Binders 101

THIS BLOG IS NOT ACTIVE PLEASE NO ASKS This was an advice site for folks with questions about binders and binding. remember: this information is going to be old, possibly outdated, possibly wrong. take it as a jumping off point for your own research. ((avatar is from www.khaoskomix.com, courtesy of Tab Kimpton))

[binders101]

Should I wear a binder when I'm on my period? I read somewhere that I shouldn't but I can't find it again and my period is soon. I want to make sure to stay and healthy and bind right.

That sounds like a made-up medical fact. Pay attention to your body- binding might be less comfortable when you’re on your period because of increased chest tenderness and cramps. If if hurts, stop! 

Anyway this blog is inactive etc etc

[binders101]

are you still an active blog?

sorry, nope.

[binders101]

Selling two Underworks Medium Tri-Top Binders! (Black and Tan): HERE and HERE.

[binders101]

For the curious, stuff from underworks is packaged very discreetly - the website wasn't even visable on the package. I'm from the UK and it took a week (ordered Thursday, recieved Thursday the following week, though I'm not sure what postage option was chosen, a Canadian friend purchased it for me)

this is true

[binders101]

I ordered a binder that I plan to wear regularly. should I wear a shirt size up to accommodate my binder? I've never heard of anyone doing this but I'm worried I might have to. my clothes aren't snug or anything but they kinda fit me just right.

the reason you've never heard of anyone doing this is because you definitely don't need to do it. it's a binder, not chain mail.

[binders101]

warning

id like to submit a warning about a  binder I’ve just bought, it was a tranzwear binder I’m a 32 d am 5’ 10” and 130 lbs. I’ve always gotten binders from lesloveboat and loved them they were breathable true to size and have never caused me any form of bruising or damage for any length of wear even when brand new. the binder i received from tranzwear was the equivalent to duck taping my chest flat i couldn’t breath in it and in a four hour period its caused serious bruising. I’ve been binding for 12 hours a day for around 3 years in smalls and have never had an issue like this. I’m not inexperienced I’m just hoping to spare someone who sees the price difference and goes for the cheeper ones. they are poorly designed and can hurt you 

-Issak Wolfe

[houseofpopsiclesticks]

Finally! (and this is legit)

[binders101]

coming out of hiatus to share

[binders101]

hey ya'll!

friendly reminder that this blog is largely defunct. i only answer questions that I have never, ever gotten anything like before... so not very many. the blog is up primarily as a searchable resource! 

[binders101]

So I just ordered my first binder and I’m pretty nervous about all this. Do you have any advice/tips for first time binding? Should I slowly work into binding for longer periods of time or is it okay to wear it for several hours the first day as long as it doesn’t hurt too much?

don't wear if for more than 8 hours, if it starts to hurt take a break, be careful taking it off, you might get stuck if it's a pullover. overall just listen to your body and pay attention to its boundaries. 

[binders101]

I just wanted to say thank you for having this blog up; it's been really useful.

i promise i will never delete it even tho i suck at updating <3

[binders101]

willaim-herondale is having a binder giveaway, if anyone's interested

thanks, anon who is totally not william-herondale wink wink

[binders101]

Can you explain how exactly does having a binder too tight cause fluid build up? Just curious. Thanks!

how exactly? listen homie i might be minoring in biology at College University but if I am its definitely with a concentration in ecology. I have no intention of being one of those 2-years-of-introductory-biology dudebros who acts like he can tell you medical knowledge on tumblr. but hey, if something is probz bad for your lungs/back/body, don't do it. you need that shit.

[binders101]

Your blog was extremely helpful and I'm super grateful! You guys are fantastic for putting these reviews up here. Have a great new year!

well i hope them archives are treating you real good because we post pretty much nothing now. =DDDD 

[binders101]

So, this may be a ridiculous question, but I'm new to this and am looking to buy my first binder. I've read your helpful information on measuring, but I just want to clarify something. When measuring, the tape should go around the body? The way I read sizing instructions, it seems like just the front is being measured. I'm looking at an Underworks binder, and want to make sure I get the correct size. Anyway, thanks for your help, and continue being awesome.

yes. all the way around

[binders101]

Hey! I'm guessing you're primarily US based but I thought it might be worth telling you about MORF, a UK based binder exchange- they give away binders for free (you only have to pay a couple of pounds postage, if you can manage it) thought it might be useful for any UK followers you have :)

[binders101]

Did you already give away that XL? I know it was a while ago, but I figured I might as well ask. Also, is there a general FAQ around somewhere? I've got no clue what sizing stuff is like or what brands are worth the money... It's all so confusing :/

if the give-away was a recent post (like anytime this year), it was submitted by a reader- contact the OP. we have an FAQ, links, where to buy page all on the header of our blog!

[binders101]

what can a transguy use as a binder if he cant afford a real one right now?

if layering and sports bras aren't effective for you, my best recommendation is an ACE back brace. They are wide, fix with velcro, and meant to be worn in one layer around the torso, so they don't tighten up as you breathe. you can get them for pretty cheap and your local pharmacy or drug store. but keep in mind that you can get an underworks binder for cheaper than most others, so it might be worth holding out for the real thing.