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#binding
writing-with-olive · 2 years
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heyo just a psa: gc2b is not safe anymore. old binders from them are fine but new ones are way lower quality and will almost certainly mess up your ribs (think warping or breaks). don't get binders from amazon because they also tend to be dangerous. underworks seems to have maintained their good ratings, so if you need a binder consider going with them, and remember to always do your own research :D
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nonbinaryresource · 1 year
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Gc2b Binders No Longer Reputable
I've been away, so y'all may already be very aware of this, but I want to make sure it's stated on this blog because it's been The Brand for yeeeaaars: the quality of gc2b binders has been going downhill the past few years. People who bought from them prior and recently can attest to how poor the quality has become. The binders are just not the same. The material isn't comfortable and, more importantly, the fit just isn't good. People who've tried recent gc2b binders, even those who've been binding for years, are suffering from back and muscle pain, stiff shoulders, soreness, etc. regardless of fit. The material just doesn't seem to be suitable for binding anymore. It is also degrading really quickly and binders are wearing out in a matter of months. It is no longer worth it to buy from gc2b.
If you want some sources on this, check out the reviews here on trustpilot with people talking about this.
You'll want to keep your eye on brands that are still doing good work: Spectrum Outfitters (UK), For Them (seems to be a hate it or love it company; I know some who swear by them and others who feel they dont' really sell actual binders - just sports bras/lighter compression tops), Shapeshifters (good custom work and larger sizing), and Underworks (best budget brand).
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ijustkindalikebooks · 4 months
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“When I was five I learned to read. Books were a miracle to me - white pages, black ink, and new worlds and different friends in each one. To this day, I relish the feeling of cracking a binding for the first time, the anticipation of where I'll go and whom I'll meet inside.”
― Jennifer Weiner, Good in Bed.
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seamsterslocal · 11 months
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summer binder picture tutorial
this is the third binder ive made for myself recently and the first one i’m writing up. it’s designed to do a few things: 1) allow me to put it on by myself without dislocating my shoulders 2) allow me to breathe well enough to partake in normal activity 3) be cool enough to wear throughout a muggy 90-100F summer 4) not constrict my ribs in a way that aggravates my lack of connective tissue and causes intense pain.
this has become necessary even though i had top surgery many years ago, because when i had it i was extremely skinny and since then i’ve increased in size by about 50%. this has been really fucking good for my health in every single way* except that when my chest is squishy or moves at all it’s So Goddamn Triggering for me. but also since ive had top surgery ive developed and/or been made away of a plethora of chronic conditions that make every single commercially available binding option medically impossible. unbound, my chest is pretty much what you’d expect for a chubby cis guy but venturing out into the world in just a tshirt no longer works for me
*anyone who badmouths weight gain or fat bodies in the notes WILL be blocked
under the cut are a bunch of process pictures and explanations of what they all mean:
first i’ll give you a look at the pieces and measurements:
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most of the seams are sewn in this picture and one half is turned inside out, allowing you to see both the finished dimensions (right) and the placement of the fusible horsehair canvas that gives this lil scrap of linen any structure at all (left)
to get your chest measurement, you’re gonna have to do some math:
first measure above and below what you want to bind. average these numbers. mine are something like 32 and 34, which average to 33. subtract a few inches--this is to allow the air movement between the laces at center front and back, critical in the summertime. i deleted 3 inches bc i like that number but you can go bigger if you want. the more inches you subtract here, the more youll be able to ratchet all your chest material down later, but at the same time you need to leave enough fabric for a sturdy garment. let’s say a range of 2-6 inches/5-15cm. by taking your measurements this way, you’re essentially measuring the chest you would like to have. that + the horsehair canvas work together to compress any squishy tissue/force anything that doesnt compress up and to the outside (basically into the armpit/lower shoulder--the chest might stick out but it will give a very puffed chest captain america pectoral silhouette)
you can also see how ive clipped my curves and pre-drilled my lacing holes. i used the marlin spike on my knife to open up the holes on the interfacing side, mainly as a way of marking them. this worked well bc the interfacing’s glue kept the linen from raveling
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this is the same stage but looking at the non-interfaced grey linen/cotton blend (the black is some 100% linen from my cabbage stash). you can see ive broken the solar-plexus-to-back measurement up into a bunch of pieces to save on fabric but that’s not necessary. my original pattern was just two pieces (front and back) and chopping the straps into thirds on both sides was aesthetic
in the following picture you can really see how this is really just overgrown regency stays:
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i thought about doing side lacing but didn’t think that would be comfortable for me. on the front, the side seam allowance was pressed inwards before turning to create a finished looking slot. on the back the side seam is left unfinished with an extra wide seam allowance, and is inserted into that slot.
here’s a closeup on it pinned in place (you can adjust the angle of the side seam and the fit during this pinning stage):
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that side seam was just topstitched in place once i had the fit how i liked it, and the armhole was reinforced with more topstitching
alright, time for eyelets: first, you can see how well the marking worked:
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next, two rows of basted eyelets (left), one row of eyelets sewn with a doubled and waxed cotton thread (center right), and one row of eyelets opened and stainless steel rings placed (right).
next time i’m going to mark the eyelets same as i did above, but do this step differently--i’ll mark and baste the steel rings in place BEFORE widening the eyelets. this is bc i had a lot of problems keeping the eyelets on center
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eyelets half done on this one! on the left are eyelets sewn with doubled and waxed cotton thread and on the right eyelets sewn with quadrupled and waxed thread. the center is basting again. i was able to force the holes back in line while sewing the eyelets but it was kinda annoying. adding a second picture that doesnt have great focus but hopefully shows how that process worked and shows the spike clearly
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i ended up using this white cotton thread because it’s stronger than my black cotton thread (which the rest of it is sewn with). [eta: after this was first posted, i pressed the whole thing heavily, which effectively de-waxed the thread, and i dyed the whole thing a medium charcoal grey, the thread blends in perfectly on the lighter side and isn’t such a sore thumb on the darker side]
bonus: the piecing layout for that little piece of strap. the whole light gray half of the binder was made from 1/2 of one of the legs i cut off some linen suit pants to make slutty camping shorts last year and i really really didn’t want to break into any of the other three halves for this garment--i have Plans for it
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overall the fit of this is incredible. it DOESNT hurt my ribs which every zip-up garment ive been able to find (and it is difficult) does due to really thick elastic at the base. it doesnt aggravate my sensory issues with the synthetic fibers that every commercial option is made of. i can walk up a hill or stairs, or go to pt, without getting too out of breath. i can eat with it tight, or loosen the front easily and without taking it off to make eating easier and less nausea-inducing. it is reversible!
best of all the lacing at the back gives the garment enough movement for me to get it on without dislocating, and the interfacing and steel rings give it structure once it’s on. the shaping comes only from fusible horsehair linen canvas and stainless steel rings like youd use for chainmail, there’s no boning at all, which makes it very quick to sew (except the eyelets, but metal grommets would be sturdy and quick provided theyre of good quality)
there’s a small amount of gaping on the outside of the shoulder strap, which i plan on fixing with a tiny tiny dart in the armpit, i want to add pockets to tuck the laces into, and i need a better lace for the back, but it’s completely wearable in time for the 90 weather next week which is all i wanted. i’ll do a reblog when it’s perfectly finished with an update on the fit but for now it is done enough 
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the little ridge where it doesnt lay flat against the shoulder is most visible with just a single t shirt over it. with a flannel or a sweater, it disappears, and by itself, it’s hidden in movement
eta: after dyeing this, i relaced it a bit looser in the back and that gape mainly disappeared. ive decided to leave it in instead of smoothing it with a dart because the loose fabric gives space for my chest to expand when breathing and shapes my silhouette in a way that emphasizes my shoulders
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everybodysinvited · 6 months
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Binder Safety Guide
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Binders are wonderful, transformative things! BUT there are a lot of things to consider and prep yourself for if you want to wear a binder safely. So here's a quick guide on the top 10 tips for binder safety.
Your health is paramount and wearing a binder incorrectly can really damage your skin, and lead to breathing problems or back pain etc, so please listen to your body, and if it hurts, stop. Binders aren't for everyone but their are alternative methods to a flatter chest!
For more tips and guidance on binder safety, check out Point of Pride, Spectrum Outfitters, Amor Binders, Mermaids or my previous post, An Intro to Binders!
Image & text descriptions in ALT
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evannasblog · 9 months
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"Binders tend to be used as a temporary solution to the problem of having breasts" I love that phrasing
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bubblyernie · 8 months
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i thought tumblr may be a better place to post this, there's a higher population of queer folks around this platform than insta :P
also mentioned it there but if you have some input pls share!! i want to know what the vibe on this topic is
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givemelife-givemelove · 2 months
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Haven’t exactly been active lately but I haven’t exactly had a kind brain lately! Alls well though and we carry on ☺️
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Don't bind for longer than 6-8 hours guys. I've been consistently binding for longer than that every day for weeks, maybe even months now, due to a mix of severe dysphoria and forgetting the time that has passed.
For about a week now, I've been dealing with sharp pain right under my chest area. Like it's either the ribs or idk my organs or so hurting like a bitch after I take my binder off even if I bind for 8 hours only or less.
I can't confirm that it's from binding, but it seems most likely.
So yea. Don't do this to yourself. Remember that no matter how awful your dysphoria is, the pain you'll have from binding too much is not worth it. Because the pain can stay around for longer than you have your boobs if you fuck up badly enough.
Take care of yourselves. <3
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mothmussy · 12 days
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The binding of isaac
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thefleshyougoveggie · 3 months
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to anyone who binds/ wants to bind:
my biggest tip for you is to find a sports bra (or more than one could be good tbh) that you are fairly comfortable wearing. bc if you’re constantly using a binder, even if you take binder break days (which are CRUCIAL!!!) you can still get back pain from wearing binders often:( so having a sports bra that you like and wearing that as much as possible and saving the actual binder/s for “special occasions”/suuuper dysphoric days is something i highly recommend!!!
i used to bind most days of the week with actual binders, and even tho they were good quality (and right size!) it’s gotten to the point where i have back pain most days & i’m wearing a sports bra most days!!
also please please PLEASE do not wear your binder for longer than you should (6/8 hours, absolutely max 12, it varies from person to person-if it hurts, TAKE IT OFF) and remember to stretch!!!
big hugs,
your friendly neighborhood transmasc (who has back pain😔)
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grimoiregradient · 6 months
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You're Iced Out
A hex for complete social isolation
Do you have a problematic coworker, a friend who always causes drama in your group, or just someone you think deserves to be lonely?
You Will Need
A large bowl
Water
Salt
Three pennies or coins with faces 
A poppet 
Red yarn or string
A Taglock of your target
This Sigil
 “You’re Iced Out.”
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Step 1
Take the pennies and freeze them into ice cubes so that when they are submerged in water later, they can be arranged more accurately. 
Step 2
Prepare your bowl. Add a copy of the ‘you’re iced out’ sigil to the bottom of the bowl. Take the poppet, add your taglock. The heavier the poppet the better for this spell, perhaps weight it down with some rocks or sand.
Step 3
Arrange the coin/ice cubes in a circle in the bowl, make sure the faces are looking outward, toward the rim of the bowl. 
Wrap the body of the poppet in the red yarn. Reflect on the behaviors you wish to punish in your target. Then, unravel the yarn and place the poppet in the bowl between the ice cubes. Imagine them friendless, alone, and completely isolated from all support. No family, no friends, no coworks, no peers. They’re naked in the cold. Dunk the poppet in water so that it is completely saturated. (To ensure it doesn’t float to the top) Then, rub the entire body in salt. (Be careful not to burn your hands when handling ice and salt)
Step 4
Fill the entire bowl with water and leave to freeze. Ideally this will be kept in your freezer until you feel that the target has suffered enough and learned a lesson.
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everybodysinvited · 6 months
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An Intro to Binders
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Binders are a great! Here's a quick intro into what they are, the many styles and options and some links on where to get one!✨
There are no rules on who can wear a binder, it's shapewear, if it helps you achieve your desired shape, then go for it! No one owes you an explanation as to why they choose to wear a binder; it's their body, their clothes, their choice.
If you are looking into getting a binder for yourself, it's important you do plenty of research into what style, size and materials are right for you. Check out resources from Point of Pride, Spectrum Outfitters, Amor Binders and Mermaids for safety and measurement guides. Or if you want video resources on binders, check out YouTube channels for PinkNews, Jammidodger, Ashton Daniel and As/Is.
It's important to note as well, that binders wont work for everyone, but there are other options for a flatter chest, like wearing baggier clothes and layering, working out your upper torso and arms, using trans tape or top surgery.
A dedicated binder safety guide post will be coming soon so stay tuned!...
Also, if you have any other recommendations for brands or resources, please share in the comments 😁
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dailyspicyfigures · 6 days
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Ally ; Original Character ☆ BINDing
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rjalker · 3 months
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Disabled trans people: I would love to bind but I physically literally can't because I'm disabled. I would love to get top surgery but I can't because I'm poor and don't have health insurance because I'm unemployed because I'm disabled. It really fucking sucks that I can't do these things because I'm disabled. People need to understand that disabled trans people exist and that binding isn't an option for many of us.
Abled trans people every single time despite not being asked: Okay cool buy did you know you don't have to bind at all? You should accept the fact that you have boobs! It's great and sexy and fun to have boobs and you shouldn't want to bind because that's letting society tell you what to do! Get some better self esteem!! Binding isn't everything! You should just embrace how hot and sexy your boobs are as a power move. There are lots of trans people who don't bind, and they aren't disabled! Being disabled has nothing to do with whether you bind or not. Choosing not to bind because you enjoy having boobs is the exact same thing as being physically incapable of binding despite how much you hate having boobs! I know because I think having boobs is sexy and hot and clearly every trans person wants people to think their boobs are hot!!!! I don't think disability has anything to do with whether you bind or not.
Disabled trans people who do not want to have boobs and are openly aroace and do not want anyone to find them attractive in any way:
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[ID: A gif of Mal from Firefly opening and closing his mouth, trying to find words to speak, gesturing with one hand, before giving up and staring in silent despair. End ID.]
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