this post was submitted on 01 May 2025
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Binder suggestions? (lemmy.world)
submitted 4 weeks ago by JayJLeas@lemmy.world to c/trans@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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I hope it's okay for me to post here. I really want to wear a binder but I struggle with the ones you pull over your head. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for ones that you can wrap around sort of? I know there are some with zips or clasps or other methods, I'm just not sure what's good. I'm a bit overweight, so I'm worried that it might sit weird or roll up or be uncomfortable, and I worry that ones with underarm fastening would be a sensory nightmare, but also that front fastening would be visible. Does anyone have any experiences to share that might be helpful? Thanks in advance.

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[–] dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) (2 children)

This community is a great place to post this question!

I'm a trans woman, so I don't have any relevant experiences, but I did want to ask if have you read through the /r/ftm wiki?

I find content both of these places that might help:

https://old.reddit.com/r/ftm/wiki/index

https://old.reddit.com/r/ftm/wiki/index/binding

Seems like kinesthetic tape could be an option?

They don't seem super common, but I did find at least one zipper binder:

https://peecockproducts.com/binder/zipper-mid-length-super-binder.html

Maybe it's too obvious to say, but I bet there are ways to hide the zipper, from the first wiki link above:

Usually, the main concern when it comes to the top half of the body is hiding the breasts. This can be done by compressing them (binding), wearing clothing to distract from them, or a combination of both. Layering can disguise the curves of the chest. Try an open zippered hoody over a T-shirt (rather than just the T-shirt). ... You also want your clothing to not cling to you, because that can highlight the curves. Cling can be reduced by laundering clothes with starch, wearing woven rather than knit fabrics, and wearing looser sizes. ... Eye-catching patterns like stripes can distract the eye from the chest. Black is a good colour to hide the chest as well.

A lot of those suggestions would apply to a front zipper, too.

[–] JayJLeas@lemmy.world 4 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

Thanks for the reply, I'll take a look at the links! I mainly posted here because in the research I'd done I didn't find a lot of personal responses that covered my concerns, so I was hoping for more first person accounts. 💙

[–] dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago)

you might search within /r/ftm, I see lots of chatter about binders in there - hopefully there are useful personal accounts / experiences 🧡

[–] FoxyFerengi@lemm.ee 4 points 4 weeks ago

I would like to just add one small thing about taping, because it carries a lot of risk for people who get frustrated then bind their entire upper torso with it

K tape is great for smaller cup sizes and on smaller bodies. Once you get to C cup or higher you start needing more layers, and often need a larger width of tape too. This starts bringing on complications like increased sweating because more skin is taped up for a foundational layer, and it's also not quite restrictive enough when used in larger amounts. To solve that problem, some people just tape (or use tightly wound fabric) in continuous strips around the torso that restrict to the point breathing becomes difficult. This leads to muscle and soft tissue injury

I have shown trans actors how to use it before putting them into structural vest-style corsets we sewed specifically for the purpose, but that really only worked for the "full figured" actors because we were using the two methods together

[–] FoxyFerengi@lemm.ee 5 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 4 weeks ago) (1 children)

I am afab nb, and I have a very large cup size. I really like the bandeau type with the hook and eye closures. Zips tend to unzip on me with some upper body movements, and that is not fun in public lol.

Fasten them around your midsection, in front, then twist to the side, then pull up. Then rearrange your chest until it's secured (down and to the sides). I am pretty sensitive to sensory stuff, and I can't say I've had issues with the side closure. There is a layer of fabric next to your skin that will protect your core, but I can't say I've noticed my arms catching on it either.

Now that I've said all that, it is pretty hard to find this type specifically for large bodies. I ended up learning to sew my own and that actually was freeing because I could solve the issue of the bad sensory fabrics that are so popular in binders

Edit: I have worn all the types so I can try to answer specific questions you might have. The tank style is popularly sold for large bodies, but I had the most issues with fit, rolling, and outer layers sticking to them before I moved to the half-tank, and finally bandeau style

[–] JayJLeas@lemmy.world 5 points 4 weeks ago

Amazing! Thank you for all the information, it's very useful! I'll look into bandeau. 💙

[–] gandalf_der_12te@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 3 weeks ago

If you're looking for a binder, i'd recommend you go with either resin or portland cement, depending on the use case. If you want to build a house, go with portland cement. If it's some decorative element, i can recommend resin as it's much easier to work with.