A beginner’s guide to buying a binder
I am a B cup with a 42 inch rib cage for reference (I know it’s an odd combo XD)
If you’re trying to be discreet, I suggest you say your ordering a swim top/beach top since they look very similar to that type of fabric.
Also, GC2B, Tomboyx, Paxi’s, and Underworks have all had discrete out packaging. They were all relatively close in price.
Of all of the ones I’ve tried, GC2B’s half binder has been my favorite. I wear a large. I do experience some slipping during the day but it doesn’t make me feel as claustrophobic as the full binder. All the slipping is not too bad and I’m able to fix it in the bathroom during the day. They also bounce back pretty well and I can wash them in the washing machine 1 or 2 a month.
GC2B’s classic full binder is good. The first one I bought even still gives a bit of a bind (it’s been 2 years). Though it rolls up all the time and it makes me feel claustrophobic. Don’t recommend for sensory issues.
GC2B’s racerback did not bind well for me. My chest was constantly slipping out and the straps would twist. That being said, I think someone with a smaller build would wear it well. It also gave more breathing room.
I only got 1 binder from underworks because I felt it didn’t do any better than GC2B but it was more uncomfortable. The bottom would roll up no matter what I did because I don’t have a completely flat stomach, however I’m a 34 inch waist so I don’t think it would be much better for others. It’s thick and you cannot exercise in it (which I could my other ones). Overall is was just uncomfortable and left red marks, I didn’t feel it binded any better either.
The zip up binder from Tomboyx I got as part of a swimsuit set. It lasted two months and was difficult to get a natural looking compression, but it wasn’t bad.
I got 2 athletic half binders from Paxi’s. They have zippers on the side which made them more accessible to put on (and easier) as well as allowed easy breaks. One of them’s zipper busted very early into the wear, however the other is still going strong. They are gentler in compression but still work. I wore them while swimming as a lifeguard and felt safe and comfortable. There is a little more slippage then the GC2B but I recommend these for athletics if you cannot exercise without binding due to dysphoria or fear of being outed.