#forthem

[thischarmingdog]

Anyone that uses chest binders:

Any experience with ForThem binders? Are they lifechangingly good? The import costs in my country are fucking astronomical, but if it's The Best Binder ever, I'll pay it.

[goemoni]

ForThem Binder Review

i just received my forthem binder. i haven't seen any reviews for the brand on here, and only about 3 total on the rest of the internet, so i thought i'd post my own. this shit isn't sponsored or anything.

if you didn't know, forthem is a new brand. their binders are meant to be a happy medium between traditional binders and sports bras. that's exactly what i've always wanted, so i bought one pretty much right away.

PROS:

super soft and comfortable material. like i cannot overstate how comfortable it is. its some kind of nylon blend, so it stretches and isn't stiff, while still offering some compression. and it's recycled material

definitely binds better than my sports bras. in my particular case, it's more comfortable too. i barely notice it's on

no breathing issues, rib pain, or back pain to speak of

it's front-back reversible. one side is scoop neck and the other is v neck. the v neck side comes up a little higher, so i find it binds a little better

fun & unique colors

CONS:

doesn't bind as well as a gc2b or underworks binder. those are the only two i've tried before, so i can't speak for other brands

i can see it not working out as well for larger chested people, due to the overall length being shorter than your average binder. however, some reviews on their actual website mention the binder working well for bigger chests, so do with that what you will

your color options are limited depending on what size you need, because they use recycled material. also only one skin color option is available (beige)

they say they'll text you at every update, but i only ever got one text that confirmed my order, and that was after i texted them first to check in a few days after placing it. no shipment tracking.

OVERALL:

i love this thing. if you're disabled in a way that affects your ability to bind, have sensory issues, are just starting to bind, or have anything else going on that makes traditional binders a not great option, i definitely recommend trying forthem.

[stal3bread]

I require advice about binders. Basically, my chest is bigger now than it used to be which means I am not getting as flat as I used to in a binder. I have Spectrum binders, and they get me sort of flat but not passably flat. So, I’m considering buying a new binder from a different brand. I’m looking at: ForThem (the MAX one, not the regular binder), CantiqLA, Amor Sensory, and Wivov. If anyone has any experience with any of these brands, please share them with me. The biggest factor for me right now is compression, though it does have to be sensory friendly which is why I’m not considering Underworks.

[littlewritersinspace]

My Moon,

Most people refer to their happiness as “sunshine” that radiates sunlight, the one that pulls them out of their darkness. But you are not my “sunshine.” You are my moon. The moonlight that shines down on me on the darkest days. Even without the stars, a pool of ethereal light radiates you in stark contrast to the black sky. You are my moon shining dimly behind clouds, but just enough to see the light in the dark, to see there is hope when I think there is none. You are the moon shining brightly on a clear sky when I feel lost in the darkness. You are my comfort and serenity at night. You are the constant moon in my life. Regardless of where I am in the world, you will always be the same moon that grounds me, the same moon I adore, the one moon I have, will, and forever love.

Selenophile

(n.) A person who loves the moon.

[ftm-radio]

Do you have any suggestions for good binder brands? I tried gc2b and their binders didn't really work for me, mainly because my chest tissue moved around a lot and after the first 5 minutes I had to readjust a lot, but I don't know if that's a common issue with all binders or specifically the one I tried. If it's an all-binders issue, do you have any other recommendations for alternative methods?

fam, i know EXACTLY what you mean regarding everything moving around too much in gc2b binders. 😫 I'm not sure if that issue is caused by the binder not quite being the right size, or if it's just how gc2b binders are shaped/constructed. Like maybe you and me are in the same boat and we just don't have the right shape for gc2b to work well with us.

I have not had personal experience with these brands, but I think some folks have had better experiences with binders from Spectrum Outfitters and Shapeshifters. Another brand I know of is Underworks, but I don't think they're recommended for anyone who isn't thin and/or small-chested bc they are tighter and more uncomfortable. (I haven't looked into them much myself, so I could be wrong but that was the general vibe I got.)

However, there is one other binder brand i DO have personal experience with—ForThem. I got one of their binders recently, and like.... I love it so very much???? They are only in the US, though. (for now?? maybe they'll be more widely available in the future? i couldnt tell ya)

hang on I'm about to ramble so let me put a cut in here before the post gets too long lmao.

ForThem binder review and discussion of TransTape under the cut! 😘

okay SO. I just went up to get mine so I can be accurate with my gushing.

here's the info printed on the inside of the binder:

The Binder; Size: Illusion

65% Polyamide, 35% Elastane, 100% recycled from waste.

Wash cold. Dry flat. Love forever.

Made just for you with love in New York City.

First, lemme tell you about the sizing—they only need one measurement. Just one. Glory hallelujah for that bc getting the measurements for my gc2b binders was a pain in the ass and confusing and I hated it. When you go to their site they have a questionnaire for you to go through to find your size and it's pretty simple. They even have a video showing you how to measure your chest. Easy peasy. And you can have them save your binder size for you to come get it again later when you're able to order.

Regarding colors—because of the way these are made, you don't really get to choose what color binder you get (mine is Forest, it's this pretty nice desaturated dark green) but you can go on a waitlist for specific colors if you want.

Oh, and their binders are reversible. One side has a scoop neck and the other has a vee neck. I tried the vee neck and personally didn't like it, the scoop neck feels more secure & it covers my chest better, but it's nice to have the option.

Additionally, these binders are only available as half tanks. I think I saw one person say they are shorter than the gc2b half tanks but I just compared it to one of my old gc2b half tanks and it's basically the same. The biggest differences between the two are the necklines and the thinner straps on the ForThem binder.

okay with all that out of the way I have to tell you about the fit & how it feels to actually wear it.

.....it's so good, y'all.

Being a half tank I was worried it would have the same issue I had with my gc2b half tanks where I could not raise my arms without my tiddies literally falling out of the binder (although to be fair my first two binders from gc2b were also too big). But I mean even with my more-correctly sized full tanks from gc2b, if I did anything or lifted my arms my chest would fall out of place and be weird and uncomfortable.

well when I got my FT binder and tried it on, that was the first thing I checked. and I could lift my arms and move all around and my tiddies stayed inside the binder where they belonged. it was honestly a miracle. I mean, it's not completely perfect—over time they do kinda get pushed to the middle of my chest kinda like a monoboob situation, but it's not nearly as bad as walking five steps in a gc2b binder and having to adjust everything.

it's also just so comfortable?? the material is very soft and nice. like on the site they went on about how lovely the material is and i was like yeah sure but then i got mine and THEY WERENT KIDDING. it is so fricking soft i cant get over it. also, I don't notice the seams at all when I wear it, and the armholes don't really annoy me either. I honestly forgot to take it off a few times bc it was so nice to wear. (don't do that, tho! 8 hours or less, depending on what your body can handle!)

as far as compression goes, I think it does a fairly good job. if I'm wearing it and I put my hands on my chest and try to smush it all even more flat, I can't get much flatter than the binder gets me. does that make sense?? idk, it does a pretty good job and when I have a shirt on it looks great! I look like just another tubby guy with an appropriate amount of man boob.

I think literally my only thing with this binder that could be a little better is that the bottom edge has a tendency roll up sometimes. but I think that's because of my bigger stomach tbh, and if I fold over the material between my chest & belly it's not noticeable but keeps it from rolling. 🤷🏻‍♂️

as a fat guy with C(?) cup tiddies, this binder works better for me than gc2b did, for sure.

aaaaaaaaand now that the impromptu FT binder review is over, you also asked about alternative methods!

so yes, I highly recommend checking out ForThem binders if you're in the US!

another method I've tried is using TransTape, and I also recommend that if you're interested!!! It's definitely not suited to everyone, though.

If you haven't heard of TransTape before, the gist of it is that instead of wearing a binder for part of the day, you apply tape to your chest to manipulate the tissue into a more masculine shape. You can wear it for multiple days, sleep in it, shower/bathe/swim in it, exercise in it, etc. It's honestly amazing.

But there is a pretty tough learning curve when it comes to application (and removal.) It takes time to learn how to get the look/shape you want, but if you keep at it it's definitely worth it.

on the other hand, removing the tape is a whole other thing, and is my least favorite part. 😩

Basically, to remove the tape safely, you have to use oil to break down the adhesive, which is messy and annoying and requires a lot of time and patience. if you do not remove the tape properly, you will have a lot of ouch in your future, specifically in the form of abrasions and torn skin and sores/blisters (although the former is also dependent on application). and the worst part is, if you have any wounds from removal you can't use tape again until it's healed because that would be begging for trouble. (and infection.)

I personally had just.. the most awful trouble with removal. at first I was too impatient and pulled on the tape too much and didn't really give the oil time to do its job, but then even with my very last attempt when I tried SO HARD to be patient and waited for much longer than the recommended time, I was left with really sore and irritated skin despite feeling like it was the best i'd done at removing it. 😔

it was just really upsetting after a while, and it's part of the reason why I have taken a break from trans tape. the other reason is financial—i'd used up all the tape i had, and i couldnt really afford to keep buying more. depending on what size tape you get it can be almost 20 bucks a roll, and since I use two different sizes my next order would have been a little over $40. the ForThem binder I was eyeing was only a little more than that, and I figured spending the money on something I only had to buy once that would last for ages if it worked for me would be better than spending 40 dollars every month or so on tape that didn't seem to agree with me. 🥲

now, I've kind of done trans tape dirty by talking about the negatives first (sorry trans tape) but it is genuinely my favorite binding method.

when I got a little better at applying it, it was amazing and I had just the best euphoria. I didn't have to think about my chest, I didn't have to wear anything under my shirt, I didn't have to feel my chest move and bounce around because it was good and secure under the tape. I even got to enjoy being shirtless in my room for a bit one night, and it felt so comfortable and natural and wonderful that I'm.... not gonna think about it too much more or I'll get sad lmao

I'm not sure exactly what my problem with the tape was. I don't know if I had some very slight allergy to the adhesive that got worse the more I used it, or if it had something to do with using too much tape on my chest than my skin could handle, or if maybe bc I have eczema in a few places the skin on my chest is also too sensitive?? I don't know. maybe someday I can give it another go and try to figure it out.

but my point is, the issues I had with the tape that are preventing me from using it might not necessarily be problems for you, so if you are interested and are able to, I recommend looking into this particular method of tiddy-taming!!

it doesn't work for everyone, but goddamn, when it does work it is so flipping good. 😫💔

[crowsa]

For Who?: A Disgruntled Review of the For Them “Binder”

2.5 stars

Don’t get me wrong, the For Them product has many good features, but it cannot in good faith be called a binder.

Although the compression and security is real, this binder works like and creates the shape of a sports bra. It leaves you with a rounded, thick-chested appearance. It feels very held-in-place I can say that much, but it is hard to wear and does not do much to alleviate dysphoria. Were the binder exceedingly comfortable, or safe to be used for physical exertion, the shaping failure could be forgiven. But it is not. It compresses and seems to get tighter over time, from the second it's on to the moment before it's off, and without a doubt immediately and continuously enforces shallow breathing. Even as I sit typing this review, exerting nothing but brainpower, inhaling and exhaling regularly is a struggle. It takes effort. Maybe I got a size too small, but the size itself is not difficult to put on or take off; it doesn’t pinch. The material is nice and smooth, but I was skeptical as soon as I held it — it is over 60% spandex which contributes to this loose rounded shape and continual tightening sensation without actual flatness.

In terms of actually receiving the thing, it was a mild nightmare. I had high hopes for this binder when I followed an Instagram ad to order it in early May; I thought it might give me something to wear for the summer, even on its own. Somehow, my order never came through; it was never shipped; then it was out of stock; then it was out of color; and finally, the final week of August, when September starts in a week, I received this binder. The customer service was interesting during this time. They texted me back, but not with a lot of detail or regularity. And all I got for the three-month delay in receiving this hopeful investment venture was a binder in grey (when I originally ordered navy blue and then requested orange for their first offered replacement, which was out), and the promise of 10% off a future order. I wish this product was fulfilling enough that I wanted to get another. If the product was absolutely great, I wouldn’t even mention the company’s apparent organization struggles. However, it mostly leaves me feeling misunderstood.

After twenty minutes of sitting and wearing the For Them binder, I’ve been constantly aware of my breathing and my chest, and I still have a rounded hump there. What else can I say. I wish I could wear this as a compromise for activities or chill hanging out, because it definitely has more compression than your average sports bra, but it's so uncomfortable it’s making my back hurt just sitting at home. I’m not disappointed ,because throughout the months of not receiving it and upon a closer look at the promotional photoshoots, I got a pretty diminished-hope sense of how it would be.

If you want to have a smaller but still visibly rounded and prominent chest, and don’t mind feeling increasingly constricted, if you want to feel like you’re wearing a binder without the results of wearing one — maybe this product is for you. If you have genuine chest dysphoria and desire livability with a flat feel and appearance, don’t waste your time and money on a For Them binder. Primarily, it only reinforced my feeling that I desperately need to get top surgery so that I never have to wear a binder again.

I’m going to go take it off now. In further consideration, the most helpful thing this binder might do is give me even more increased back pain that leads my insurance to more smoothly cover a breast reduction. <3

[binder-reviews-by-arden]

forthem binder review

i just received this binder in the mail, and decided to post a review. details under the cut

i was a size "ethereal" in this brand. First off, can I mention how much I hate the sizing this company uses? “we dont do sizing bc body positivity” honestly id rather be called fat then go through that confusing shit. picking out your body shape was also confusing as hell, none of those looked like my shape at all. in an effort to be body positive, they just ended up being really confusing and honestly a little insulting. like, come on. kindred? ethereal? fire? amethyst? balance? what the hell do those even mean. i get its supposed to be like “omg sizes dont really MEAN anything” but since they GET the sizes from the apex chest measurement, it would make SO MUCH MORE SENSE for the sizes to just have a number that represent that measurement. way easier than taking the stupid fucking customization quiz every time you wanna see your size. if you were so concerned abt people seeing a number associated with their body, then why are you having measurements at all? if you acknowledge that measurements are incredibly important for clothing (which they are), then WHY are you trying so hard to avoid that fact when giving people their sizes. just condescending especially since the person who made the goddamn things LOOKS pretty thin to begin with so like… who is this helping. just feels off to me. does anyone feel GENUINELY better about themselves bc a quiz called them size “fire” instead of a size “40” after their chest measurement?

but back to the actual binder review. The binder was pretty easy to put on, no issues there. The colour I got for "forest green". The fabric feels kind of like thick swimsuit fabric. It pinched a little under my armpits but I'll go into why I don't want to get a bigger size later. This is likely just due to my stupid disproportionately large ribcage than a flaw with the company's sizing. The reversible style of the binder was pretty interesting. It was fairly comfortable to wear.

As for the actual binding quality? Not good, and worse than all of the binders I've previously reviewed. Honestly fits like a sports bra, which is weird because I could feel it compressing: I got that kind of breathless feeling right after I took it off. The compression I could feel was roughly the same feeling I got with my gc2b binder, except the gc2b binder made me considerably flatter. This is likely due to the front panel design, while the forthem binder is just the same all around. This is the reason why I don't want to get a size up, since it would likely be completely useless even as a bra. I was in the middle of the measurement for my size too. The pinching will likely go away when it stretches though, and i remember a similar feeling when wearing my gc2b binder for the first time.

Comparison of my wearing the forthem binder in a tight-ish t shirt vs a regular bra in the same t shirt:

overall, would i recommend this binder? No, it's not worth the price. These binders cost $48, I got mine for a little less because I found a coupon code but that's way too much for what you get. Considering returning it so I can use the money to buy a different binder. It's comfortable but only a little more comfortable than my gc2b binder and that one compresses way better, so I'd just recommend getting a gc2b.

(a side note: im not trans (butch lesbian), but i tagged the post as such so this review would reach people most likely to buy and wear binders so it's as helpful as possible for anyone trying to find good binder brands. just wanted to clear things up in case anyone was wondering, don't want to claim stake within a community im not technically apart of)

[theonlinevegan]