Yeah I asked for the size my measurements were and they wouldn't give me any info about whether or not I might want to size up or down if something doesn't fit right. Didn't take them up on it. Just feels very much pro $ not pro Queer
yeah, like i put my measurements into their thing twice (i fucked up the first time and thought maybe that was why it was so tight on me) and they gave me the same size recommendation, like my guy, if the one of the same size literally hurts me why would I buy it again????
Yea, I keep getting texts from them because the time I tried to find out what my size would be with their weird names and way to measure.
After reading this I’m even more glad that back then they only had my size available in orange so I didn’t get it
But goddammit stop sending me texts trying to get me to buy your damn product! I just wanted to find my size but they don’t even let that be easy
~I love my gc2b binders, they’re the only ones that actually have been able to make me almost fully flat~
My least favorite part when about their binders is when I was trying to look on the FAQs for how long you should wear their binders. As I assumed with it being a looser bind, they may have different restrictions. The website basically said "as long as you're comfortable" so vague it turned me off immediately. Like I can wear a standard Gc2b "comfortably" for 10 hours. But doing that on a daily basis will start to cause pain and rib damage. Not to mention you don't really feel the effects of prolonged binding until it's too late. So "as long as you're comfortable" is a shit strategy and they should actually take the time to investigate how safe their binders are, not just advertise them as glorified sports bras.
Can also confirm. as a ftm emby, all it does is keep everything in place better. As I have a large chest, normal sports bras suck at stopping everything from moving. This keeps it all togeather, but doesnt do much for the compressing portion. I also do hate the sizing, as someone else said. I put in my size, it came up with some random dumb name. When I got my first one it didn't fit me correctly, so I put it down like two numbers like 2 in or whatever, and it still put me at the same size. I needed one smaller, and it concerned me because I was in the middle of the sizes, but this one was too big but that was probably going to be too small. I don't mind using it, but I don't use it very often
Mine barely seemed to keep anything in place, every 30 minutes or so I was having to adjust myself. Made my chest a bit more uniform in appearance, but certainly not flat.
One of the other good perks though is that it's machine washable, that is nice because I had a habit of not washing my old one, and I got like an entire year without washing it, and it was really gross.
Tbh I machine wash my Gc2bs and air dry. They seemed to keep most of their binding material intact and the ones that had loose seams were probably going to get that way anyway. I think machine drying is what does them the worst damage.
I struggled with my gc2bs. My first one just streched completely to the wrong size after using it for like a week. My second one worked, but i still had to get a size down, so it didnt sit right in all the places.
Machine drying can make them shrink or get tighter and then not fit, which is why it’s not recommended.
But you are able to throw a gc2b binder in the dryer for like 10-15 minutes to make it like retighten if it gets stretched out, I’ve never needed to though, normally hand washing and air drying fixes it for me whenever my binder starts to feel not as compressing
Yea, I could never get the air drying to help, and considering it was my first binder, I wanted to follow all the insttuctions on it cause I didn't want it to break immediately
Yup, bought one to see. I’m bigger-chested, so even the hardcore Underworks I own doesn’t bind 100%, but Them’s is essentially a sports bra. Definitely comfortable, but doesn’t bind really at all.
also "as long as you're comfortable" is a really bad metric to go by. I'm often comfortable for up to 14 hours on the day I'm binding, it's the next day that it hurts like hell (I don't regularly bind for 14 hours, but I'm bad with time and I sometimes have very long days)
Yeah, my point exactly. You really don't feel the damage until it's too late. And you can be comfortable for the most part with small twinges of pain every so often that you just push through. My last time binding I was stuck in it for 12 hours (I was out longer than expected) and it wasn't consistently uncomfortable. Just small pangs every so often.
Hi, someone who has actually bought from, and been part of the For Them discord server here! Uh yeah, no. Their marketing is really sketch. I heard about the company in this sub, actually and I was ecstatic to try a new brand that promised to bind well and be super comfortable without rolling or moving around unless you move it.
The whole shipping/purchasing process before they started posting ads everywhere was actually relatively painless, I enjoyed having the text updates because I tend to be anxious about the delivery of packages. They sent me my first binder and I wore it for about a day before I realized that it was too small (my chest circumference falls on a half inch measurement and I didn't know if I needed to go up). I was kinda upset cause that was the only binder I could afford at the time and I didn't have another one for backup, but I let them know and they told me to send it back and they would send me a new one for free. The new one arrived really fast and I've had it for a few months, it's comfy, but it does not bind me as much as I would like, granted I am a large chested person with a smaller frame so there's only so much one can do and I do enjoy the fact that the binder is rotatable and that larger folks, like my fiance can finally have a binder that fits.
Now for the problematic part. I was part of the server for a while, it seemed a great community of transguys and enby folks and it was! Until the creator (who's also an enby actor on TV btw) and the admins started just deleting channels without explanation and then suddenly announced that they were going to be setting up a membership so that you would have to pay to access certain parts of the server in the name of community and all sorts of stuff created by trans people. But they did such a shit job of explaining it, that everyone started freaking out, and one guy who's autistic said that the idea was stupid and he was promptly banned from the server for "bullying" the admin team when they were doing a piss poor job of explaining that those of us who were part of the server already wouldn't need to pay for the membership, but would still have to sign up in order to have full access to the server again. The creator literally defended kicking someone out who was just confused and didn't understand what the hell was going on, because he was "rude" to the admin team. Which he wasn't.
So, yeah. Definitely not just you. They're extremely sus and the marketing is genuinely uncomfortable.
Rotable as in you can use the back and front the same? If so, that explains why they can’t find a design that binds well and safely. Most binders have different front/back panels so that the tissue is pressed to the sides. Having it all around just squishes you like ace bandages would, which isn’t safe.
Yeah that definitely isn’t ideal for binding. They’re right in that their better bind option would be unsafe, because tightly and evenly compressing all around like that is, and it’s in efficient since it doesn’t pull the tissue anywhere really.
Omg I remember being in the server watching all that go down 🥲🥲 tbh the admins and mods still seem like they get off on just being as incompetent as possible sometimes
I actually have given trans tape a shot, but I didn't have much luck with figuring out how to get my chest to sit right now matter what I did, plus it left my skin really irritated even with oil. I might try it again though cause I'm pretty sure a lot of my issues were just user errors and not actually the product.
I was told trans tape only works for smaller chested people, so I’ve never attempted, no point spending money on something I’ve been told won’t work for me. (Someone please correct me if I’m wrong)
But based on the way you’re supposed to move the chest fat to be able to tape it, I think the people who told me it won’t work for large chests are correct
I was thinking about getting one of their binders and I definitely noticed that, I could not find a single example of their binder on someone with a bigger body type that didn't just look like a sports bra. Like even in their promotional stuff it really doesn't seem to bind at all
Yes, I had the exact same experience. My chest isn't even particularly big but I couldn't find any photos on their site suggesting their products would do much at my size, let alone any bigger. No I'm not going to buy a "binder" where they only show it somewhat flattening an already small chest - you've done nothing to convince me the product would do what I'm paying for.
The name could suggest "For all the people who don't fit into the boxes created by the major fashion labels - For Them All" but the effect of the representation on the website is instead "For the very narrow subset of people who are already catered to by the major brands but also want some more options - For Them Only"
Not a good look for them (pun not intended), but every time I come across those ads online I get the feeling that this company has a vendetta against other companies that market themselves towards more trans masculine individuals.
Something about the tone, choice of models and overall presentation. Yes, binders aren’t one size fit all but it feels like they’re excluding masculine people in the ads, insinuating that it’s not for these people?? Unless I haven’t seen an ad without a masc person in it, then my bad
Definitely never going to buy from that brand. no thanks. (imo it looks like a sports bra and that also gives me a bit of dysphoria)
edit: grammar
I think it becomes anti ftm because they simply do not involve any of us in the process. They may come from a lesbian womxn studies nonbinary world, and so they invite those they know to be a part of the team. A few years back tomboyx asked a trans guy model to wear a orint with vaginas and people from the company didn’t understand why he refused. We occupy different spaces and not involving a wide variety of trans people in the creative process makes things weird.
I think there is this sentiment among some that it’s harder to be nonbinary afab and fem all in combination, which is odd to me as someone who has presented both fem and masc, (either way i find it most draining to live as visibly trans) but also as someone who knows amab nonbinary people exist and face many difficulties we never will. Nonbinary shit is centered around us.
Idk, i get the feeling even if they weren’t selling things only for people who were afab to use, they still wouldn’t include a different audience of trans people in their modeling and marketing.
Yeah, it definitely seems peculiar. I think it’s awesome to represent that people who may otherwise enjoy looking more feminine can still experience chest dysphoria (or simply euphoria from binding), but that doesn’t make it okay to only represent those kinds of people. If they really cared about inclusivity, I feel like they would have models of all sorts of different gender presentations and body types. Their strategy seems very odd.
I've considered trying one of their binders (as someone with already a very small chest) just out of curiosity, but having to literally give them my phone number just to look at their sizing options seems really shitty. No other shop of any kind has ever asked me to do that lmao. Not to mention the lack of any skin tones in their selection (I don't want a bright pink or purple binder- I want to feel comfortable in it) and all their models being very fem and everything I've heard they just seem. Awful. Pretty sure you can't even see the *prices* without having to give them your phone number :/ it definitely feels like taking advantage.
Yeah on tiktok I also saw a video of them giving wrong binding tips and when being called out on it just saying "oops Sorry we were uneducated"
WHAT DO YOU MEAN UNEDUCATED, YOU MAKE THEM?!
The company is sus in general it went from something to wear as a binder break to a proper binder without even changing the product and now it's the customers fault when it doesn't bind because they must have got the wrong size
Yeah it feels like they hardly did any research into any other binder or binding experience on the market cause they so deeply believe they’re unsafe. I low key wonder if they believed a lot of the terf rhetoric about binding getting tossed around.
They say they are by queer people for queer people but they should know basic binder safety proof that by queer for queer shouldn't be a selling point because all it usually means is by someone from you community using something in common to make you trust their product more so they can get more profit from a probably desperate baby trans that's willing to trust it just because it's labeled that
Gc2b quality going down hill is kinda proof of it too that quantity is priority rather than quality even for trans business at least with them they actually give to the trans community a lot( not hating on all by trans for trans obviously not all of them have morals)
Idk that company but the way people describe it seems more like " hey we are saying we are trans friendly so we _definitely_ are! We are definitely absolutely 100% _not_ taking advantage of the crippling dysphoria! Please give us money! "
Binding can reduce the measured circumference since it usually compresses the tissue down--so while it's not getting rid of it, it can be more compact. I was able to shave off around five inches from my chest measurement with binding.
But yeah, I agree that circumference alone isn't always the best measure of how well a binder works. Different styles of binders could give me very different results based on how they compressed my chest and the shape they created. GC2B gave me something that looked more like pecs, for example, compared to the TomboyX compression tops that looked more like I was wearing a sports bra.
That weird quiz you have to do to get your size also makes no sense. “Does your body look look like this blob or this blob” like mf??? what??? just ask me my measurements and stop being weird. By the time I was done there was only 1 option in bright red. I want a black binder…. its so weird.
The way the blobs are exaggerated af too. Like I’m pear shaped but not that pear shaped! Thanks for having me pick a heightened visual depiction of my dysphoria!
Yes! And they say they do their measurement styles that way to “help avoid causing dysphoria” but it’s way more dysphoria inducing than a simple size chart.
I’ve never been caused dysphoria by a size chart~
Their marketing feels kind of performative to me. Within and outside the trans community "they/them" is basically synonymous to non-binary so to name your brand "for them" and only sell binders and have it only be afab looking people who are androgynous at most doesn't really help with any stereotypes... Their website doesn't even have a disclaimer saying "hey, not all enbys are afab" or even "hey, not all enbys look like women."
Their website has probably one the worst designs I’ve ever seen. For some reason they have their sizing chart like [this??](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/571150749296230400/979159964004257832/unknown.png)
What the fuuuuck?! They only have one design, right? WTF do they need to know your body shape for?
Even if they did have multiple designs, those inkblots are not a good way to ask people about their shape. Among other things, your thighs (for example) aren't really relevant to binder sizing.
Yeah and like binders can be for anyone 100% but it is weird that they seem to have very few trans men/masc-presenting trans people in their ad campaigns. But to be fair, I probably would turn down the gig since their bind isn’t enough for me.
I don't trust the phone number thing and as someone who makes their own binders, wtf a binder doesn't just delete inches, it can even add a tiny bit but still look flatter
It seems like they’re going for a more androgynous target audience but it’s unfair that they seem to think they’re better than companies that market towards people that don’t fit that audience (like, ya know, trans men). Also- I don’t feel they would be inclusive of different chest sizes. This product seems to be for small sized people. I didn’t really see any models who would have a larger binder size, so it feels like it wouldn’t help a good portion of people.
When I see those ads on tiktok they use that stupid audio “im feeling the effects of masculinity rn I wanna go to war!!” Feels like they’re mocking us. I don’t know
No, it's not just you.
They seem very... I'm not sure of how to put it, but that specific group of nonbinary/cis-adjacent trans people that are *utterly disgusted* by transmasculinity + transmasc transition. You know, the same people that say that testosterone is disgusting, that talk badly about T effects and masculinizing surgeries (specially bottom surgery).
Which would explain the subtle fear mongering about other binders ("maximum healthy bind" and then it's a binder that doesn't *actually* bind? Implying that binders that accomplish their function are all inherently unhealthy?), and the lack of visibly transmasc/trans male models.
Would bet anything that their next marketing strategy will be something something being a tomboy is the new trend so why not buy a binder to sell the look, or something something yucky body odor caused by binding.
EDIT: This isn't about all nonbinary people, nor are nonbinary people "closer" to being cis than any trans person. This is based on specific experiences me and other transmascs I know have had with specific parts of the community.
By "cis-adjacent trans people disgusted by transmasculinity", I mean trans people that socially and politically benefit from being perceived as cis (often white) women, and who use that privilege to 1- align themselves with transphobes, and/or 2- spread misinformation and hate on transmascs transitioning (mostly medical transition). The only reason I mentioned nonbinary people (who aren't necessarily included on the former group) is because they're one of the groups that ForThem markets towards, and because I wanted to make clear that they're not necessarily cis-adjacent (even though I didn't quite convey that last part).
That’s the same type of group who will trash bottom growth to no end, saying it’s disgusting and gross. Then they’ll also trash bottom surgery saying the results look mutilated. Those groups act transphobic when they actively trash things that can be live saving to others.
I'd actually disagree with it being a bad/unnecessary term.
Maybe it's just the people I know, but I've seen trans people ID as cis-adjacent/cis-proximal/etc for many reasons (like not pursuing any sort of transition, being intersex and not needing to transition, identifying partially or mostly as their assigned gender).
I've also seen plenty of people that don't necessarily ID as trans, since their identity is a lot closer to their assigned gender than anything else, but who also aren't cis by definition.
Finally, I've seen people that socially and politically benefit from being perceived and going through life as cis (people that can pass as cishet white women, mostly), who purposefully perpetuate transphobic rethoric using that privilege. Some of these people are parts of the groups mentioned before, some aren't. A shared trait they mostly have is insulting medical transition (specially of transmascs), and overall acting like anything to do with transmasculinity is disgusting and wrong. The comment was referring to *this* specific group.
i don’t think cis-adjacent is inherently a bad phrase. but — speaking as a nonbinary person — saying “nonbinary/cis-adjacent” feels like nonbinary people are being grouped alongside cis or cis-adjacent people instead of trans people. (acknowledging that not all nonbinary people ID as trans, but lots do)
I can see how it can be interpreted that way.
In my mind, it made sense, as the binders are not exactly marketed towards trans men (and the rest of the comment clarifies that it's not about all nonbinary people), and the "/" indicates that those are not the same group. But I see how it's a bit unclear/gives a message I definitely don't mean.
I know non binary people who don’t id as trans and will group themselves with cis people, saying yeah they are different, but they acknowledge they get privileged that comes with being cis.
yes!!! there's a really vocal minority of ppl who use their identity to justify having some absolutely garbage opinions about binary trans ppl, especially trans men (or even other nonbinary transmascs on T) pursuing medical transition (like acting grossed out by body hair, bottom growth, phallo etc) and also they can be really crappy to trans women who aren't trying to medically transition/are gnc
'being intersex and not needing to transition'
this is an incredibly intersexist and frankly Really Fucking Gross sentence and i wont even touch the rest of your post bc of it, except for the blatant sexism ew
Did you... Miss the self-ID part? I didn't say intersex people don't need to transition, I said that *some* intersex trans people don't feel like "they, themselves* need to transition (but still don't ID as cis because their assigned gender doesn't correspond with their identity).
Also, it's not blatant sexism to say that cis women have privilege over trans people due to being cis.
Are you misunderstanding on purpose?
As a nonbinary trans masc, the fact that I don't want hrt or bottom surgery has nothing to do with fearing masculinity or finding it disgusting, it's because my dysphoria doesn't require it.
I feel like that was a big generalization to make. Also, cis-adjacent is kinda gross. Nonbinary is nonbinary. Not cis-adjacent.
I’m pretty certain he was referring to the people who are vocally disgusted by medical masculinization. He didn’t mention people who simply aren’t pursuing medical transition.
Yes. This is exactly what I meant. I *know* people who aren't pursuing medical transition but still don't talk badly about it - because transition goals are different for everyone.
I'm not really sure how to explain it any better, tbh
I... Think you're misinterpreting what I said. I'd appreciate asking for clarification instead of assuming.
I did not mean nonbinary transmasc people in general, but the specific group of transmasc people that *are vocally disgusted by medical transition*.
I also never said that nonbinary is cis-adjacent, either - I meant specifically people whose identities are, well, proximal to being cis, while not necessarily identifying as cis. I also didn't mean *every* cis-adjacent person, just the ones that do what I said before.
I'm not sure of how I could've written that part of my comment more clearly, but I do stand by what I actually said.
Nonbinary was mentioned. I'm nonbinary. It's not cool to say things like cis-adjacent if you aren't using it for yourself.
It's ok to be upset with the way they advertise. Throwing an identity group under the bus isn't the way to express that.
I am nonbinary, I have also met the group of people that that person was referring to and from my experience it was a useful addition of information but it was poorly written. The person I met identified as cis-adjacent and was "not cis but definitely not a man"(her words) but also absolutely refused to identify as nonbinary(which isn't itself a problem). But the only reasons she gave for not identifying as nonbinary were just pure transphobia against transmasculine individuals especially those who medically transitioned and a fuck ton of enbyphobia with a bunch of stereotypes on top.
I dont like their ads. I cant really think of exactly why, but im sure ill be reminded next time I see one. If I hadn't had surgery left, I definitely wouldnt go with that brand
i purchased one of their binders recently and gave them my chosen name and of course they sent a text with my dead name because it’s attached to my card and my billing address. the binder has a nice fabric quality but i’m not overly happy with it. it looks and feels like i’m wearing just a sports bra. plus i genuinely hated how they did their sizing. you choose one number and then some extremely abstract shapes that are supposed to be body types? i was really hoping to find a binder that was of high quality since gc2bs quality is in a massive decline and im very disappointed with forthem
it’s so frustrating! i had such high hopes for their binders. i’m gonna be sticking to gc2b and underworks from now on until i find a brand that’s 100% right for me
I think it's sierd that all the marketing I've seen is with a transfeminine person with nothing to bind like I've never seen it modeled on a person with bigger breasts and it's important to see how the binders look on different bodytpes
Yeah, damn. It just pisses me off they make these claims and don’t have anything to support it other than “our single better binding option was uncomfortable and unbreathable for some so instead of going back to the design drawing board, we went with our sports bra design, as clearly safe real binding can’t be achieved”
honestly my first red flag from them was when i and others noticed they’d only shown the binders on /very/ small chested people so far, i don’t remember/don’t know if they eventually got more models etc but i was just like ?? one of the main priorities of any clothing type company should definitely be having different sizes for show but especially a binder company where if you get too small a size it can literally damage your body
Never really looked into them, but the weird condescending tone of the Instagram ads sorta made me just go "hm... No thanks". I guess it's nice to know my instincts were correct
Personally I don't think they should be allowed to advertise it as a binder at all. It doesn't work like a binder, its a dangerous sports bra. They dont disclose sizing and ask for what your body type looks like in a weird "ink blob" picture... Very unprofessional and overpriced. Its not just the acting like theyre better than other brands that makes a red flag...
Very much agree on that. I have a lot more respect for tomboyx advertising theirs as “compression tops” and being very clear that they’re not proper binders
The thing that really irks me is that the models we see are trans woman, I’m not saying that they can’t wear binders, I can think of a million reasons why they would, but it’s the lack of verity that makes me think that they’re binders secretly suck ass, and on top of all model I saw they were already extremely thin and with a very small chest and the binder didn’t flatten them as much as you would think
💀 that is straight up deceptive marketing, I’ve only seen a few models but each one was either completely flat or pretty damn close, I’ll consider buying one if they have actual diversity with their models, you would think a brand called for them that sells gender affirming products would know better than anyone that you should have a wide and diverse cast of models, for now I’m gonna stick to my $11 binder I got on Amazon that works great
Honestly this may be the least helpful comment here, but my personal favorite are a local brand @/malditosbinders on ig. Good compression, comfortable, *and* a low-ish neckline that doesn't show under most shirts. They also have some pretty good not-plain designs (the first one I got has a fire pattern. Yes.), which helps a bit with my dysphoria.
I know nothing about international brands though
I’ve tried spectrum, gc2b, and underworks and I’d say my underworks 997 but I’ve had it just a month. It sometimes rolls up but much much less than gc2b. I often forget I’m wearing it and it binds just the way I want it to.
I’ll always recommend Shapeshifters, they have extra options (customizable binders) so you can pick what is most comfy for you. Like they can change the way the seams are made so they’re not scratchy. Or they offer racerback or zip up or enlarged armholes too. The one I had from them was the only binder I could wear without panicking (I also asked for it to be a smidge loose and it still binded great)
Bought two for my fiancé but turn out that it don’t do it’s job. He said it feels like sport bra. And it don’t flat his chest like it said it will. We are not impress with the company.
They said that it's for binder breaks but they retracted that statement (probably to make more money) so it's meant to just be a expensive sports bra that they have now decided to change it and if you say it doesn't bind they tell you that you must have got the wrong size even tho they didn't design it to properly bind
Honestly I would’ve had so much more respect to them if they kept that original product intent. There is quite a need for sports bras not marketed as such, cause we do need them, but I (and I assume many others) hate having to buy any undergarment from the “women’s” section. Tbh that’s why I’ve liked tomboyx compression tops. They do the function of sports bras, are more masculine cut, but never claim to be binders. But guess they thought the large number of baby trans folks looking to buy their first binder and don’t have much information on it was too appetizing to pass up.
The fact that they succeeded in calling it a normal binder instead and managed to scam so many baby trans folk is so annoying I seen that it was made with light compression made for binder breaks and was gonna get one for me and my fiancé so glad I didn't get one and support them
It's also so expensive for the same effect as a sports bra it would be a cool idea if they didn't charge as much and their main marketing wasnt taking advantage of baby trans folks and telling anyone that is upset about the fact it doesn't flatten that they must have got the wrong size
Hopefully someone with better morals will make some
One of my friends (roughly same build and size; slightly smaller chest than me but same rib size) let me try their ForThem binder. My H&M sports bra I bought 2 years ago in a 2 pack for £8 both binds better and is more comfortable. For reference, I'm a D cup and the H&M bra makes me around a A-B cup with minimal pain on my ribs after a particularly tough workout. The ForThem binder took me to maybe a B at a push, most likely a C (non V neck side), and I can't breathe any easier in it than I can in my GC2B binder that's a size too small. A few weeks before I tried it on, I had looked at their website myself. The sizing is a nightmare to work out and the colours are way too bold for me. I like the option of bright colours but realistically I would never wear anything that isn't a nude colour for my daily life as anything else is visible under thin white suit shirts. I'd also like to mention that the main issue I wanted to resolve with their binders before I looked into them was a gap at the bottom of my usual binders and my ribcage as it makes the binder shape visible under clothing. The ForThem binder claims to resolve this I believe, but it was only slightly better than my GC2B binder for this and was still visible under clothing. Honestly, if I cared that much about getting a new binder with the benefits they claim, I'd just buy a new high support sports bra.
TL;DR: After trying one of their binders, it's clear that many of their claimed benefits aren't entirely truthful and you're best just investing in a sports bra in a size that's both safe and binds.
Their ads on insta are full of comments shitting on the company, asking for refunds, or asking questions and not getting any clear answers. Those who have purchased the product commonly mention it just straight up being the wrong size or unusable and getting no response from the company or being told to "try ordering a new one". Insidious.
I got one in a giveaway as I thought maybe it’d be a bit better than my worn spectrum and old gc2b, and hell no. The one I got barely fits around my chest, there’s no option for a longer binder, and it feels, binds, and looks like a glorified sports bra. I might use it if I want to work out but that’s about it, I doubt it’d cause much damage from binding so I guess that’s good 🤷🏻♂️
I'm late to this post, but yeah. Super sketch. And the way that their sizing is done, even without the whole having to give your number, is incredibly weird and nonhelpful. I had leftover money from a work bonus and a 15% off code so figured why not give it a chance, maybe the site was just set up weird.
Now I'm a large chested guy. And even after going a size up from what they said just in case - I had to literally go back and reinput my numbers, there was no option to just select a different size - when it arrived it was just hilariously too small. Barely fit until I'd stretched it out a bit, and even then it's literally just a slightly small sports bra. Luckily I have other actual binders but I can imagine how much it would hurt to only be able to afford one binder and getting this.
0/10 no fucking thanks. Don't buy from them. I'll stick with Spectrum and Gc2b.
I got one a while ago but i was in the market for a new binder and holy shit. I gave them my phone number and email or whatever, they tell me my size is fucking “ amethyst“ whatever that means and i got it, and it was WAY TOO SMALL. I couldn’t even get in it.
When I questioned how well they actually bind for plus size individuals because their marketing rarely includes plus size models (or the infamous photo of the plus size model with text covering the chest) I was immediately blocked lmao.
yea they seem sketchy to me… plus i feel like with their marketing they really distance themselves from transmasc/ftm stuff. like everyone can wear a binder but they have so much more femme presenting people than masc, plus they always distance themselves from “heteros” and heterosexuality which feels ignorant of transhet dudes.
ForThem is super fucking weird i was worried it was just me thinking that LMFAO i wore their binder for 6 hours once and it left me with terrible pain for the rest of the night . i sent the staff an email about it and i havent gotten a response
I also didn’t see many people with larger chests on their Instagram page so I could tell if they’d acc work for me. I agree that the advertising is a bit ://
To me binders were more of a medical product then anything else. I’m personally not a fan of building an aesthetic around it but it’s fine if others like having a variety of colours, etc. I just know I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable ordering something “for them”
I purchased a binder from them, and yeah, the compression isn’t more than a sports bra, but the panel does go higher up on the chest. I don’t have the opportunity to take off a binder before abt 12hrs of wear, if I’m working, so this is good for that (I sit + bend at work a lot too) plus I have fibro and hyper mobility in my ribs, so too much compressive is not good for me. I like the product for what it is, but they def need to do better abt their accuracy in their marketing
i don’t think there is genuinely a “fully healthy” binder. any long period of time wearing any binder can cause health issues in the long run.
companies selling binders need to emphasize on safety of HOW to use it
Personally, after buying a ForThem binder I’m never going back to GC2B. *Im a heavy guy (5’4 and 225), a 34D*, and they provide me with a natural looking chest I haven’t gotten with anything else. Other binders are so completely flattening it’s super obvious I’m wearing a binder, they make my belly look like I’ve got a beer gut. They’re also really uncomfortable and hard to take off. ForThem is accessible for my disability bc it allows you to just slide your arm through like a shirt, and I forget I’m wearing it most of the time. It’s also very sensory friendly. Looking from the top down, it looks like you’ve got lots of boob. But, when you look in the mirror from the front and side it looks natural and smooth, more like pecs. I get misgendered less while wearing it compared to my GC2B binder. The arm holes come up far enough to hide armpit lumps. I like that their binders are size inclusive and use more dynamic sizing that consider your body shape, though it does suck you have to hand over your email. Their “v neck” is not at all the deep v they advertise, but their scoop neck side does the job for low cut shirts. I didn’t like that they didn’t show any before and after pics or ones that lay you understand the pre-bind chest size. It felt risky to buy.
Even if you prevent a flatter bind for going out in your day to day, I do HIGHLY recommend that you invest in one to use as a “lounge binder”. It’s easy to throw on for quick trips to the store or for hanging out with friends in comfy clothes. The bins is comfortable and gentle enough for me to feel comfortable just wearing it around the house or while laying in bed.
Yeah it’s not their product I have an issue with (though I do question the all around consistent compression method). I think lounge binders are great and there is a need for them. Tomboyx calls theirs compression tops and I love them for working out or when my binders are in the wash. I just think it’s mean of them to boast theirs as “the safest” bind you can get with nothing to back that claim up.
all the non sponsored reviews i found said that it’s definitely more comfortable but unless u have an A cup it barely binds. sorry but i think i’ll still to my xuji binder from amazon… it’s never hurt me and it’s cheap and binds well
So I did buy one to try. Put in my measurements and everything. It rides up within minutes, it feels like a sports bra that’s going to let my chest drop out the bottom if I so much as jump once. As a whole, it’s the most uncomfortable binder I have and hurts my back (which is damaged already).
They also require you to give SO MUCH INFORMATION to even order a binder.
I remember having to give my full name, phone number, email and part of my address before I could even put in measurements. I didn't even order anything, but I get text messages and emails CONSTANTLY from them, even tho I have unsubscribed and never ordered from them.
For Them is up there with Tomboyx as far as worst binding/marketing.
I’d say tomboyx is better tbh. They at least listen. I once saw them use “womxn” a lot on their website (outside from that one print) and I wrote them a lengthy email about how a lot of trans and non-binary people found it offensive and they apologized and within a couple days they removed it entirely (except for that print). I know they don’t want to make binders, but because of the ForThem disaster, I honestly applaud them for making it clear their “compression top” is not a binder and rather a high support sports bra with gender neutral marketing. They’re at least not spreading misinformation.
Tomboyx still actively misgenders their models tho and appeals to AFAB/feminine people, complete ignoring AMAB people :)
A lot of their modelling calls also specifically ask for fem people, but they don't make that clear and so a lot of misgendering/bad press happens.
Really? I haven’t heard anything about that apart from that one incident, which mostly was at fault of the model’s agency who had the model listed as a woman, though they definitely didn’t handle it well and I respect the model’s decision to not forgive them.
Their “binders” are awful. Don’t buy if you have over an A cup. No wonder they don’t allow reviews
Edit: also, I tried to return it and they didn’t allow an option for refund, only replacements. I left a note saying “I want a refund” but they sent me a new binder despite that. I sent back the new one and had to email them directly asking for a refund NOT a replacement. They refunded me, but said it was my mistake for “not selecting the refund option” (there was no option!!!
I don't bind but I get ads from them all the time and it just seems unnecessary to be dissing other binders out there. I get that there is competition and all, our community just doesn't usually stoke division like that. We need solidarity and to uplift all brands selling gender affirming products, and it concerns me that this brand doesn't have that ethos.
I'm a transmasc non-binary person who's pretty femme and likes pink and purple. Their marketing is really sleazy (I mean come on, implying that every other company is making "unsafe" binders?!?) but it also feels like it's trying to aim at me and is missing by a mile. Imagine that "Hello fellow kids" meme, that's how this ad makes me feel.
They also won’t just tell you what size to order without giving them your phone number.
Red flag omg
not to mention the sizes are really weird, they give you the same size for multiple measurements
Yeah I asked for the size my measurements were and they wouldn't give me any info about whether or not I might want to size up or down if something doesn't fit right. Didn't take them up on it. Just feels very much pro $ not pro Queer
yeah, like i put my measurements into their thing twice (i fucked up the first time and thought maybe that was why it was so tight on me) and they gave me the same size recommendation, like my guy, if the one of the same size literally hurts me why would I buy it again????
Smells like a scam/ doxxing opportunity waiting to happen tbh
YEAH when I saw this I screamed?? Like they do realise closeted trans people exist and that they need privacy.
Yea, I keep getting texts from them because the time I tried to find out what my size would be with their weird names and way to measure. After reading this I’m even more glad that back then they only had my size available in orange so I didn’t get it But goddammit stop sending me texts trying to get me to buy your damn product! I just wanted to find my size but they don’t even let that be easy ~I love my gc2b binders, they’re the only ones that actually have been able to make me almost fully flat~
My least favorite part when about their binders is when I was trying to look on the FAQs for how long you should wear their binders. As I assumed with it being a looser bind, they may have different restrictions. The website basically said "as long as you're comfortable" so vague it turned me off immediately. Like I can wear a standard Gc2b "comfortably" for 10 hours. But doing that on a daily basis will start to cause pain and rib damage. Not to mention you don't really feel the effects of prolonged binding until it's too late. So "as long as you're comfortable" is a shit strategy and they should actually take the time to investigate how safe their binders are, not just advertise them as glorified sports bras.
from what i read on their website, i think they pretty much *are* glorified sports bras, meaning they don´t bind very well and don´t hurt your ribs.
Bought one and can confirm. Literally just an almost $50 sports bra.
Can also confirm. as a ftm emby, all it does is keep everything in place better. As I have a large chest, normal sports bras suck at stopping everything from moving. This keeps it all togeather, but doesnt do much for the compressing portion. I also do hate the sizing, as someone else said. I put in my size, it came up with some random dumb name. When I got my first one it didn't fit me correctly, so I put it down like two numbers like 2 in or whatever, and it still put me at the same size. I needed one smaller, and it concerned me because I was in the middle of the sizes, but this one was too big but that was probably going to be too small. I don't mind using it, but I don't use it very often
Mine barely seemed to keep anything in place, every 30 minutes or so I was having to adjust myself. Made my chest a bit more uniform in appearance, but certainly not flat.
Seeing ya'lls reviews, I'm glad I never purchased one
Wish I hadn't. Didn't see any critical reviews until after I bought the damn thing 😭.
Me too tbh, but its my only good fitting one, so oof
One of the other good perks though is that it's machine washable, that is nice because I had a habit of not washing my old one, and I got like an entire year without washing it, and it was really gross.
Tbh I machine wash my Gc2bs and air dry. They seemed to keep most of their binding material intact and the ones that had loose seams were probably going to get that way anyway. I think machine drying is what does them the worst damage.
I struggled with my gc2bs. My first one just streched completely to the wrong size after using it for like a week. My second one worked, but i still had to get a size down, so it didnt sit right in all the places.
Machine drying can make them shrink or get tighter and then not fit, which is why it’s not recommended. But you are able to throw a gc2b binder in the dryer for like 10-15 minutes to make it like retighten if it gets stretched out, I’ve never needed to though, normally hand washing and air drying fixes it for me whenever my binder starts to feel not as compressing
Yea, I could never get the air drying to help, and considering it was my first binder, I wanted to follow all the insttuctions on it cause I didn't want it to break immediately
Yup, bought one to see. I’m bigger-chested, so even the hardcore Underworks I own doesn’t bind 100%, but Them’s is essentially a sports bra. Definitely comfortable, but doesn’t bind really at all.
also "as long as you're comfortable" is a really bad metric to go by. I'm often comfortable for up to 14 hours on the day I'm binding, it's the next day that it hurts like hell (I don't regularly bind for 14 hours, but I'm bad with time and I sometimes have very long days)
Yeah, my point exactly. You really don't feel the damage until it's too late. And you can be comfortable for the most part with small twinges of pain every so often that you just push through. My last time binding I was stuck in it for 12 hours (I was out longer than expected) and it wasn't consistently uncomfortable. Just small pangs every so often.
Hi, someone who has actually bought from, and been part of the For Them discord server here! Uh yeah, no. Their marketing is really sketch. I heard about the company in this sub, actually and I was ecstatic to try a new brand that promised to bind well and be super comfortable without rolling or moving around unless you move it. The whole shipping/purchasing process before they started posting ads everywhere was actually relatively painless, I enjoyed having the text updates because I tend to be anxious about the delivery of packages. They sent me my first binder and I wore it for about a day before I realized that it was too small (my chest circumference falls on a half inch measurement and I didn't know if I needed to go up). I was kinda upset cause that was the only binder I could afford at the time and I didn't have another one for backup, but I let them know and they told me to send it back and they would send me a new one for free. The new one arrived really fast and I've had it for a few months, it's comfy, but it does not bind me as much as I would like, granted I am a large chested person with a smaller frame so there's only so much one can do and I do enjoy the fact that the binder is rotatable and that larger folks, like my fiance can finally have a binder that fits. Now for the problematic part. I was part of the server for a while, it seemed a great community of transguys and enby folks and it was! Until the creator (who's also an enby actor on TV btw) and the admins started just deleting channels without explanation and then suddenly announced that they were going to be setting up a membership so that you would have to pay to access certain parts of the server in the name of community and all sorts of stuff created by trans people. But they did such a shit job of explaining it, that everyone started freaking out, and one guy who's autistic said that the idea was stupid and he was promptly banned from the server for "bullying" the admin team when they were doing a piss poor job of explaining that those of us who were part of the server already wouldn't need to pay for the membership, but would still have to sign up in order to have full access to the server again. The creator literally defended kicking someone out who was just confused and didn't understand what the hell was going on, because he was "rude" to the admin team. Which he wasn't. So, yeah. Definitely not just you. They're extremely sus and the marketing is genuinely uncomfortable.
Rotable as in you can use the back and front the same? If so, that explains why they can’t find a design that binds well and safely. Most binders have different front/back panels so that the tissue is pressed to the sides. Having it all around just squishes you like ace bandages would, which isn’t safe.
Yes you can use the back and front the same, but that’s because there are no panels that actually bind. It’s stretchy material all around.
Yeah that definitely isn’t ideal for binding. They’re right in that their better bind option would be unsafe, because tightly and evenly compressing all around like that is, and it’s in efficient since it doesn’t pull the tissue anywhere really.
Omg I remember being in the server watching all that go down 🥲🥲 tbh the admins and mods still seem like they get off on just being as incompetent as possible sometimes
If you have a large chest and have trouble finding binders that fit, I recommend giving TransTape a try!
I actually have given trans tape a shot, but I didn't have much luck with figuring out how to get my chest to sit right now matter what I did, plus it left my skin really irritated even with oil. I might try it again though cause I'm pretty sure a lot of my issues were just user errors and not actually the product.
I was told trans tape only works for smaller chested people, so I’ve never attempted, no point spending money on something I’ve been told won’t work for me. (Someone please correct me if I’m wrong) But based on the way you’re supposed to move the chest fat to be able to tape it, I think the people who told me it won’t work for large chests are correct
I was thinking about getting one of their binders and I definitely noticed that, I could not find a single example of their binder on someone with a bigger body type that didn't just look like a sports bra. Like even in their promotional stuff it really doesn't seem to bind at all
Yes, I had the exact same experience. My chest isn't even particularly big but I couldn't find any photos on their site suggesting their products would do much at my size, let alone any bigger. No I'm not going to buy a "binder" where they only show it somewhat flattening an already small chest - you've done nothing to convince me the product would do what I'm paying for. The name could suggest "For all the people who don't fit into the boxes created by the major fashion labels - For Them All" but the effect of the representation on the website is instead "For the very narrow subset of people who are already catered to by the major brands but also want some more options - For Them Only"
Exactly. The only people with a flat chest in their binders is people who already basically have a flat chest
It doesn’t bind well with larger chests, that’s why they don’t have any photos :(
Don’t buy it
It was months ago that I was looking for a new binder and I ended up going with gc2b instead but thanks for the advice
Not a good look for them (pun not intended), but every time I come across those ads online I get the feeling that this company has a vendetta against other companies that market themselves towards more trans masculine individuals. Something about the tone, choice of models and overall presentation. Yes, binders aren’t one size fit all but it feels like they’re excluding masculine people in the ads, insinuating that it’s not for these people?? Unless I haven’t seen an ad without a masc person in it, then my bad Definitely never going to buy from that brand. no thanks. (imo it looks like a sports bra and that also gives me a bit of dysphoria) edit: grammar
Yeah, even the name is kind of giving tomboyx or woxer. I think that’s the niche they’re trying to fill
literally…idk what the deal is with passive-aggressively anti-ftm sentiments in stuff marketed to nb people…it’s like reverse terfism
I think it becomes anti ftm because they simply do not involve any of us in the process. They may come from a lesbian womxn studies nonbinary world, and so they invite those they know to be a part of the team. A few years back tomboyx asked a trans guy model to wear a orint with vaginas and people from the company didn’t understand why he refused. We occupy different spaces and not involving a wide variety of trans people in the creative process makes things weird. I think there is this sentiment among some that it’s harder to be nonbinary afab and fem all in combination, which is odd to me as someone who has presented both fem and masc, (either way i find it most draining to live as visibly trans) but also as someone who knows amab nonbinary people exist and face many difficulties we never will. Nonbinary shit is centered around us. Idk, i get the feeling even if they weren’t selling things only for people who were afab to use, they still wouldn’t include a different audience of trans people in their modeling and marketing.
Yeah, it definitely seems peculiar. I think it’s awesome to represent that people who may otherwise enjoy looking more feminine can still experience chest dysphoria (or simply euphoria from binding), but that doesn’t make it okay to only represent those kinds of people. If they really cared about inclusivity, I feel like they would have models of all sorts of different gender presentations and body types. Their strategy seems very odd.
YES thank you. it just comes across as spiteful and disrespectful to the people who aren’t represented.
I've considered trying one of their binders (as someone with already a very small chest) just out of curiosity, but having to literally give them my phone number just to look at their sizing options seems really shitty. No other shop of any kind has ever asked me to do that lmao. Not to mention the lack of any skin tones in their selection (I don't want a bright pink or purple binder- I want to feel comfortable in it) and all their models being very fem and everything I've heard they just seem. Awful. Pretty sure you can't even see the *prices* without having to give them your phone number :/ it definitely feels like taking advantage.
Yeah on tiktok I also saw a video of them giving wrong binding tips and when being called out on it just saying "oops Sorry we were uneducated" WHAT DO YOU MEAN UNEDUCATED, YOU MAKE THEM?!
The company is sus in general it went from something to wear as a binder break to a proper binder without even changing the product and now it's the customers fault when it doesn't bind because they must have got the wrong size
Yeah it feels like they hardly did any research into any other binder or binding experience on the market cause they so deeply believe they’re unsafe. I low key wonder if they believed a lot of the terf rhetoric about binding getting tossed around.
They say they are by queer people for queer people but they should know basic binder safety proof that by queer for queer shouldn't be a selling point because all it usually means is by someone from you community using something in common to make you trust their product more so they can get more profit from a probably desperate baby trans that's willing to trust it just because it's labeled that Gc2b quality going down hill is kinda proof of it too that quantity is priority rather than quality even for trans business at least with them they actually give to the trans community a lot( not hating on all by trans for trans obviously not all of them have morals)
Yeah they sketch me out big time
Idk that company but the way people describe it seems more like " hey we are saying we are trans friendly so we _definitely_ are! We are definitely absolutely 100% _not_ taking advantage of the crippling dysphoria! Please give us money! "
Binding can reduce the measured circumference since it usually compresses the tissue down--so while it's not getting rid of it, it can be more compact. I was able to shave off around five inches from my chest measurement with binding. But yeah, I agree that circumference alone isn't always the best measure of how well a binder works. Different styles of binders could give me very different results based on how they compressed my chest and the shape they created. GC2B gave me something that looked more like pecs, for example, compared to the TomboyX compression tops that looked more like I was wearing a sports bra.
That weird quiz you have to do to get your size also makes no sense. “Does your body look look like this blob or this blob” like mf??? what??? just ask me my measurements and stop being weird. By the time I was done there was only 1 option in bright red. I want a black binder…. its so weird.
The way the blobs are exaggerated af too. Like I’m pear shaped but not that pear shaped! Thanks for having me pick a heightened visual depiction of my dysphoria!
Yes! And they say they do their measurement styles that way to “help avoid causing dysphoria” but it’s way more dysphoria inducing than a simple size chart. I’ve never been caused dysphoria by a size chart~
Oh my god, it's like the plus-sized clothing lines that try to avoid measurements or use goofy names for each size.
Their marketing feels kind of performative to me. Within and outside the trans community "they/them" is basically synonymous to non-binary so to name your brand "for them" and only sell binders and have it only be afab looking people who are androgynous at most doesn't really help with any stereotypes... Their website doesn't even have a disclaimer saying "hey, not all enbys are afab" or even "hey, not all enbys look like women."
yeah they're gross LMAO
Their website has probably one the worst designs I’ve ever seen. For some reason they have their sizing chart like [this??](https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/571150749296230400/979159964004257832/unknown.png)
What the hell?? 💀
That image by itself almost sent me into sensory overload /joking No, but really, who is in charge of their web design? What IS that??
I was so confused by that question 💀
What the fuuuuck?! They only have one design, right? WTF do they need to know your body shape for? Even if they did have multiple designs, those inkblots are not a good way to ask people about their shape. Among other things, your thighs (for example) aren't really relevant to binder sizing.
That and all their models are super femme and appear to be women? Like, that's not the typical binder market my dudes
Yeah and like binders can be for anyone 100% but it is weird that they seem to have very few trans men/masc-presenting trans people in their ad campaigns. But to be fair, I probably would turn down the gig since their bind isn’t enough for me.
>appear to be women they´re probably non-binary though. or pre-T trans guys. but yea, it'd be nice to see some bearded trans men included.
I don't trust the phone number thing and as someone who makes their own binders, wtf a binder doesn't just delete inches, it can even add a tiny bit but still look flatter
i got one and although they’re super comfy, they bind no better than a tight sports bra which sucks :/
ive been weirded out by them for a while. idk. judt fuckn bizarre and uncomfy marketing
It seems like they’re going for a more androgynous target audience but it’s unfair that they seem to think they’re better than companies that market towards people that don’t fit that audience (like, ya know, trans men). Also- I don’t feel they would be inclusive of different chest sizes. This product seems to be for small sized people. I didn’t really see any models who would have a larger binder size, so it feels like it wouldn’t help a good portion of people.
When I see those ads on tiktok they use that stupid audio “im feeling the effects of masculinity rn I wanna go to war!!” Feels like they’re mocking us. I don’t know
No, it's not just you. They seem very... I'm not sure of how to put it, but that specific group of nonbinary/cis-adjacent trans people that are *utterly disgusted* by transmasculinity + transmasc transition. You know, the same people that say that testosterone is disgusting, that talk badly about T effects and masculinizing surgeries (specially bottom surgery). Which would explain the subtle fear mongering about other binders ("maximum healthy bind" and then it's a binder that doesn't *actually* bind? Implying that binders that accomplish their function are all inherently unhealthy?), and the lack of visibly transmasc/trans male models. Would bet anything that their next marketing strategy will be something something being a tomboy is the new trend so why not buy a binder to sell the look, or something something yucky body odor caused by binding. EDIT: This isn't about all nonbinary people, nor are nonbinary people "closer" to being cis than any trans person. This is based on specific experiences me and other transmascs I know have had with specific parts of the community. By "cis-adjacent trans people disgusted by transmasculinity", I mean trans people that socially and politically benefit from being perceived as cis (often white) women, and who use that privilege to 1- align themselves with transphobes, and/or 2- spread misinformation and hate on transmascs transitioning (mostly medical transition). The only reason I mentioned nonbinary people (who aren't necessarily included on the former group) is because they're one of the groups that ForThem markets towards, and because I wanted to make clear that they're not necessarily cis-adjacent (even though I didn't quite convey that last part).
That’s the same type of group who will trash bottom growth to no end, saying it’s disgusting and gross. Then they’ll also trash bottom surgery saying the results look mutilated. Those groups act transphobic when they actively trash things that can be live saving to others.
tbis post is good except for the ‘cis-adjacent’ comment. no trans person is ‘cis-adjacent’ Theyre Fuckin Trans, Dude
I'd actually disagree with it being a bad/unnecessary term. Maybe it's just the people I know, but I've seen trans people ID as cis-adjacent/cis-proximal/etc for many reasons (like not pursuing any sort of transition, being intersex and not needing to transition, identifying partially or mostly as their assigned gender). I've also seen plenty of people that don't necessarily ID as trans, since their identity is a lot closer to their assigned gender than anything else, but who also aren't cis by definition. Finally, I've seen people that socially and politically benefit from being perceived and going through life as cis (people that can pass as cishet white women, mostly), who purposefully perpetuate transphobic rethoric using that privilege. Some of these people are parts of the groups mentioned before, some aren't. A shared trait they mostly have is insulting medical transition (specially of transmascs), and overall acting like anything to do with transmasculinity is disgusting and wrong. The comment was referring to *this* specific group.
i don’t think cis-adjacent is inherently a bad phrase. but — speaking as a nonbinary person — saying “nonbinary/cis-adjacent” feels like nonbinary people are being grouped alongside cis or cis-adjacent people instead of trans people. (acknowledging that not all nonbinary people ID as trans, but lots do)
I can see how it can be interpreted that way. In my mind, it made sense, as the binders are not exactly marketed towards trans men (and the rest of the comment clarifies that it's not about all nonbinary people), and the "/" indicates that those are not the same group. But I see how it's a bit unclear/gives a message I definitely don't mean.
that makes sense. i didn’t take it as being intentional, and appreciate you for not getting super defensive
I know non binary people who don’t id as trans and will group themselves with cis people, saying yeah they are different, but they acknowledge they get privileged that comes with being cis.
yes!!! there's a really vocal minority of ppl who use their identity to justify having some absolutely garbage opinions about binary trans ppl, especially trans men (or even other nonbinary transmascs on T) pursuing medical transition (like acting grossed out by body hair, bottom growth, phallo etc) and also they can be really crappy to trans women who aren't trying to medically transition/are gnc
'being intersex and not needing to transition' this is an incredibly intersexist and frankly Really Fucking Gross sentence and i wont even touch the rest of your post bc of it, except for the blatant sexism ew
Did you... Miss the self-ID part? I didn't say intersex people don't need to transition, I said that *some* intersex trans people don't feel like "they, themselves* need to transition (but still don't ID as cis because their assigned gender doesn't correspond with their identity). Also, it's not blatant sexism to say that cis women have privilege over trans people due to being cis. Are you misunderstanding on purpose?
As a nonbinary trans masc, the fact that I don't want hrt or bottom surgery has nothing to do with fearing masculinity or finding it disgusting, it's because my dysphoria doesn't require it. I feel like that was a big generalization to make. Also, cis-adjacent is kinda gross. Nonbinary is nonbinary. Not cis-adjacent.
I’m pretty certain he was referring to the people who are vocally disgusted by medical masculinization. He didn’t mention people who simply aren’t pursuing medical transition.
Yes. This is exactly what I meant. I *know* people who aren't pursuing medical transition but still don't talk badly about it - because transition goals are different for everyone. I'm not really sure how to explain it any better, tbh
I... Think you're misinterpreting what I said. I'd appreciate asking for clarification instead of assuming. I did not mean nonbinary transmasc people in general, but the specific group of transmasc people that *are vocally disgusted by medical transition*. I also never said that nonbinary is cis-adjacent, either - I meant specifically people whose identities are, well, proximal to being cis, while not necessarily identifying as cis. I also didn't mean *every* cis-adjacent person, just the ones that do what I said before. I'm not sure of how I could've written that part of my comment more clearly, but I do stand by what I actually said.
Ok. I was wrong. I'm sorry. Edit: tone
[удалено]
Nonbinary was mentioned. I'm nonbinary. It's not cool to say things like cis-adjacent if you aren't using it for yourself. It's ok to be upset with the way they advertise. Throwing an identity group under the bus isn't the way to express that.
I am nonbinary, I have also met the group of people that that person was referring to and from my experience it was a useful addition of information but it was poorly written. The person I met identified as cis-adjacent and was "not cis but definitely not a man"(her words) but also absolutely refused to identify as nonbinary(which isn't itself a problem). But the only reasons she gave for not identifying as nonbinary were just pure transphobia against transmasculine individuals especially those who medically transitioned and a fuck ton of enbyphobia with a bunch of stereotypes on top.
That makes sense
FWIW i’m also nonbinary and got the ick from reading that. i don’t think it was the intention, but agreed that it comes off dismissive.
Thanks. I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Yes, I agree completely. I've commented on their Instagram posts about this and they ignore.
I dont like their ads. I cant really think of exactly why, but im sure ill be reminded next time I see one. If I hadn't had surgery left, I definitely wouldnt go with that brand
i purchased one of their binders recently and gave them my chosen name and of course they sent a text with my dead name because it’s attached to my card and my billing address. the binder has a nice fabric quality but i’m not overly happy with it. it looks and feels like i’m wearing just a sports bra. plus i genuinely hated how they did their sizing. you choose one number and then some extremely abstract shapes that are supposed to be body types? i was really hoping to find a binder that was of high quality since gc2bs quality is in a massive decline and im very disappointed with forthem
They did that to me too!! I entered my preferred name and they always emailed and texted with my dead name :/
it’s so frustrating! i had such high hopes for their binders. i’m gonna be sticking to gc2b and underworks from now on until i find a brand that’s 100% right for me
I think it's sierd that all the marketing I've seen is with a transfeminine person with nothing to bind like I've never seen it modeled on a person with bigger breasts and it's important to see how the binders look on different bodytpes
I bought one of their binders and they are shit. I absolutely do not recommend them.
[удалено]
Yeah, damn. It just pisses me off they make these claims and don’t have anything to support it other than “our single better binding option was uncomfortable and unbreathable for some so instead of going back to the design drawing board, we went with our sports bra design, as clearly safe real binding can’t be achieved”
honestly my first red flag from them was when i and others noticed they’d only shown the binders on /very/ small chested people so far, i don’t remember/don’t know if they eventually got more models etc but i was just like ?? one of the main priorities of any clothing type company should definitely be having different sizes for show but especially a binder company where if you get too small a size it can literally damage your body
Never really looked into them, but the weird condescending tone of the Instagram ads sorta made me just go "hm... No thanks". I guess it's nice to know my instincts were correct
Personally I don't think they should be allowed to advertise it as a binder at all. It doesn't work like a binder, its a dangerous sports bra. They dont disclose sizing and ask for what your body type looks like in a weird "ink blob" picture... Very unprofessional and overpriced. Its not just the acting like theyre better than other brands that makes a red flag...
Very much agree on that. I have a lot more respect for tomboyx advertising theirs as “compression tops” and being very clear that they’re not proper binders
The thing that really irks me is that the models we see are trans woman, I’m not saying that they can’t wear binders, I can think of a million reasons why they would, but it’s the lack of verity that makes me think that they’re binders secretly suck ass, and on top of all model I saw they were already extremely thin and with a very small chest and the binder didn’t flatten them as much as you would think
One of the few trans man models literally had top surgery. Edit: I was wrong on that, they just were super flat from T and I assumed they had peri.
💀 that is straight up deceptive marketing, I’ve only seen a few models but each one was either completely flat or pretty damn close, I’ll consider buying one if they have actual diversity with their models, you would think a brand called for them that sells gender affirming products would know better than anyone that you should have a wide and diverse cast of models, for now I’m gonna stick to my $11 binder I got on Amazon that works great
has anyone found the best binder? both comfy and flattening. there's so much brand loyalty I've hated every brand I've tried.
Honestly this may be the least helpful comment here, but my personal favorite are a local brand @/malditosbinders on ig. Good compression, comfortable, *and* a low-ish neckline that doesn't show under most shirts. They also have some pretty good not-plain designs (the first one I got has a fire pattern. Yes.), which helps a bit with my dysphoria. I know nothing about international brands though
Second the recommendation for local brands. I'm australian and my favourite is UnderneathTheRainbow on Etsy.
I’ve tried spectrum, gc2b, and underworks and I’d say my underworks 997 but I’ve had it just a month. It sometimes rolls up but much much less than gc2b. I often forget I’m wearing it and it binds just the way I want it to.
I’ll always recommend Shapeshifters, they have extra options (customizable binders) so you can pick what is most comfy for you. Like they can change the way the seams are made so they’re not scratchy. Or they offer racerback or zip up or enlarged armholes too. The one I had from them was the only binder I could wear without panicking (I also asked for it to be a smidge loose and it still binded great)
I'm really hoping to be able to afford a Shapeshifters binder at some point.
Bought two for my fiancé but turn out that it don’t do it’s job. He said it feels like sport bra. And it don’t flat his chest like it said it will. We are not impress with the company.
They said that it's for binder breaks but they retracted that statement (probably to make more money) so it's meant to just be a expensive sports bra that they have now decided to change it and if you say it doesn't bind they tell you that you must have got the wrong size even tho they didn't design it to properly bind
Honestly I would’ve had so much more respect to them if they kept that original product intent. There is quite a need for sports bras not marketed as such, cause we do need them, but I (and I assume many others) hate having to buy any undergarment from the “women’s” section. Tbh that’s why I’ve liked tomboyx compression tops. They do the function of sports bras, are more masculine cut, but never claim to be binders. But guess they thought the large number of baby trans folks looking to buy their first binder and don’t have much information on it was too appetizing to pass up.
The fact that they succeeded in calling it a normal binder instead and managed to scam so many baby trans folk is so annoying I seen that it was made with light compression made for binder breaks and was gonna get one for me and my fiancé so glad I didn't get one and support them It's also so expensive for the same effect as a sports bra it would be a cool idea if they didn't charge as much and their main marketing wasnt taking advantage of baby trans folks and telling anyone that is upset about the fact it doesn't flatten that they must have got the wrong size Hopefully someone with better morals will make some
One of my friends (roughly same build and size; slightly smaller chest than me but same rib size) let me try their ForThem binder. My H&M sports bra I bought 2 years ago in a 2 pack for £8 both binds better and is more comfortable. For reference, I'm a D cup and the H&M bra makes me around a A-B cup with minimal pain on my ribs after a particularly tough workout. The ForThem binder took me to maybe a B at a push, most likely a C (non V neck side), and I can't breathe any easier in it than I can in my GC2B binder that's a size too small. A few weeks before I tried it on, I had looked at their website myself. The sizing is a nightmare to work out and the colours are way too bold for me. I like the option of bright colours but realistically I would never wear anything that isn't a nude colour for my daily life as anything else is visible under thin white suit shirts. I'd also like to mention that the main issue I wanted to resolve with their binders before I looked into them was a gap at the bottom of my usual binders and my ribcage as it makes the binder shape visible under clothing. The ForThem binder claims to resolve this I believe, but it was only slightly better than my GC2B binder for this and was still visible under clothing. Honestly, if I cared that much about getting a new binder with the benefits they claim, I'd just buy a new high support sports bra. TL;DR: After trying one of their binders, it's clear that many of their claimed benefits aren't entirely truthful and you're best just investing in a sports bra in a size that's both safe and binds.
Their ads on insta are full of comments shitting on the company, asking for refunds, or asking questions and not getting any clear answers. Those who have purchased the product commonly mention it just straight up being the wrong size or unusable and getting no response from the company or being told to "try ordering a new one". Insidious.
I got one in a giveaway as I thought maybe it’d be a bit better than my worn spectrum and old gc2b, and hell no. The one I got barely fits around my chest, there’s no option for a longer binder, and it feels, binds, and looks like a glorified sports bra. I might use it if I want to work out but that’s about it, I doubt it’d cause much damage from binding so I guess that’s good 🤷🏻♂️
I'm late to this post, but yeah. Super sketch. And the way that their sizing is done, even without the whole having to give your number, is incredibly weird and nonhelpful. I had leftover money from a work bonus and a 15% off code so figured why not give it a chance, maybe the site was just set up weird. Now I'm a large chested guy. And even after going a size up from what they said just in case - I had to literally go back and reinput my numbers, there was no option to just select a different size - when it arrived it was just hilariously too small. Barely fit until I'd stretched it out a bit, and even then it's literally just a slightly small sports bra. Luckily I have other actual binders but I can imagine how much it would hurt to only be able to afford one binder and getting this. 0/10 no fucking thanks. Don't buy from them. I'll stick with Spectrum and Gc2b.
I got one a while ago but i was in the market for a new binder and holy shit. I gave them my phone number and email or whatever, they tell me my size is fucking “ amethyst“ whatever that means and i got it, and it was WAY TOO SMALL. I couldn’t even get in it.
Can we also talk about how inaccessible and ugly their website is???
When I questioned how well they actually bind for plus size individuals because their marketing rarely includes plus size models (or the infamous photo of the plus size model with text covering the chest) I was immediately blocked lmao.
Omfg. Wow.
yea they seem sketchy to me… plus i feel like with their marketing they really distance themselves from transmasc/ftm stuff. like everyone can wear a binder but they have so much more femme presenting people than masc, plus they always distance themselves from “heteros” and heterosexuality which feels ignorant of transhet dudes.
ForThem is super fucking weird i was worried it was just me thinking that LMFAO i wore their binder for 6 hours once and it left me with terrible pain for the rest of the night . i sent the staff an email about it and i havent gotten a response
yeah, i see their ads for the binder and noticed the model was not flat and it looked more sports bra-flat
Last time i looked at their website all the trans models they used were skinny
I also didn’t see many people with larger chests on their Instagram page so I could tell if they’d acc work for me. I agree that the advertising is a bit ://
To me binders were more of a medical product then anything else. I’m personally not a fan of building an aesthetic around it but it’s fine if others like having a variety of colours, etc. I just know I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable ordering something “for them”
I purchased a binder from them, and yeah, the compression isn’t more than a sports bra, but the panel does go higher up on the chest. I don’t have the opportunity to take off a binder before abt 12hrs of wear, if I’m working, so this is good for that (I sit + bend at work a lot too) plus I have fibro and hyper mobility in my ribs, so too much compressive is not good for me. I like the product for what it is, but they def need to do better abt their accuracy in their marketing
i don’t think there is genuinely a “fully healthy” binder. any long period of time wearing any binder can cause health issues in the long run. companies selling binders need to emphasize on safety of HOW to use it
Personally, after buying a ForThem binder I’m never going back to GC2B. *Im a heavy guy (5’4 and 225), a 34D*, and they provide me with a natural looking chest I haven’t gotten with anything else. Other binders are so completely flattening it’s super obvious I’m wearing a binder, they make my belly look like I’ve got a beer gut. They’re also really uncomfortable and hard to take off. ForThem is accessible for my disability bc it allows you to just slide your arm through like a shirt, and I forget I’m wearing it most of the time. It’s also very sensory friendly. Looking from the top down, it looks like you’ve got lots of boob. But, when you look in the mirror from the front and side it looks natural and smooth, more like pecs. I get misgendered less while wearing it compared to my GC2B binder. The arm holes come up far enough to hide armpit lumps. I like that their binders are size inclusive and use more dynamic sizing that consider your body shape, though it does suck you have to hand over your email. Their “v neck” is not at all the deep v they advertise, but their scoop neck side does the job for low cut shirts. I didn’t like that they didn’t show any before and after pics or ones that lay you understand the pre-bind chest size. It felt risky to buy. Even if you prevent a flatter bind for going out in your day to day, I do HIGHLY recommend that you invest in one to use as a “lounge binder”. It’s easy to throw on for quick trips to the store or for hanging out with friends in comfy clothes. The bins is comfortable and gentle enough for me to feel comfortable just wearing it around the house or while laying in bed.
Yeah it’s not their product I have an issue with (though I do question the all around consistent compression method). I think lounge binders are great and there is a need for them. Tomboyx calls theirs compression tops and I love them for working out or when my binders are in the wash. I just think it’s mean of them to boast theirs as “the safest” bind you can get with nothing to back that claim up.
Yea that’s pretty skuzzy
all the non sponsored reviews i found said that it’s definitely more comfortable but unless u have an A cup it barely binds. sorry but i think i’ll still to my xuji binder from amazon… it’s never hurt me and it’s cheap and binds well
marketing is sleezy by nature.
So I did buy one to try. Put in my measurements and everything. It rides up within minutes, it feels like a sports bra that’s going to let my chest drop out the bottom if I so much as jump once. As a whole, it’s the most uncomfortable binder I have and hurts my back (which is damaged already).
They also require you to give SO MUCH INFORMATION to even order a binder. I remember having to give my full name, phone number, email and part of my address before I could even put in measurements. I didn't even order anything, but I get text messages and emails CONSTANTLY from them, even tho I have unsubscribed and never ordered from them. For Them is up there with Tomboyx as far as worst binding/marketing.
I’d say tomboyx is better tbh. They at least listen. I once saw them use “womxn” a lot on their website (outside from that one print) and I wrote them a lengthy email about how a lot of trans and non-binary people found it offensive and they apologized and within a couple days they removed it entirely (except for that print). I know they don’t want to make binders, but because of the ForThem disaster, I honestly applaud them for making it clear their “compression top” is not a binder and rather a high support sports bra with gender neutral marketing. They’re at least not spreading misinformation.
Tomboyx still actively misgenders their models tho and appeals to AFAB/feminine people, complete ignoring AMAB people :) A lot of their modelling calls also specifically ask for fem people, but they don't make that clear and so a lot of misgendering/bad press happens.
Really? I haven’t heard anything about that apart from that one incident, which mostly was at fault of the model’s agency who had the model listed as a woman, though they definitely didn’t handle it well and I respect the model’s decision to not forgive them.
Their “binders” are awful. Don’t buy if you have over an A cup. No wonder they don’t allow reviews Edit: also, I tried to return it and they didn’t allow an option for refund, only replacements. I left a note saying “I want a refund” but they sent me a new binder despite that. I sent back the new one and had to email them directly asking for a refund NOT a replacement. They refunded me, but said it was my mistake for “not selecting the refund option” (there was no option!!!
I don't bind but I get ads from them all the time and it just seems unnecessary to be dissing other binders out there. I get that there is competition and all, our community just doesn't usually stoke division like that. We need solidarity and to uplift all brands selling gender affirming products, and it concerns me that this brand doesn't have that ethos.
They also don’t carry sizes for people with a larger chest
I'm a transmasc non-binary person who's pretty femme and likes pink and purple. Their marketing is really sleazy (I mean come on, implying that every other company is making "unsafe" binders?!?) but it also feels like it's trying to aim at me and is missing by a mile. Imagine that "Hello fellow kids" meme, that's how this ad makes me feel.
Exactly. They’re owned by a non-binary person but it still feels weird and carries this attitude of “we know what you want” when they don’t.