Best FTM Binders & Compression Tops

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Looking for an FTM binder that will keep your chest snug, tight, and flat? You’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll recommend several reputable brands and highlight their specific strengths, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs.

What Is An FTM Binder?

A female-to-male (FTM) binder compresses the chest tissue to provide the appearance of a flat chest. There are many ways to chest bind, including elastic bandages, a compression sports bra, layers, or neoprene. However, FTM binders are commercially available and designed explicitly for flattening the chest.

Most FTM binders range from XS to 6XL, with some companies offering custom sizing options.

Best FTM Binders On The Market

Are you ready to purchase your first FTM binder? Here are our top picks.

GC2B Half Binder

Best for: Everyday wear

The GC2B Half Binder is stretchy, breathable, and soft, making it a versatile everyday piece. While it has minor slippage problems, this binder is easy to position and suitable for all body types.

In addition, the GC2B brand offers customized sizing options – a rarity for many binding companies.

Underworks Ultra Flat Chest Binder

Best for: Comfortable stomach compression

Made with “double reinforced powernet panels” of nylon and spandex, the Underworks Ultra Flat Chest Binder works excellent for people who don’t want stomach compression. It comprises a breathable material that wicks away sweat and is suitable for exercise.

This affordable binder is available in sizes up to 3XL.

FLAVNT Bareskin Binder

Best for: Skin tone matching

The FLAVNT Bareskin Binder is the first of its kind – a skin-toned product in four shades. It’s swim-friendly, so you can wear it by the pool or at the beach for a shirtless appearance.

However, plus-size folks will have to bear in mind that FLAVNT currently lacks options above XL.

Origami Plus-Size Binder

Best for: Budget binding

While most binders won’t run you more than $40, Origami’s plus-size range offers a breathable and long-lasting product within the $10 to $20 range. The binder itself is spectacular – it offers restriction-free binding that is flexible and with an impressive range of motion.

In addition, all of Origami’s binders just underwent a makeover. Its products offer even more compression with a secure and comfortable fit.

Trans-Vormer Strapless Binder

Best for: Strapless clothing

If you’re looking for a binder under dainty clothing like tube tops and spaghetti straps, the Trans-Vormer Strapless Binder is perfect. It utilizes an easy-to-use Velcro system and is highly adjustable for smaller frames.

However, this binder is only available in sizes up to 2XL.

Double Design Cool Mesh Zipper Binder

Best for: Solving common binder problems

The Double Design Cool Mesh Zipper Binder offers many fixes to common binder problems. For instance, a handy zipper in the back eliminates the challenge of squeezing into your binder by pulling it above your head. In addition, its breathable mesh is more comfortable for individuals who sweat easily.

While this zipper binder is available in sizes up to 3XL, the brand is typically more suitable for petite bodies. Prepare for their plus-size fit to be a little tight.

XUJI Breathable Cotton Chest Binder Tank Top

Best for: All bust types

Most one-size-fits-all binders are advertised misleadingly – you might experience a lot of pinching in certain places, especially if you don’t fall under “conventional” body types. However, the XUJI Breathable Cotton Chest Binder Tank Top is surprisingly versatile, fitting individuals with small to large chests.

It boasts an adjustable hook-and-eye system, similar to a traditional bustier, with soft, stretchy fabric that doesn’t tug or cling.

TOMBOYX Compression Top Series

Best for: Exercise

With plenty of chest room and lower armholes to avoid chafing, the TOMBOYX Compression Top series is perfect for an athletic top. The front and back are lined with Power Mesh for added compression, minus any underwire or padding for total comfort.

TOMBOYX’s products are fit-tested, so you can rest assured its XS to 6XL range is as stretchy as it promises.

Yummie 6-In-1 High-Compression Tank

Best for: Shaping

If you need something beyond chest compression, the Yummie 6-in-1 High-Compression Tank provides overall compression that shapes the body. It’s ideal for layering under tops, as its silhouette is a little visible.

Depending on where you need compression, you can use the tank’s double panel in the front or back to turn your level 4 compression into a level 5. Also adjustable are the Yummie tank’s floating inner mesh panels that you can place in three ways.

Venus Envy Tri-Top Chest Binder

Best for: Flattening

The Venus Envy Tri-Top Chest Binder is comparable to most GC2B binders, albeit with an additional snugness for additional compression. However, its longer hem makes it feel less like a sports bra and more like a tank top.

In addition, the Venus binder is a little difficult to hide under clothing due to a high neckline and wide shoulder straps.

Another issue to look out for is the Venus binder’s sizing. While it sizes up to 3XL, reviews claim this binder suits people with smaller builds.

Underworks 988 Extreme Comfort Chest Binder

Best for: Sensitive skin

Another Underworks contender is the 988 Extreme Comfort Chest Binder. It comprises only one layer of hypoallergenic compression fabric, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.

In addition, it mimics the cut of a traditional undershirt, which appears flattering. However, this binder type offers relatively limited size options and only goes up to XL.

The Bottom Line

Many transgender individuals have expressed the intense dysmorphia that comes with feeling foreign in their own bodies. Fortunately, products like FTM binders have presented unique opportunities to better express gender identity while providing overall comfort.

The best binders aim to create a flat-chested look that discourages transgender people from turning to harmful binding alternatives. With a little bit of research, you can find the binder or compression top that best suits you.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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