2014
Before you go any further, please note that binding should be done with caution. Your body is sensitive and needs time to recover. You should not wear your binder for more than 8 hours at a time, and should cough and stretch after removing it. DO NOT use ace bandage at any time - this causes a lot of damage such as bent ribs. If you cannot afford a binder, there are numerous other ways to attempt to hide your chest.
Some information about me:
- Previous rib damage due to using ace bandage
- C cups
Reviewed Binders:
Underworks Tri-Top
F2M Concealer V-Tank
GC2B Classic Black Tank
Below is a normal sports bra for comparison.
Underworks Tri-Top (below)
This is the 2nd binder I’ve owned (I am not sure what the first one was, as I gave it away to a friend). I was hesitant to get this binder, as I feared it may ride up like a sports bra and cause dysphoria. I was surprised to find that it didn’t. An issue I did have was that it still rolled up, causing a lot more pressure than necessary on my ribs, causing me a lot of pain.
Pros:
- Flattens fairly well
- Doesn’t compress the stomach area
Cons:
- Rolls up and digs into the ribs (mainly an issue if you are heavier or have previous rib issues)
- Digs into the armpits
- Neck lays oddly and can become apparent beneath shirts
- May accentuate stomach/hip curves
Concealer V-Tank (Below)
This is the 3rd binder I owned, and my 2nd favorite. It is much easier to take off than the tri-top because you’re able to get your arms under and pull it off. It’s a little hard to put on due to the length, but not anymore so than most binders.
Pros:
- The longer length allows you to tuck the end into your pants to prevent it from rolling up
- Helps flatten curves around the stomach/hips
- Binds fairly well
- Unnoticeable beneath shirts
- Fabric is very soft
Cons:
- Very hot
- May inhibit movement of the lower torso
- Bunches up in the armpits
GC2B Classic Black Tank
No picture added as I did not take one when I had this binder.
This binder is my last and favorite binder, I believe I ended up buying 3 of these before having top surgery. They have basically the same pros as the F2M Concealer V-Tank, but the only con was that it was also hot. It was very soft, bound well without feeling like I was being compressed. Did not cause me any pain unless I wore it for a long time.
MISTER B'S 'SO YOU WANT A CHEST BINDER' MASTERPOST!
So, you want to start binding your chest, and you've learned the first rule of chest binding: never use an ace bandage. "But Mister B," you ask, "where do I go from there? I could just buy Ace Bandages at Walgreens, and there are so many kinds of binders!"
WeLL. THAT IS WHERE I COME IN. I've been binding my chest nearly every day for going on three years now, and I've bought a good handful of binders. Just for you, I'm going to review all the binders I've bought on:
-Flatness- How flat will it get you?
-Comfort- Note that I'm reviewing most of these binders on a "daily wear for at least 6 hours a day" scale- how does it hold up over time?
-Versatility- Is it something you can wear in summer? In winter? Swimming? With tank tops?
-Price- How much are you going to weep softly when you pay for it? And- for those of you who aren't out to your parents- are you going to be able to afford it without arising suspicion?
SO! Without further ado, let's get to reviewin! We'll start with the first one I bought and work our way through them chronologically.
-Underworks' Ultimate Chest Binder Tank
Bought here
So everyone knows about this binder. This is the staple binder, the go-to-guy for your chest flattening needs. Everyone has been rec'ed it at some point in their life.
-Flatness- 9/10. This binder is really unbeatable for 'looks'. The flattest I've ever gotten, as a B or C cup guy, is in an Underworks. It also does the neat trick of flattening your stomach and hip/love handle area, making you overall look straighter and flatter.
There is the problem of 'armpit lumps'- when you wear the binder it tends to push the tissue up and apart, making it all kind of squish out of the armholes into your armpit area. Usually, it can be solved by just readjusting.
-Comfort- 3/10. God, this binder is a trial to wear. First and foremost, it's a bit long. To keep it from rolling up, you have to tuck it into your pants and hope it doesn't worm its way up to sit around your stomach and squeeze you to death.
Then there's the heat issue. It's dense spandex, double-layered, and it sits right against your skin. It sticks, and it builds up heat. It'll suffocate you, and peeling it off is really a two-person job.
-Versatility- 5/10. Under t-shirts and button ups, it's unparalleled. But good luck ever wearing another tank top with those wide straps. Also, it tends to discolor quickly, and no amount of washing can ever bring it back to that pristine white it was before. You don't want people to see you in this one, it does not look sexy being worn or taken off.
-Price- 5/10. At almost $30, it's not the worst I've ever paid for, but it's not something everyone's guaranteed to be able to drop. However, since there's a discount for buying 3, it's a good idea to split with friends so you can all save together.
- LoveBoat's Jersey Mesh Velcro Short Binder
Bought here
Most people have heard of LesLoveBoat, an overseas based seller that sells a lot of supplies for trans guys. I own two of their binders- the warning I'll give for both is that their packaging is not discreet. If you're not out to your family or you're in an unsafe environment, don't get this shipped to your home. Get it shipped to a friend or school.
-Flatness: 4/10. This one just doesn't have a lot of strength. The velcro slowly slips over the course of the day, and it doesn't have a lot of 'oomph' to begin with. I've heard a lot of glowing reviews for it, but to me it's only ever been about as good as my stronger sports bras. And, well, I have a chubby tum. When I take off my shirt, it pokes out under this one.
-Comfort- 8/10. It's not bad. Not much heat buildup because it's short and lightweight material. It can sometimes get a bit swampy, especially around the band. And if you're like me and need to adjust it tightly, sometimes the rough side of the velcro will dig into your armpit and/or velcro to your armpit air.
-Versatility- 7/10. The straps aren't terribly thick, so it can be work with tank tops or cutoff shirts, but because of the aforementioned limited flatness/tummy poke it's not great with tight shirts. If you buy it in dark colors, it doesn't discolor. However, it's started to fall apart on me as time has gone on- the velcro wears out from being fastened and unfastened.
-Price- 3/10. I just don't recommend paying over $40 for a binder I was only partially satisfied with. There's a better alternative later on for MUCH cheaper.
-LoveBoat's AIR M Pullover Short Chest Binder
Bought here
Same warning as above- this seller does not have discreet packaging. If you're in an unsafe home environment, get it shipped to a friend or school.
-Flatness- 7/10. It's one of the better ones I have, but it's a little loose on me. Make sure you size it properly, or you'll have a little give in the widest chest area. Also, the same 'pooch' tummy poking problem as above- though, since this one's not as long, it's a lot less of a problem. Overall, though, the double-layered chest panel gives a nice flat surface to your front.
-Comfort- 9/10. Holy shit, this is the most comfortable binder I've ever owned. That mesh back panel works wonders for releasing heat, and the double-layered front panel is actually a soft, comfortable material instead of the scratchy, snaggy Underworks lycra. I've fallen asleep wearing this thing and not even realized it. If your Underworks has nearly chafed your nipples off before, you're going to be soooo relieved by this one.
-Versatility- 9/10. It's racerback, which means it's fine to wear with most wifebeaters! The straps are nice and thin. It's super durable, never discolors, and actually looks really nice when you take off your shirt and you're just wearing this. I've worn it as a swimming binder, because it's quick-drying sports material and looks nice enough that it can just pass as a swim tank. And that material is just- so good for heat. Ideal summer binder.
-Price- 3/10. Ah. Here comes the downside. This binder is absurdly expensive. Like, I had to save up for this one. At $57, it's a genuine investment that I know a lot of people can't make. And if something were to happen to it- like some guys who've had parents throw out binders- i'd be devastated after dropping so much on it. It's just not doable for many people. Get this one when you're a lot more comfortable financially and need something for every day.
-Ebay bandeau binder
Bought here
This is a suuuper cheaply made binder that's listed under many different listings on Ebay. The listings can range anywhere from $2 to $15, and you'll need to check the seller reviews and make sure you're buying from something valid. ALSO, these run very small. While the seller usually has a list of sizes, you'll want to buy a size bigger than you think you need just in case. I've bought two of these, and they were both too small. The second one I managed to fit with bra extenders, but you reallu need to overestimate if you're larger than an A cup.
-Flatness- 8/10. What can I say? It's cheap, but it gets you pretty damn flat. That is- if you can keep yourself from spilling out of the top/bottom of it. It doesn't have a lot of give, which I'll get to later- but that means it creates a very flat surface. And unlike the first LoveBoat binder, it doesn't creat as much poking-out-stomach.
-Comfort- 2/10. Wow, something rates lower than the Underworks binder??? So. This binder has absolutely zero give to it. Most of the above binders have some sort of elastic or adjustability. This one is just a solid panel of fabric, which means it doesn't expand when you breathe. Also, it comes with these detachable straps. They're essentially rubber bra straps. You can replace them with other kinds of bra straps- clear ones, for example, or fabric ones- but it doesn't help much with comfort. The binder will try to fall down without the straps, so you need them, but once you put them on, they dig into your shoulders. It's just- really, really not for daily wear.
-Versatility- 7/10. Okay, so with all the above said- this binder is really, really great for cosplayers. Got a short crop top character and need to bind? Got a character with something strapless? Got a character who essentially wears a tube top and little else? This binder can be hidden under almost everything, and it's surreptitious. It doesn't even really look like a binder, so if your family sees it, you can pass it off as a bandeau or strapless bra-type-thing. It's cheaply made, but you can easily replace the hooks on it.
-Price- 9/10. With listings as low as $2, you honestly cannot beat this. It's uncomfortable, but buying it can cost less than a McDonald's combo if you find the right seller with cheap enouh shipping. This and the below binder are my recommendations for younger folks who just don't have the cash to spare.
-Ebay short buckle binder
Bought here
This is the most recent binder I've bought. It comes with the same warning as above- double check your seller ratings, your listing, shipping prices, and so on to make sure your purchase is legitimate. It's also cheaply made, and the hook-and-eye fasteners may need to be replaced after a few washes. With all that in mind...
-Flatness- 6/10. This has less "give" than the velcro Love Boat binder above, which means it doesn't bow out as much and distributes the weight more easily, flattening your chest easier.The fasteners help keep it in place and keep it from slipping or your chest from shifting out ot it. However, it sits at the same length so it has the same stomach pooch issue. Your tummy WILL poke out past your chest if you're not as flat-tummied as the model above.
-Comfort- 6/10. The material is extremely breathable and lightweight, so it;s a good summer binder. The fastener panel and unstretchy material means it may start to ache on your ribs after a while, so you'll need to give yourself breather breaks now and then. It doesn't rub or chafe, and for the most part it's reliable to keep you from sweating.
-Versatility- 8/10. Because it's short I wouldn't wear it as a swim top, and it can start to fall apart after a while as a result of being cheaply made. However, aside from that it has all the same features as the AirMax binder. Racer back, thin straps, light material, quick drying. Really great for muscle tanks/wifebeaters, t-shirts, you name it. Also can pass as a "sports bra" because of the bra-like fasteners on the side and the length, so a bit less suspicious to people in unsafe environments.
-Price- 9/10. This is absolutely my #1 recommendation to younger folks buying their first binder. It's so cheap it's ridiculous, which means that even if you don't get your size right the first time, you can donate it and buy a new one. It's got some of the features of other binders I like, and while it sacrifices some of the quality, it's so worth it if you can buy it for like $3. For someone looking for a daily-wear binder for gender comfort, this is #1.
So! I hope these binder reviews have hoped people make a decision! But wait- there's more!
Binding every single day can have negative effects on your body. It'll make your ribs start to ache, and over time it can cause breathing problems, possible tissue damage or even a broken rib. You need to give your body a break. On weekends, and at night when I sleep, I need to give my body a break. However, binding has made it so that my chest aches when I don't wear any form of support, so I've taken to getting wearing good compression sports bras. Below are two of my favorites, which can function as semi-binders on days when I need to be flattened slightly but want to breathe well.
Good brands of sports bras
Danskin Now High-Impact Sports Bra
C9 Champion Reversible Compression Sports Bra
Both of these are high-impact, which means that they compress as well as holding your chest in place, and can work as small-scale binders. Also, I've found they make fantastic under-binders. Combining the Danskin binder with the Ebay buckle binder gets me pretty flat, and it makes for a more comfortable bind when the buckles don't rub into my skin.
And that about does it for my binder review! In the future I may take comparison pictures for the binders and/or review the packer I've got! Thanks for stopping by and bind safely!
is about 25% trans-related stuff, 35% derpy arts, and 40% other stuff (which breaks down into about 15% Serious Business and 25% cute puppies).
There's no point to this post other than the fact that I wanted to know if anyone wanted me to do some binder reviews? I got this zaggemous zealer to talk about that I'm fixing to alter right now.
