#binder lengths

[shapeshiftersvt]

Hi I'm planning on buying a binder, but I'm really new to this. I'm trying to figure out what style of binder to get. Do you have pros and cons listed somewhere comparing the crop, full, and extra long? I'm really not sure what kind would work best. Thank you so much, I'm looking forward to getting my binder from you!

Anonymous said to shapeshiftersinc:

What’s the difference between full lenght and extra long?

Anonymous said to shapeshiftersinc:

I’m sorry but I don’t really understand the different lengths of binders you offer. I find that my gc2b half tank is around 2-3 inches too short, so which of your lengths would you recommend?

Hello, friends! Let’s talk about Binder Lengths. 

In general, the questions are:

1) How do you feel about extra warm layers under your shirts? Do you get hot and sweaty easily, or could you use another layer?

2) Do you want belly compression? Do you feel strongly about wearing something tight around your waist?

3) Do you want to show off your binder? If so, do you want it to cover your stomach when you do? Is there a pattern you want to show all of?

4) What’s your budget like?

Keep your answers to these in mind as you consider the options below!

(Note: All lengths in inches, laid flat, measured from shoulder seam to bottom hem. All prices in USD.)

Crop Top (12″-16″) (typically $45-$50)

- Goes down to the underbust line, or to a high waist. Does not cover belly.

- Good for minimum coverage! Less sweaty. 

- Least likely to need resizing if your size fluctuates.

- Least expensive.

Full Length (17″-22″) (typically $50-$55)

- Goes down to the waist! Sometimes past it. Can cover some bellies.

- Flared to waist measurement, so it won’t roll up!

- Nice to wear under open button-ups; can be tucked into high-waisted pants and swim trunks. Shows more of the fabric pattern.

Extra Long (23″-30″) (typically $70-$75)

- Goes down over the hips. Full coverage, all bellies. Optional belly compression.

- Flared to waist and hip measurements, so it won’t roll up! Can be tucked into any pant, short or skirt.

- The warmest.

- Shows all of any fabric print. Awesome to wear under open button-ups.

I hope this helps, friends! As always, we can’t tell you what will work best with your body; we rely on you to tell us.

[shapeshiftersvt]

would you recommend certain binder lengths over others for beginners?

Hey there!

To be perfectly frank, there is no “beginner” binder.  Choosing your binder style has everything to do with your personal comfort and almost nothing to do with how long you’ve been binding (except in the sense that you’ll have a better idea of what’s comfortable for you).

But for someone who hasn’t had experience binding before, here are some things to consider when deciding what length you want:

Do you feel you might be uncomfortable having an uncovered stomach, even if you’re wearing a shirt over it?  Then you should measure to your waist.

Do you have a wider stomach/hips and are concerned about rollup even with a flared bottom hem?  Then you should measure no longer than about two to three inches of the bottom of your bust.

Are you a larger chested person?  Then you should measure no shorter than about two to three inches from the bottom of your bust to cover you from gravity.

Are you concerned about sensory issues?  Then you should order a fabric sample, and likely go with a shorter length.

Are you concerned about the hem showing under your shirt?  Then you should measure to a length long enough to tuck into the bottoms you wear most often.

When in doubt, give us a measurement longer than the one you’re uncertain about -- it’s much easier for us to take off length you don’t want than to add it on.

-Poppy