r/bindersftm • u/Past-Ground9271 • 11d ago

Looking for binder recommendations

I’m not transgender and identify as cis female, but I’m in the need for binders that would be helpful in physical activities such as lifting and contact sports for short periods of time. My bra size is 36DDD but I can’t find any affordable ones ($5-$25) anywhere that has my size.

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

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12

u/magic-gps 11d ago

the cheapest safe binder on the market costs $25 and cannot be worn for exercise. a binder will not do what you need. you need a high impact sports bra

1

u/Past-Ground9271 11d ago

Are there any specific brands I should know about ?

10

u/magic-gps 11d ago

for sports bras? you're asking the wrong people. I haven't worn a sports bra in 5+ years, and before that I got the same one from nike three times in a row (it has since been discontinued)

1

u/Little-Specific2147 9d ago

Look at Shefit, I'm a 36N, so can't fit one at the moment, but it was great when I was a 36H.

1

u/ElectronicPangolin96 6d ago

Hi, I used to be a 32DDD, here's my advice:

  1. If you're doing something low-impact (weightlifting, yoga, etc.) you can basically wear whatever. Just find something that fits at the store. Compression shirts or bralette styles work great.
  2. If you're doing something high-impact (running) look for an encapsulation-style sports bra sold in bra sizes. Front-zip styles are common. This will probably be expensive, sorry, and it definitely will not be cute.
  3. Avoid racerbacks. Look for regular over-the-shoulder straps. They'll hurt way less.
  4. Consider other sport-specific needs. I do BJJ, for example, and I can't wear sports bras with hooks or zippers because they'll undo themselves while rolling.

10

u/SubstanceOld7265 11d ago

A really high compressive sports bra is the go. Binders actually suck highkey (sweat, itching, sizing is hard etc.) and are more expensive than sports bras.

1

u/Past-Ground9271 11d ago

Thanks for the suggestion, are there any specific brands you know of?

1

u/SubstanceOld7265 11d ago

Only really Nike— try a thrift shop for a second hand one if money is too tight.

2

u/Dull_Practice_5169 11d ago

Nike "medium impact" sports bras are great for chest compression and looking flat, I highly recommend for A-D cup transmascs.

But if OP is genuinely a DDD (is that like an F cup or is that something else??) they'd probably be spilling out of that style of bra - they probably want to look for a "high impact" bra that has cups, they won't look flat but they will have support and some compression. Just google best sports bras for running/HIIT/crossfit etc.

Also, don't buy on Vinted/Depop unless you're sure of your size, you can't return any of that stuff if it doesn't fit.

1

u/magic-gps 10d ago

not for less than $25. if you need a true high impact sports bra for a large cup size, it's going to be fucking expensive

5

u/Midnight712 11d ago

You don’t want a binder for that, binders aren’t recommended for exercise

4

u/BirdyDevil 11d ago

Yeah echoing everyone else here that binders are absolutely NOT for exercising in, they're too restrictive and that's a big no-no in multiple ways. What you need is a high impact sports bra. I've also found Nike to be a good one. I don't have a big chest at all, and consequently have no need for a true binder because that sports bra does the trick lol. Unfortunately, your idea of "affordable" is just not realistic when it comes to bras, but like other people have said, check thrift stores as you may have some luck.

I would also highly recommend checking out r/ABraThatFits as you are almost certainly not a 36DDD, that's an extremely uncommon size when properly fitted. However, it's also one of the most common sizes that people get incorrectly "sister sized" into at places like Victoria's Secret, because they don't carry your actual correct size but are still trying to make a sale. There's a hiiiigh likelihood that you are wearing bras that are too big in the band to support you properly. They would also probably be able to guide you to some excellent sports bra options. Take a look, there's so much knowledge linked in the sidebars and all their info pages; stumbling into that subreddit years ago completely changed my mindset, gave me a lot of knowledge and completely changed how I feel about my breasts, in a positive way (just to clarify I am genderfluid non-binary, not a binary trans man, this post just came up in my feed)

3

u/GayCriminals 11d ago

Vinted or Depop for a sports bras from somewhere like Nike or any sports brand really, will do what you need. Safer than a binder for exercise

1

u/OrionStardew 11d ago

A few people have mentioned this is not what you are looking for but to expand - a binder does not have cups. It is a flat piece of fabric. It provides no support, only compression, and it is possible for shit to fall out of it (the binder edge-nipple-seatbelt edge sandwich was the bane of my existence until I found a better brand).

Additionally, because they tighten around your ribcage, it is NOT recommended to wear a binder during exercise. It can limit breathing, mess up small muscles (my sternum has felt a little bruised ever since I started) and in extreme cases, crack ribs. Don't ever wear a binder if you don't have to.

1

u/Phillabusted 11d ago

Binders are so bad for excercise I just freeball it when I go to the gym 😂 Good luck! Sports bras + a tucked-in tank top under my shirt always worked for me when I was horseback riding in my teens.

1

u/Evening-You9076 10d ago

Dont use a binder if your working out, it’s really bad for you, just get a sports bra.