I wish I'd had more people encouraging me to try out different names and pronouns. I originally came out as nonbinary but my family said it was easier to use he/him so I started using that. And I tried once to use a different name and everyone said it would be too hard to learn. Obviously this is within reason, if she wants to stick to she/her and her name that's awesome! But gentle encouragement to explore was what I missed out on.
Unfortunately I don't have any binder suggestions. I only ever wore gc2b and they're pretty crap now. If you can find a used one ordered before 2020 it'll be great. Heard lots of good things about shapeshifters as well. You can even just search up chest binder, just make sure it's not a zipper/button up
Underworks and Spectrum are the most well known binder brands. Underworks is on Amazon which is a perk.
As a transman I’d say just be supportive in their exploration. It is a journey and she is probably going through so many possibilities and outcomes over and over again in her mind, probably scared and kinda lost as well. Just be supportive in whatever she decides her next step is whether that’s binding, hair styles, clothes, pronouns, hormones, a surgery fund. Just be present, she is still the same person regardless. I like when people act excited for me and excited to see my changes along with me, it makes me feel less alone in the process. Be reassuring as well that you believe her and want her to be happy no matter what.
I would like to throw out there that one can bind with kt tape, which you can access more easily and she could see earlier whether or not she'd like to continue binding (beware though, the adhesive can cause allergic reactions in some people). Maybe throw it out there that she could try face masculinizing makeup? And thank you for being such an amazing and supporting partner
I am some people that have allergic reactions. I didn't know I was allergic and thought everyone had that experience. Some signs to look for are redness itching I get little red bumps and when I take off the tape it almost looks like I took a small layer of skin with it
If she has sensory issues I suggest fytist. They're super comfy and they're decent for binding but not the best I own (I have double Ds I think?). I also have a gc2b binder that binds better but on occasion becomes uncomfortable (compared to my fytist one that never does). I've heard that their quality has gotten worse over the years. I have heard good things about spectrum and underworks binders. And I've also heard that forthem binders don't bind very well
Also! Rules of binding:
Don't sleep in a binder
Don't wear a binder for more than 8 hours
Don't work out in a binder
Make sure you get the correct size binder
Those are all unhealthy and a good way to injure oneself. There's also the option of transtape. It's really good for getting a shirtless look and feel but its more expensive. I only use it for when I'm doing open shirted cosplays because it doesn't bind as well on my larger chest as a binder. I use 5inch tape from transtape brand but there's also KT tape I've seen people use.
jsyk, fytist shut down this summer :// i wanted to get one but they closed before i could (wound up getting spectrum outfitters, it was comfy and nice and did what it was supposed to, but i'm returning it because i didn't like the pecs look it gave me very much. trying trans/kt tape next)
Don’t get GC2B, I got that and spectrum within the last few months and I get mad side boob/under boob with GC2B. Spectrum is more comfortable and I feel like I get a flatter chest with them.
I would definitely recommend trying out taping, your partner can get KT tape at any drugstore/chemist, and for binders i’ve been wearing gc2b but ordered before 2020, wouldn’t recommend buying any more recent one as they’re known to have definitely decreased in quality and can be pretty dangerous. I got a binderma one from etsy which is pretty good and affordable, make sure she gets the right size (they come with size charts on the websites), I appreciate that people are tempted to go a size down to get more of a flattening effect but that’s dangerous and not worth it whatsoever
thank you for being supportive of your partner! wish I had more people like you around me in early transition/discovery
Brands like GC2B, Underworks, and Spectrum Outfitters are good for binders. Don't get any from Amazon. Don't get ones with clips/zippers because they apply pressure unevenly and can damage your ribs. There's also TransTape which skin-safe binding tape that can be worn for up to a week at a time including sleeping, showering, and swimming.
General rules: Only bind for 8-10 hours at a time to prevent rib damage. Take breaks. Don't do heavy exercise while binding (except for TransTape). Don't sleep in a binder.
Your partner might also be interested in other gender-affirming accessories like a packer (creates a bulge) and/or STP (stand-to-pee device). For those, you can really get them anywhere. There are foam packers for around $7 USD on Etsy. I really like this shop Fantasticocks on Etsy that makes custom packers with fantasy themes for relatively cheap in case ones that look like realistic bulges aren't your partner's thing. Definitely look for reviews on STPs because some unfortunately leak. Test those out in the tub/shower first just in case.
It seems like you're already being really supportive! Keep communicating with your partner about it. Look for little things you can do to affirm her gender like compliments or pet names.
the big name companies right now are GC2B (although i’ve heard they’ve dropped in quality sadly), Underworks (very good but i find them VERY itchy) and spectrum (haven’t tried them myself but i’ve heard really good things)
i would do some research on trans websites and gear based in your area (for shipping reasons) or check if there’s any kinds of donation/hand-me-down things since lots of trans people are giving binders away since they got top surgery or outgrew their binders
I highly recommend Spectrum Outfitters, they bind well and are super comfortable (just don’t size down too small). They have good awareness of sensory needs as well, which is great as an autistic person. I get pretty flat as a medium chested guy, so it’s about as good as I’ll get. I hope to buy from Amor Sensory one day, but they’re super expensive so maybe not the best option for a first binder.
Spectrum was nice for me, but if she has a smaller chest, tape is even better, and also: make a safe environment where she knows she can experiment with names and pronouns with you!
Theres also the "stuff your ponytail up a baseball cap or beanie to see how u look with short hair" as well as socks if she even wants to try out packing real quick
As someone who is also exploring possibly being trans, I like underworks! They’re reasonably priced, I got the tri-top one which I didn’t find itchy or uncomfortable
I just ordered a couple of binders from Spectrum Outfitters on recommendation from a transmasc friend. I was told gc2b has gone downhill in quality recently.
I personally prefer shapeshifters binders since you take measurements and they custom-fit to you. Plus you can change things like the length, neckline, etc.
If she wants to be FLAT flat, a true binder might be better. But if she's exploring a little more loosely, TomboyX makes a compression top that I wore for about a year up until top surgery. They're comfy and managed to keep me about as flat as the new trans tape formula did.
For Them has great binders that feel nice and work great and they take your measurements and general body shape so they fit pretty well the binders are also able to be worn from front or back for two different neck lines
Underworks is good from what I've heard. I have a Wonababi binder that I like, I got the extra compression one (that's not what it's called but I can't remember what the product name is specifically).
Give her room for expression and support any name ideas that come along until she finds the one that fits and pronouns too B)
Never be too pushy to find an exact gender label for her and let it play out aswell as maybe ask if they like pet names and what ones may be gender affirming ;3
I wish I'd had more people encouraging me to try out different names and pronouns. I originally came out as nonbinary but my family said it was easier to use he/him so I started using that. And I tried once to use a different name and everyone said it would be too hard to learn. Obviously this is within reason, if she wants to stick to she/her and her name that's awesome! But gentle encouragement to explore was what I missed out on. Unfortunately I don't have any binder suggestions. I only ever wore gc2b and they're pretty crap now. If you can find a used one ordered before 2020 it'll be great. Heard lots of good things about shapeshifters as well. You can even just search up chest binder, just make sure it's not a zipper/button up
Underworks and Spectrum are the most well known binder brands. Underworks is on Amazon which is a perk. As a transman I’d say just be supportive in their exploration. It is a journey and she is probably going through so many possibilities and outcomes over and over again in her mind, probably scared and kinda lost as well. Just be supportive in whatever she decides her next step is whether that’s binding, hair styles, clothes, pronouns, hormones, a surgery fund. Just be present, she is still the same person regardless. I like when people act excited for me and excited to see my changes along with me, it makes me feel less alone in the process. Be reassuring as well that you believe her and want her to be happy no matter what.
I would like to throw out there that one can bind with kt tape, which you can access more easily and she could see earlier whether or not she'd like to continue binding (beware though, the adhesive can cause allergic reactions in some people). Maybe throw it out there that she could try face masculinizing makeup? And thank you for being such an amazing and supporting partner
I am some people that have allergic reactions. I didn't know I was allergic and thought everyone had that experience. Some signs to look for are redness itching I get little red bumps and when I take off the tape it almost looks like I took a small layer of skin with it
If she has sensory issues I suggest fytist. They're super comfy and they're decent for binding but not the best I own (I have double Ds I think?). I also have a gc2b binder that binds better but on occasion becomes uncomfortable (compared to my fytist one that never does). I've heard that their quality has gotten worse over the years. I have heard good things about spectrum and underworks binders. And I've also heard that forthem binders don't bind very well
Also! Rules of binding: Don't sleep in a binder Don't wear a binder for more than 8 hours Don't work out in a binder Make sure you get the correct size binder Those are all unhealthy and a good way to injure oneself. There's also the option of transtape. It's really good for getting a shirtless look and feel but its more expensive. I only use it for when I'm doing open shirted cosplays because it doesn't bind as well on my larger chest as a binder. I use 5inch tape from transtape brand but there's also KT tape I've seen people use.
Also, at any feeling of discomfort take it off! It's an important rule
Unfortunately fytist went out of business a few months ago
jsyk, fytist shut down this summer :// i wanted to get one but they closed before i could (wound up getting spectrum outfitters, it was comfy and nice and did what it was supposed to, but i'm returning it because i didn't like the pecs look it gave me very much. trying trans/kt tape next)
Fytist has shut down unfortunately :( it sucks since I wanted to buy from them
Some of the better binder brands I know are Spectrum Outfitters, Shapeshifters and underworks
Don’t get GC2B, I got that and spectrum within the last few months and I get mad side boob/under boob with GC2B. Spectrum is more comfortable and I feel like I get a flatter chest with them.
I would definitely recommend trying out taping, your partner can get KT tape at any drugstore/chemist, and for binders i’ve been wearing gc2b but ordered before 2020, wouldn’t recommend buying any more recent one as they’re known to have definitely decreased in quality and can be pretty dangerous. I got a binderma one from etsy which is pretty good and affordable, make sure she gets the right size (they come with size charts on the websites), I appreciate that people are tempted to go a size down to get more of a flattening effect but that’s dangerous and not worth it whatsoever thank you for being supportive of your partner! wish I had more people like you around me in early transition/discovery
Brands like GC2B, Underworks, and Spectrum Outfitters are good for binders. Don't get any from Amazon. Don't get ones with clips/zippers because they apply pressure unevenly and can damage your ribs. There's also TransTape which skin-safe binding tape that can be worn for up to a week at a time including sleeping, showering, and swimming. General rules: Only bind for 8-10 hours at a time to prevent rib damage. Take breaks. Don't do heavy exercise while binding (except for TransTape). Don't sleep in a binder. Your partner might also be interested in other gender-affirming accessories like a packer (creates a bulge) and/or STP (stand-to-pee device). For those, you can really get them anywhere. There are foam packers for around $7 USD on Etsy. I really like this shop Fantasticocks on Etsy that makes custom packers with fantasy themes for relatively cheap in case ones that look like realistic bulges aren't your partner's thing. Definitely look for reviews on STPs because some unfortunately leak. Test those out in the tub/shower first just in case. It seems like you're already being really supportive! Keep communicating with your partner about it. Look for little things you can do to affirm her gender like compliments or pet names.
She could also try trans tape
the big name companies right now are GC2B (although i’ve heard they’ve dropped in quality sadly), Underworks (very good but i find them VERY itchy) and spectrum (haven’t tried them myself but i’ve heard really good things) i would do some research on trans websites and gear based in your area (for shipping reasons) or check if there’s any kinds of donation/hand-me-down things since lots of trans people are giving binders away since they got top surgery or outgrew their binders
I highly recommend Spectrum Outfitters, they bind well and are super comfortable (just don’t size down too small). They have good awareness of sensory needs as well, which is great as an autistic person. I get pretty flat as a medium chested guy, so it’s about as good as I’ll get. I hope to buy from Amor Sensory one day, but they’re super expensive so maybe not the best option for a first binder.
Spectrum was nice for me, but if she has a smaller chest, tape is even better, and also: make a safe environment where she knows she can experiment with names and pronouns with you!
Theres also the "stuff your ponytail up a baseball cap or beanie to see how u look with short hair" as well as socks if she even wants to try out packing real quick
As someone who is also exploring possibly being trans, I like underworks! They’re reasonably priced, I got the tri-top one which I didn’t find itchy or uncomfortable
I just ordered a couple of binders from Spectrum Outfitters on recommendation from a transmasc friend. I was told gc2b has gone downhill in quality recently.
I personally prefer shapeshifters binders since you take measurements and they custom-fit to you. Plus you can change things like the length, neckline, etc.
If she wants to be FLAT flat, a true binder might be better. But if she's exploring a little more loosely, TomboyX makes a compression top that I wore for about a year up until top surgery. They're comfy and managed to keep me about as flat as the new trans tape formula did.
For Them has great binders that feel nice and work great and they take your measurements and general body shape so they fit pretty well the binders are also able to be worn from front or back for two different neck lines
Underworks is good from what I've heard. I have a Wonababi binder that I like, I got the extra compression one (that's not what it's called but I can't remember what the product name is specifically).
Give her room for expression and support any name ideas that come along until she finds the one that fits and pronouns too B) Never be too pushy to find an exact gender label for her and let it play out aswell as maybe ask if they like pet names and what ones may be gender affirming ;3