#ftm binding

This post was inspired by this comic, which made me realize that binding isn't supposed to hurt at all.

For reference: this is what I look like when only wearing a tank top.

The most common measurements you need for choosing a binder is your chest, waist, and sometimes underbust. It's fairly easy to find guides on how to measure these things online.

For both of the binders I will be modeling, all I needed was my chest and waist measurements:

Chest (at fullest point): ~36 in

Waist: ~30 in

First Binder: Spectrum Outfitters (M)

My first binder was from Spectrum Outfitters. I was in between a Small and a Medium, but I sized up to make sure it would fit my chest.

I will be wearing the tank top under the binders for the purposes of this review, both for the sake of modesty and because I find it gives a better grip on my skin, making for fewer readjustments.

Now I'll start by saying that this binder is, generally speaking, really comfortable. The panel is very thick, and I like the texture of the straps and back. I firmly believe that the problems I have are simply a sizing issue, and I would have bought from this company again if they hadn't suspended shipping to my country.

Now for the actual fit. As you can see, the fabric scrunches up along my midsection, and the neckline bunches up due to the way it's stretched. While some spillage is to be expected in all binders, my chest feels very "overflowy" in this one. What's more, pretty much as soon as I put it on, I feel pain along the sides, namely along my back and lower ribs. I can't typically wear this binder for more than 4 hours, and that really made me put off wearing it even when I had the opportunity.

I didn't make anything of all this for several reasons:

I'm very short, with a narrower waist and really wide hips. As such, I'm used to clothes not fitting me the way they're supposed to. In fact, it's very common for me to be really uncomfortable in clothes that I can "technically" fit into.

I'm super out of shape and have a mild case of scoliosis. That means my muscles, especially in my chest and back, are really weak. As such, I expect to be in pain after doing anything unusually strenuous, and that I'll either build up the muscle I need or get used to the pain.

While I've read the guides about how a binder is supposed to fit, I've also heard plenty of people talk about how uncomfortable they are, and in my brain there isn't a very clear distinction between "discomfort" and "pain".

New Binder: Flavnt (L)

Now disclaimer: I just got this binder yesterday, so this is much more of a "first impressions" style of review. I was once again between sizes (this time Medium and Large) and decided to size up. The fabric for this one is similar to Spectrum's but slightly thinner. The back of the Flavnt binder is only one layer, compared to Spectrum's 2 layers, and while the panel is still very sturdy, it's a lot thinner. I suspect these differences may be informed by the companies' locations: while Spectrum is located in the UK, Flavnt is based in the state of Texas, meaning that its products are likely designed with a more heat-friendly construction.

While still a bit of an odd fit (and I worry that if this binder shrinks after washing I won't be able to wear it for long), you can see that it's a lot closer to my normal size. I don't feel very restricted in my movements, I can comfortably take a deep breath, and it was much easier to put on than my other one. While I worry about how this will fit in the long term, as of now I'm fairly confident and secure in this binder and size.

I got it from Flavnt Streetwear, and while it took over 2 weeks to arrive, I am quite happy with the quality. I will show off at a later date, in a PSA surrounding proper binder sizing.

:/ last almost a full year with non-delicate bag washing machine use. mostly cus i dont trust the delicate bag listings on amazon and dont wanna use money on it if it has bad reviews.

- Don’t wear it for longer than 6-8 hours.

- Don’t use aces bandages. Only bind with compression bras and chest binders.

- Don’t sleep, swim, or exercise with your binder.

- Carry a sport bra in case you need to take it off.

- Don’t order a size smaller than you need.

- Don’t double bind, and don’t buy it on Amazon, it could hurt you.

- Take breaks, especially with the summer, and remember to drink water.

- You can try to put a tee-shirt under it, it’s easier to wear this way : more comfortable and harmless.

Hi! I’m Mayson, a non-binary trans masc freelance writer. I’ve seen a lot of concerns/complaints about GC2B’s recent products on here, trustpilot, and Reddit—but no official channels. As a queer person that works in safe and sustainable fashion, I find this concerning. If this is legitimate, everyone who binds needs to know about it, not just those on social media.

All of that to say: I would to hear about your experience with the brand and it’s binders, particularly the early ones versus the current ones. You can dm me on here, or if you’d like you can dm me and request my work email if you have a lot to say.

(Im not usually a please reblog this person, but this is a health and safety issue for our community, and I’d like to have as many first-hand experiences as possible. So if you wouldn’t mind, please reblog this so more people can see it.)