So I only had my GC2B xl binder for a year [mid? 2021] and the back has been thinning + the arm straps abit aswell, I though it wouldn't go super fast when I first saw the thinning but it did! The binder compressed well at first but after a year of constant use it started to slowly loosen, didnt notice it at first but now it barly binds my chest as much as it could be doing once the thinning started.

Some things I did aswell before the thinning was swimming, the only time i ever swam with a binder and it was alright at the time, but a couple days later [maybe a week or 2] it just started thinning and had a noticable looseness too it.

No clue if it was my fault for swimming with this binder because I swear the brand said you could swim with it, but it also may be from constant use [in public school and feel very uncomfy with bras]

[First the back of it, then the two arm straps]

gc2b vs underworks binder

ok gonna do a review of the binder i just got from Underworks, comparing it to the binder i got from gc2b in 2021. bear with me, as I don’t normally do this sort of posting. I did my best to get passable pictures without a proper set-up, but at least I cleaned my room, okay? Post gets long, esp with pictures, so popping it under a read more!

For the most part, I think the fit of my gc2b binder is pretty good! I get pretty good compression from it, and it’s almost the perfect length. However, for a racerback, it isn’t very narrow in the back, and covers the bottom of my shoulder blades which does feel kinda weird sometimes. My biggest issue is that the arms are too high and ride up, pinching my skin pretty bad. I have to adjust it pretty frequently, and trying to pull it down underneath other layers of clothing is difficult and awkward, esp trying to do so stealthily. I started poking around looking for alternate options after hearing GC2Bs quality had fallen in past years and were generally not recommended anymore. I plan on ordering from Shapeshifters, but I ordered this Underworks binder in the meantime because the price was much cheaper. There were no reviews for the binder I ordered at the time, but I was fine taking the risk for the price. Now, after trying it on, it seems prudent that I do review mine! Putting the specific info and links to each binder here as well: GC2B binder: Size Medium, Racerback collection Underworks binder: Size Small, “Firm Compression Racerback Chest Binder and Minimizer” First, I’ll show my chest uncompressed, just wearing a medium tomboyx cotton bra:

for the record: I have a pretty small chest! I haven’t bought a bra in years, but I was a b-cup last I checked. I also know I have a smaller body in general than a lot of people, so there’s the grain of salt when considering fit, though I do think that makes it easier to judge the compression factor.  Here’s the GC2B binder (I roll up the bottom about an inch so it sits flatter):

You can see the racerback is actually pretty wide, and how tight it is around my underarms. (pretend you don’t notice the deodorant stains though ok thx)

AND here’s the “firm compression” binder from Underworks:

Wearing it pulled down all the way, the neckline and arms are so low that I feel I get basically no compression, despite it still being a struggle to pull on. The racerback is actually narrow enough to free my shoulder blades though.

If I pull it up higher, I get slightly more compression, though still only maybe as much as just wearing a sports bra, but now with a bunch of loose fabric at the top.  The pictures shown on the Underworks page definitely make it seem like it'll compress a lot more, so all-in-all a little disappointing, but again i was fine taking the risk because the price was a lot cheaper than other options. The "Extreme MagiCotton Sports and Binding Bra" has a ton more reviews, where people call it a binder and say it's great, so maybe despite the name that one has more compression than the "Firm Compression Binder"? I'll also admit that I really prefer the racerback style and that was a big factor in which one I chose to order. Underworks obviously has a lot of other options, and I'm curious about the differences in material between them all. Looking at the labels sewn in, both binders are nylon/spandex, but my gc2b binder has an additional front panel made from cotton/polyester that feels more like canvas and doesn't stretch at all. It's hard to judge from pictures, but I'm not sure any of the binder options of Underworks have a second front panel like that? I should also say that I did email GC2B a couple months ago asking about their opinion of the fit issues I had, and was told that sizing up to a large might be an option. I'm not sure I'll try that or order from them again, though. I'm also not sure sizing down the Underworks binder to an XS is a good option either, because the size S is already tight enough to pull on, it just doesn't seem to have full compression capability. Anyway! I'm hoping to order from Shapeshifters once I feel confident enough to invest the money, so I'll still poke around in the meantime. I've heard complaints about binders falling apart, but aside from some threads fraying on the bottom hem, my GC2B binder is holding up pretty well, especially considering I'm too lazy to follow the hand-wash instructions and just throw it in the washer and dryer. I'll at least say that the Underworks binder is lightweight and has way more freedom of movement, so it's at least a good lazy day option maybe, though I'd probably just end up skipping it and wearing something baggy anyway. Well. hope this helps anyone else looking into ordering one, since i know i reblogged a post recommending Underworks a little while ago and that's what made me order one at all. thx for reading if u made it this far, and good luck to anyone else searching for the perfect binder!

My new binder is here!!

This is the tri top chest binder from Underworks!!

Sorry for the image quality, it won’t let me post this on mobile so I had to copy paste it from discord several times.

I love this binder!!! It’s so comfortable, there’s room at the top, it’s not too tight either. Which I had a huge problem with with GC2B. I had problems with my binder getting stuck on me even though it was my size and it fit me. But I don’t have this problem with Underworks!!! 

It also compresses a lot better than GC2B. Like there’s a sizeable difference. In my GC2B Binder you can visibly see the place where my boobs seperate but you can’t see that in this binder. Also it just makes me look even flatter which is amazing for a binder that isn’t tight. GC2B was tighter but it couldn’t get me nearly as flat as this binder!

Anyway I rate this binder a solid 10/10. I love it so much. 

Number 1 tip for buying a binder is that, if they provide a sizing chart, USE IT. I see lots of reviews on binders saying “oh this product is dangerous because it squeezes my ribs way too much” or “oh this brand is untrustworthy because the sizing is weird,” and those comments often include some measurements like t-shirt size or another binder brand’s size. They aren’t sized like shirts; I’m an xs/s shirt and a medium or large binder depending on the brand. Binding isn’t necessarily dangerous, but forcing an XL body into an M binder is.

did a little underworks vs. gc2b review (i just used tiktok to stich the videos together lol). i talk kind of slow and the camera is shaky but for what it’s worth, this is what they do! definitely a much bigger fan of the underworks tri top binder

I got my binder from spectrum!!!!

Here’s a few notes about how it fits

It feels bigger than a gc2b binder for sure. Both are medium, but gc2b was a little more restrictive. I feel like gc2b runs smaller.

Spectrum’s binder ends closer to my belly button than the gc2b. Haven’t decided how I feel about that because it’s pretty loose closer to the stomach when standing. I almost wonder if I had a bigger bust if that would change.

Spectrum is a lot more comfortable to lounge in for sure. The extra five around the tummy goes away when I lay down and slouch. I feel like I could go swimming in this binder because there’s more room for movement than the gc2b had.

Gc2b had me a little more breathless, in spectrum I can hardly tell the difference.

Despite the different feeling of the fit, both compress pretty much the same after tossing a shirt on. Spectrum does have some wrinkling closer to the tummy because once again it feels a little looser there on me.

Putting it on is a bit of a nightmare, had to have my girlfriend help me (the same with gc2b) partially because I hate pulling things over my head, it’s a sensory thing.

I am pretty sensitive to scratchy clothing textures but this one passes the test. No issue there!

Overall, I think I do prefer spectrum to gc2b. It feels more comfortable and is probably closer to size when you DIY measure yourself. Their size guide was helpful and their packaging was really discreet, as well as recyclable! Downside is that Spectrum has been having stocking issues, so getting this one was a bit of a wait. I think it was well worth it though, and look forwards to seeing them restock binders in the forest green colors.

just ordered a new binder from a new site called chestbinder.co n i’m......hoping it’s not a scam site lmao. nothing was overtly fishy for such a new site and the prices weren’t THAT low as to set off red flags, but.........hrmm

gc2b binder review (including before / after profile photos)

back in january i bought a half tank black binder from gc2b. i originally bought a large due to my size measurements but my shoulders were too broad to get it on without threatening to rip it so i sent it back and got an XL.

the XL fits ok. the binder pops up at the bottom, which suggests that it's too big on me but like I mentioned, the smaller size literally wouldn't let me put it on so this was the best fit

as for how well it binds: fairly well, while still being comfortable. the first few time i put it on it was uncomfortable, but after wearing it a few times it stretched out a bit and before more comfortable (with a negligible difference in binding). before and after photos, im a size 34D for reference

as for how well it holds up months later: the binder is starting to fall apart at the seams with me wearing it VERY occasionally. im talking MAYBE 2-3 times a month. the seams are coming apart even though it's only been washed very gently and worn very lightly. i can't show photos bc i actually misplaced it and can't find it atm but if i find it i will edit this post to attach photos. EDIT: found it

other stuff: the first binder I received (the large, not shown in the photos) was very obviously something that another person had returned. it had white streaks on it, no tag, and no care sheet. luckily when I received my other binder (the XL) it was new, blemish-free and had everything mentioned in the package.

overall, would i recommend? probably yes, because it's the most comfortable binder ive worn with a fair price. but others have said the quality has gone downhill in recent years and that's definitely something I've noticed.

(also, just a side note: im not trans (butch lesbian), but i tagged the post as such so this review would reach people most likely to buy and wear binders so it's as helpful as possible for anyone trying to find good binder brands. just wanted to clear things up in case anyone was wondering, don't want to claim stake within a community im not technically apart of)

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).

Binders for Swimming

Summer is fast approaching! Here a some of the binders you can use while swimming! They are designed to still provide safe & consistent compression while wet.

Underworks Swim Gear

TomboyX Swimwear

gc2b Collections (Binder support team states the binders can be swam in)

Origami Customs Swim Binders

ChestBinder.com Swim Binder

TransTape Binding Tape (designed to be waterproof)

**SensibleTips for T Guys provides this list as information and not an endorsement. Always do research and read customer reviews prior to purchasing.**

Chest binder recommendations

I’ve been researching chest binder recently, so I’m putting together all the information here so that hopefully I can help someone whose not sure what to do? I know putting the information simply can help make it seem less scary so here we go.

‼️I have not personally tried all of these, lots of the information I’m getting is from others who have reviews them‼️

Spectrum :

Price : £38 / $43.10 / €44,95

- Pros : affordable, actually works for big chests, worldwide and discrete packaging, swim safe, labelled as ‘vest’ during transactions, breathable, ethical

-Cons : very frequently out of stock

Gc2b :

Price : £30 / $35 / €35

Pros: affordable, breathable , swim safe, worldwide shipping

Cons: delivery is expensive, processing is up to 15 business days, many people have said that it stretches out over time

Recently gc2b binders have been causing injuries and have been made very cheaply - I do not recommend buying them

For them :

Price : £79 / $89 / €90

Pros : comfortable, ethical, good customer service, low neckline (not visible when wearing looser shirts)

Cons : expensive

Note: doesn’t use normal size labels, instead you put your measurements in and it gives sizes with names like amethyst or ethereal

XUJI :

Price : £27 / $27 / €27

Pros : On Amazon (quick delivery), very affordable, free shipping

Cons : On website delivery is up to 30 days, doesn’t care as much about the customer, said to stretch out easily

‼️ IF YOU BUY THIS ONE DO NOT GET ONE WITH ZIPPERS OR A SIDE CLASP ‼️ - these will DAMAGE your ribs and are unsafe, please make sure to buy the ‘pull on closer’ one!!!!

Paxsies :

Price : £53 / $60 / €50

Pros : comfortable, good for sports, low neckline, offers discounts

Cons : Not one I’ve heard of? Not as affordable

Flavnt :

Price : £45 / $50 / €50

Pros : range of skin tones, ethical, worldwide shipping

Cons: currently sold out, international shipping takes a long time

Those are the ones I’ve found! I apologise if I haven’t included the currently you use, but you can exchange them here

Feel free to add any that you recommend or any comments, since I haven’t tried any of these yet and so can’t really give a full review

ForThem Binder Review

i just received my forthem binder. i haven't seen any reviews for the brand on here, and only about 3 total on the rest of the internet, so i thought i'd post my own. this shit isn't sponsored or anything.

if you didn't know, forthem is a new brand. their binders are meant to be a happy medium between traditional binders and sports bras. that's exactly what i've always wanted, so i bought one pretty much right away.

PROS:

super soft and comfortable material. like i cannot overstate how comfortable it is. its some kind of nylon blend, so it stretches and isn't stiff, while still offering some compression. and it's recycled material

definitely binds better than my sports bras. in my particular case, it's more comfortable too. i barely notice it's on

no breathing issues, rib pain, or back pain to speak of

it's front-back reversible. one side is scoop neck and the other is v neck. the v neck side comes up a little higher, so i find it binds a little better

fun & unique colors

CONS:

doesn't bind as well as a gc2b or underworks binder. those are the only two i've tried before, so i can't speak for other brands

i can see it not working out as well for larger chested people, due to the overall length being shorter than your average binder. however, some reviews on their actual website mention the binder working well for bigger chests, so do with that what you will

your color options are limited depending on what size you need, because they use recycled material. also only one skin color option is available (beige)

they say they'll text you at every update, but i only ever got one text that confirmed my order, and that was after i texted them first to check in a few days after placing it. no shipment tracking.

OVERALL:

i love this thing. if you're disabled in a way that affects your ability to bind, have sensory issues, are just starting to bind, or have anything else going on that makes traditional binders a not great option, i definitely recommend trying forthem.

HI

I've been meaning to buy a binder. Is there anyway someone could help me know which ones are good?

Hello!

So the ones that I see recommended the most are gc2b and tri-top.

But honestly you might have to try a couple different ones before you find one that works best for you. Every body is different, so what works best for me might not work well for you. Wherever you go, just make sure to check reviews for sizing, length of wear, and if it is returnable if it doesn't fit. In general, try to go with queer-owned or queer-informed companies with LOTS of reviews. This is not the time to buy from a random place to save a few bucks.

As far as personal experience, I got tri-top and I wasn't a huge fan of the shape (small amounts of gaping) but it worked great for binding.

If you have a smaller chest, you could also try TransTape. It's not as binding by itself (especially since I have a larger chest) but I find it the most comfortable for longer-term wear and since I have a tummy, it doesn't roll up like some binders do. If you do get it though, make sure to use oil to remove it and use nipple covers to protect your skin.

Hope that helps!

(Anyone else have recommendations?)

Adjustable binder recs? (and one for sale)

Nearly twenty years ago, I purchased a T-Kingdom binder with side Velcro closure (style pictured below) to use for my crossplays. It's done an admirable job over the years, but after almost two decades of use the elastic is wearing out, so it's time to replace it.

Since I hadn't really kept up with developments in this area, I did a bunch of reading up on binders, since there are SO MANY more on the market now than the two brands (T-Kingdom and Underworks) that existed back in the early 2000s. I looked at dozens of rating blogs and product reviews, and I ordered a few of the more popular models to try.

They... did not work for me. At all. (Ow.)

So then I tried to order another binder from T-Kingdom, since I know I can wear theirs comfortably. But the site's shopping cart is broken, and their contact form is broken, and I emailed them directly and they have never responded, so I'm guessing they're either defunct or don't want my money.

Trouble is, nobody else seems to make the model I need. So, crowdsourcing it is! If anyone has suggestions or knows where I can get a binder that meets the following criteria, please chime in:

It CAN NOT be a fitted pullover style. I have spine damage that limits my shoulder and neck mobility; I can't even get a sports bra on over my shoulders, much less a tight-fitting binder. It can go on loose over the head and then zip or Velcro or hook or whatever once it's on, but it can't go on tight.

Adjustable compression preferred. While manual compression is not recommended for everyone, I have enough experience binding to know how not to hurt myself, and I would like to be able to adjust the fit throughout the day to change the pressure on my spine. I like the Velcro closure on my current binder, but I'm open to other styles if they work well.

It needs to be able to flatten huge... tracts of land. I'm a D-cup plus. I need a lot of smooshing power, while still having enough elasticity to allow comfortable breathing.

Actual before-and-after binding photos, to give you an idea of what I'm working with/aiming for:

I may be looking for a unicorn (or at least a model only made by a company that doesn't answer their email), but hopefully someone in my network will have something to recommend. I'm even willing to try making my own, if I can find the right materials -- though I'm not sure where to get those massive, industrial-strength elastic panels that most high-compression binders seem to be made of.

Thanks for any suggestions or recommendations you may have!

The "One For Sale" bit

As mentioned above, I tried several binders that didn't work for me. I was able to return all of them except for one: I have a size L gc2b Nude No. 4 half binder that was on my body for approximately a minute and a half and will never, ever go on it again (this was the one pullover style I tried, and I actually hurt myself getting into/out of it. Stupid spine :P).

Since it's never been used, I'd like to recoup most of my cost, but I'd rather offer it to the cosplay community than just put it up on eBay or something. I paid $42 ($29.75 plus gc2b's flat rate shipping). It can be yours for $29 with local/at-con pickup, $34 shipped within the contiguous USA, or outside that area if you cover the difference in shipping cost (I have cheap international rates through my business account, so this would likely be around $10 more). If you're interested, send me a DM!

Review of Spectrum binder vs gc2b binder

Tldr; I’m super happy with my Spectrum binder, would recommend. I like it better than my gc2b ones.

I’m a butch/nonbinaryish person who’s been wearing binders on and off for about 2 years. The binders in question are the Spectrum short binder size S and the gc2b racerback size M.

gc2b binders

Longevity

- Had them for about 1.5 years, wore them probably about once a week on average (rotated between 3-4 and didn’t wear them every day).

- On the one I had the longest (almost 2 years), the shoulder stitching broke. It’s wearable, but the shoulder seam unfolds and makes a weird lump, so I don’t wear it if my other ones are clean.

- The other ones are still in great shape and haven’t stretched out at all.

Comfort

- Pretty comfortable. I often wore them all day and didn’t have any problems. The complaints I wrote below are more or less nitpicks.

- The shoulder straps are made of binding fabric, not stretchy fabric like the back, so those could be a little uncomfortable.

- The seams could be a little harsh, the ones along all the edges and under my armpits running down the inside. Nothing crazy, they just gave me mild red marks sometimes.

- The bottom of the binder doesn’t conform to your rib cage like the band of a bra, it’s a continuation of the fabric panel that’s squishing your chest. For that reason, it would stay elevated at the height of my chest and you could see the edge of it pressing against my shirt. I didn’t like this, so I would pull the back of my binder up high so the front would be tilted down, if that makes any sense. It worked for the most part, but increased the discomfort of the straps a little. I think maybe I should’ve bought a size S instead, that might have resolved this problem.

Binding

- As good as I could expect, did the job, no complaints.

Spectrum binder

Longevity

- Unknown, I just got it today.

Comfort

- Really good. The straps are made of stretchy fabric, not binding fabric, and they’re incredibly comfortable. Since the chest part holds itself on because it’s tight, there’s basically no pressure on the straps. They’re nice and wide, and made of soft fabric. More comfortable than any strapped thing I’ve ever worn.

- The bottom of the binder is the same level as my rib cage! I don’t know if this is because I ordered a smaller size or because Spectrum has some design secret, but I have zero issue with the bottom edge lifting up away from my ribs. It doesn’t squeeze my ribs either, it just rests lightly against them.

- The seams don’t dig into my skin like the gc2b ones do. Very comfortable.

- It feels a little stretchier for breathing purposes. The gc2b one was fine, but this one is even better.

Binding

- Great, everything I could ask for, no complaints.

Verdict

I like my Spectrum binder better than my gc2b ones.

I decided to write this review because I read a lot of tumblr transmasc people’s reviews before deciding to buy this Spectrum binder. The tumblr trans community also alerted me that gc2b binders have gone downhill, which is the only reason I switched brands (although now I’m really happy I did). Thanks y’all! I hope this post can be helpful to another transmasc person.

Photo of me wearing a sports bra

Photos of me wearing the Spectrum binder

Sorry I didn’t include a whole set of front/side/everything comparisons. If you want more information about the binders, feel free to message me.

Gc2b owner and founder put out a statement but I’m kinda iffy on buying from them again. Like the whole trans community kept trying to get gc2b attention on the matter but they would delete or remove any bad reviews? Like how can it take this long for anything to be done? Only when other older trans masc and trans men were showing other options to younger trans youth so they don’t resort to unsafer binding options did they start caring. Idk what to think tbh. Binding is already risking but not listening to the community when the only popular option has become unsafe? I know you had top already but what are your thoughts?

Mmm, I am quite upset by how their quality has gone down. I stopped binding around the time people said they noticed the quality starting to go down, and the times I used their binders were from when they didn't destroy people's ribs. Still, they were the only binders I binded with, and using them up until the pandemic did eventually lead me to stop binding for my health. I was experiencing rib and back pain from the years of binding for many hours, and I was using a new binder at the time I stopped.

I honestly did not keep up with the binding community (if thats what we call it) once I stopped binding, so I really had no idea how shit their binders became. I feel bad because I used to buy some folks binders from Gc2b, so I hope no one who got one from me hasn't been harmed. My twin tho has been binding with gc2b for only a few months and the pain is evident, so it aligns with everyone's recent experiences with gc2b.

I read their statement but yea, unfortunately the damage is already done. I have no idea of people are just binding unsafely or if the binders are genuinely made badly, but im leaning more on their quality just dipping. People have become seriously hurt from their binders so it's concerning to me that they didn't address that further or earlier. My last binder from them was bought before I stopped binding in 2020, and I remember spending a lot of time stretching it and the fibers just not budging, so I doubt that from the statement that quality control or materials have not changed.

it's weird. there are obviously better binders out there and im glad people are hopping onto those brands, but it is sad. Gc2b was crucial for a lot of people, so it's sad to see it start harming people like this. I'll keep an eye out on it if I can, I deleted tiktok and I saw most of the conversation about their quality there.