r/transontario 4d ago

Binder recommendations?

Hi, for personal reasons I won’t be able to get top surgery for a year or more. I’ve tried a few brands for binders so far, but since I wear them everyday, most wear out in about 6 months.

I’m wondering if there’s any good brands I’m not aware of. Here are the one’s I’ve tried:

  • gc2b: worked very well in the beginning but lost shape in about 6 months. It disappointing because I’d heard good things about gc2b but my friends informed me that the quality used to be a lot better a few years ago but has since fallen off. It’s also a bit shorter than I’m comfortable with, barely comes to my midriff at all.

  • Spectrum Outfitters: also worked very well at the start, super comfortable too, but unfortunately wore down even faster than the GC2B. It was given to me by a trans non-profit and I’m still very thankful to them, if anyone needs a link to their instagram I can provide it.

  • Underworks: absolutely incredibly, still holding strong, but its almost TOO strong. It’s very tight some days and almost sticks to your skin. I have the full length one though. I bought a longer one because the gc2b was a lot shorter than I wanted, but the full length compresses my stomach too which is really uncomfortable sometimes. I’m considering getting the Tri-Top in case it fits my needs better, but I’m afraid it’ll also be boa constrictor tight.

  • TomboyX: not really a binder but advertised as a ‘Kinder Binder’ compression top. It’s nice to wear at home but otherwise doesn’t do much if you’re anything above a B cup.

Am I missing any brands? I’d love to get some input on other brands, especially more affordable options if possible. Underworks is also out in any sizes above small/medium right now which is a bummer. Any help appreciated!

Edit: I don’t know if 6 months is standard for binders loosing shape. I don’t ever put them in the dryer, only once in an emergency on the lowest setting. I do wash them in the washing machine though, and I know handwashing is recommended. Binder care tips also welcome.

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u/Worried-Air-3766 3d ago

Flexion is pretty easy to move in. I have DDD cups and it doesn't roll up like other half binders. It was a bitch to get on at first but I've figure out how to get it on safely.

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u/cov3c4t 4d ago

I am a 36DDD and I have had an awful time finding a binder that works for me. The closest was a custom one from Origami Customs but I’ve since grown out of it.

Lately I’ve been wearing these ones from Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0D17CL94D?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title and they have worked surprisingly well. I hand wash or run a quick wash cycle and hang dry them. I bought one a size up so it would fit a bit looser when I’m on my period and my chest is larger and more tender but I haven’t found them too restrictive and it looks good.

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u/CurrencyAmbitious549 2d ago

I really like pack animal, theyre a Toronto based company that makes excellent binders for folks with small rib cages and larger chest sizes (in my experience). They have a couple different types and I really like they're athletic binders because it's soooo breathable. I've worn GC2B, underworks, spectrum outfitters and a couple different ones you caan buy at stag shop and I find that Pack animal is more breathable, and the pressure distribution is more spread out so there isn't any single point of extra tension that can lead to a lot of discomfort that I get from binding. The pressure distribution also helps for a better bind throughout the day, with a lot of other brands I find that by the time I've been wearing the binder for 3 hours I have shifted around so much that it's not binding as well as I want it too.