Binding. Urghh. But unless you're very lucky or you're prepared to walk around like a hunchback, the dread of someone spotting your female-shaped chest is a nightmare. Of course, the ultimate goal for many of us is a surgically reshaped chest - but it costs, so until then binding is a compromise.

Myself, I've managed to sprain my ribs several times in the past and now often find binding too restrictive and sweaty and go for the hunchback option, unless I have to be somewhere important or need extra confidence. Some people never leave the bedroom without binding, while others never bother at all. Each to his own.

There's few specific products I've found that state "this is a binder". But, ever-adaptable, we FTMs have found a range of items that work. Remember, comfort is important, and as it's an extra layer of clothing, you need to be prepared to be warmer than you may like (fine if you live in Alaska, but for the rest of us...). An extra T-shirt, warn under clothing and over the binding can help hide any obvious signs of the binder (ridges etc) and absorb any extra sweat.

Common binding methods include:

Low-cost methods

Bandages
Wind them round tightly (bearing in mind you still have to breathe), pushing the flesh up towards the armpits. Secure with safety pins and cover with a T-shirt. I find it is best to ensure the binding goes quite high to prevent it falling down, and sometimes use a round of sticky bandage (elastoplast) on top to ensure a safe hold.

Tights
I've never tried this, but imagine it would work well for men who are fairly small. Cut off the legs of a pair of 'support tights' (high lycra content). make a hole in the gusset for your head, turn upside down, and hey presto - it's ready.

More expensive options

Back supports
Back supports can be bought from pharmacies and good sport shops. Ostensibly they are used to support the back during weight-bearing exercise, but there are also many men who use them to support a flabby midline. They tend to be very warm and often bulky so you have to choose carefully. Not highly recommended.

cost: between 15 and 40 UK pounds.

The Devrey Collection

It seems the address/contact details I have for Devrey are not current. Am looking for uptodate details, until then, what was here is commented out.
04 May 00

Transitions binder
PO BOX 3547, Conroe, TX, 77305, USA

"Chest biner so soft and comfortable to wear, yet gets the job done. Our made to order, patent pending Chest Binder looks like an ordinary tank top, but is made with three layers, the secret underside is a strong 50% cotton, 50% lycra that holds you in firmly, while the 100% lycra outer shell covers it. While only, fill in measurements on order form."

Exact sizing is needed, contact Transitions for a copy of their sizing chart. If shape changes after buying (eg due to hormones), free alterations are available.

cost: 85 US dollars, shipping 8 dollars within the US, 10 dollars elsewhere. Again check for current prices before ordering.

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