To all transmasc people who can't bind
Hey, I feel your pain as a transguy with easily irritated skin and bad shoulders. But over the years I learned how to deal with breast dysphoria without binding and I wanted to share that knowledge! (Keep in mind that I'm a 170cm white twink and not all of this will apply to everyone)
Don't and I mean don't wear bras. I know some people think that's the only alternative to binders, but there are way better options. I would always recommend sports bustiers over sports bras, especially the ones that don't have a "décolleté" (you might find them with the swim wear)
You probably heard this before, but let me emphasize, that layers are your best friend. I absolutely recommend a sweater jacket + jean jacket combo, it doesn't only look really good and let it look like you have broad shoulders, when you get too hot you can take off one jacket and still have layers that hide your chest
If it's too hot to wear layers, regularly tuck on your shirt to loosen it, if it sticks to your body, it emphasizes the shape of your chest
Focus on your other body parts! I, for example, pass pretty well, except for my chest. But because I look very masculine in general (well except for one thing) people still always assume I'm a guy. In summer I would recommend loose shorts (cloth ones are the most comfortable in my opinion), in winter I'd recommend cargo pants. Go for a more masculine hairstyle (masculine doesn't necessarily mean short), let your body hair grow out, use men's deodorant and do some voice training
Be confident! Pretend like you're not constantly dysphoric as f!ck, act really confused when someone misgenders you (like that never happened to you before), there are countless body types in men, and even some cis men look like they have boobs, if you pretend that you pass, people won't question it either
You don't need to present masculine to be valid, but as a masculine presenting trans guy I know that it helps a lot of us with dysphoria. I hope I could help you out a bit.
Remember to stay hydrated!
- Your trans brother Ryu
