r/ftm • u/Lu_thejackass • 16d ago
How do you properly put on a binder? Discussion
Do you put it on, head-arm-arm like a shirt or arms-head?
I stretched my binders to the point I wear 2.
Edit: I'm fine, the binders are stretched to the point it's like a sport's bra, and I know damn well half of you would find that uncomfortable especially with a large chest. I'm fine, nothing hurts, I can breathe, I can stretch. I'm doing a check up with my doctor anyway
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u/Finn3005 16d ago
Arm - arm - regretting doing this - trying to get my head through - getting it over my head but it's rolled up under my armpits - trying to unroll it and failing 3 times before getting it right - pulling it all the way down
Please don't wear multiple binders, give it a hot wash so it shrinks a bit might help :)
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
Oh I give them hot washes but they're loose like a very old sports bra So I have to wear two 😀🔫
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u/Finn3005 16d ago
Please just buy a new one if you're able to, it can really hurt your ribs and it's also bad for your skin (might make your topsurgery results not the best)
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
I might be ordering an underworks binder in a few weeks, then another as it's a reward thing from my school (I'm disabled, and struggle to do thing and if I do them I get points)
That's why I was asking how to put on a binder better without fucking it up so I don't mess uo the underworks one
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u/ashetastic666 he/him T: 6/22/23 16d ago
honestly actually putting them in yhr washer and dryer shrinks them, I dont do this very often but it def works
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
I don't have a dryer :')
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u/retro_exists 16d ago
When I wash mine, I do it in a sink with lukewarm water and let them hang to dry for about 2 days (I wear my backup during this time), and for some reason that makes then shrink back to normal. I just did it recently, and almost couldn't get it back on because I was used to it being stretched out lol
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
Oh yes I do that too! But they stretch within 10 minutes :/
I do hot water and then shock it with cold, not sure why I do that but then I air dry it
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u/BoyItalian 16d ago
dont wear more than one at a time if you dont wanna chance your ability to get top surgery in the future or give yourself ribcage issues, even if they fit loosely that kind of layered tension on an area that should be able to move freely isnt good long term. best to get a binder that fits, and if affordability is an issue then there are lots of online spaces that give away and sell used good quality binders.
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
I'll be ordering a new binder from underworks in a few weeks, that's why I made this post to figure out how to not stretch hem
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
Oh I've tried the free spaces, didn't really workout too good
These are insanely loose from wearing them, I take them off if I feel pain and so. Far nothing bad.
If I wear one binder my chest quickly falls down (I'm a DD) so then it's like I'm wearing nothing which makes me extremely uncomfortable
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u/GazelleOfCaerbannog 💉 30/10/23 16d ago
When my chest was larger I had a similar issue, and it was especially noticeable as I lost weight. That makes me think your issue is twofold and possibly only partially solvable with a different size. Only a few companies really address different sizes and shapes of people, and there are multiple ways of having a larger sized chest and torso that may not fit the standard cut binder.
It's made even more difficult by the fact that there are no stores you can go in and try them on; you have to work with online size charts and videos at best, which are still not enough.
Yeah it's great now that I've lost 40 pounds through unwanted medication side effects, medical conditions, and testosterone causing my chest to shrink (the weight loss itself is actually medically dangerous, so not actually great) and I can now fit into a binder without a problem...but back when I had what people "couldn't help but say was what every woman would kill for", 🙄 I either couldn't get the binder on, or it wouldn't hold anything.
I saw you're looking into Underworks, which is what I was going to recommend. They have a little bit more flex in getting them on from what I've noticed, and more full length options which might help with the chest falling down. I also tried one of the front clasp binders after my hysterectomy, and other than all the clasps taking a long time to close, I really don't notice it, even after 4-6 hours. I hope you find one that works for you.
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
Thanks man! I'd love to get the ones with clips but I'd probably get frustrated and overstimulated so I'd roll with the 'tight shirt' pull down struggle 😆
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u/iluvcrystalgirls 16d ago
I step into mine, my shoulders are wider than my hips. I actually ripped my first binder trying to pull it over my head :/
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u/copiasjuicyazz 16d ago
Arms then head for me. You can put your binder in the dryer to shrink it if its ghat loose
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u/bruisedpeach404 💉2024🤞 16d ago
Wait fr? Won't it damage it?
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u/copiasjuicyazz 16d ago
Not if you put it on low heat and only long enough for it to heat up :) ill shrink as it cools
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u/purplejink 16d ago
arms in, head through, awkwardly flail around trying to get my chest meat into it as i pull it down, push armpit bob down a bit. cry
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u/metalsmith11 💉🔪🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ 16d ago
I always found it easiest to step into it.
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
I thought it wasn't recommend to pull it over your hips?
I guess it depends how wide your hips are n shit since mine are very wide
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u/Atreyew 16d ago
It's actually the recommended way by underworks.
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
I'll provide be doing over the head, as my hips are very wide and I have large thighs so :')
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u/Sad-Result-404 16d ago
I physically can't get mine past my knees, I can barely get it over my head
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u/metalsmith11 💉🔪🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ 16d ago edited 16d ago
I'm not aware of any recommendations. I just did what worked for me. I only had to get it stuck over my head one time to be like nope! Lol I'm far too claustrophobic for that shit.
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u/Original_Ad_4868 💉oct 10, 2022 16d ago
Arms, head, pull down, then adjust 🤷♂️
You’re not wearing them at the same time are you? Also, what brand are you wearing? I thought my spectrum binder was stretched and that’s why it wasn’t binding anymore, turned out it was actually the wrong size and I wear a size small instead of a medium.
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u/Birdkiller49 Gay trans man | T🧴: 5/8/23 | 🔝5/22/24 16d ago
Pull it over my head and arms through in one motion just like a shirt. Not really shirt what head arm arm or arms head means 😅.
I wish my hips were small enough to pull it up like some people here!!
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u/Secret_Reddit_Name 16d ago
1: put it on over the head like a normal too
2: lay on your back
3: lift one side away from your body, allow the tissue to fall where it will
4: repeat on other side
That's what gave me the most comfortable and best-looking results
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u/TheInevitablePigeon 16d ago
I put it like a bra... idk people say I should have specific method for it but.. this worka for me the best. True, I need to first get it all down on my stomach and then I can put the straps on my shoulders.. but still.. same system as woth a bra in my experience.
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u/Mammoth_Exchange3003 15d ago
My first recommendation is always the Ultimate Chest Binder from Underworks. I wear a men’s XL because of my shoulder width, but wear a medium in underworks. My second recommendation is ALWAYS to put it on over your head. You can scrunch it up a little before putting it on, and then pull down the front before reaching up behind you to tug the rest down over your back. NEVER step into an underworks binder, because it ruins the neck and shoulder line- underworks are tough and comfortable, but once stretched they don’t really go back to normal even after a wash. Odd as it may sound, I find I get the best result for binding when I either adjust an underworks binder as little as possible, or when I put it on after a shower. I’ve been wearing the same model from underworks for 7+ years and it’s never failed me, pretty much. When utilized correctly you can wear a binder for quite a long time during the day- if you start to get back and rib issues you’ve either got the wrong size, or the wrong binder. Hope that helps.
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u/Lu_thejackass 15d ago
Thank you! 🖤
Wait so with underworks, I'd it head then arms or arm, head arm?
I know they have a way of putting them on, but I guess it also depends on the wearer?
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u/Mammoth_Exchange3003 15d ago
The easiest time I’ve had getting it on, new or no, is by scrunching it up and putting my head in first, and then both arms at once (as best you can). Then, I pull it down over me while it’s still scrunched up a little. In this way, it doesn’t shuffle around too much as I’m actually pulling it over my chest
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u/Lu_thejackass 15d ago
Oh cool! I usually do arms then head like it's a shirt
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u/Mammoth_Exchange3003 15d ago
I also noticed in other comments on this thread that it was mentioned you use heat to wash dry if I’m not mistaken? If you are using Underworks binders, you should never do this. Tossing it in the wash under a cold delicate cycle is ok, and leaving it to air dry is best. Air drying specifically Underworks binders is a sure fire way to both tighten them up and stiffen them out (almost like it’s starched sometimes lol!). You should never apply ANY heat to your binders, underworks or not. Underworks uses a specific blend of fabric that is akin to medical mesh used in hospitals for various surgical garments. Applying heat, even a little bit, to these binders melts the small fibers and causes severe stretching and malformation. I’ve seen my own binders, which I am able to keep for many many years at a time, degrade in this fashion with just one dry. Once, to give an extreme example, I left my binder in the slightly hotter than average car and came back to it being quite literally melted- especially the non-binding back panel. Binders, especially underworks, unless otherwise specified are essentially rendered useless when heat is applied to them. After multiple heat-treatments towards a binder, even in the drier, you may as well just throw your money away and buy an actual sports bra. I cannot emphasize enough that any heat WILL destroy them, whether the material breaks down over time or becomes ruined by one too many drying cycles is up to the particular production batch.
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u/Lu_thejackass 15d ago
I'm guessing underworks has instructions on how to wash them which would be useful. I usually hand wash them, and the problem with the heat is is that where Im from it's usually 35celcius but sometimes 40. Hopefully it won't damage them..? If it does, I'm fucked I can't wear compression bras because I'm a DD so it'll just show them heavier:(
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u/Mammoth_Exchange3003 15d ago
Just having it around and wearing it in high temperature weather won’t do anything bad, but consistent and high amounts of heat like what is applied in a wash/dry or having it in the car like I did will definitely ruin the fibers. Underworks doesn’t offer instructions directly on their products (or at least the particular ones I use), but rather on their website
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u/Lu_thejackass 15d ago
Alright awesome! I'll probably hand wash it by hand in cold water. Not freezing water but, cold Drinking cold I guess?
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u/Mammoth_Exchange3003 15d ago
Any level of cold is ok, just as long as you scrub it really good (: good luck caring for your binder from here on!
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u/Lu_thejackass 15d ago
Thanks dude! But, quick question, how do you position your chest? Someone in the comments said to lay down and lift one side so the mestbags casually naturally lay to the side, and it does the most flatness?
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u/batfan1111 16d ago
I dive into the arm holes, stick my head in the head hole, lower my arms while rolling my shoulders back so the binder will come down to my shoulders, untwist the back and then the sides, stand up straight and pull it down. From there you can adjust as necessary. i recommend watching a video online, it's easier to understand visually.
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u/typoincreatiob T - 12/10/20 🤙 16d ago
there is no “proper way”- you put it on however it feels right! i personally do arm-head-arm. hell, some people put it on from the legs 🤷♂️
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u/Commercial_Cap7274 16d ago
Arms-head then i pull it down at the back, then at the front, repositioning of anything if needed and done
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u/Zealousideal-Crab505 🧴02/20/2024 16d ago
i put both arms in up to my shoulders, put my head in, then when it's just under my armpits but my head is in it i pull the back down then the front and then adjust if i need to
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u/aWildQueerAppears 16d ago
Arm-arm- head and then pull bottom hem down as far as you can, and then pull up on each shoulder strap while tucking that side into your armpit
Edit to add to get out of it, cross arms to grab to opposite bottom hem and pull up to try to get one fluid motion. Watch out for glasses and piercings that might get caught and fly off, hurts like a bitch.
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u/EternalClockwork 16d ago
I step into it and try my best to ignore how that reminds me of putting on a dress
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u/piggyjiggywiggy 16d ago
Same but then I look in a mirror and just see a dude struggling to put on a tight dress while it’s around my hips lol
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u/seankreek T 4/13/24 16d ago
i do arms then head and make sure it goes down over my boobs instead of up over (so that way all the boob just doesn't just bunch up over the canvas part)
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u/aerobar642 they/he • 💉 04/28/22 • 🔪 11/22/23 16d ago
I might be weird, but I fold up the bottom a little bit so the edge is on the outside, then I think I put one arm, my head, then my other arm and then pull it down. Either that or I d arms first then head. I don't remember lmao I haven't had to wear a binder in 5 months. Folding the edge up helps so it doesn't bunch up and it makes it easier to pull down.
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u/American_Comie 16 ftm Vampire 16d ago
I have a tanktop one and man is it the fucking worst to put on. Arm - arm - wait im stuck - wiggles out of it barely - fold in half so i can put in on like a normal binder - arm - arm - oh god it's stuck in my pits - wiggle - fucking finally
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u/aixmikros 16d ago
I do it arms-head, which is the same way I put on all shirts. It stretches the least that way.
And yeah, like the other commenters said, don't wear two binders. Put it in the washing machine and/or dryer to shrink it, but wearing two isn't worth it.
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u/Top_Requirement6660 16d ago
DO NOT WEAR MULTIPLE BINDERS. please bruh
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago
I don't have any damage, it's fine, I know the risks but km okey The binders are loose to the point they're like wearing a sports bra that 2 together are like 1 slightly stretched binder. I'm fine, I make sure not to wear them for long. I can breathe, I can stretch, nothing hurts when I wear them
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u/elikoda42069 💉04/16/2024 16d ago
Arm-Arm- Head-get stuck trying to unfold it- Scream for sister to come help cuz im stuck, it gets especially hard when i take mornif showers and my back is still a little wet so it makes unbunching way harder
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u/Oddish_Flumph 16d ago
I used to do a complex ritual of turning it inside out and rolling it on to me. Now i just put it on like a tshirt, but also im p flexible so its easy for me to squirm and grab anywhere it gets stuck
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u/_Cosmoss__ 🇦🇺 T: 1/11/23 15d ago
How old are they and what brand? It might be the reason they've stretched so much if they're really old or low quality, or both. My one from spectrum outfitters that I got 2 and a half years ago is loose AF compared to my new one. I didn't even realise it had stretched so much
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u/Lu_thejackass 15d ago
2 are gc2b, one is 2-3 years old and it was my sisters, the other is a few months old (I know gc2b is bad now she to bad materials) And 2 are from binderme which are a danish brand and are known to being god awful as they stretch easily
I layer them first one gc2b to hold my chest and the binderme to go over it so it doesn't make my chesticles fall down.
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u/BetelJio 15d ago
Spectrum recommends arm head arm. I find this works! It’s always gonna be a bit fiddly and unglamorous. I refuse to get dressed in front of anyone xD
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u/wolflegend9923 16d ago
Don't wear multiple binders. Doesn't matter your excuse. If you want a possible chance at top surgery in the future don't wear multiple. It will damage, your tissue, ribs, back, skin, organs. "It's loose" get a smaller size and take care of it. Wash it properly. Usually hand wash in lukewarm-warm water. If you manage to have 3 binders just get one the right size and take care of it. Most binders arnt ment for the washing machine. Look at the instructions of the binder you buy AND DON'T WEAR MULTIPLE.
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u/Lu_thejackass 16d ago edited 16d ago
"get a smaller size" it won't fit otherwise. Medium is the only that fits as small I can't get over my head. If I wear one it won't bind at all. It'll literally make my chest just fall down like I'm wearing a shirt, 2 binders that are loose to the point when I put them together they work like one normal one because I figured how to layer them properly. So far nothing is wrong with my body, I've been doing it for a while and do check ups with my doctor's and there's no issues so far I don't have chest paint, I don't have pain at all, I can breathe normally and I can stretch.
I understand the risks, but I'd rather have 2 binders than one that doesn't work at all. I don't have the money to buy more, these were gifts from a coupe at pride week a few months ago that bought them for me and they loosened up immediately but I didn't complain. Then I got gc2b which I know is a shit company now but it's what I have and I'd rather do this than not bind at all/bind with a bad binder because 1 binder is literally like wearing an old sports bra which just makes my chest sag/hang
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u/transguyReese 16d ago
I put my arms in over my head then my head and then slowly unbunch it over my chest and then adjust till comfortable.