Binding

Right I'm back, its only been a couple of hours since my last post but I've just put my binder on and would like to explain to everyone what they are, where to buy one etc etc.

So binding your chest, sounds more painful that it actually is IF you do it properly. Leave the ace bandages in the first aid kit, while they give you a nice flat chest, they are intended to get tighter as they stretch so every time you breath out they're actually getting tighter and tighter.  ACE bandages; Breathing problems, coughing up blood is common; broken ribs are not unheard of. They can also cut your skin. Just a bad idea all the way around. So please don't do it :)

Also dont use tape, not even the bondage tape that doesnt rip your skin off, it's the same as ACE bandages. Bad times.

There are a number of online stores that sell better binding options, the only problem is trial and error, due to your own size and build, what works for me might not work for you. So here are a couple of places that have generally good feedback :

http://ftm.underworks.com/  : They offer a good variety of products. They are trans friendly. There is a phone number on the website, so if you're unsure give them a call and they will help you out.

Note: Some longer binders tend to "roll up" on some guys. To prevent this from happening, either fold the bottom half back so it "doubles up" (which also provides extra compression), or sew a wide enough strip of fabric to the bottom edge of the binder to make it long enough to tuck into your trousers.

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/uk/en/  : "Heatgear" undershirts are designed to wear under rugby shirts, football shirts but they do provide some binding, ideal if you don't want to wear a proper binder and they keep you cool and wick away sweat. They are available to buy from most sports shops so you can try them on first.

http://www.t-kingdom.com/ : See their first time buyers guide to see which model suits you. Please note they do tend to come small so you may need to go up a couple of sizes. Also their prices are in taiwan dollars and do look alarming if not converted.

And this idea came from the netherlands for those who don't want to bind in the hotter months of the year:

"Wear a muscle-shirt or a T-shirt (a muscle-shirt, leaving your biceps and deltoids uncovered, looks nicer IMO), preferably not too loose, tucked in. Over that, wear a singlet (which I think [Americans] call a vest or tank top); make sure it's way way way oversized and not made from a stretchy material, preferably with a print or application at the front. It doesn't really bind, but for those of us who are not too large it sure beats hot sweaty tight uncomfortable binders! Also, if the vest has large armholes and is made from a loosely-knit or mesh-like material it's not much warmer than one layer of clothes."

Till next time!