Using binders

[Samson99]

So I got a binder today. It's just a top binder, and it fits pretty well. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to breathe in it or move well.

I have a few questions about using them and things like that.

-I heard they can get itchy. Does powder really work to ease up the itch?
-I've also heard that they can make your boobs sag. Is this true?
I'm going to have to hide this from my mom, who has no idea about it. I don't know if anyone else here has to hide it from their parent(s) or family, but I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep it without her finding it.
-For washing, how often do you usually wash it? On cold or hot water? And I've heard that putting it in the dryer can ruin it, so I really would have trouble drying it. 
I also was wondering what works best when wearing a binder clothes wise. I've binded using an ace bandage, and clothes were really irritating with that. Since it's getting colder, I can layer more, but I was just wondering what you all wear to make it seem a bit less obvious.

Thank you for any replies. 🙂

[Robert Scott]

So, I am a bit different then most folks I have seen on this site....

I own six binders and I wear mine for a couple days before I wash them.  At first I wore them only once and then washed them.  You are suppose to wash them in cold on delicate and not dry them.  Alot of younger guys I know wash them in the sink.  I use woolite since it's the gentlest detergent. 

I wear a binder daily ... and I wear whatever I want on top ... it all works

[Wolf Man]

I have an Underworks Tri Top. I have one. I just throw it in with my regular wash and dry it with it as well. It isn't ruined in my opinion. I rather enjoy the post drying, extra tightness. My binder is wearing down, but it was a hand out from Jamie-o

Mine isn't itchy at all.
Mine haven't sagged yet and I'm a daily user. Though I'm maybe a large A cup?
I wear it for a week before washing.

[_Noah]

_{I have to hide mine from my mom as well. Since I used to bind with sports bras, and she didn't say anything I figured she wouldn't say anything with an actual binder. Pretty much I keep a hoodie or an over shirt up in my room, where most of my clothes are. I put it on, put a shirt on, put my hoodie over it. So far, she hasn't noticed.
I haven't washed mine, yet, but I plan onwashing it in the sink sometime this week...Even if I planned on using the washer/dryer...sadly, I don't know how.} 

[VanOcc]

Sorry to bump. Maybe you have the answers you want.

Basically, don't wear your binder every day. It's not good for your breast tissue even if you dislike them. Take a break on weekends maybe, or whenever you can wear a hoody and relax, with friends? Try using a sports bra on other days as they do compress but in a more gentle fashion.

If you've got the money, I'd get two or three and rotate, every 5 days or so. Wash in cold/tepid water with a gentle detergent and leave to dry flat on some towels, maybe near a radiator or on a radiator. Tumble drying will work with sports bras that have that on their care instructions, but for the longevity of your binder be gentle with them.

Underworks have good, cost effective binders. T-Kingdom's binders are designed for transmen but customer service and price are issues. I'm not here to promote certain brands or whatever but these are the ones off the top of my head and associated issues.

If your binder doesn't fit well it will be uncomfortable. I wouldn't use talc or powder - get one that fits. Even a comfy binder is going to get uncomfortable after a few hours simply because it's sodding painful having your breast tissue squished.. but hey, it looks better right? 😛 Just remember to give yourself a break.

Hiding your binder is a ball ache. I hear ya dude. Guess that's just part of being stealth. Maybe try and cultivate at atmosphere where your room is your room, you know and it's private. Then you can be safe washing it in the bathroom and leaving it to dry in your room.

Best of luck!

[Alexmakenoise]

I'm going to have to hide this from my mom, who has no idea about it. I don't know if anyone else here has to hide it from their parent(s) or family, but I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep it without her finding it.

What are the chances that your mom would figure out what it was if she did find it?  There's a lot of strange clothing for women out there, and binders are pretty nondescript.  If she came across it, would it even catch her attention?  And if she did ask about it, could you just say it's a special kind of sports bra?

[Robert Scott]

As a parent who does kids washes ... my son bought a binder long before I knew he was trans.  I even washed it a couple times.  I asked him what it was and how it needed to be washed ... he said it was a compression shirt so things didn't move while he did sports -- that was fine with me.  Granted he was not in any sports at the time I still just took it at face value ... why would I need to doubt it.