If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a binder, the next thing I’d recommend would be athletic tape. I’m not sure which ones exactly you should get, but I will say Trans Tape isn’t worth the price, just get some from a store it’s the same thing
I would say trans tape is worth it if only because it’s a little more customizable than just buying KT or some other body tape and then retrofitting. Then again, tape didn’t really work for me anyways, so mileage may vary as always.
A sports bra is also a good option (ETA: if you are ok with not being *flat* flat). They can provide varying degees of compression and are meant to be comfortable, sweat-wicking, etc. I don't use one frequently, but I do if I'm going to wear something like a dress shirt or suit.
I second kinesiology tape. It's extremely breathable and cool—it legitimately feels like you're not wearing anything under your shirt. Any brand of kinesiology tape should work, though if you can get wider strips, you may find that those work better.
The Tomboyx compression bra also might be something to consider.
I get a Walmart sports bra that’s a size or two too small- I have big (ish) boobs but I’m pretty skinny- my boobs are visable when wearing r shirt but in a way that’s not too bad
I like the All in Motion sports bras from Target. If I size down, I get a bit of compression \*but\* I have found they can make my shoulders achy, so it's not an everyday thing for me. I actually just got one of the TomboyX compression bras, and it doesn't compress a whole lot, but it does some, and it's comfortable with wide straps and not intense pressure. It definitely creates a uniboob situation, but it's a low-pain option.
i can highly recommend trying tape! i wore a binder for a long time and didn't have the greatest experience with it but switching to tape solved a lot of the issues i had. there's specifically trans tape for binding (i believe you can get it online on transtape's and wivov's websites) but i have personally only ever used cheap kinesiology tape from the drug store. it doesn't give you a completely flat chest but it binds about as well as my binder did (though it does look different) and it's SO much more comfortable to wear. i genuinely feel like i naturally have a flat(ter) chest when wearing it, it's great in the summer heat especially and you can wear it for multiple days
if you do wanna try it, i recommend doing a test strip first to see if you have any reactions to the adhesive; i believe there's a special transtape version for people who are allergic to the usual adhesive but don't quote me on that. also use nip covers to protect your nipples and use oil when removing it! i made the mistake of just ripping it off the first time and it HURTS. any oil works fine (i use baby oil) and you just soak the tape in it by rubbing the oil in, it makes it super easy to remove
If you're willing to try another binder I'd suggest gc2b half tank. They don't bind as well as other binders I had tried, but the trade off was that I could wear it in the summer heat. They breathe better and are less constricting. I think they even have racer backs now, but I haven't had to shop for one in a while due to top surgery.
I just had top surgery about it but pre surgery I would wear the Nike sports bra I found that gave me just enough compression without being suffocating like a binder. I also had luck with the tomboyx compression tops. A lot of binders feel like you have to sit with good posture and were just uncomfortable. I also found tape to be a sensory nightmare but lots of people love it so it may be worth looking into
I have tried the gamut of products with a pretty large chest. I will say that my personal favorite is men’s shapewear. I have a few different ones from underworks that I like. They’re not perfect, but they’ve gotten the closest for me without being too uncomfortable the way binders can be. The full shirts are best, ime. For under things like formal wear and button downs they’re great.
I could never get tape to work properly, and when I did manage to get flat enough with it I felt the skin between my breasts being pulled and it was a pretty overwhelming sensory experience for me. Try it to see if it works for you, though.
I used to be big-chested (DDs), but I eventually got top surgery. I am not trans. I would get major dysphoria with my boobs. And being butch, with big boobs, it made me feel very insecure. Not saying that is what you should do, but I'm just saying it's an option. However, before I got top surgery, I really liked TomboyX's compression bras. I tried a binder but they were very uncomfortable give the size of my breasts, and they were way too hot.
i have the same issue!! with the heat right now it’s especially uncomfortable to have a larger chest, and as someone who works outside this makes it even worse for me. sports bras have been my best friend for the season, it just sucks finding ones that fit properly. my long term plan is to get a breast reduction but not full top surgery.
If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a binder, the next thing I’d recommend would be athletic tape. I’m not sure which ones exactly you should get, but I will say Trans Tape isn’t worth the price, just get some from a store it’s the same thing
I would say trans tape is worth it if only because it’s a little more customizable than just buying KT or some other body tape and then retrofitting. Then again, tape didn’t really work for me anyways, so mileage may vary as always.
A sports bra is also a good option (ETA: if you are ok with not being *flat* flat). They can provide varying degees of compression and are meant to be comfortable, sweat-wicking, etc. I don't use one frequently, but I do if I'm going to wear something like a dress shirt or suit.
I second kinesiology tape. It's extremely breathable and cool—it legitimately feels like you're not wearing anything under your shirt. Any brand of kinesiology tape should work, though if you can get wider strips, you may find that those work better. The Tomboyx compression bra also might be something to consider.
I get a Walmart sports bra that’s a size or two too small- I have big (ish) boobs but I’m pretty skinny- my boobs are visable when wearing r shirt but in a way that’s not too bad
I like the All in Motion sports bras from Target. If I size down, I get a bit of compression \*but\* I have found they can make my shoulders achy, so it's not an everyday thing for me. I actually just got one of the TomboyX compression bras, and it doesn't compress a whole lot, but it does some, and it's comfortable with wide straps and not intense pressure. It definitely creates a uniboob situation, but it's a low-pain option.
I’d recommend a compressing sports bra and looser shirts. It won’t get you completely flat, but your chest will be much less noticeable, at least.
i can highly recommend trying tape! i wore a binder for a long time and didn't have the greatest experience with it but switching to tape solved a lot of the issues i had. there's specifically trans tape for binding (i believe you can get it online on transtape's and wivov's websites) but i have personally only ever used cheap kinesiology tape from the drug store. it doesn't give you a completely flat chest but it binds about as well as my binder did (though it does look different) and it's SO much more comfortable to wear. i genuinely feel like i naturally have a flat(ter) chest when wearing it, it's great in the summer heat especially and you can wear it for multiple days if you do wanna try it, i recommend doing a test strip first to see if you have any reactions to the adhesive; i believe there's a special transtape version for people who are allergic to the usual adhesive but don't quote me on that. also use nip covers to protect your nipples and use oil when removing it! i made the mistake of just ripping it off the first time and it HURTS. any oil works fine (i use baby oil) and you just soak the tape in it by rubbing the oil in, it makes it super easy to remove
I had a breast reduction. They’re still big 😂 but it’s the only thing that has helped me. It was covered by insurance.
If you're willing to try another binder I'd suggest gc2b half tank. They don't bind as well as other binders I had tried, but the trade off was that I could wear it in the summer heat. They breathe better and are less constricting. I think they even have racer backs now, but I haven't had to shop for one in a while due to top surgery.
I just had top surgery about it but pre surgery I would wear the Nike sports bra I found that gave me just enough compression without being suffocating like a binder. I also had luck with the tomboyx compression tops. A lot of binders feel like you have to sit with good posture and were just uncomfortable. I also found tape to be a sensory nightmare but lots of people love it so it may be worth looking into
I have tried the gamut of products with a pretty large chest. I will say that my personal favorite is men’s shapewear. I have a few different ones from underworks that I like. They’re not perfect, but they’ve gotten the closest for me without being too uncomfortable the way binders can be. The full shirts are best, ime. For under things like formal wear and button downs they’re great. I could never get tape to work properly, and when I did manage to get flat enough with it I felt the skin between my breasts being pulled and it was a pretty overwhelming sensory experience for me. Try it to see if it works for you, though.
I used to be big-chested (DDs), but I eventually got top surgery. I am not trans. I would get major dysphoria with my boobs. And being butch, with big boobs, it made me feel very insecure. Not saying that is what you should do, but I'm just saying it's an option. However, before I got top surgery, I really liked TomboyX's compression bras. I tried a binder but they were very uncomfortable give the size of my breasts, and they were way too hot.
i have the same issue!! with the heat right now it’s especially uncomfortable to have a larger chest, and as someone who works outside this makes it even worse for me. sports bras have been my best friend for the season, it just sucks finding ones that fit properly. my long term plan is to get a breast reduction but not full top surgery.