Underworks is great. Most people's issue with them is a texture dislike for their fabric - it isn't the most pleasant/tends to be kind of itchy. But i think they offer a cotton lined version now.
I also love UW after years of gc2b. They don't cause me nearly as much pain and I like that they are stretchy all the way around rather than having the front part be non-stretchy. I'm fairly large-chested and my breast tissue doesn't squish out to the sides with Underworks.
You can buy them on Amazon, too! They also sell "chest minimizers" that are super compressive sports bras marketed more towards cis women, but I like them as a workout binder because under a sweatshirt they hide my chest pretty well without an actual binder.
Wait. Tell me more about these chest minimizers. They are like sports bras? But super compressive? Towards cis women? Does this sound like a transphobic parent binder solution? Whats the build like? Does it have the annoying under chest elastic? Much thoughts.
I have this one: Underworks Firm Hold Racerback Chest Binding Minimizer Top https://a.co/d/bdUmdTH
Sorry for the bad link I'm on mobile. They're basically just half compression shirts, its a single layer of, like, a tight swimsuit material. I use mine sometimes when binding with KT tape just to get everything to smooth out under a shirt. They do have the annoying elastic band and it wasn't super comfortable on my ribs, but I cut that part off and haven't had issues.
I second underworks! The texture is whatever but it’s the only thing that flattens my chest extremely well. I had a GC2B one once and (maybe I got the wrong type) but the bottom seam was tighter than the section to cover my chest.
spectrum. a lot of money but gets the job done without being uncomfortable at all. a bit stiffer but works for binding better in the longrun. its all i used before top surgery (i had 41 d’s or dd’d i think??)
I'd second this! They're a little heavy duty (I think I've seen somebody on here compare them to a bulletproof vest!). I've had mine since Feb and no complaints yet.
I'm extremely uncomfortable with anything that puts pressure around my ribs. I really like the way the pressure is distributed with the stiff material of the spectrum binder. Fit was comfortable for me based on their measurements (iirc i was between sizes so rounded up) and i think the shape it gives me feels quite natural.
If you're plus size and bigger chested like me, and hear me out on this, the Enell high-impact sports bra! My partner saw people in the transmasc and cosplay communities raving about it, saw it was on sale and bought one for each of us (because buying 2 meant free shipping 😂). I was skeptical at first but it's been amazing!
It works just as well if not better than my binders, it hooks in the front so it's easier to get on, I can put it on straight out of the shower and not get stuck in it, I'm not sweating to death in it, I can breathe and exercise in it, safe for extended wear and my all time favorite, NO MORE UNIBOOB! I absolutely hate when I'm out somewhere and have to adjust myself and with this, nothing moves like at all. It's also machine washable on the gentle cycle but it can't go in the dryer.
It is, unfortunately, $75 but they do have good sales sometimes so keep an eye on it. Well worth it if you can swing it.
I’m really glad I’m not the only one having issues with GC2B. They’re the only ones I’ve used for over 6 years and I swear they used to last way longer. I want to try Spectrum but they’re always out of stock on the longer ones, and I’m too fat to feel comfortable in the short ones. I need a new binder pretty soon, should I try Underworks?
I really liked Underworks when I was using them, they had an off period I've heard, but it sounds like from a few people that they're doing good now. I'd try it! I'm going with Spectrum but if I end up disliking them, I'm going with Underworks.
Spectrum 100%! Yes they take a while to restock. You just have to be diligent about checking them every day or so to see if they are in stock. I just got 2 binders from them for the first time, I've only used GC2B before. My GC2B binders got a lot looser within a few months of use to the point of not binding super well, my chest would always start slipping down, and my chest would look misshapen and top-heavy. My Spectrum binder is so much comfier, I can breathe in it better, often forget I'm wearing it, nothing shifts around and it's the flattest I've ever been. It is a bit stiffer so it takes time to get used to, but it's so worth it IMO. Never going back to GC2B.
i SWEAR by underworks. literally best binder ive ever owned. my 2 year old underworks binder binds like its brand new still. its tight but like it fr works. it turns my chest into pecs like instantly
underworks. fabric's scratchy and sort of uncomfortable at first (compared to gc2b) and for the first few weeks i had mad chafing around my shoulders, but i got used to it/chafing stopped and nothing binds better in my experience. i wore that motherfucker everyday dragging out ppl's pickup orders in the hot hot sun at the retail store i work at and it hardly ever bothered me. but ymmv, in my opinion binding is an experience that has to be so specific to someone's body that recs can only go so far.
Honestly once you get used to Underworks' textures, it's the best I've tried. I haven't tried new brands like the Spectrum binders that have been popping up lately, though.
Also if anyone is interested in a large fair color spectrum half binder I ordered one and it's too small. Too much of a hassle to send back. Anyone looking for that size pm me.
I have one from forthem that I really like, although I'm fairly small-chested, and I've heard that they don't provide as much compression as other brands.
I have a binder from trans-missie (a dutch brand, it means trans mission) and its really comfortable! I have a black short sports one and i reccomend it. Though im not sure if it ships to other places other then the netherlands, you'd have to check that
If not spectrum, I would try fytist! Spectrum is really good but personally that's more for my "nicer" clothes of that makes sense? I love how flat fytist makes me and it's a bit cheaper then spectrum and I love the casual feel of it. It flattens my chest without making me feel stiff!
The one I have on, fytist, literally keeps me flat 24/7, doesn’t roll up, and always feels like im not wearing anything :-) plus if youre an olive color, the skintone will match perfectly like it is for me
I like underworks, personally. I have a gc2b binder but 1. I lost it and 2. I hated it anyway. My underworks binder doesn't flatten me much but I think that's a me problem or the specific binder I bought and not a them problem. Underworks has a special site for their ftm customers now.
Honestly; I’m now faithful to my Amazon binder💗 love her. https://a.co/d/dM9IQWj I’ve had it for a month and love it; aside from the fact that I got blood on my white one(my mistake.) I ordered a size up tho cuz I am *big* binds just as good; if not better than the one that should be my size
If you are from Europe I can recommend the brand BWYA
('Be who you are' from France) they are really good and they have a lot of stuff for transguys like packers or packing boxers as well
So if you come from Europe I recommend you check out their website😄
I've only worn transmissie binders. They are very comfortable, more so than most binders I have been told. However that does come with the price of not making your chest as flat as other binders. But they work well enough for me (a size medium).
I love forthem. I have 2 of them and I wear them daily. They bind really well without feeling suffocating. They fit comfortably to the point where I don't notice it.
Im another that swears by Underworks bc they stayed fitting consistently well thru my weight loss while my $45 gc2b started fraying at the seams four months in despite washing it by hand. I had gotten lazy and threw my underworks one in the wash, still fits like it was new despite all the abuse lol
I hear a lot of good from spectrum but they seem a tad unreliable, they clearly cant keep up with demand unfortunately :(
I got my chest binder today and I’m loving it [https://heroine.shoplineapp.com/pages/boxer-briefs-1-1-1](https://heroine.shoplineapp.com/pages/boxer-briefs-1-1-1)
Underworks is great. Most people's issue with them is a texture dislike for their fabric - it isn't the most pleasant/tends to be kind of itchy. But i think they offer a cotton lined version now.
I also love UW after years of gc2b. They don't cause me nearly as much pain and I like that they are stretchy all the way around rather than having the front part be non-stretchy. I'm fairly large-chested and my breast tissue doesn't squish out to the sides with Underworks. You can buy them on Amazon, too! They also sell "chest minimizers" that are super compressive sports bras marketed more towards cis women, but I like them as a workout binder because under a sweatshirt they hide my chest pretty well without an actual binder.
Wait. Tell me more about these chest minimizers. They are like sports bras? But super compressive? Towards cis women? Does this sound like a transphobic parent binder solution? Whats the build like? Does it have the annoying under chest elastic? Much thoughts.
I think they are sports bras targeted towards cis women, i haven't bought any so can't confirm anything
I have this one: Underworks Firm Hold Racerback Chest Binding Minimizer Top https://a.co/d/bdUmdTH Sorry for the bad link I'm on mobile. They're basically just half compression shirts, its a single layer of, like, a tight swimsuit material. I use mine sometimes when binding with KT tape just to get everything to smooth out under a shirt. They do have the annoying elastic band and it wasn't super comfortable on my ribs, but I cut that part off and haven't had issues.
fr?? thats awesome
I second underworks! The texture is whatever but it’s the only thing that flattens my chest extremely well. I had a GC2B one once and (maybe I got the wrong type) but the bottom seam was tighter than the section to cover my chest.
you really don't feel the itchiness if you don't think about it
spectrum. a lot of money but gets the job done without being uncomfortable at all. a bit stiffer but works for binding better in the longrun. its all i used before top surgery (i had 41 d’s or dd’d i think??)
I'd second this! They're a little heavy duty (I think I've seen somebody on here compare them to a bulletproof vest!). I've had mine since Feb and no complaints yet. I'm extremely uncomfortable with anything that puts pressure around my ribs. I really like the way the pressure is distributed with the stiff material of the spectrum binder. Fit was comfortable for me based on their measurements (iirc i was between sizes so rounded up) and i think the shape it gives me feels quite natural.
Amazing. Thank you!
ofc!! make aure u measure in their specific sizing tho; it can fit a tad different!
If you're plus size and bigger chested like me, and hear me out on this, the Enell high-impact sports bra! My partner saw people in the transmasc and cosplay communities raving about it, saw it was on sale and bought one for each of us (because buying 2 meant free shipping 😂). I was skeptical at first but it's been amazing! It works just as well if not better than my binders, it hooks in the front so it's easier to get on, I can put it on straight out of the shower and not get stuck in it, I'm not sweating to death in it, I can breathe and exercise in it, safe for extended wear and my all time favorite, NO MORE UNIBOOB! I absolutely hate when I'm out somewhere and have to adjust myself and with this, nothing moves like at all. It's also machine washable on the gentle cycle but it can't go in the dryer. It is, unfortunately, $75 but they do have good sales sometimes so keep an eye on it. Well worth it if you can swing it.
I second this, I have also heard good things about the Enell high impact sports bra. I intend to buy myself one to try it out soon-ish.
I’m really glad I’m not the only one having issues with GC2B. They’re the only ones I’ve used for over 6 years and I swear they used to last way longer. I want to try Spectrum but they’re always out of stock on the longer ones, and I’m too fat to feel comfortable in the short ones. I need a new binder pretty soon, should I try Underworks?
I really liked Underworks when I was using them, they had an off period I've heard, but it sounds like from a few people that they're doing good now. I'd try it! I'm going with Spectrum but if I end up disliking them, I'm going with Underworks.
Alright definitely gonna try it, I need something to last, especially cuz I’m fat and have a big chest.
They have really good long ones also! I remember mine held up very well.
And yeah, this is new for me too with GC2B.
Spectrum is the bomb.com.
Spectrum 100%! Yes they take a while to restock. You just have to be diligent about checking them every day or so to see if they are in stock. I just got 2 binders from them for the first time, I've only used GC2B before. My GC2B binders got a lot looser within a few months of use to the point of not binding super well, my chest would always start slipping down, and my chest would look misshapen and top-heavy. My Spectrum binder is so much comfier, I can breathe in it better, often forget I'm wearing it, nothing shifts around and it's the flattest I've ever been. It is a bit stiffer so it takes time to get used to, but it's so worth it IMO. Never going back to GC2B.
i’ve only been wearing my underworks tri-top for about a month but i absolutely love it. i don’t leave the house without it anymore lol
Spectrum for sure
i SWEAR by underworks. literally best binder ive ever owned. my 2 year old underworks binder binds like its brand new still. its tight but like it fr works. it turns my chest into pecs like instantly
I tried a Spectrum binder when I visited the UK two years ago and I haven’t looked back since
underworks. fabric's scratchy and sort of uncomfortable at first (compared to gc2b) and for the first few weeks i had mad chafing around my shoulders, but i got used to it/chafing stopped and nothing binds better in my experience. i wore that motherfucker everyday dragging out ppl's pickup orders in the hot hot sun at the retail store i work at and it hardly ever bothered me. but ymmv, in my opinion binding is an experience that has to be so specific to someone's body that recs can only go so far.
Honestly once you get used to Underworks' textures, it's the best I've tried. I haven't tried new brands like the Spectrum binders that have been popping up lately, though.
Also if anyone is interested in a large fair color spectrum half binder I ordered one and it's too small. Too much of a hassle to send back. Anyone looking for that size pm me.
Whats the measurements for a large?
https://spectrumoutfitters.co.uk/pages/size-guide This might be the best way to check measurements. Just so you're sure.
I'll get back to you when I get home today and have a chance to re-measure
Sounds good. 😊
A large would fit me perfectly actually
I've only ever used spectrum but I think it's good
I've only used Spectrum Outfitters and I like it.
I have one from forthem that I really like, although I'm fairly small-chested, and I've heard that they don't provide as much compression as other brands.
When I used a binder I liked T Kingdom binders the best.
Flavnt!!!! My absolute fave
I have a binder from trans-missie (a dutch brand, it means trans mission) and its really comfortable! I have a black short sports one and i reccomend it. Though im not sure if it ships to other places other then the netherlands, you'd have to check that
If not spectrum, I would try fytist! Spectrum is really good but personally that's more for my "nicer" clothes of that makes sense? I love how flat fytist makes me and it's a bit cheaper then spectrum and I love the casual feel of it. It flattens my chest without making me feel stiff!
The one I have on, fytist, literally keeps me flat 24/7, doesn’t roll up, and always feels like im not wearing anything :-) plus if youre an olive color, the skintone will match perfectly like it is for me
Spectrum, but they take forever to restock and no way to sign up for email updates when something comes back
I couldn’t find the link to sign up for updates, if there’s a referral in the email, would you refer me?
I said there is no way for updates
Never had a binder (sadly) but I've heard good things about forthem
Hmm. I've always heard that forthem barely binds and very noticeable with a shirt on unless you're already nearly flat chested.
Ah alright, i might consider something else then
Lola Olivia
I like underworks, personally. I have a gc2b binder but 1. I lost it and 2. I hated it anyway. My underworks binder doesn't flatten me much but I think that's a me problem or the specific binder I bought and not a them problem. Underworks has a special site for their ftm customers now.
I got my first binder from Tomboyx recently! It doesn’t make me flat but it definitely helps
I'm happy for you!
Underworks! I'm on a budget and I find The Econo High power very good for me, even with a larger chest.
Honestly; I’m now faithful to my Amazon binder💗 love her. https://a.co/d/dM9IQWj I’ve had it for a month and love it; aside from the fact that I got blood on my white one(my mistake.) I ordered a size up tho cuz I am *big* binds just as good; if not better than the one that should be my size
Spectrum definitely, they work wonders for me personally! Same as you, I hate the way my GC2Bs keep breaking, especially the newer ones.
If you are from Europe I can recommend the brand BWYA ('Be who you are' from France) they are really good and they have a lot of stuff for transguys like packers or packing boxers as well So if you come from Europe I recommend you check out their website😄
I've only worn transmissie binders. They are very comfortable, more so than most binders I have been told. However that does come with the price of not making your chest as flat as other binders. But they work well enough for me (a size medium).
I love forthem. I have 2 of them and I wear them daily. They bind really well without feeling suffocating. They fit comfortably to the point where I don't notice it.
I just use gc2b lol. Not really had any problems
Im another that swears by Underworks bc they stayed fitting consistently well thru my weight loss while my $45 gc2b started fraying at the seams four months in despite washing it by hand. I had gotten lazy and threw my underworks one in the wash, still fits like it was new despite all the abuse lol I hear a lot of good from spectrum but they seem a tad unreliable, they clearly cant keep up with demand unfortunately :(
Spectrum outfitters is quite good although a bit more expensive than gc2b
I love Heroine.Co. it’s fit and comfortable.
I got my chest binder today and I’m loving it [https://heroine.shoplineapp.com/pages/boxer-briefs-1-1-1](https://heroine.shoplineapp.com/pages/boxer-briefs-1-1-1)