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Binder Questions


A User

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Anyone who knows at least one question can join the chat, whether planning on buying one, or own one/used to have one.

 

Is there a minimum size for it (do i have to have a bra size)?
Can I buy it at a regular store like Walmart? (mention where)
Is it tight? Does it feel like a rock is pushing your chest, or something?
Can I buy it in a physical store? (mention where)

Is it better than a bra (FYI, I don't fit the requirements for a bra)?
Is it safe to wear forever (if used correctly)?
 

Thanks 

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I haven't found any in common stores. I ordered mine online (gc2b). They give you sizing guidelines that include your bust and your shoulder width.

 

It feels like a comfortable kind of tight to me, but I like that snug fit, which not everyone does. It doesn't feel like a rock is pushing my chest, but in cases where I've had trouble with autonomous breathing (like I'm severely stressed out or anxious) it hasn't helped. It's not that it made it harder to breathe, but it gave me a focal point that made it harder to mentally get past it. When I'm doing okay, though, it's fine. It can be harder to stretch my arms and shoulders if I've been sitting down all day, and when I wear the full length tank top kind it can ride up as I move around.

 

As I've posted in another thread, binders don't give as much space to breathe, so there's a lot more sweating and itching, I've found. I'm more conscious of what my breasts are doing in a binder because it's not form-fitting to the breasts themselves, as they're not trying to accentuate that. So, while mentally I can feel more comfortable in a binder, physically I'm more comfortable in a bra.

 

You're not supposed to wear them for more than 8-10 hours in a day according to a few websites I've read, and you shouldn't wear them during physical activity. I've had mine for longer times (12-14 hours) but my chest is much more tender after that, so I've gotten in the habit of changing out of it in the evening.

 

If you want something that you can buy in a regular store, you might want to look into sports bras instead.

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VeryAsexyIndeed

I don’t know for sure but I would say that even if they do sell binders in places like Walmart, maybe don’t go with that option. If it’s made poorly or are the wrong measurements then it can seriously hurt you, maybe even permanently. I don’t know which stores sell the best binders but I’d say a binder that’s made after your measurements is more likely to fit good and not harm you and your body. Binders are one of the things that I’d say are worth spending a little more money on to get one that’s comfy and the right size, because the risks of serious injury when worn wrongly are too great for me to want to buy a poorly tailored version for a lower prize. Now I haven’t actually tried one but I just don’t feel like bending my ribs or something because I saved a few bucks, I’m not saying it has to be like that, probably exaggerating a little bit but I just wouldn’t take the risk lol.
 

Also, bra size is not the measurement that is used when buying a binder. Since bra sizes can vary very much from store to store it’s not a very correct and precise measurement. I don’t know if there’s a minimum size but instead of like cup size you just measure your chest under your arms and over the “widest”? “broadest”? point of your chest (that sounds weird lol but I think you know what I mean) and use that number when looking for size. I have yet to do this and I am not 100% sure this is exactly how it’s done so don’t take my word on this too seriously, but it’s kinda like this lol.💖💖

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Grey-Ace Ventura
49 minutes ago, A User said:

Is there a minimum size for it (do i have to have a bra size)?

No. Binders don't correspond with bra sizes either.

 

50 minutes ago, A User said:

Can I buy it at a regular store like Walmart? (mention where)

You probably can, but that's not a good idea. If your binder comes from a department store, it's probably made by people who don't specialize in making binders so it won't be as safe as a binder from an official binder brand. I'd recommend GC2B and Shapeshifters. Shapeshifters makes all kinds of different styles and types of binders and they have a bunch of add ons and different fabrics and stuff. When I got my binder from Shapeshifters, they made one from the measurements I sent them on the form.

 

53 minutes ago, A User said:

Is it tight? Does it feel like a rock is pushing your chest, or something?

Binders are hellishly tight lol. You definitely feel it the entire time you're wearing it but it's not supposed to be so tight that it's painful, it just gets uncomfortable over time, and it tends to get tighter for me with movement. Personally, I generally feel a light pressure against my torso, and I can take a complete deep breath (as you should be able to) but when I do that, it feels a little tighter.

 

55 minutes ago, A User said:

Is it better than a bra (FYI, I don't fit the requirements for a bra)?

I'm so confused. What do you mean you don't fit the requirements for a bra?

Otherwise, bras are definitely better in terms of health because binders eventually damage the skin and tissue from compression, and could eventually lead to lung problems. I try to wear a sports bra as opposed to a binder as much as I can, and try to only wear my binder when my sports bra would show because of the shirt I'm wearing or if my dysphoria is just so bad that only my binder will help.

 

57 minutes ago, A User said:

Is it safe to wear forever (if used correctly)?

Absolutely not. You should only be binding for 8 hours a day max, but you should really be doing it as infrequently as possible. That gives you an idea of how safe they are on a daily basis. If you were to bind for 8 hours every day for a few years, you'd lose a bit of skin elasticity and you'd definitely have damaged your breast tissue. In some cases, the damage from binding can make a person ineligible for top surgery. Also binding long term can cause, among other respiratory problems, fluid buildup in the lungs, and it can worsen scoliosis.

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2 hours ago, A User said:

Is it safe to wear forever (if used correctly)?

Binders, like a lot of garments, aren't made to be worn your whole life (especially because it is an undergarment-style layer and will be against your skin). 

I should also mention that it is crucial that you pay attention to getting the right size as well as taking care of yourself properly while wearing one. I'd say more but I've yet to purchase a binder for myself and most of my knowledge is currently very secondhand so I'll leave it at that. 

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1 hour ago, Grey-Ace Ventura said:

What do you mean you don't fit the requirements for a bra?

as in I wouldn't fit the smallest size in any store lmao

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16 minutes ago, A User said:

as in I wouldn't fit the smallest size in any store lmao

There might be tank tops or camisoles that can do the trick, if you're already pretty flat-chested.

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Grey-Ace Ventura
54 minutes ago, A User said:

as in I wouldn't fit the smallest size in any store lmao

Well then a binder seems like the least of your worries for now. I'd say a sports bra or something when you start to have more growth would be a better first start than a binder because it would provide a bit of flatness but be a much safer option and reduce the amount of time you'll have spent binding. Especially since you're a younger teen, binding too early might increase your chances of getting scoliosis since it puts pressure on your spine too

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Hey! I think folks have mostly covered everything, just wanted to throw in my 0.02. I also read your vent on your page and I'm sorry to hear that things are kinda tough rn ): You mentioned your size is too small for any bra - I still think that if you want to wear something for that compression feel, you'll be able to find a sports bra that fits. They're made to stretch, a lot, meaning that they often work for small-ribcaged/nearly flat people. For example, the unstretched band circumference of one of mine is 23 inches, while my actual ribcage measurement is closer to 27, and it fits perfectly fine. I think even if you have a small band measurement, <28 and too small for any "legit" bras, a sports one would work.

 

Also, as for your question if it's better than a bra- I've only ever worn sports bras but I can with confidence say that they're so much more comfortable than a binder. I have to take a binder after 8 hours because mild discomfort sets in at hour 6, while I can go 16 hours and even accidentally (not ideal!) fall asleep in a sports bra.

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Aelin Galathynius

Yea I agree. Binding can permanently damage your body if you bind for more than 7-8 hours (probably shorter in younger people), and can reduce your chances of getting top surgery in the future (if that's what you want). SInce your body is still growing though you'll grow out of a binder quite quickly, and it sounds like a tight sports bra would be better if you don't fit the smallest bra size.

I would recommend an online store (not amazon) that specialises in binders, and do research on different stores (gc2b, underworks) before buying one and how to bind safely.

 

I know that dysphoria can make you do desperate things, but your health comes first, and future you will thank past you for taking care of your body, even if you don't like it right now. 🍰

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5 hours ago, Aelin Galathynius said:

not amazon

why not amazon

I'm really willing to give Jeff Benzos some money 

 

 

if anything, I can't really depend on the actual good binder sites cuz i'm gonna bet my parents will be like "you're not trans, you can't get a binder"
They all have mentions of lgtbq people... BUT Underworks is one of the site NOT mentioning lgtbq people

 

yay

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8 minutes ago, A User said:

why not amazon

 

Amazon has a compilation of products for a variety of prices, brands, etc. Binders are dangerous when done wrong, so as accessible as Amazon might be, you have a good chance of getting something that will injure you.

 

10 minutes ago, A User said:

if anything, I can't really depend on the actual good binder sites cuz i'm gonna bet my parents will be like "you're not trans, you can't get a binder"

 There are two things- 1. it isn't uncommon for closeted people to go to friends and ask if it would be possible to order a binder to their location (that usually means that either you or the friend have to pay for it all and I'm sure COVID makes that more difficult but it's an option) and 2. The way I might approach the topic is the fact that binders aren't exclusive to trans people and telling your parents that it makes you feel more comfortable and trans-based brands usually know how to make them the best and safest might help you construe things the right way? 
 


I will mention that one of my alternatives to binding while I'm currently unable to purchase a binder is double layering those cami-tops with the additional chest support? The way I do it I don't fold them over top because the extra layers would be worse for you but the fact that it would be four layers over the chest helps with compression and the camis I have tend to help make a smoother shape that makes my chest seem less out of place helps me. I'd still recommend being careful with how long you bind, making sure you move around a little bit every so often, drink water, and otherwise follow good binder etiquette, but it might be an alright alternative. It would probably also work with one cami if you have a smaller chest and would reduce some of the chance of problems created through binding. 

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Aelin Galathynius
18 hours ago, Quilly said:

Binders are dangerous when done wrong, so as accessible as Amazon might be, you have a good chance of getting something that will injure you.

What they said. Amazon (and most physical stores) doesn't specialize in binders, so they won't be as good quality and will probably injure you. Another alternative to binding is finding an old pair of exercise pants with that stretchy fabric and cutting out a hole from one of the pant legs. I used to use one of those, and it just fit over my head, and did quite a good job. Same rules apply though, never wear it for more than 7-8 hours, while exercising, or to bed.   

 

My parents aren't the best allies either, so I just told them I'm really uncomfortable with my chest, here is the research and info I have on how to bind safely, these brands are the best, It would make me more comfortable in my body if I had a binder. 

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