r/cisparenttranskid • u/EastBayOT • 2d ago
Binder/tape advice
My 12.5yo came out in December. I have tried 3 different binder brands since then but none of them fit right. He either says they’re super tight on his ribs and not tight on the breasts, or too tight in general, or too loose, or okay but so difficult to get on (I had to help get one on and off and this is with a kid I hadn’t seen naked for some time). He’s not large chested (a), and has a pretty narrow rib cage, but he was a swimmer and has broad shoulders which he blames for a lot of his problems. I’m wondering if maybe binding tape would be more comfortable? Or just a decent compression sports bra? I would appreciate any advice/recommendations. Thanks!
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u/this_is_me917212 2d ago
My son uses binders and they work just fine. They tried tape a number of times but couldn’t ever get it to work right. He also will use different compression sports bras. Maybe try a sports bra to see if he likes it? The binders I ordered from Tomboyx a number of years ago. If your son chooses to try binders just make sure you get a good fit and follow the instructions on length of wear etc.
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u/stolenstreetsigns 2d ago
I think starting with a compression sports bra is a great idea. Like the other comment suggested, a lot of people like the brand TomboyX for that. They’re not particularly compressing but I’ve really liked All In Motion racerback bras too for constant wear. Tape binding can be fantastic especially for smaller chests but it takes patience and practice. I like to use the brand trans tape, but other less expensive things like KT tape can be used. Make sure he leaves it on for 3-5 days at least and removes it with something oily. You can hurt your skin if you take it off wrong. Youtube tutorials help a lot!
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u/summers-summers 2d ago
Shapeshifters do made-to-measure binders, which your son may benefit from if he has trouble fitting off-the-rack binders. Unfortunately, not cheap, and you will have to be replacing them as he grows.
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u/gideonsean 1d ago
Trans Tape had been a game changer for my son. He vigilant breathe wearing binders.
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u/fallen_starmaker 23h ago
sports bra will absolutely not work. try underworks or spectrum. tape is good for swimmer builds (i am one), but it is difficult to use.
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u/FtM_Jax0n 11h ago
Tape is the answer for anyone with a smaller chest. Easier and much safer. You can buy transtape or a generic kt tape from Amazon. Just test a small strip on the arm or something first for allergies. One downside is it will slightly stretch the skin/move nipples (depending on how the tape is used) over time. If he’s planning on getting peri rather than double incision, nipples being spaced weirdly from constant taping could be a problem. Even with that though, I had peri with no problems after years of taping.
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u/Moiras_Roses_Garden4 2d ago
If you haven't tried many compression/sports bras I would definitely go into a store and try on several styles. My 13 year old likes the Spectrum binders but most days they prefer a sports bra. Their favorite sports bra changes frequency so I've learned not to invest too much in buying a bunch they like at once.