Chest Binding for the Larger Chested Transman

On the hunt for that first chest binder

When it came to finding out about chest binding, it was while watching YouTube videos. At that time, it was all about the underworks range. Time to do some window-shopping and start researching into finding out all I could on chest binders and to see if I could find one that best suited me.

I was hoping for one that:

• Was best suited to my large chest
• Hopefully available to purchase in the UK and
• was within my budget.

I spent time looking at as many sites as I could and based on recommendations the most popular chest binders at the time was the underworks range (available at F2MBinders). At the time I was looking, the tri-top was the most popular. There is a choice between the extreme tri-top and the cotton lined power tri-top.

The prices for their range varies from around £20 to £40, the Tri-top and other models can be bought direct from F2MBinders (based in the States), and a range of their stock can also be found on Amazon.

I did look to see if there was anything available on eBay, even a second-hand one but found nothing suitable.

Chest Binding options to choose from:

Half Binder

The half binder is designed to only cover the chest area so that the stomach is free, this can help with having better movement and not so hot and stuffy in warmer weather. The half binder is also available in a full length where the lower section helps to stop the binder from rolling up.

Full Binder

The full binder is the length of a t-shirt and the front is one complete compression panel. These can help to compress everything and help to pull those little love handles in. Movement could be a little restricted.

Sports bra/ Layers

These are a great idea if you are small chested and combine it with layers of clothing. They do not have the compression of a chest binder but are a good starting point.

My First Chest Binder

I was fortunate enough to be given my first chest binder it was the underworks 997 (now known as the ‘Econo high power chest binder tank’) in a medium. I found that putting it on over my head was much easier than trying to step into it. Not only that, I did need some help with putting it on to start with as I found it would roll up and unfortunately, I would be stuck with my arms in the air.

I had to do some moving around when I first put the binder on as it caused a hump or ‘uni-boob’. I would move each chesticle down and out aiming towards the arm pits.

They really do what they are designed to do, it was quite astounding what difference using one makes. I found that it was tight but not tight enough to restrict my breathing and with it being full length, it brought in my love handles too.

On its own, it was OK, but I did not feel my chest was flat enough and everything moved around too much. I tried it with wearing a bra underneath which kept everything in place but did nothing to help with the compression.

In the end I wore a bra and then the underworks 997 doubled over and that gave me a flat chest and to smooth everything out I bought the microfiber concealer crew. However, the first and only time I wore it this way I found that after a couple of hours I had to take it all off as I was struggling to breath, and it was cutting into my stomach.

I do have to say though do not double bind, no matter how flat your chest looks. It really isn’t healthy as I found out.

The Chest Binder I use all the time

I still wanted to have a flat chest but without having to wear all the layers that I had with the 997. I had wondered with having to double over the 997 that I would be better off going with the half binder version, hoping that it would give me the same compression. But with it being shorter, I was unsure if it would work with a larger chest.

With it being shorter and my stomach was not restricted that I would be able to move more freely without feely like the top half of my body could not move. I managed to find a second-hand underworks Tri-top on eBay.

Even with the tri-top, I found it easier to put it on over my head. I was surprised that I actually fit into it and to help with getting a flatter chest as the uni-boob would happen, I would move each chesticle out and down under the armpits.

Sometimes I would wear the tri-top on its own or combine it with a bra and concealer. It just depended on where I was going. It didn’t give me the flattest chest like the 997 combination, but it is far more comfortable and my breathing isn’t restricted.

I can also last longer wearing it before I have to take it off.

Tri-top Chest Binder options

I also found that depending on the type of t-shirt I was wearing I would also have to put on a round neck vest, as the material would cling to the concealer. Wearing the right t-shirt can also help, something with a pattern or large image as it detracts away from the chest area. I also got my t-shirts in a size bigger, so it’s baggy rather than clingy.

I found I got very frustrated with the binder and myself as I wanted it to give me the flattest chest, hoping that my chest would disappear altogether when wearing it. Unfortunately my chest size (42H) and my body shape let me down.

Overall Impression of the Tri-Top

• Compression : 4/5
• Fit: 4/5
• Comfort: 3/5
• Cost: $29.99

Gc2B Tank Chest Binder

As time went by other companies started to make chest binders. One of those was the GC2B tank. The company is based in the States. I can’t remember if I was charged an import fee.

The first one I ordered the stitching had come away from the compression section, I emailed them, and they were happy to send out a replacement.

Its design was full length and the top half is a double layer of compression. I did not think it would do the job of flattening my large chest and any kind of movement would stretch the seams as I didn’t think the material would hold up.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get on with it. The compression section was too short and the bottom part was not attached to the rest of the binder, causing it to roll up underneath the material. I really did like the style and the overall material it was made of. If the compression section was longer and had the same compression level as the tri-top then it would have been the perfect binder.

Over all impression of the GC2B Tank

• Compression: 3/5
• Fit: 4/5
• Comfort: 5/5
• Cost: $35.00

Chest Binding while on Testosterone

I found every opportunity I could in not wearing my binder unless I had too. I only wore it when I was visiting places or had appointments to go to. However, once the changes from taking testosterone started to become more visible, going out without wearing a binder for me was not an option.

I started noticing after about six months of being on Testosterone injections that my chest was starting to break down and become more manageable and the size began to decrease, which made binding a lot easier.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you that the chest binders that I used would work for you. Finding the right one is solely down to trial and error.

The chest binders that are available today come in different styles, larger sizes and some can even make the binder to your measurements. Check out our Chest Binding before top surgery post for more information on what’s available.

Just remember to use the sizing guide and not go a smaller size thinking it would have better compression. In fact, you may find that you cannot even fit into it.

Good luck and happy binder hunting.