ftmbinders:

REBLOG! REBLOG!

View ‘em all on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34778&id=177738242261268&l=46783bb1ac

Behold my vision for Trans Forms! FTM Binders new line, (As Colorful as We Are!)

ENOUGH with the ABDOMINAL binders, ace bandages, and maguiver tape - that is destroying our backs! Many of us may have a long time to wait before we can save up enough for chest reconstruction.

It’s time there was some variety on our market. Why can I only find chest binders and compression shirts in beige, black and white? Not only are many of us fabulous and require fancy outfits, but something this simple can add a nice touch to the way we rep’ ourselves.

I believe there should also be binders in multiple skin tones. People who want something subtle can’t just slap on a black or white binder, have their 8 t-shirts ride up on each other, and not be obviously wearing compression gear. For those who need neutrality, subtlety, stealth - we need binders that match our skin tones!

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NOW HOLD UP. These items are NOT YET ready for sale. BUT AREN’T THEY GORGEOUS????

Who wants one? I will start keeping count, so consider this a poll. Which do you want to see most? Do you want them ALL? If I can prove the interest, these are very real possibilities, and then we can start developing them in more styles, sizes, strengths and materials.

Property of Trans Forms! FTM Binders: © 2011

(via transawareness)

Source: ftmbinders

Trans* Update - Number Five: Binding

solemnhypnotik:

The topic of binding has come up a number of times on my personal blog (as well as Project Queer). However, someone has specifically requested that I discuss the topic further - perhaps adding a bit more personal details on the subject.

I started binding several months ago. At first, I used an ace bandage (what many people in the trans* community start with). After reading about the harmful effects of binding with such bandages, I purchased a small Underworks binder from a local trans*-friendly sex shop called Early 2 Bed.

At the moment, I do not find myself binding frequently - mostly due to the fact that it takes some time to put the binder on and take off. It can be a bit of a hassle. Also, after binding for some time, I found that my back starting hurting more frequently. (I sustained a back injury from a car accident a few years ago, and it seems to act up a lot more whenever I bind). Furthermore, after binding for a day (usually up to eight hours), the binder would leave irritable red marks around my shoulders. Please note: All of these things could be attributed to the size and type of binder that I purchased. This is not what every binder-wearer experiences.

Now, my chest size is not that large; therefore, my dysphoria is not all that bad most of the time. In all honesty, I can put on a t-shirt and a flannel (among other things) and still pass as flat-chested. However, I am partial to tighter-fitting clothing. On days when I wear such items, I do prefer to bind. Remember: It is all up to you. Binding is not something that you HAVE to do every day. It is a personal preference. You should always do what you feel is right.

For me, binding feels great as long as it is done properly. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in trying it. After purchasing my binder and wearing it for the first few days in a row, I found myself constantly feeling my flat chest and smiling, because it felt so right.

On that note, here are a few pointers about purchasing a binder that I have personally learned:

  • never settle on using an Ace bandage or the like
  • always measure yourself properly prior to purchasing a binder
  • try to avoid wearing a binder for longer than eight hours a day
  • do research and stay informed of health risks
  • prepare yourself for all the personal chest-groping that may or may not occur after putting your binder on
  • above all: trust your body

*Please, please, please trust your body. If the binder feels uncomfortable or too tight, chances are that you purchased a binder that is too small. If you feel short of breath or restricted in your movements, please look into getting a binder of a larger size. (see links below to find out how to properly measure yourself).

NOTE: Most stores will not allow you to try on the binder prior to purchase, so make sure that you have taken proper measurements prior to purchasing your binder.

To read more about binding, check out any of the following links:

For binder reviews, check out these thinks:

To check out Early 2 Bed products and sex advice, check out: http://www.early2bed.com

Thanks for reading!! Let me know if you have any questions!!

Sincerely,

Riley

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Check Out Previous Trans* Updates here:

Trans* Update: Number One - Body Hair

Trans* Update: Number Two - My Chosen Name

Trans* Update: Number Three - Long Hair, Facial Hair, & Gender Presentation

Trans* Update - Number Four: Dysphoria & ‘Passing’ in Society

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Also, if you are not sure about some of the  terminology that I use, please check out this guide on FTM terminology:

www.ftmguide.org/terminology.html

or simply contact me.

solemnhypnotik:

I wore my binder for approximately twelve hours yesterday. And I must say that I am in love with the thing.

The above photos are of me from TODAY. I took them to better illustrate the following descriptions/experiences with the binder thus far. And so, without further delay, here are my reviews for the gender expression items that I bought the other day:

After doing some research online, I really decided that the best way to go was to purchase these items in an actual store as opposed to doing so online. The store that I decided on is called Early To Bed - located near Boy’s Town in Chicago. They actually just won Best Adult Novelty Shop in Chicago 2011, and I fully understand why.

At first glance, the store seems relatively small, but there are lots of items to choose from. It is a genderqueer/trans* friendly atmosphere AND there are plenty of vegan products to choose from. Also, I was impressed with their stock of role-playing and BDSM gear. All of those things are pluses in my book.

Anyhow, the store clerk was very helpful and nice. She answered all of my questions and let me take things out of their boxes to make all of my final decisions.

After measuring myself, I decided to purchase the Underworks Tri-Top Binder. My torso is pretty small, so I ended up going with an extra small size (28-30”). It fits very nicely. The only downside to my purchase thus far is the fact that the store was out of black binders - which is what I really wanted. I purchased a white one instead.

Initial Observations:

  • It is MUCH easier to step into the binder whilst putting it on - which takes some time and patience.
  • Once on, the binder fits just right. It is snug, but there is no constriction or irritation. I can breathe easily and do not feel short of breath at all.
  • I did have a couple red lines on my shoulders after taking the binder off tonight, but they went away with time.
  • The binder did not effect or restrict my movement at any point all day. (My job involves a lot of lifting, bending, stretching, etc. and I felt fine doing all of that.)
  • The bottom of the binder DID have a tendency to curl upwards, so I just flipped the bottom up a couple inches, so that it rested beneath my breasts. After that, there were no problems at all.
  • I feel fucking amazing wearing the binder. All smiles. All day.
  • Lastly, my back does not hurt from wearing the binder. GOOD DEAL.

After doing extensive research on packers online, I also chose to purchase Bendy from Early 2 Bed. Bendy is a pack and play dildo. I am really happy with this purchase as well. Unfortunately, I am on my period right now, and I do not wish to pack until that is over with. And so a review of Bendy will come soon!!

All in all, I am extremely happy with my purchases and the experience that I had with Early 2 Bed. I will definitely be back there to check out different packing toys and perhaps even some of the BDSM gear - which is something that I am wanting to get more involved in.

Feel free to message me with questions or comments.

I am open to them 24/7. Thanks for reading, folks!

Sincerely,

SLZ

solemnhypnotik:

Hi hi folks,

So I decided to not only bind today, but to pack as well.

At the moment, I am just using a dildo since I do not have an actual packer. The dildo is bright blue and approximately 7 inches in length and 1.5 inches in width, so I feel a bit silly walking around with it since it is not realistic.

BUT I am hopefully going to acquire a real packer soon.

Anyhow, I took photos so you could see how it looks in my pants. I wear boxer briefs, so it is tucked within those. I also took photos with it with my pants undone, but - if interested - you will have to inquire about those.

Questions? Just ask.

As always - thanks for all of the kind words and support, folks.

Love,

SLZ

solemnhypnotik:

I decided to take some photos of myself binding for my first time today. It makes me feel so awesome. I love it so much already.

Thanks, everyone - for all of your support and kind words.

Binding 101 & Survey

genderqueer:

Submitted by deafeninghush:

Advice and side effects warning to anyone who binds. (Written by Joey, beta’d by Jamie.)

The post also contains a link to this survey for anyone who has ever attempted to bind. Whether you take it to help us out or to prove us wrong on the side effects, your input is highly valued :) (Survey created by Jamie, beta’d by Joey)

The Trans Consumer: White Vs. Black Binders (Underworks)

imakeftmthings:

Hi, I wanted to write something in response to the “a note on binders” post talking about black binders. I just wanted to say, you shouldn’t buy the white or black binder solely because you prefer one color over the other. The black binder and the white binder have different textures to them,…

 I’ve worn both white and black binders from Underworks. I haven’t been able to tell a difference in textures, but if you have dry skin the black binder can be slightly more itchy. The only difference I can feel between the two is that the seams near the arm pits of the black binders are rougher and can irritate your skin. To remedy this, I suggest applying some baby rash cream. Its worked for me and has prevented dark marks on my skin caused by excessive fabric rubbing.

Source: thetransconsumer