Hey, all. I was hoping to get some advice about binders.

I'm fairly small-chested (smallish 'B'), so I thought that binding would be simple; but though I've invested in proper binders, I can't seem to get flat with anything other than an ACE bandage wrapped several layers over. The bulk of my chest sits very 'high' and 'foward', if that makes any sense, and it seems like the binders I've tried compress the most from the nipples down but lose power the closer they get to the neckline and shoulder straps. I feel like in order to have any chance at being fully flat, I would need something with compression all through the shoulder straps and close to the armpits.

Can anyone recommend a binder like that? Or has anyone with a similar problem worked out a better way of binding? I've tried both the Tri-Top and Doublefront from Underworks, and while they certainly make me flatter than I would be without them, I feel like they don't do the trick 100%. It could just be my own insecurities, but if it's something that I can fix with a different binder, I'd like to. I was looking at the 'High Performance Velcro Short Binder' from LesLoveBoat after reading some reviews here, but $60 plus shipping is a lot to plunk down on something that may not completely satisfy.

Any suggestions?

Thanks, guys.

I'm not able to give you any advice on any of the binders since I don't have to order them like that. (we've got a little shop in the Netherlands who handmakes binders and sorts here) But I do think it might be a lot of insecurity as well. My boyfriend (ftm as well) has a much larger chest than me and is way more insecure about people noticing but I'm trying to point out to him as well that there are enough guys that seem to have 'breasts'. 

And if it isn't that. It always helps to wear an extra layer under (tanktop or something) or over (blouse) your shirt.

the only thing i found that wotked through the shoulders was my home made shapewear binder with an extra layer of cloth over it. but it got really irritating after doing a workout argh. because it rolled upp and was rather annoying. hmm other than making a modified binder to match your body specifically i cant think of much. maybe try some different materials to make a binder singlet type thing or overshirt. sorry im not much help.

Loveboat has that strapless velcro one. That one might actually do it since it's effectively put on the same was as an ace bandage, just more comfortable.

You have a smaller chest so if you have a smaller build too then you might try looking into something like this: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=waist+trimmer&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2224356476173433851&sa=X&ei=_WNcTorbOcKCtgft77jDAw&ved=0CFwQ8wIwAA

It's a waist trimmer and people usually use it for around their waist when they work out but I use it like a binder occasionally. I'd use it all the time but I'm larger chested so it doesn't work as well. Payed about $10 for it from a store but they can be found pretty cheaply only. Might be worth a shot before paying $60 plus shipping

@xAndrewx

Hey, thanks for that. I think I'm going to give the waist-trimmer belt idea a try. It basically seems like a safer version of an ACE bandage, and it definitely beats shelling out $70 for something that may or may not do the trick. Do you happen to know how narrow / how wide the belt is able to fasten?

@insideontheoutside

That strapless binder seems to run on the same general idea behind the waist trimmer, but at ten times the price. I'd worry that the binder would be too narrow, but if the waist-trimmer works out, I might give it a look. Thanks.

@vik2ray

No problem. I'm not very handy with a needle and thread, so a DIY binder might be out of my reach.

@Nathan90

It's awesome that you have a little place that will hand-make binders. Very, very cool. But you're probably right about some of this being insecurities on my part. Thanks a lot for the feedback.

The one I have velcros to itself so basically it can go from extremely small to as wide as the belt is lengthwise. As far as width it's pretty wide but I'm not sure on an exact measurement sorry.

If you want to buy the waist-trimmer online you can always e-mail the shop. If they don't have the size written down there is a good chance they'll just figure it out for you (since they want to sell products don't they). Always worth a try.