hi i was wondering if you have any binder recommendations bc im not really sure which one to get or which ones work best
hi i do!
so this gets a little bit complicated because all binders work differently because they're made of different materials and patterns, so instead of telling you which ones are best I list off the pros and cons and differences in their cuts.
here is all the information linked but ill also give you a quick summary here to start you off
safety instructions and care (the binder fit comparisons are also here)
how to alter and repair a binder
and if you can’t afford or safely get a binder
first thing to know is binding can be tricky, not everyone can bind and there is unfortunately a size limit. Now usually size limits are just fatphobia and lack of consideration, but this time it's not, it's because of compression.
because binders put pressure on someone's entire chest it includes everything inside the chest, ribs the lungs and the heart. if you have a certain amount of fat to compress you'd need a certain amount of pressure to compress it, if youre a certain size in order to fully compress a fatter chest using this method youd end up squeezing the torso too hard past whats safe.
but they don't make binders that reach that danger limit so instead what people end up with is binders that don't compress bigger chests and bodies, and give this push-up bra look instead of fully compressing.
what not to do here is sizing down or layering binders or bras what to do is switch methods at this point binders dont work so youd need to pick something that isnt compressing your entire torso when it compresses your chest. the way to do this is with taping, taping is safe as long as you do it correctly here's the tutorials on that. (and here)
now onto the binders the main three binders people usually go for are spectrum outfitters, GC2B, or underworks.
underworks has the tightest fit which can be too much for most people, underworks binders have caused injuries in the past because of how tight they are and how small their sizes run. their fabrics are also very rough and scractchy which tend to be a sensory nightmare for people.
GC2B is the second tightest but the first tightest that doesn't injure people, that being said the cut leaves out a lot of side boob and under boob area and because of that it digs in a lot and causes issues. It can also push the fat into the middle of the chest, giving that push-up bra look again. And their quality has gone down over time, so their binders stitching deteriorates over the span of a couple years( i go over how to fix all these issues in the altering binders link, no sewing machine required)
last but usually considered the best is spectrum outfitters, this one has most covering fit that covers up the side and under boob fat so it doesnt dig in anywhere and compresses it nicely without being painful. its also considered to be the most realistic bind even if it isnt the flattest it doesnt bunch up fat in the middle and it fits fat bodies the best. it also has the nicest material and the softest sensory wise so people who couldnt bind with the other two can bind with this and if not again tape is recommended
hm my brain is going mushy forgive me im waiting for my medication refill
but for underworks you have to size up when you measure for gc2b if recommend going through my altering tutorial and copying how i reinforced some of the weak spots on a gc2b so it doesnt come apart
im pretty sure thats everything ill add more if i remember good luck take care of yourself!!
