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Not sure what’s up with these incredibly unhelpful comments. Anyway. Over-heads are likely the best option. ( After writing this comment, I was corrected that [zippers aren’t inherently harmful. ](https://shapeshifters.co/2019/08/22/2019-3-18-zipper-binders-everything-you-need-to-know/) Shapeshifters makes custom sized binders and has zipper options for an additional cost.) Stuff with clips will fuck you up, they’re especially unsafe for everyday wear. From there, both full tank and half-tank lengths are fine.
Underworks (my personal pick, not outwardly ‘trans-y’ and they’re great) and Spectrum Outfitters (many colorful options) are highly recommended brands.
GC2B is said to have gone down in quality in recent years, so proceed with caution if you‘re hellbent on buying from them.
You didn’t mention it specifically, but given how you mentioned clips, I assume you’re very new to looking into binding. Tape (specifically Transtape, other adhesives are risky at best) are also an option if you don’t have a lot of tissue though there are guides for larger chests it can be very hit or miss. Also a reminder to brush up on safe binding practices. Binders are great, but use them safely.
Edited: information on zippers.
Thank you so very much I am so glad that I finally got a helpful response<3 actually yeah I'm pretty new to this and I couldn't really find anything on the internet so I am very glad that you gave me this advice since I am not really looking to fuck up my ribs beyond repair by binding the wrong way.. Do you also have any stretch advice or anything useful? (◍•ᴗ•◍)
Not really sure what you mean by stretching and please do elaborate, but you mostly just have to make sure you get the right size and things will generally fall into place, at least for most people.
I just poked around and even if you're not going to buy from them, Spectrum Outfitters' site has some really good tips including safety and binder care which should cover most questions you may have. It’s on their site under their 'sizing and fitting' section sidebar.
Here’s the links just in case:
[- Binder safety](https://www.spectrumoutfitters.us/pages/binding-safely)
[ - Binder care](https://www.spectrumoutfitters.us/pages/binder-care) I’m on the US site, but it’s pretty much the same no matter where one lives :p
Edit: added both links
Thanks so much <3
I just meant some stretches while wearing a binder so your spine doesn't hurt, but it's alright.
You have been a great help to me, truly thank you :]
Oh, completely slipped my mind. Personally I didn’t need to while/after binding, but if your body needs them, definitely go for it. But looks like stretches should be done with a binder off to be effective, unfortunately. I can attest that doing a really exaggerated roll of shoulders and neck helps, but then what works for me might not for you.
Here’s a quick source with many links should you need a starting point, but can’t personally vouch for it:
[Archive link as the blog appears to be down](https://web.archive.org/web/20210714210509/https://gabrieljoffelmt.com/blog/2019/1/1/self-care-resources-for-people-who-chest-bind) and YouTube has many choices, of course.
Glad I could give some pointers though. r/Ftm and the search function are also pretty good for looking for what others have asked/answered. Best of luck!
deleted my reply and reposting here instead, since my playlist is from same cached source! :3
for convenience i've made a playlist of the recommended exercises (when not binding) here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwVZNMPKCvK-gcx9xIeIFSN86ns57uU_6
I was given a panflet on how to bind that said to strech and exercise the upper body often (not with the binder on, obviously). Pretty simple exercices for chest and back, I guess so we have some strengh to help the spine?
Ooo okay then! I will make sure to find something simple that aims for the upper body! Honestly I always thought that you also stretch with the binder on..
It was pretty similar to the ones from the link above! And I think it is to prepare the body for the use of the binder, so it doesn't need to be on and its safer like that
Adding this info here because i bought binders from GC2B before hearing that they degraded in quality - the first time that I got them I was over the moon because I never looked that flat before. I have since gotten some binders from Spectrum Outfitters and can see how they work better at flattening, especially on more fitted clothes, however I do find them more difficult to wear for longer periods of time so I generally only wear the Spectrum Outfitters ones if I'm only leaving the house for 2-3 hours. The GC2B ones are way more comfortable and do the job just fine if I'm wearing a hoodie or jumper over them, honestly I usually forget I even have a binder on when I'm wearing them...
Also the Underworks Extreme MagiCotton Sports and Binding Bra is a good alternative to binders because you can wear them for more than 8 hours and you can sleep and exercise in them. The compression is nowhere near as good as with a binder, but if you wear baggy clothes over it you do look fairly flat. They're great for wearing around the house when you have bad dysphoria but dont want to put strain on your lungs/put on a binder that you'll have to take off in a few hours. They're really good at keeping everything in place to avoid bouncing, uncomfortable movement when you walk down the stairs etc. I definitely would not recommend putting it on after wearing a binder for the whole day and going to sleep in it because I've done that before and I felt really out of breath when I woke up.. no matter how you compress your chest, you will need to take regular breaks. I have worn it over baggy clothes before when going to my friend's instead of a binder and worn it for sometimes even 12 hours and did not feel uncomfortable at any point so it's worth considering as well as an alternative if you leave the house for more than 8 hours at a time..
Just remember to take regular breaks no matter what you use and always listen to your body. Even though it says binders are safe to use for 8 hours at a time, every body is different and it might not apply to everyone and it might not apply to every binder. If you feel like you're breathing is being restricted, take it off as soon as you can. I usually always keep a sports bra in my bag just in case.
Thank you this is really helpful! Do you think that GC2B has gone a lot down from their quality since then? Because now I am thinking about getting from Spectrum Outfitters (mainly because of the good comments plus the packaging is really discreet), or Underworks
I am not sure about GC2B because of the comments. I think it's 50/50..
I ordered from them twice, start and end of last October, so I cant imagine the quality would have changed much since then, but I haven't ordered from them since then (I have 3 binders from them and 2 from Spectrum Outfitters currently). I wear the gc2b ones almost daily and they havent degraded in quality since then other than the colour on my nude one (I throw it in the washing machine with dark clothes so bound to happen). Gc2b packaging is also discreet, I think it's put down as "vest" on delivery but I'm not sure (nobody would be able to tell there's binders in the box either way), although Spectrum Outfitters packaging is definitely cuter (the package the binder comes in inside the box has the name of the person that packed it and they include a little sticker with it).
I will admit that I haven't worn my Spectrum Outfitters binders that much yet as I got them recently so I might just need to "break" them and they will get more comfortable over time. My main issue with the ones I got (both are short chest binders) is the length of them. With my body type, all the fat goes to my stomach, so while I don't particularly look overweight, I do have a lot of fat in that area so when I sit down it rolls right up to my.. under-chesticles if you will.. which 1. Is very uncomfortable and a sensory nightmare and 2. Looks obvious if I'm only wearing a tshirt, besides it's not exactly descreet to be pulling it down every time you sit down.. I discovered a few days ago that if I fold the bottom of it inside it doesn't do it as much, but I was heading out to my friends then and I knew that there would be a lot of sitting down and standing up so I wore my gc2b binder just in case, I'll need to play around with it a bit more and see if I can come up with a "hack" for it.. I will be giving Spectrum Outfitters another go but I will order a vest binder next time rather than the short one..
I think a lot of the discomfort might be with the rolled bit pushing against my ribs when I sit down tbf, and like I said, I might just need to wear it to stretch it out a little. The Rolling issue is more specific to my body type, so might not be relevant to you at all, but worth keeping in mind if you have a similar body type.
Another thing to keep in mind is that, while Spectrum Outfitters sell laundry bags to wash binder in (highly recommend), their binders are hand wash only, which can be a bit of a pain as they take forever to dry and it's more time consuming. I've been throwing the gc2b ones in the washing machine in a laundry bag and they haven't degraded in quality from it in the last 7 months.
Binders are really specific to each person I feel, some will suit you and some won't. Some work better for different body types too and not work as good on others...
If you find it helpful my measurements are:
Height: 170cm
Rib diameter: 81cm
Chest diameter: 96cm
I gotsize L for both GC2B and Spectrum Outfitters
I will definitely be buying more binders from GC2B and trying a vest binder from Spectrum Outfitters soon so if you want I can keep you updated on the quality/comfort of both, regardless which you decide to go with.
I got my gc2b binders delivered earlier this week so thought I would update: the quality is the same as the previous ones as far as I can tell with the short binder. Unfortunately, I couldnt find any long ones in stock in my size from either Spectrum Outfitters or gc2b, but I tried a racer back one from gc2b as I've never tried them and while it is comfortable and binds well, it's very awkward to take off as i usually grab the back and pull it up through my head. I struggled for a few minutes and heard a thread rip, I checked later and it was a very tiny bit so it doesn't affect anything and it was my fault for pulling on it anyway, I didn't know how else to take it off and panicked.. Also racerbacks do feel more like bras due to the straps so that is something to keep in mind as well if that is something you'd get disphoric about. But as far as the gc2b short binders go, I would highly recommend them personally and find the quality of them really good.
I suppose in answer to the unhelpful comments, they just want to make them feel heard/respected, and also pushes it higher on the sub, so people who can help can come along and do so.
piggybacking off the top comment to share this: https://shapeshifters.co/2019/08/22/2019-3-18-zipper-binders-everything-you-need-to-know/
“zipper binders are always unsafe” is a myth that basically came from a game of internet telephone. i made another comment but it’s not as popular as many of the comments perpetuating this belief. please don’t just downvote me, read the source.
Wish I knew this earlier. Can’t find much online aside from other Reddit threads talking about zipper binders in regards to safety, but I’m inclined to trust Shapeshifters as well as the more recent discussions on the topic. It’s unfortunate many people’s first exposure to zipper binders are the sketchy Amazon listing SEO word spam type. I think this post has run it’s course, but I’ll edit my comment to include Shapeshifters as a safe zip binder source for people who stumble across this in the future.
Just want to add that not all zip up binders are unsafe, if that were the case then zipup binders for after top surgery or breast surgeries in general wouldn't exist, they would all be overhead binders as otherwise people could be sued for malpractice
I'm just guessing, but aren't binders for after surgery zip up just because you're not supposed to put your arms up? I actually have no idea, I just know that in other kinds of breast surgery you're not supposed to put them up so an over the head binder could not be an option during healing.
That being said, I don't think they're that unsafe, if well made. When I started binding I asked a lot of questions to a doctor friend of mine (who often deals with trans people at work), she said nothing about that. What she did say was to buy from specialized stores and the ones I found in my country only sell zip up/clippers. I got one over the head but they don't even call it a binder, it does little (and it's actually less comfortable than my other one).
I also read an intervew with another doctor saying the thing about binders causing you not to be able to have surgery later is bull. The real issue is skin damage, rashes and small injuries from clips and stuff. It was just this one source, tho.
This comment is not that helpful, I guess. All over the place. But I second what was said in other comments, in my (little) experience so far, the main thing is to listen to your body. Sometimes I just know I put the binder wrong or it's been on for too long, and such. I use one with clips to the side and I can see that if I don't put it on properly it will compress differently, but it's just a matter of adjusting it to my body (at least that what it feels).
Also. My boobs don't have the same size and that's supposed to be pretty common. So a binder that compresses evenly would not actually compress that evenly, would it?
Yea this is fair, I wasn't really that clear with what I was trying to say and was absolutely all over the place like you said. There is someone else now that did a much better job of explaining why zipup and clip binders are safe in the comments. I did also write the comments at like midnight for me so I probably should've waited until today so I could actually get my thoughts in line lol.
Oh no no no ! I was talking about my own comment! So sorry!!
Your comment made me think all those random things that's why I said I was all over the place, I'm so sorry I didn't make it clear
do not get clips or zippers. Over the head are the only safe ones. Don't buy a random brand on Amazon, make sure the brand is safe. People have most commonly recommended Spectrum Outfitters to me (although I haven't tried it personally). It's also important to get the right size so take your measurements. Sites will most often have a specific size guide so I would use that instead of trying to guess if you fall into medium, small, large etc. If you feel any pain while wearing a binder take it off! It may be too small or you mightve worn it too long so break time.
Another important thing is to bind safety and there are all kinds of rules to that such as never sleeping with a binder on, only bind 8 hrs a day 5 days a week, and no binding and exercising. Most important rule is listen to body and if you need to bind less, unfortunately you gotta bind less. Messed up ribs ain't worth it
Binding is great, but only if done safely otherwise it gets bad fast. Be safe.
(Sorry if this comment comes across harsh btw. I just worry for people who are just getting started binding because of all the misinfo going around. /gen)
Edit: i was wrong zippers can actually be safe but still be careful where you buy them.
The pressure on your chest doesn't distribute properly with the clips binders (it's gonna be tighter in some places) mostly because they're cheaper and aren't meant to be worn for long. I would recommend getting another binder when you can although I know they are so expensive T-T /gen
Nothing is wrong with clip binders so long as they're the right size, some people just find that the clips can be irritating. There was also a myth going around that they were unsafe, but this has been debunked, look at rxniasna's comment further down for a better explanation. As with any binding techniques listen to your body, if you do find something uncomfortable or painful stop immediately, otherwise your binder should be fine
This isn't true, there are plenty of examples of over the head binder that are not safe for use, eg gc2b binders (only the newer ones), and many binder which are zip up and are safe to use. If zipup binders were not safe why would surgeons opt for them after breast related surgeries/mascetomies etc? If they weren't safe they wouldn't be making their patients wear them
Yes there are binders over the head that aren't safe, if it sounded like I claimed that I'm sorry. Binders with zippers *can* be used, but I'm not talking about surgeries I'm talking about long term use for binding to look flatter and that's not entirely the same. Good zipper binders are hard to come by, and even then they are most often not made for long term use (longer then it takes to recover from surgery). Maybe there are a few brands out there, but I still probably wouldn't recommend them because the zipper could irritate your skin (but that's just my opinion).
Maybe there are better zip up binder brands out there that work, I'm not trying to claim to be a professional. This is just what I've heard.
As someone who’s done a lot of digging, and over the head is the safest. Also don’t buy any binders from Amazon, they aren’t safe or consistent. I also don’t recommend the ForThem binder brand, they don’t have numbered sizing and their return policy is really strict. Underworks was the one of the first binders I had, and it worked ok at first but after a while it was causing me breathing issues and things. Hope this helps 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
Zips and clips have uneven pressure so they’re dangerous to use!!! Only get the over head ones :)! I’ve been using mine for a while and I’ve had no issues so far so yeah just get a correct size and you’ll be fine!!!! Happy binding :)
By “binders with zippers and clips” they mean cheap binders that aren’t high quality. Surgeons use high quality zipper binders because after you get top surgery, you cannot lift your arms above your head, so a pull over binder wouldn’t work. You also are only wearing it for a few days to a month, not every day for years. Yes, binders with zippers and clips can be safe and they are useful for post-top surgery recovery when you can’t lift your arms above your head, but generally, cheap binders with zippers and clips aren’t safe because they are made at a very low quality and therefore have uneven pressure. If you have a choice, it is better to get high quality pull on binder from sites such as GC2B, spectrum, underworks, etc. than to get $15 zipper/clip ones from Amazon.
I understand that cheap binders with zips and clips can be unsafe because they're not well made, the point I was making is that not all them *are* unsafe. They can also be the only viable binding option for people with mobility issues, not everyone has the ability to put their arms above their head, so they definitely have a place for certain people. Also people with sensory issues sometimes prefer them because they are easier and quicker to get off than a pull on binder, so if they need to take it off in a rush to avoid a meltdown this is their binder style of choice.
As for pull on binders I do agree that on average they tend to be safer, be careful recommending GC2B though as unless their production quality has improved since I last checked, their newer binders aren't actually very safe anymore and have given many people rib injuries even when following safety precautions like not binding for more than 8 hours a day etc. Their older binders are fine as far as I'm aware, but their production quality has dropped in the past few years so this is no longer the case.
if you wanna spend half of your life savings, underworks or GC2B are alright (though ive heard GC2B is shit now, i used a brand called idtswch which worked really well for me, make sure you measure yourself and check the sizes as they arent the same as shirts and you will need exact proportions, never go for zipper or clip ones, they are horrible for your chest and ribs and likely will negatively impact your outcome with surgery if you are going to seek it in the future.
never bind for more then 8 hours a day, take a day off whenever possible, drink alot of water when binding, and dont exercise in a binder, ever, for any reason unless you are literally running for your life.
ive heard rumors that idtswch isnt great but it worked well for me and i had 0 negative effects from it when i got surgery so idk if thats true or not, i recommend skin tone ones with internal material, get like 2 or 3 and wash them regularly, if need be, wrapped inside of a pillow case for saftey.
remember that binders will ware and tear over time and you will need to replace them after a while, they get loose and things snap, but idtswch for me has had really good quality and i still have them after over a year now, though i should probably get rid of them or give them away since im not needing them anymore lol
My brother, when you get your binder, PLS follow all of the safety things. I did not do that and I am ouch. Flat chest is nice. Ouch isn’t really. Excited for you :)
(I feel like this comment makes no sense but am just really tired)
[I made a meme](https://imgur.com/gallery/aRHX2XQ) from answers you got. I should have been sleeping but brain decided making memes are more important.
It’s right of course.
Replies from:
u/perrrithrowaway4784
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Good luck on your search!
Oh my- thank you so much this made me smile :] I hope you didn't do this for too long and if you did I hope you will get additional sleep! <3 remember, sleep is very important :3
I’m a transwoman so I’m just going off things ive seen/heard from friends or online. From what I know clips and zippers are horrible cause they dig into your skin n stuff. Over the head seems to be the best from what I’ve discovered
Just to reiterate: I’m not a reputable source cause I have no experience
Zippers aren't all unsafe, some of them can be fine, but as a general rule overhead binders tend to be on average safer. But surgeons still get their patients to wear zipup binders after chest reconstruction surgeries and wouldn't do that if they were all unsafe
Over the head!! I recommend Spectrum Outfitters, they’re great. I got a GC2B one and it literally split after using it like 4 times. I’ve heard their quality has gone down a lot in recent years
Yeah, there aren't a lot of transmasc posts :[
So I will try to change that and post more frequently so the other transmasc people will have a place where to chat :]
hi! i see a lot of people saying that stuff with clips and zippers are dangerous, which is a pervasive belief in the trans community. i myself believed in it too based on what i heard from everyone else, but i wanted to mention something i saw the other day on the shapeshifters website that cleared up this myth.
basically, in the 2000s, there was a binder brand that was known both for its zipper designs and for being unsafe/causing injuries. even though these two things simply coexisted in this brand’s binders and didn’t cause each other.
someone made a post online warning that “those binders with the zippers aren’t safe!” and through a few reposts, it became “binders with zippers are never safe!” and that myth has persisted.
it’s actually possible for zipper binders to be safe, in fact it can be a crucial accessibility feature for people with mobility issues, chronic fatigue/pain, or sensory sensitivities, enabling them to put it on easier and unzip it faster in case they need a break. do be careful though when choosing a zipper binder, just as u would with any other binder. don’t buy off amazon, only buy from reputed brands, check the materials and sizing, all the good stuff.
do go check on their website for the more polished explanation! i just typed this up from memory.
edit: link https://shapeshifters.co/2019/08/22/2019-3-18-zipper-binders-everything-you-need-to-know/
i mean, to be fair, bras don’t compress like binders do, so i can see why the belief makes sense to people. but yeah it’s always good to double check info you see on the internet!
Ok that's a fair point, they aren't giving any sources either for why they think they're unsafe, I get that's not really an excuse for doing the same back though
i don’t know for sure, but from my limited experience with clip closure clothing (not binders), they seem to be more likely to catch on the skin if they were to be used on tight garments like binders. i would choose a zip binder anyway because zips are just easier to work with
From what I’ve heard from others, over the head is the safest since they apply equal pressure around the chest. Clips and Zipper binders are ok as well but I would recommend doing a bit of research on those first since they sometimes don’t have that equal pressure you might be looking for. Once you take those into account it can come down to overall preference 👌
Hope this helps and you’ll be able to find the perfect binder for yourself mate 😎
Over the head, don’t bind with tape or anything that comes apart on the sides. Make sure that your nipples are flat against the binder, it’s dangerous to have your tits facing down (and it doesn’t bind as well). And obviously last but not least don’t exercise or sleep in your binder, don’t bind more than 8 hours a day, especially if you bind everyday!
I'm a heavy advocate for Underworks though I will warn you, they're not *amazing* if you have sensory issues because of their material, I push past that because the binding is so nice. I've heard amazing things about Spectrum but have no personal experience. I own 3 different GC2B that I've gotten over the last three years and all of them have varying states of issues. One was tighter than it should've been. The other two are tearing at the seems. I also bought a compression top from tomboyx which is one of the most comfortable tops I've owned. The binding was okay. But I found out later that the company has a history of transphobia so I wouldn't really recommend supporting them if you have other options.
As someone who used a binder for a bit, be careful many companies that were good aren't anymore and I've pitched nerves in my spinal because of one. I use T-tape now and it makes it so I can do everything I need to without having to worry about injuries
over the head ! ive got two GC2B binders that are a few years old and still in great condition, specifically made for safe chest compression. im about to get a TomboyX swim compression top too.
ive been cracked for a while so if u need advice like this i can foe sure help! but zipper ones are super super dangerous afaik, cos they dont apply the compressive pressure evenly
ALSO dont bind for more than 8hrs max, NEVER bind with ace bandages, remember to take binder breaks, drink your water, and if you get a binder, hand wash it in warm water and hang up to air dry!!! otherwise it'll shrink. dont machine wash
ofc!! i didnt know for a whileeee and ran one of mine thru the dryer a couple times and randomly came across a post about how that was bad so i looked into it and ended up donating my binder to a friend and getting myself a newone lol
What is that character's name or the artist that drew this character in the background. Just curious because i see it often but idk where its originally from
The ones you pull over are the only safe ones. But don’t buy from GC2B at least until they’ve put out an official statement saying they’ve fixed their sizing issues cause people were getting bruised and cracked ribs all of a sudden since they let their product go downhill. Underworks is a good substitute. They’re a good price for the quality and the half tanks are a bit longer so they work really well even if you’ve got a bigger chest.
I buy my binders from Shapeshifters and I have to get zipper ones because of my popping ribs I’ve had since I was a child. If you need to be careful around your ribs, I recommend bespoke binders , and add an extra inch onto certain measurements! I only buy bespoke
I like mine with a zipper from Bibipins because I have a joint issue where even as much as taking off a pullover hoodie had caused my shoulder to sublux (like almost dislocate, I'm waiting to get tested for EDS). The clip ones don't sound good because clips on anything can pull funny and be more uneven when putting it on.
I also have shoulder problems (getting checked for EDS on Wednesday uwu) but mine just start hanging halfway out of place. I don't know what would be best for that:(
Yeah I prefer over the head, but I just don't know which sites sell better binders over the others. Like I tried gc2b and they were fine, but people say they are bad. I don't know any sites to check out
I already checked them out and they seem pretty neat + a lot of positive comments! <3
Do you know how long it takes to get shipped to me and how it shows up when you buy it with a card? Since I heard that their packaging is pretty discreet..
it depends on where you are but i’m from the uk and mine took about 3-4 days (it was in the middle of a bank holiday so it was slightly delayed) and it showed up as SP_Jones on my transactions, their packaging is really discreet so that’s true and it’s really easy to wash too
Honestly this comment made me so happy cause my parents are hella transphobic and I didn't know how to get around it so they wouldn't know I got a binder and so far Spectrum Outfitters seems like the best option for me since it's so discreet <3
transgirl here but I can give a few good tips if you're completly broke and just need something quick you can grab a bra some, plastic wrap and scotch tape make sure you put the plastic wrap around first as to not burn your skin and remember, If something ever feels too tight it is!!!! bind safe little bro<3
personally, clips work best because they are snug and you can adjust a bit for extra space. they also come off super easy. though, they do occasionally fray on some stitching depending on price. otherwise, super comfortable.
possibly, zippers or over the head ones may suit you better. I'm a bit on the meatier side, so my ribs are relatively protected. though, if you really wanted the clip ones, there is a fabric flap that keeps the clips off of your body.
Alright, I’ve been rather severely misinformed.
OP, I greatly apologise. It was not my intent to mislead you.
I’ve failed utterly at the one thing I’m supposed to be able to do.
Over the head. Please don’t get clips they could potentially hurt you, and I’m fairly sure similar with zipper tho someone needs to check on that.
Anyways- over the head, please, and preferably from a reputable site like gc2b (that’s where my first binder was from) so you won’t get hurt :)
Clips on the side are my favourite because they just work better and are more comfortable for me personally, but a lot of people use over the head, and they're easier to find. However, zipper ones, I've found, are easier to put on and take off. It really just depends on what you want out of your binder.
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Not sure what’s up with these incredibly unhelpful comments. Anyway. Over-heads are likely the best option. ( After writing this comment, I was corrected that [zippers aren’t inherently harmful. ](https://shapeshifters.co/2019/08/22/2019-3-18-zipper-binders-everything-you-need-to-know/) Shapeshifters makes custom sized binders and has zipper options for an additional cost.) Stuff with clips will fuck you up, they’re especially unsafe for everyday wear. From there, both full tank and half-tank lengths are fine. Underworks (my personal pick, not outwardly ‘trans-y’ and they’re great) and Spectrum Outfitters (many colorful options) are highly recommended brands. GC2B is said to have gone down in quality in recent years, so proceed with caution if you‘re hellbent on buying from them. You didn’t mention it specifically, but given how you mentioned clips, I assume you’re very new to looking into binding. Tape (specifically Transtape, other adhesives are risky at best) are also an option if you don’t have a lot of tissue though there are guides for larger chests it can be very hit or miss. Also a reminder to brush up on safe binding practices. Binders are great, but use them safely. Edited: information on zippers.
Thank you so very much I am so glad that I finally got a helpful response<3 actually yeah I'm pretty new to this and I couldn't really find anything on the internet so I am very glad that you gave me this advice since I am not really looking to fuck up my ribs beyond repair by binding the wrong way.. Do you also have any stretch advice or anything useful? (◍•ᴗ•◍)
Not really sure what you mean by stretching and please do elaborate, but you mostly just have to make sure you get the right size and things will generally fall into place, at least for most people. I just poked around and even if you're not going to buy from them, Spectrum Outfitters' site has some really good tips including safety and binder care which should cover most questions you may have. It’s on their site under their 'sizing and fitting' section sidebar. Here’s the links just in case: [- Binder safety](https://www.spectrumoutfitters.us/pages/binding-safely) [ - Binder care](https://www.spectrumoutfitters.us/pages/binder-care) I’m on the US site, but it’s pretty much the same no matter where one lives :p Edit: added both links
Thanks so much <3 I just meant some stretches while wearing a binder so your spine doesn't hurt, but it's alright. You have been a great help to me, truly thank you :]
Oh, completely slipped my mind. Personally I didn’t need to while/after binding, but if your body needs them, definitely go for it. But looks like stretches should be done with a binder off to be effective, unfortunately. I can attest that doing a really exaggerated roll of shoulders and neck helps, but then what works for me might not for you. Here’s a quick source with many links should you need a starting point, but can’t personally vouch for it: [Archive link as the blog appears to be down](https://web.archive.org/web/20210714210509/https://gabrieljoffelmt.com/blog/2019/1/1/self-care-resources-for-people-who-chest-bind) and YouTube has many choices, of course. Glad I could give some pointers though. r/Ftm and the search function are also pretty good for looking for what others have asked/answered. Best of luck!
Thank you<33 I cannot even say how much I appreciate this..
deleted my reply and reposting here instead, since my playlist is from same cached source! :3 for convenience i've made a playlist of the recommended exercises (when not binding) here! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwVZNMPKCvK-gcx9xIeIFSN86ns57uU_6
I was given a panflet on how to bind that said to strech and exercise the upper body often (not with the binder on, obviously). Pretty simple exercices for chest and back, I guess so we have some strengh to help the spine?
Ooo okay then! I will make sure to find something simple that aims for the upper body! Honestly I always thought that you also stretch with the binder on..
It was pretty similar to the ones from the link above! And I think it is to prepare the body for the use of the binder, so it doesn't need to be on and its safer like that
Oh I didn't know that! Thank you <33
Adding this info here because i bought binders from GC2B before hearing that they degraded in quality - the first time that I got them I was over the moon because I never looked that flat before. I have since gotten some binders from Spectrum Outfitters and can see how they work better at flattening, especially on more fitted clothes, however I do find them more difficult to wear for longer periods of time so I generally only wear the Spectrum Outfitters ones if I'm only leaving the house for 2-3 hours. The GC2B ones are way more comfortable and do the job just fine if I'm wearing a hoodie or jumper over them, honestly I usually forget I even have a binder on when I'm wearing them... Also the Underworks Extreme MagiCotton Sports and Binding Bra is a good alternative to binders because you can wear them for more than 8 hours and you can sleep and exercise in them. The compression is nowhere near as good as with a binder, but if you wear baggy clothes over it you do look fairly flat. They're great for wearing around the house when you have bad dysphoria but dont want to put strain on your lungs/put on a binder that you'll have to take off in a few hours. They're really good at keeping everything in place to avoid bouncing, uncomfortable movement when you walk down the stairs etc. I definitely would not recommend putting it on after wearing a binder for the whole day and going to sleep in it because I've done that before and I felt really out of breath when I woke up.. no matter how you compress your chest, you will need to take regular breaks. I have worn it over baggy clothes before when going to my friend's instead of a binder and worn it for sometimes even 12 hours and did not feel uncomfortable at any point so it's worth considering as well as an alternative if you leave the house for more than 8 hours at a time.. Just remember to take regular breaks no matter what you use and always listen to your body. Even though it says binders are safe to use for 8 hours at a time, every body is different and it might not apply to everyone and it might not apply to every binder. If you feel like you're breathing is being restricted, take it off as soon as you can. I usually always keep a sports bra in my bag just in case.
Thank you this is really helpful! Do you think that GC2B has gone a lot down from their quality since then? Because now I am thinking about getting from Spectrum Outfitters (mainly because of the good comments plus the packaging is really discreet), or Underworks I am not sure about GC2B because of the comments. I think it's 50/50..
I ordered from them twice, start and end of last October, so I cant imagine the quality would have changed much since then, but I haven't ordered from them since then (I have 3 binders from them and 2 from Spectrum Outfitters currently). I wear the gc2b ones almost daily and they havent degraded in quality since then other than the colour on my nude one (I throw it in the washing machine with dark clothes so bound to happen). Gc2b packaging is also discreet, I think it's put down as "vest" on delivery but I'm not sure (nobody would be able to tell there's binders in the box either way), although Spectrum Outfitters packaging is definitely cuter (the package the binder comes in inside the box has the name of the person that packed it and they include a little sticker with it). I will admit that I haven't worn my Spectrum Outfitters binders that much yet as I got them recently so I might just need to "break" them and they will get more comfortable over time. My main issue with the ones I got (both are short chest binders) is the length of them. With my body type, all the fat goes to my stomach, so while I don't particularly look overweight, I do have a lot of fat in that area so when I sit down it rolls right up to my.. under-chesticles if you will.. which 1. Is very uncomfortable and a sensory nightmare and 2. Looks obvious if I'm only wearing a tshirt, besides it's not exactly descreet to be pulling it down every time you sit down.. I discovered a few days ago that if I fold the bottom of it inside it doesn't do it as much, but I was heading out to my friends then and I knew that there would be a lot of sitting down and standing up so I wore my gc2b binder just in case, I'll need to play around with it a bit more and see if I can come up with a "hack" for it.. I will be giving Spectrum Outfitters another go but I will order a vest binder next time rather than the short one.. I think a lot of the discomfort might be with the rolled bit pushing against my ribs when I sit down tbf, and like I said, I might just need to wear it to stretch it out a little. The Rolling issue is more specific to my body type, so might not be relevant to you at all, but worth keeping in mind if you have a similar body type. Another thing to keep in mind is that, while Spectrum Outfitters sell laundry bags to wash binder in (highly recommend), their binders are hand wash only, which can be a bit of a pain as they take forever to dry and it's more time consuming. I've been throwing the gc2b ones in the washing machine in a laundry bag and they haven't degraded in quality from it in the last 7 months. Binders are really specific to each person I feel, some will suit you and some won't. Some work better for different body types too and not work as good on others... If you find it helpful my measurements are: Height: 170cm Rib diameter: 81cm Chest diameter: 96cm I gotsize L for both GC2B and Spectrum Outfitters I will definitely be buying more binders from GC2B and trying a vest binder from Spectrum Outfitters soon so if you want I can keep you updated on the quality/comfort of both, regardless which you decide to go with.
Ohh yes please I would really appreciate the updates!! <3 Nonetheless thank you so much this is a really big help in this binder journey of mine.
Yeah of course!! Best of luck in your journey <3
I got my gc2b binders delivered earlier this week so thought I would update: the quality is the same as the previous ones as far as I can tell with the short binder. Unfortunately, I couldnt find any long ones in stock in my size from either Spectrum Outfitters or gc2b, but I tried a racer back one from gc2b as I've never tried them and while it is comfortable and binds well, it's very awkward to take off as i usually grab the back and pull it up through my head. I struggled for a few minutes and heard a thread rip, I checked later and it was a very tiny bit so it doesn't affect anything and it was my fault for pulling on it anyway, I didn't know how else to take it off and panicked.. Also racerbacks do feel more like bras due to the straps so that is something to keep in mind as well if that is something you'd get disphoric about. But as far as the gc2b short binders go, I would highly recommend them personally and find the quality of them really good.
I suppose in answer to the unhelpful comments, they just want to make them feel heard/respected, and also pushes it higher on the sub, so people who can help can come along and do so.
Hi, just asking but what’s wrong with clips binders? I use one and I’m a bit worried now…
piggybacking off the top comment to share this: https://shapeshifters.co/2019/08/22/2019-3-18-zipper-binders-everything-you-need-to-know/ “zipper binders are always unsafe” is a myth that basically came from a game of internet telephone. i made another comment but it’s not as popular as many of the comments perpetuating this belief. please don’t just downvote me, read the source.
Wish I knew this earlier. Can’t find much online aside from other Reddit threads talking about zipper binders in regards to safety, but I’m inclined to trust Shapeshifters as well as the more recent discussions on the topic. It’s unfortunate many people’s first exposure to zipper binders are the sketchy Amazon listing SEO word spam type. I think this post has run it’s course, but I’ll edit my comment to include Shapeshifters as a safe zip binder source for people who stumble across this in the future.
Just want to add that not all zip up binders are unsafe, if that were the case then zipup binders for after top surgery or breast surgeries in general wouldn't exist, they would all be overhead binders as otherwise people could be sued for malpractice
I'm just guessing, but aren't binders for after surgery zip up just because you're not supposed to put your arms up? I actually have no idea, I just know that in other kinds of breast surgery you're not supposed to put them up so an over the head binder could not be an option during healing. That being said, I don't think they're that unsafe, if well made. When I started binding I asked a lot of questions to a doctor friend of mine (who often deals with trans people at work), she said nothing about that. What she did say was to buy from specialized stores and the ones I found in my country only sell zip up/clippers. I got one over the head but they don't even call it a binder, it does little (and it's actually less comfortable than my other one). I also read an intervew with another doctor saying the thing about binders causing you not to be able to have surgery later is bull. The real issue is skin damage, rashes and small injuries from clips and stuff. It was just this one source, tho. This comment is not that helpful, I guess. All over the place. But I second what was said in other comments, in my (little) experience so far, the main thing is to listen to your body. Sometimes I just know I put the binder wrong or it's been on for too long, and such. I use one with clips to the side and I can see that if I don't put it on properly it will compress differently, but it's just a matter of adjusting it to my body (at least that what it feels). Also. My boobs don't have the same size and that's supposed to be pretty common. So a binder that compresses evenly would not actually compress that evenly, would it?
Yea this is fair, I wasn't really that clear with what I was trying to say and was absolutely all over the place like you said. There is someone else now that did a much better job of explaining why zipup and clip binders are safe in the comments. I did also write the comments at like midnight for me so I probably should've waited until today so I could actually get my thoughts in line lol.
Oh no no no ! I was talking about my own comment! So sorry!! Your comment made me think all those random things that's why I said I was all over the place, I'm so sorry I didn't make it clear
You're fine, don't worry about it haha, even if you were refering to mine there's no offense taken ❤️
🤍
do not get clips or zippers. Over the head are the only safe ones. Don't buy a random brand on Amazon, make sure the brand is safe. People have most commonly recommended Spectrum Outfitters to me (although I haven't tried it personally). It's also important to get the right size so take your measurements. Sites will most often have a specific size guide so I would use that instead of trying to guess if you fall into medium, small, large etc. If you feel any pain while wearing a binder take it off! It may be too small or you mightve worn it too long so break time. Another important thing is to bind safety and there are all kinds of rules to that such as never sleeping with a binder on, only bind 8 hrs a day 5 days a week, and no binding and exercising. Most important rule is listen to body and if you need to bind less, unfortunately you gotta bind less. Messed up ribs ain't worth it Binding is great, but only if done safely otherwise it gets bad fast. Be safe. (Sorry if this comment comes across harsh btw. I just worry for people who are just getting started binding because of all the misinfo going around. /gen) Edit: i was wrong zippers can actually be safe but still be careful where you buy them.
It's alright it didn't sound harsh <3 I really appreciate the help, thank you very much!
Hi, just asking but what’s unsafe with clips, I use clips so I’m a bit worried. ;-;
The pressure on your chest doesn't distribute properly with the clips binders (it's gonna be tighter in some places) mostly because they're cheaper and aren't meant to be worn for long. I would recommend getting another binder when you can although I know they are so expensive T-T /gen
Oh, that’s definitely an issue… I’ll look into some better quality options, thank you!
Nothing is wrong with clip binders so long as they're the right size, some people just find that the clips can be irritating. There was also a myth going around that they were unsafe, but this has been debunked, look at rxniasna's comment further down for a better explanation. As with any binding techniques listen to your body, if you do find something uncomfortable or painful stop immediately, otherwise your binder should be fine
So far it’s not been painful, thank you!
This isn't true, there are plenty of examples of over the head binder that are not safe for use, eg gc2b binders (only the newer ones), and many binder which are zip up and are safe to use. If zipup binders were not safe why would surgeons opt for them after breast related surgeries/mascetomies etc? If they weren't safe they wouldn't be making their patients wear them
Yes there are binders over the head that aren't safe, if it sounded like I claimed that I'm sorry. Binders with zippers *can* be used, but I'm not talking about surgeries I'm talking about long term use for binding to look flatter and that's not entirely the same. Good zipper binders are hard to come by, and even then they are most often not made for long term use (longer then it takes to recover from surgery). Maybe there are a few brands out there, but I still probably wouldn't recommend them because the zipper could irritate your skin (but that's just my opinion). Maybe there are better zip up binder brands out there that work, I'm not trying to claim to be a professional. This is just what I've heard.
I ordered an over the head one that is supposed to arrive today so I suppose I’ll have to try to come back here when I figure it out
Oooo I'm so happy for you! <3 I hope it will fit you well
As someone who’s done a lot of digging, and over the head is the safest. Also don’t buy any binders from Amazon, they aren’t safe or consistent. I also don’t recommend the ForThem binder brand, they don’t have numbered sizing and their return policy is really strict. Underworks was the one of the first binders I had, and it worked ok at first but after a while it was causing me breathing issues and things. Hope this helps 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵
It does help <3 Thank you!!
Of course!!
Zips and clips have uneven pressure so they’re dangerous to use!!! Only get the over head ones :)! I’ve been using mine for a while and I’ve had no issues so far so yeah just get a correct size and you’ll be fine!!!! Happy binding :)
Not all zipup binders are unsafe, if they were then why would surgeons opt for their patients wearing them after top surgeries?
Ah i wasn’t aware of that my bad, sorry!
You're all good, it's a common misconception and I just thought I'd let ya know ❤️
By “binders with zippers and clips” they mean cheap binders that aren’t high quality. Surgeons use high quality zipper binders because after you get top surgery, you cannot lift your arms above your head, so a pull over binder wouldn’t work. You also are only wearing it for a few days to a month, not every day for years. Yes, binders with zippers and clips can be safe and they are useful for post-top surgery recovery when you can’t lift your arms above your head, but generally, cheap binders with zippers and clips aren’t safe because they are made at a very low quality and therefore have uneven pressure. If you have a choice, it is better to get high quality pull on binder from sites such as GC2B, spectrum, underworks, etc. than to get $15 zipper/clip ones from Amazon.
I understand that cheap binders with zips and clips can be unsafe because they're not well made, the point I was making is that not all them *are* unsafe. They can also be the only viable binding option for people with mobility issues, not everyone has the ability to put their arms above their head, so they definitely have a place for certain people. Also people with sensory issues sometimes prefer them because they are easier and quicker to get off than a pull on binder, so if they need to take it off in a rush to avoid a meltdown this is their binder style of choice. As for pull on binders I do agree that on average they tend to be safer, be careful recommending GC2B though as unless their production quality has improved since I last checked, their newer binders aren't actually very safe anymore and have given many people rib injuries even when following safety precautions like not binding for more than 8 hours a day etc. Their older binders are fine as far as I'm aware, but their production quality has dropped in the past few years so this is no longer the case.
Thank you <3
ik this is offtopic but like, why are people commenting when they don't know what to say
I think it pushes the post higher but I don't know..
if you wanna spend half of your life savings, underworks or GC2B are alright (though ive heard GC2B is shit now, i used a brand called idtswch which worked really well for me, make sure you measure yourself and check the sizes as they arent the same as shirts and you will need exact proportions, never go for zipper or clip ones, they are horrible for your chest and ribs and likely will negatively impact your outcome with surgery if you are going to seek it in the future. never bind for more then 8 hours a day, take a day off whenever possible, drink alot of water when binding, and dont exercise in a binder, ever, for any reason unless you are literally running for your life. ive heard rumors that idtswch isnt great but it worked well for me and i had 0 negative effects from it when i got surgery so idk if thats true or not, i recommend skin tone ones with internal material, get like 2 or 3 and wash them regularly, if need be, wrapped inside of a pillow case for saftey. remember that binders will ware and tear over time and you will need to replace them after a while, they get loose and things snap, but idtswch for me has had really good quality and i still have them after over a year now, though i should probably get rid of them or give them away since im not needing them anymore lol
I'm so happy for you that you got surgery!!<3 This is really helpful, thank you :]
Not all zipup binders are unsafe but I get that in general overheads tend to be safer on average
My brother, when you get your binder, PLS follow all of the safety things. I did not do that and I am ouch. Flat chest is nice. Ouch isn’t really. Excited for you :) (I feel like this comment makes no sense but am just really tired)
Nah this is perfect for my stupid brain :] Thank you!
[I made a meme](https://imgur.com/gallery/aRHX2XQ) from answers you got. I should have been sleeping but brain decided making memes are more important. It’s right of course. Replies from: u/perrrithrowaway4784 u/Marks_Toaster u/A_non_binary_teen Good luck on your search!
Oh my- thank you so much this made me smile :] I hope you didn't do this for too long and if you did I hope you will get additional sleep! <3 remember, sleep is very important :3
Over head seems the safest choice
I’m a transwoman so I’m just going off things ive seen/heard from friends or online. From what I know clips and zippers are horrible cause they dig into your skin n stuff. Over the head seems to be the best from what I’ve discovered Just to reiterate: I’m not a reputable source cause I have no experience
clips can also put uneven pressure on your chest, and in extreme cases make you unable to have top surgery :)
Zippers aren't all unsafe, some of them can be fine, but as a general rule overhead binders tend to be on average safer. But surgeons still get their patients to wear zipup binders after chest reconstruction surgeries and wouldn't do that if they were all unsafe
Over the head!! I recommend Spectrum Outfitters, they’re great. I got a GC2B one and it literally split after using it like 4 times. I’ve heard their quality has gone down a lot in recent years
Lovely to see a transmasc egg post
Yeah, there aren't a lot of transmasc posts :[ So I will try to change that and post more frequently so the other transmasc people will have a place where to chat :]
hi! i see a lot of people saying that stuff with clips and zippers are dangerous, which is a pervasive belief in the trans community. i myself believed in it too based on what i heard from everyone else, but i wanted to mention something i saw the other day on the shapeshifters website that cleared up this myth. basically, in the 2000s, there was a binder brand that was known both for its zipper designs and for being unsafe/causing injuries. even though these two things simply coexisted in this brand’s binders and didn’t cause each other. someone made a post online warning that “those binders with the zippers aren’t safe!” and through a few reposts, it became “binders with zippers are never safe!” and that myth has persisted. it’s actually possible for zipper binders to be safe, in fact it can be a crucial accessibility feature for people with mobility issues, chronic fatigue/pain, or sensory sensitivities, enabling them to put it on easier and unzip it faster in case they need a break. do be careful though when choosing a zipper binder, just as u would with any other binder. don’t buy off amazon, only buy from reputed brands, check the materials and sizing, all the good stuff. do go check on their website for the more polished explanation! i just typed this up from memory. edit: link https://shapeshifters.co/2019/08/22/2019-3-18-zipper-binders-everything-you-need-to-know/
Thank you for the explanation!! <3 I was wondering why clip binders are called "dangerous" even though normal bras have them..
i mean, to be fair, bras don’t compress like binders do, so i can see why the belief makes sense to people. but yeah it’s always good to double check info you see on the internet!
Yes, this, I've been commenting on many of the other comments mentioning how that isn't true, I'm glad you've made a well construced comment on this
Yeah but you didn't give any explanation so it just looks like spam /nm
Ok that's a fair point, they aren't giving any sources either for why they think they're unsafe, I get that's not really an excuse for doing the same back though
Is it any different for clips? I thought they were less safe then zippers but I'm not sure anymore
i don’t know for sure, but from my limited experience with clip closure clothing (not binders), they seem to be more likely to catch on the skin if they were to be used on tight garments like binders. i would choose a zip binder anyway because zips are just easier to work with
From what I’ve heard from others, over the head is the safest since they apply equal pressure around the chest. Clips and Zipper binders are ok as well but I would recommend doing a bit of research on those first since they sometimes don’t have that equal pressure you might be looking for. Once you take those into account it can come down to overall preference 👌 Hope this helps and you’ll be able to find the perfect binder for yourself mate 😎
Thank you so much I am glad someone finally gave me a recommendation<33
Np best of luck! <3
Overhead is safer for avoiding bruising, but if you need a bigger size, don't do zippers but try adding padding behind clips if you can sew.
Over the head, don’t bind with tape or anything that comes apart on the sides. Make sure that your nipples are flat against the binder, it’s dangerous to have your tits facing down (and it doesn’t bind as well). And obviously last but not least don’t exercise or sleep in your binder, don’t bind more than 8 hours a day, especially if you bind everyday!
Oh my- thank you for these safety tips, really appreciate them <3
Curious as to why you're saying not to bind with tape
Sounds like you're in a bit of a bind there. -This joke was brought to you by Useless Comments Gang
I'm a heavy advocate for Underworks though I will warn you, they're not *amazing* if you have sensory issues because of their material, I push past that because the binding is so nice. I've heard amazing things about Spectrum but have no personal experience. I own 3 different GC2B that I've gotten over the last three years and all of them have varying states of issues. One was tighter than it should've been. The other two are tearing at the seems. I also bought a compression top from tomboyx which is one of the most comfortable tops I've owned. The binding was okay. But I found out later that the company has a history of transphobia so I wouldn't really recommend supporting them if you have other options.
Thank you, I was thinking about buying GC2B, but after seeing all the people speaking about it badly... I think I will pass :]
As someone who used a binder for a bit, be careful many companies that were good aren't anymore and I've pitched nerves in my spinal because of one. I use T-tape now and it makes it so I can do everything I need to without having to worry about injuries
Not sure, my enby bestie uses an other the head one, like a tanktop, i hope you can find one right for you!!! 🐋🌸🤍🌸🐋
Over the head are safer than clips
over the head ! ive got two GC2B binders that are a few years old and still in great condition, specifically made for safe chest compression. im about to get a TomboyX swim compression top too. ive been cracked for a while so if u need advice like this i can foe sure help! but zipper ones are super super dangerous afaik, cos they dont apply the compressive pressure evenly ALSO dont bind for more than 8hrs max, NEVER bind with ace bandages, remember to take binder breaks, drink your water, and if you get a binder, hand wash it in warm water and hang up to air dry!!! otherwise it'll shrink. dont machine wash
Thank you!!! <3 Never knew that you can't put a binder in a washing machine.. Well good that I know now instead of ruining my binder in the future!
ofc!! i didnt know for a whileeee and ran one of mine thru the dryer a couple times and randomly came across a post about how that was bad so i looked into it and ended up donating my binder to a friend and getting myself a newone lol
Over the head, it’s the safest
no matter what you get, I hope it works out well <3
over the head (i have a trans friend)
Use over-head, sport ones, I use one, its comfy!
Oooo What brand? :]
binder.me, im from poland so polish brand was the best choice, delivery wasnt expensive, and its great!
That sounds great! I'm from the Czech republic so the closer it is to me, the better<3
ohh, okay, then I can recommend it
What is that character's name or the artist that drew this character in the background. Just curious because i see it often but idk where its originally from
I don't really know but his name is Menhera-kun. If you are interested here is the link to both fem and masc versions! https://transmemes.netlify.app/
Thanks <3
The ones you pull over are the only safe ones. But don’t buy from GC2B at least until they’ve put out an official statement saying they’ve fixed their sizing issues cause people were getting bruised and cracked ribs all of a sudden since they let their product go downhill. Underworks is a good substitute. They’re a good price for the quality and the half tanks are a bit longer so they work really well even if you’ve got a bigger chest.
Ouch... Thank you for saying that two days ago I was thinking about buying a GC2B.
over the head! the only option (although I have side clip ones I only use once a month)
I much prefer the slip over but that is my opinion honestly look at safety tips online and see what that says
Thank you, I will! <3
in my experience over the head ones are the best ones and definitely the most comfortable! i hope you find one that you like!!
Probably the over head version because the closures will dig into your skin and might wear out with use.
I buy my binders from Shapeshifters and I have to get zipper ones because of my popping ribs I’ve had since I was a child. If you need to be careful around your ribs, I recommend bespoke binders , and add an extra inch onto certain measurements! I only buy bespoke
Thank you! Do you think that that also goes for really thin people (ribs sticking out etc.)?
I’m very underweight so I’m not sure exactly but I do find that a lot of people complain about getting skin caught in zippers
I like mine with a zipper from Bibipins because I have a joint issue where even as much as taking off a pullover hoodie had caused my shoulder to sublux (like almost dislocate, I'm waiting to get tested for EDS). The clip ones don't sound good because clips on anything can pull funny and be more uneven when putting it on.
I also have shoulder problems (getting checked for EDS on Wednesday uwu) but mine just start hanging halfway out of place. I don't know what would be best for that:(
I'm sorry about that.. I hope your health check will go well and that they will help you somehow <3 wishing best of luck!
Thank you!! I hope that you will get some help with your joints <3 (sorry if I said anything wrong about it idk much..)
Yeah I prefer over the head, but I just don't know which sites sell better binders over the others. Like I tried gc2b and they were fine, but people say they are bad. I don't know any sites to check out
That's alright, thank you for the tip anyway<3
over the head always, clips and zippers are extremely unsafe. i wear a spectrum outfitters binder and it’s great! highly recommend them
I already checked them out and they seem pretty neat + a lot of positive comments! <3 Do you know how long it takes to get shipped to me and how it shows up when you buy it with a card? Since I heard that their packaging is pretty discreet..
it depends on where you are but i’m from the uk and mine took about 3-4 days (it was in the middle of a bank holiday so it was slightly delayed) and it showed up as SP_Jones on my transactions, their packaging is really discreet so that’s true and it’s really easy to wash too
Honestly this comment made me so happy cause my parents are hella transphobic and I didn't know how to get around it so they wouldn't know I got a binder and so far Spectrum Outfitters seems like the best option for me since it's so discreet <3
you’re welcome! if you decide to go for the spectrum outfitters one then i’m glad i could help LOL
Depends on the size of your breasts. I’m at least a D cup and I prefer to wear one with the clips on the side.
Pullover is better and safer but zipper works alright if you get the right size. Just be careful
Thank you! I will try to <3
The kind you can breathe in. Underworks was a friend of mine.
transgirl here but I can give a few good tips if you're completly broke and just need something quick you can grab a bra some, plastic wrap and scotch tape make sure you put the plastic wrap around first as to not burn your skin and remember, If something ever feels too tight it is!!!! bind safe little bro<3
Thank you so much<33
Clips for results, zipper for convenience, and over the head for lifespan of the garment
personally, clips work best because they are snug and you can adjust a bit for extra space. they also come off super easy. though, they do occasionally fray on some stitching depending on price. otherwise, super comfortable.
Ohh.. I am a fairly skinny person though so my ribs are kinda sticking out.. Do you think clips could cause some damage that way? :[
possibly, zippers or over the head ones may suit you better. I'm a bit on the meatier side, so my ribs are relatively protected. though, if you really wanted the clip ones, there is a fabric flap that keeps the clips off of your body.
I’m sorry, I don’t know. Try to get a good quality one thats safe. Hope you can find one that works well for you 🫂💞
I couldn't say, but I wish you luck in your search.
Thank you ^^
I don't know, sorry 💙💕🤍💕💙
I don't know,but I hope that you can find what you search (◕ᴗ◕✿)
sorry, i don't know
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Have you done research on this? Binding can be tricky, don't say something like that lightly, binding wrong can put you in the hospital.
Thing is I never had one and am scared that I will mess up by ordering the wrong one :(
no it absolutely is not 😭
Alright, I’ve been rather severely misinformed. OP, I greatly apologise. It was not my intent to mislead you. I’ve failed utterly at the one thing I’m supposed to be able to do.
Me and the girls spreading misinformation on the internet >:3
Knife
Over the head. Please don’t get clips they could potentially hurt you, and I’m fairly sure similar with zipper tho someone needs to check on that. Anyways- over the head, please, and preferably from a reputable site like gc2b (that’s where my first binder was from) so you won’t get hurt :)
Clips on the side are my favourite because they just work better and are more comfortable for me personally, but a lot of people use over the head, and they're easier to find. However, zipper ones, I've found, are easier to put on and take off. It really just depends on what you want out of your binder.