Binding/Dysphoria for Upper Cup Sizes

[Tango]

Vince here!

So I'm working on losing weight (the added pounds are a pretty dead giveaway to my feminine frame) but the biggest issue is my cup size. I'm a 42 DD and there's literally no way for me to convincingly bind--the boob bumps do not go away no matter how many layers I add. I'm okay not wearing a binder, I'm mostly looking for advice on clothing choices or other way to deal with the dysphoria. I'm short, my boobs are massive, and they are literally always just in the way. I'm Pre-T and my first steps are really just to build up the stamina to start exercising regularly.

Also, if anyone knows of some good introductory workout/exercise advice, let me know! I'm hoping to learn more about that as well.

[VickySGV]

Larger than life men's sweatshirts would be a starter there for you.  A compression shirt under it to keep you from actually hurting yourself calms things down a bit.  Men's button front sport shirts ca help de-emphasize in conjunction with the compression shirt as well, vertical stripes on the shirt will take away the upper chest bump this as well.  Same type of pattern for a baggy overcoat since you are in a snowy area. 

[Sol]

One thing I've found that works is two compression/sports bras. Granted, if you feel uncomfortable or it becomes painful, take them off immediately. You can layer them (looser first, then the one that's tighter) and it works pretty well. I'm a 38 C, and it got me down to what looks like an A cup. Granted, you have a bigger chest so it might not flatten it down that much but as long as you're okay with that and know some clothing tricks it should work out okay.

I would treat it similar to how you would a binder, start by wearing it for thirty minutes or so a day until you become comfortable and then slowly work your way up. It won't make your chest completely flat, but it will flatten it a little. Again, I can't stress this enough, be careful and if you can't breathe or it starts to hurt, take them off and don't wear them. You can still wear one, but get used to wearing the one first before you start wearing two. And as always, be careful and listen to your body. 

[Tango]

Thanks for the advice!

Right now I'm using a compression sports bra (the kind that buckle in the front) under sort of an underarmor tank top. That works decently well and I can wear it for a few hours without getting sore or winded, but it gets uncomfortable over time and you can definitely still see the bump. I should try combining it with a sweatshirt or button-up. Finding something that helps broaden my shoulders and make my arms look a little bigger would be a good move.

[Vidanjali]

Hey Vince. If you search "transman workout" or "ftm workout" on youtube, you can begin to learn exercises that will build your upper body. Even pre-T, this will begin to help minimize your chest a bit, and build greater masculine proportions. If you're a beginner at working out, please start with small weights, and either thoroughly research each exercise before you attempt it or look into a session with a personal trainer if that's possible. It's important to not go too intense or too fast because you don't want to risk strain or injury. Patience and consistency is the key - results will come in time. Enjoy working out & good luck! 

[DonkeySocks]

For the shoulders, look for cotton flannel long-sleeved button-ups. They can hide quite a bit if you buy a size larger than you usually wear and then leave them unbuttoned, with a T-shirt on underneath and possibly an undershirt under that in a size down from your usual. Unbuttoned, the shirt flaps tend to hide the sides of the breasts and disguise the shadow of body curves. Also I wear heavy dark cotton novelty print T-shirts where the print goes right across the chest. I feel like it hides the breasts even though it draws attention to the design.

[Tango]

8 hours ago, Vidanjali said:

Hey Vince. If you search "transman workout" or "ftm workout" on youtube, you can begin to learn exercises that will build your upper body. Even pre-T, this will begin to help minimize your chest a bit, and build greater masculine proportions. If you're a beginner at working out, please start with small weights, and either thoroughly research each exercise before you attempt it or look into a session with a personal trainer if that's possible. It's important to not go too intense or too fast because you don't want to risk strain or injury. Patience and consistency is the key - results will come in time. Enjoy working out & good luck! 

I've actually been working on a fitness plan over the next few months with those kinds of resources! I'm going to try a holistic approach to getting in shape--diet, sleep, exercise, all that good stuff. I'll be sure to pace myself and do my research!