#binder review

[buggerzz]

Was thinking about @shapeshiftersinc 's binders and wanted to review them on here :D

Im gonna be fully honest because. Why the hell would i lie???

Overview-

They are a great binder company. I fully reccomend buying from them- they have the best chest binders ive been able to find and are extremely inclusive and helpful. If you have the money to get one and are worrying it wont be worth it. Trust me. It is.

Pros-

Extremely comfortable.

I mean it. I have sensory issues- other binders ive had have been way too itchy and uncomfortable for me to wear regularly. Id always have issues with the tags- even after i cut them out, it always bothers me.

Shapeshifters have been WAY better. I dont know if it's the materials, the construction, or what but they are wonderful to wear. Ive had the occasional issue with the tag, but its small and pretty ignorable. Plus, I'm about 90% sure you could ask them to just not add it to avoid it entirely. Ive had no issues with scratchiness. Their mesh is breathable, not itchy, and stretchy :D half the time i can completely forget that im even wearing a binder, which says a LOT.

Fit & Bind-

Shapeshifters. Amazing once again. Theyre custom sized to your measurements, which avoids unnecessary tightness in the ribs, gaping at the top, or inconsistent/nonexistent binding. Im a 38DD-40DDD depending on brand, and literally no other binders have had anywhere near this level of bind. Obviously it doesnt get completely flat- but it gets as close as possible. Id say its about the same prominence as laying on your back with no bra- maybe a bit bigger. That being said, thats a HUGE improvement from every other brand ive tried.

Plus, if you have issues with things digging in anywhere or not fitting how you want, they do free alterations. WHICH IS INSANELY HELPFUL BY THE WAY.

Variety-

They have many different patterns and styles and types of binders. It's a lot of different options- undergarments to normal tops, gothic to pastel to flat colors. If youre somewhere hot they have purely mesh binders for extra ventilation, etc.

Plus, if you want a specific pattern you can custom order your own fabric design! Im doing this for my new one and am very excited. (Its the same pattern i have as my banner :>

Customer Service-

Actually wonderful. Eli has been the one talking with me on both of my binders, so i think theyre the main (English) customer service worker! Theyre wonderful and very helpful- straight to the point, speedy, and patient.

I had no clue I needed to upload my pattern to spoonflower and proof it, and they helped me with that even though I could've just. Read the product description 😭

Lots of love to Eli. Also Im so sorry im stupid???? Youre wonderful.

Ease of use-

Im disabled- big shoulder issues. If i angle it the wrong way it dislocates. Bit uncomfy. That being said, most binders are literally painful for me to put on. Especially to take off. It hurts and is a whole mess. However. Shapeshifter's stretchier fabrics make it easier to take on and off. Putting it on is usually completely fine. Taking it off can be an issue. But its way easier than other brands thankfully.

HOWEVER. shapeshifters offers zippers to be built in. Which seems bad because of uneven pressure, but they have stiff inserts in all zipper binders to evenly distribute the bind. When I ordered my 1st binder, i for some reason got the zipper on the side of my bad shoulder?? I usually only use the zipper to take it off, so its fine, but zipping it on is a nightmare. But thats on me because i ordered it stupidly. That being said, zipping it off is actually amazing. If theres any discomfort from the binder, I can just zip it down for a bit. Or i can fully take it off so much easier. 2nd binder from them, i havent ordered the zipper because its not that difficult for me personally to take it off without, but i would recommend it if you need that extra ease!

Durability-

An old binder had tearing stitching after 2 months of semi-regular wear. Bad. My shapeshifter binder ive been wearing up to 5 days a week for up to 8 hours a day. The only signs of wear it has is some deodorant stains. Need I say more. It also hasnt stretched at all- it has the same bind and comfort and fit as it did the day I got it.

CAN YOU SEE WHY I LOVE THESE.

CONS NOW!!

Time

They do take a while to be made and arrive. Because theyre custom made by a small team, it takes a couple months to get one. I ordered one in July and got it in August, for example. I personally do not care about this one because it is such a high quality binder.

Price

Once again, small team making high quality custom products. It gets pricey. My first one was $116 including shipping, taxes, etc. Its important to note that i got a zipper (+$20) and a lot of customization options not everyone will need or want! Once again, i think its worth it as it will probably last me a WHILE. Also they gotta pay their team fairly. WE LOVE PAYING PEOPLE LIVABLE WAGES!

Overall, I do reccomend. In fact I've gotten a friend to get themselves one aswell lmao

Theyre actually an amazing team and i wish them lots of love, appreciation, and success!! Cant wait to get my new binder >:D

[auggieoof]

Diary Entry #20

I got a binder and two packers!!! Too bad I can't wear them basically anywhere lmao but still. I cleaned my room with my binder on. I was so worried it wasn't making me flat enough, i mean it doesn't matter now but when I go on T it might.

I made sure to order the right size but after like an hour of wearing it I still kinda hurt. But I'm okay now (it's my second time wearing it, first time wearing it for any significant amount of time.)

I went down a very brief spiral (brief being like 15 minutes tops) where I was like "OH MY GOD WHAT IF I'M NOT TRANS." But looking back, I think it's because my binder didn't make me like 100% flat, more like I have pecs or maybe gynomastia and I'm pretty sure now that's what it was.

But seeing me in pictures with my binder (with my face/hair mostly cropped out) on made me super happy, it's just that looking at me irl still makes me think I look very fem because I still have these fem characteristics and it makes me feel kinda bad. My spiral was not very rational.

I think the thought "what if my binder doesn't actually bind enough?? What if I still look like I have a large chest??" isn't actually very cis, looking back on it. I'm gonna post some pictures of me in a shirt with and without the binder and let y'all be the judge. I think I'm just freaking out over nothing, but I can't stop thinking like that. Under the cut btw, first pic with binder second pic w/o.

[ash-den]

oh hey an updated binder review

i made the first one about two years ago and things have changed, i've discovered the spectrum binders which have taken over the underworks binders as my favorites.

this is my personal experience with these brands, feel free to add your thoughts in the replies! if anyone wants to make similar graphics for binder reviews, shoot me a dm, i'd gladly give out the canva template :)

[lovrrboys]

Binder Review by me :

For reference. I’m like a b/c cup in bras and typically a medium or large in binders

GC2B - 5/10 it was the first binder I ever tried. Didn’t use it for very long, fabric was uncomfortable and it felt hard to breath it

Spectrum Outfitters - 8/10 I’ve had the same binder from them for 2.5 years now. It surprisingly still binds super well and there aren’t any frays in the seams. My only complaint is that when you first get it, the fabric is stiff and uncomfortable, but that’s expected

Wonobabi - Brand is overall 7/10, have tried numerous

The side zip binder - 2/10 was super uncomfortable for me and was a sensory nightmare. Hated this one so badly

The full length binder - 9/10 in love with these ones. They’re more comfortable than most short length imo. They’re easier to breath in, and they appear more as a tank top undershirts yk.

Flavnt racer back - 7/10 I really wanted to love this one, especially bc of the price. I think it would be good for those with bigger chests, but for me, it didn’t sit right nor bind. It’s more of a slightly compressing sports bra, and idk it just feels weird

Phluid from Spencer’s - 7/10 I really like how this one binds. It’s tight and uncomfortable until you wear it a couple of times. I wish I’d love this one more, but it’s falling apart already unfortunately.

Overall:

I think my personal favorite is the Wonobabi full length. They’re comfortable, secure, and do a good job at binding. They’re last a decent amount of time.

[binderreviews]

Long Spectrum Outfitters binder review

Binding ability:

The best I’ve ever had. When I first put it on, I was genuinely shocked at how flat I was.

It has stretched out quite a bit since I got it, but it still does the job well.

Comfort:

It’s not too tight which I like.

The front panel is kind of a weird texture, so I don’t like that much.

The back is a meshy texture, which is not the best sensory wise but is still acceptable for me.

Because it’s a long binder, it doesn’t have that huge gap between the binder and my ribs like the short Spectrum binder does, so in that regard it’s much more sensory friendly for me.

Miscellaneous:

The price is definitely not low, but it’s not terrible either, especially given how ethically made Spectrum binders are.

The binder is hell to get on for the first few days or so. It gets a lot easier after a few times though.

I love the anti-slip silicone strip at the bottom, it really does stop the binder from rolling up.

It will definitely be very warm in the summer months because it is a full length spandex binder.

Overall: I love this binder for dysphoric days, but not so much for extra sensory sensitive days. Definitely a good investment, especially if you don't have sensory issues.

[somecrustypunk]

🚨MY NEW BINDER CAME!!🚨

A little review: 10/10

I will accually stand by spectrum till the day I die. Their binders can expensive but I thinks it's so worth it. Like here's my old one after almost two years of near daily wear ⬇️

The compression is amazing, it's so comfortable, v breathable and I can swim in it. I'm in love

The front panel is made of a canvass material so it doesn't stretch, I've heard some people say it can dig into your side but personally I haven't experienced that.

On their website you can find your exact measurements so you know which size to get. If you're between sizes, size up bc otherwise you will acc not be able to get it on (also just a bad idea to size down)

Anyway 100% recommended, bind safe!

[sagegreenfrogs]

my binder got here!!! it's a spectrum binder!

I've been wearing this for almost 2 hours in a row now, so here's my honest review:

size: I'm an XL but between sizes- so it's loose on my ribs, but that was expected and is honestly probably a good thing

very comfortable, I love the material <3

the bind isn't completely flat, but it's SO MUCH better than without.

my only issue is that the shoulder straps are a little too long for me, but that's literally it!

[binder-masterlist]

Black solid color binder

Shapeshifters (@shapeshiftersinc)

link: https://shapeshifters.co/product/solid-color-binders/

binding level: 4.5

comfort level: 5

sensory level: 4.5

breathability: 4.5

overall: 5

do you experience sensory issues? Not always, but a lot of the time

would you recommend this binder? Absolutely!!

October 7th, 2023

other notes:

these are made from your measurements so they fit SO well! They’re on the expensive side ($85), but it’s absolutely worth it! Took me from a D cup to just under an A!

:D this was the binder I just bought and it works so well- couldn’t recommend these enough

[thecluelessdoctor]

WHEN THE FUCKING BINDER ACTUALLY DOESNT BIND FOR SHIT BECAYSE ITS A CHEAPY ONE AND YOUR MOM DIDN'T READ THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS

Crying.

So yesterday as some of you know I tried on my binder. It's the LGBT unicorn brand binder. Yesterday I couldn't tell it didn't bind because I was wearing a super baggy shirt, and it wasn't doing what my chest usually does to that shirt so I thought it was binding

Today I'm wearing a tighter shirt and honestly???

My chest feels even more visible. It's tight everywhere other than the chest wear it should be tight, and it sucks. Feels more like a sports bra than anything else.

Honestly I'm so pissed. I have a pretty big chest too so this fucking sucks

[synccrust]

Binder where buy

So… I need help ;w;. My family is okay with me buying a binder for Christmas and I am very happy but the condition is that it’s not too pricey… So far I’ve only found very expensive one in the Euro zone and I’m scared I won’t be able to find one to forward my parents before Christmas arrives…

Does anyone have a link to good binders in the eurozone ? That would help me a bunch !

Also medieval cat:

[the-rainbow-suit-dude]

Binder experience:

For reference: I ordered a medium long binder.

I had heard about it being amazing for a little while before purchasing it. The package came quickly, and was exactly what I ordered. I tried it on when I first got it over a shirt, and it fit perfectly. I decided to wear it outside, something that happened three times.

The first time, I was wearing a black dress shirt over it that fit me decently, with minimal bagginess. I spent maybe four hours in it, my chest was flat the entire time, and had no problems.

The second time, I wore it underneath a normal tee-shirt that while loose still clings to the figure. I needed to adjust it the entire eight hours I wore it and couldn’t get it back to the same flatness.

The third time, I realized it had lost it’s shape from the first time I wore it and had gone from minimal boob definition to near complete. No amount of shoving would change it, as it had barely any compression on my chest, letting everything move extremely easily.

After the last experience, I decided to return it. Luckily, they were very forgiving about their “return in 21 days” policy.

Lots of people have had great experiences with these binders, but I personally (as you can see) did not. I can’t personally recommend it due to this.

I hope you find your perfect binder, reader.

[starz4valen]

ok! spectrum binder review here we go

it was around 51 USD with shipping, 40 USD without, so yeah. pretty expensive! but the extra sense of security w the bank statements and packaging is great. really put me at ease.

as for binding, fucking amazing. i feel so FLAT!! only problem is that when i try and pull my chest to each side or whatever it kinda spills out? maybe its me or ifs just the binder but it’s whatever tbh

comfort, great! its soft imo and the seams dont dig in anyone since they’re covered. the back is really stretchy and stuff and feels v comfy! the front just feels like a soft hug on my chest, and its great. i could probably forget its there after a while. my only problem is when i sit down since its so long and the front is a stiff panel, it sorta digs into my stomach a bit.

overall, i really am happy i got this binder :) it’s basically my first one (well not really cause first one was actually too big, this is my second) and i love it. would recommend

[leihaddock]

Mini Binder Review

I've had quite a few binders now over the last two years and I felt like giving y'all what I think. I'm pretty close to top surgery, therefore this seems to be close to the end of my binding career. I am a small but somewhat bulky guy (as much as that worked pre T) who spends quite a bit of time at the gym, for reference, as I can obviously only speak from my own experience

cheap Chinese binders with clasps

DON'T BUY

they aren't really worth the money and pretty dangerous

I got one to try if it was something for me in general

I felt like I couldn't breathe very quickly

cheap-ish Chinese binders w/o clasps

I got this one way later just on a whim

it's very comfy, feels like a slightly tighter sports bra with padding

binding element doesn't go up to the shoulders therefore you probably spill everywhere

doesn't really do much binding but I could see myself wearing it as a tight cropped top post op

GC2B half

got two of these later, used

they're less great if you have bigger breasts

back tends to disintegrate

if you pull too hard, you might rip seams

they do binding well enough that I'm happy

GC2B tank

got one of this as my first binder due to positive reviews

very soft and imo pretty easy on your skin

they're comfy especially if you've got bigger breasts

don't do a lot for side boob tho

fabric on the back tends to get even more malleable over time and so binding effect lessens a lot

very easy to take off

Spectrum short

imo best allrounder

the fabric is about as long as on the full length gd2b ones

feels very firm, is therefore less pleasant to put on or take off

binding effect is great even if you size one up

feels sweaty a bit easier

[ash-den]

Spectrum Binder Light Review

So Spectrum Outfitters came out with a new binder "light" for summer. I have 2 original Spectrum binders and they do bind very well but give me back pain after a few hours. So I wanted to try it.

It came after around a week. It was a very thin, synthetic material, with a thick almost sticky band (you know the sticky stuff they put at the top of stockings to prevent them from gliding down?).

I'm an XS size for the original binders, so I was supposed to be a XXS for the binder light. Despite following their sizing chart & measurements (different from the normal ones), it ended up being way too small. At first it would not pass over my shoulders and I struggled for a while.

When I finally got it on, it wasn't binding too well despite being very tight. I feel like if I had sized up, it wouldn't have binded at all. Maybe it's because of the "racerback" form which doesn't fit with my anatomy, as my GC2B racerback binder did not fit me at all either.

I sent it back to get a refund, and it happened pretty quickly. But I had to pay for the shipping back : 10€ original shipping + 18€ to get it back to the UK, to get a 40€ refund so I still lost a lot of money.

As a "less binding", "breathier", "lighter" binder, I still always wear my BWYA X-tra binder with custom swimsuit lining - it's definitely not as thin of a material, but it binds decently while being very comfortable (it's also my sports & swimsuit binder).

I'm pretty disappointed. I want to try a size up, but having paid that much to get it refunded, I don't know if I want to risk it again.

On a positive note, I also got their foam packer, and it's pretty neat. I went for a size 1 (smallest size) but I feel like there was an error somewhere, because it's like the size of my fist. I like it though.

I only saw 1 other review for the binder light and the person seemed to like it. Anyone else has tried it?

[alix-is-o-a-k]

I have done it! Check out @binder-masterlist! No submissions yet- if you have a binder, feel free to go submit it!

[binderreviews]

Amor Sensory first impressions review

Disclaimer: I was on the cusp of needing a full chest reversible racerback from Amor (my under and full chest measurements were about 5.5” apart), but I opted for the regular reversible racerback because I have broad shoulders (and also because it’s cheaper lmao). Also, I am an autistic person with pretty bad sensory issues, but my sensory issues may not be the same as other people’s, so take this as MY opinion.

Binding ability:

Pretty good. Not amazing, but it’s pretty acceptable. Note, I have only had this binder about a week, but the binding ability so far is not bad.

I’ve heard that this binder does not stretch out much, which I really hope will be the case for me.

Comfort and sensory friendliness:

This binder has a very good level of pressure. It’s comforting, but not suffocating, and it’s tight enough to actually compress. It also has a pretty even pattern of pressure, which I definitely like.

The back and shoulders are very soft, I like to run my hands on the stretchy parts of the binder just to feel them because I like the texture.

The seams are great, and there are no labels except for an ironed on logo on the back. As for washing instructions, they come on a fully detachable label (which does not leave that horrible tiny label when cut off).

The front panel is quite rough and is honestly one of the least sensory-friendly I’ve tried, which is a real shame. It can be worn reversed (i.e. inside-out), which is definitely how I prefer to wear it, but if you wear it like that, your shirt catches on the cotton of the panel. I really hope the front panel softens over time because I really do not like it currently.

Miscellaneous:

This binder is EXPENSIVE. I was only able to get it because it was a birthday gift for me. It is definitely not a cheap binder.

This binder is very ethically and sustainably made, which is a big reason for why I wanted to get it. Of course, this comes at a price, but I am in a position where I can afford it and I don’t want my gender euphoria to come at a cost to the people making my binder, if I can avoid it.

The straps come a bit closer together than I would like. They can be positioned to sit a bit further away from the neck, and they don’t sit super close to the neck, but they show through shirt necklines more than I’d like.

Overall opinion:

Given the price, I was expecting a bit better. It’s still a good binder, but that front panel really lets it down. It is otherwise one of the best binders I’ve tried, but for a binder that is that expensive and is advertised as being sensory friendly, I would expect a softer front panel. I’m speaking as someone who usually is able to tolerate having the front panel of binders against my skin, but has a lot of trouble tolerating this front panel.