a try, and it is comfortable!

Bev

When I started binding I used a neoprene abdominal binder. That worked alright but wasn't flat enough for me...I have no idea what size I am either. Small I guess.

Now I use another ab binder, not the neoprene kind but the kind with velcro strips down the middle, pull those tight and i get pretty damn good flatness. Can wear just an undershirt and a tshirt now.

I ordered an underworks tri top two weeks ago and I'm still waiting on my next day air shipping...=/

Matthew

^^ you should call them; my last item got lost in the mail and I called them to get another one shipped. They said if you don't receive it within 10 days there's a problem and it's probably lost.

AHHHH. Turns out it got here...I never saw it? Apparently my mom got hold of it and never intends on telling me =( It's probably long gone by now, and I can't ask her cuz if she didn't take it...that'd be bringing up too much ->-bleeped-<-.

Lane, did they ship you another one free of charge?

Yep. I gave them the order number (I was able to look it up because I used paypal and paypal saves all of those records) and I think they use shipping tracking. So when he loocked up the tracking it said "lost" or something-- the new one was sent the next day, free of charge.

So at the very least they can tell you if it was delivered...

I always just wore frog bras from titlenine.com. I also had a compression shirt from Underworks, and a small  frog worked just as well and was a hell of a lot more comfortable.

yeah i like the underworks comression one just get a small size and your good to go