Binding frustration

[LearningWhoIAm]

So I've started binding over the last few months. I've slowly eased myself into it, and I do not bind for more than six hours at a time. 

The binder I have does not have any clasps or zippers, it's truly like a sports bra. I measured before I bought it and it fits well in the sense that sizing up would be too lose and sizing down would hurt me. 

I guess my real frustration is that even with a binder, I still have a very full chest. Passing, especially in the summer when I can't layer clothes like I do in the fall or winter, has been very hard. 

Does anyone have any tricks to getting a flatter chest? 

 

[NashySlashy]

I'm in the same boat! My binder (a sports bra, too) fits me...but I still show through shirts. Then again, I have a big chest...UGH.

 

I guess it depends on the binder? Have you tried binding tape?

[Russ Fenrisson]

Hmm, binders can be tricky like that. I usually wear sports bras because I hate the feel of normal bras (also the wires... and the annoying cups inside😑...). It won't be easy if you have a bigger chest, but wearing a sports bra a size down than you normally would with might shrink down the tissue just enough so, if you decide to wear an over-shirt- like a button-up- your chest might look a little flatter. Another method is wearing two bras in a layering fashion- the bottom one closest to your skin being your size or a little loose and the top one being the sports bra, maybe a size smaller. I would do this carefully as this mimics binding to an extent (depending on the kinds of bras you use) and it could be tight until the fabric naturally loosens over time. The other con, of course, is that this might make you a little sweaty with the extra clothing on.

 

When it comes to binding, always remember to be careful. I see that you are and I applaud you for that. Do what works for you and even if you're not successful, don't be too hard on yourself. You can still be you, no matter how you look.