Compression shirts?

[Guest Star23]

I was wondering if anyone has advice or recommendations on compression shirts, if they're a good alternative for binders and if so what type/brand would be the best? Currently I'm just using a combination of layering and self-adherent bandage to bind, but it doesn't work as well as I'd like.

I really can't afford a binder at this point not only because of money but because of living conditions.

[JJ]

I seldom wear a binder and just go with compression shirts. I only use Under Armour because they seem more flexible while compressing better. I've used a couple of other brands but just wasn't as happy with them. I have tank and racer back and long sleeve because I layer them in winter for heat as well as compression, If I do wear a binder I wear one under it for comfort.

because they are pricey in the store I get mine on ebay. I wear a men's small in most shirts so I go with a women's small or boys large in a compression shirt.

These are pics taken this month of me just wearing compression shirts under a hoodie when I hike-no binder at all. I am now around an A/B. One note-the gynecomastia compression shirts are not the same thing and because they are made for natal male bone density are dangerous for FTMs and will do damage quickly

Hope that gives you some idea. The thing is that we don't have to bind tightly to look natural. In fact not only does binding pose health risks but it also tends to look more unnatural than compression shirts and is far less comfortable. A lot of technology has gone into the athletic compression shirts while FTM binders are just someone's idea of what should work really. No technology and no research because our numbers just don't justify it for companies

Johnny

[Ravin]

You can make a binder very cheaply. Google "under five dollars binder" and you'll find instructions.

I use a Starter compression shirt over either a homemade binder or a compression tank. The starter shirts I got at Walmart; the tanks I got in the women's department at Kohl's (don't remember the brand). I am a C cup or so, and it works pretty well. Particularly with just the layered compression shirts, I can also breathe more freely.

[Guest Star23]

Thanks for the tips JJ. I tried under armor and even their size small felt too big for me. I went with a different brand and I'm still getting the feeling that it's not really 'compressing' like I want it to. In fact I almost feel like it's accentuating my chest. I'm really frustrated at this point because nothing I do seems to flatten it. Right now I have on the compression tank, two sports bras, an under shirt, adhesive bandage to further squish it (not ace-wrap) and a large t-shirt over it and there's still a big bump. I may get another compression shirt and see if it helps but right now I'm wondering if anything other than surgurey will flatten it?

[Guest Sebb]

JJ, just a random question, but which type of under armour do you get? I've been considering getting one of their compression shirts to either wear in addition to my binder or to replace it, but I know they have different types. I've heard the heat guard ones are good, but which would you advise?

[JJ]

I have long sleeve and short sleeve and racer back. I wear the long sleeve over my others to smooth and keep warm mostly. I have a "steel" which has mesh for summer in a tank. But all are labeled as compression. Some add that to their listings on ebay to draw views but the shirt should not be described as compression unless it is. Cold gear and heat gear both compress as long as they say they do and both seem to function the same and have the same composition-they are essentially thermodynamic and wick moisture. The steel is a little different because of the cooler mesh back or side panels.

I get women's and mens and boys but find the womens and boys work best because the mens small is just a little bigger and xsmall is super rare. A youth large would be the same size as a mens xsmall.

Under Armour does make tanks and other stuff that are not compression but they should say so in the listing. Always wondered how those slightly padded basketball and tactical compression shirts would make me look. But never had the extra cash to give them a try.

Johnny

Hope that is what you needed.