So I'm a somewhat larger trans dude and the main thing I struggle with is getting my chest flat so I can pass. I've used a few different binders from a few different companies at this point and I figured I'd make a review of them so other larger trans men can get feedback from someone on their side of it.
Ships from: Brentwood, Maryland, USA.
Rating: 0/10. Extremely unsatisfied. Infuriated, even.
I'm so angry with these people as you've seen me post in the past few days. I have a sneaking suspicion that greed got in the way of their business. Their XL and their 2X both were ill-fitting (and I'm not a 2X with any other company), and the tie-dye binder I got from them ripped almost immediately. Poor quality, bad ethics, currently fighting with their customer service to get my money back.
My binders from GC2B not only gave me dog ears (skin that spills over the binder armholes from poor compression) over the years, it has made almost a permanent indent in my sideboob and looks gross. That's going to be an extra step for my top surgery... 😒
Ships from: Northamptonshire, England, UK.
Rating: 10/10. I worked multiple 8 hour shifts in this thing and didn't feel anything.
Spectrum works differently than other binders it seems. Though the panel for the binder is on the front, the compression is in the back. That's good for someone like me! Feels like a hug, constantly. No pinching or pain. The binder goes up to my armpits and keeps the weird dog ear effect from happening with my binder. Looks good and the compression panel goes well past my chest, which I also love. Slipped on easily. What I really like is how the bottom has a spandex band so it doesn't roll up. Super comfy, will get more.
My only complaints are beyond Spectrum's control. They're across the Atlantic from me, so shipping a binder to me took a while. They also seem to go out of stock super quickly. But it's a tiny company so I'm not going to expect them to be able to mass-produce. Super satisfied with them.
Ships from: Miami, Florida, USA.
Rating: 8/10. What the fuck. I love it but what the fuck
Underworks is very cost-effective, and discreet. I originally felt like I wouldn't be able to get it on, and once I did and moved my chest ever so slightly, I was completely flat. What the fuck. How.
I'm partricularly amazed because my chest is compressed and yet I'm not being squeezed like in a GC2B binder or a Spectrum binder. This is VERY breathable. But it looks like a giant compression panel. I think it is just kind of a big compression panel? It compresses everything in it. Belly, chest, hips, ass and all. I am a box shape now.
My only complaints with Underworks is the fabric being a little scratchy (so heads up if you have sensitive skin).
Doesn't feel like a hug. Doesn't feel like anything at all. I could wear it as a tank top and still pass.
FOR SIZING, make sure you read over their size chart for ordering! The size you end up as might be a bit wonky, but adhere to that chart and you'll be fine.
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