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[BruisedBlood]

Ive never did this before and ive seen lots of ads for "how to bind" but i need specific help you see...

i cant afford those FTM shirts that cost like $30..i have $15 and i want to either make my own or use some other methods for this process

SO...

1)Ace bands: Yes or no? i heard they are quite unsafe to use but eh i would consider trying them.. i heard its dangerous ill be out for at least 8hours

2)Tape: How does tape work to bind? What does it do? DO you use the tape on your bare skin or do you put something on top of your chest first?

3) Making an own binder using fabric?: never heard of this before..i read this in a thread but im not sure what that means or how to do it.

4)Training bra?: what does this do exactly...

[Viveeh]

1. Ace bandages will tighten up as you breathe, and they're probably difficult to remove in case of emergency. I'm not sure though, never tried them. But from what I've heard, I wouldn't recommend them.

3. I made my own binder with fabric and duct tape. You cover a piece of fabric with tape, attach laces, and wear it like a corset on your chest. They're super cheap and easy to make and use. Add shoulder straps to keep it from slipping down. X)

[Talossa]

1. Ace bandages contract as you breathe and move (that's what they're designed to do, to stabilize injuries!) People have done that just fine, but then people have also done that and cracked a rib. I would personally avoid ace bandages.

2. Tape can work quite well! It's what I used until I got a binder. My preferred method was to take a sports bra (an old one, that you don't mind tape reside getting on) and then wrapping medical/sports tape over it. You can also put this kind of tape directly on your skin. Do NOT put duct tape directly on your skin - it's not designed for that. It doesn't breathe and is much more likely to take your skin with it when you take it off.

4. I would imagine that because a training bra is much smaller than a normal bra, it would compress your chest somewhat and make it look smaller. I'm not sure how effective that would be though.

[kenshin-chan64]

First off, I would recommend you read through this thread about different methods of binding
http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=223461

Onto your list though,
1) DO NOT USE ACE BANDAGES FOR BINDING! Just because one person said they binded with them and was fine, doesnt mean you will be fine too. Ace bandages as stated, constrict, tightening each time you breathe. You can get sore or even damage your ribs this way, as well as Ace rolls down a bunch which is annoying as hell (nothing pissed me off more than when 5 minutes into a gathering and my Ace binding rolled right off and I had to make a mad dash to a bathroom. Only used them once, and never again.)

2) Tape varies. You CAN use duct tape if you want by taping over a throw away shirt, but I wouldnt do it for a full 8 hour day. With medical tape you'd want to make sure your chest skin isnt sensitive/allergic to the adhesive, but you can use them and a how to is linked in the thread above.

3) I personally have never made a binder before, but I've heard of people doing it. I'm sorry I cannot give more information on that, but maybe others on here can link you or tell you how to make various types.

4) The bra method works best for the smaller cupped ladies. Just get a sports bra in a size too small and wear it. Some people wear two at once, one of them turned around so the back elastic is compressing them. With these though, make sure you can still breathe and the bras arent too tight. Nothing ruins a con day than passing out :P


Over all, there are a lot of options listed in the thread above, including the 3" elastic method, which costs under 5 bucks to do, especially if you have a coupon! ;D
Also take a look around your house to see if you have any items that could work while you save up for a binder (overall the best option out there in terms of comfortability, safety, and lasting wearability). Waist cinches, back braces, you never know I personally? An on the smaller size sports bra and a smidgen short one piece bathing suit, both which were in my dresser anyways. It keeps me flat and even cuts down a bit on curves.

Continue to ask around. Always fully research a method before wearing it all day at a con. And remember, health before accuracy!

[thelovelysin]

I've tried ace bandages before...yeah it hurt taking them off because it dug and made indent marks on my skin. I find that binding with a cheap generic brand first and then using the ace bandage works find for me (though I don't wrap the ace as tightly as the first one). Then I just top it off with a really small sports bra. I can get myself pretty flat from doing all that.