Review: Underworks Tri-Top Chest Binder: Jasper B

Review by Jasper B.
Product name: Underworks Tri-Top chest binder 983
Size: Medium
Price: $29.99 + shipping and whatnot
Manufacturer’s website: http://ftm.underworks.com/
Chest size at time of use: 34 B cup

Comfort: 5/5

• Doesn’t roll up (for me at least)
• Doesn’t rub under my arms, or feel to tight around my neck area
• Breathes well, great to wear in summer
• Very comfortable, doesn’t contract and restrict when worn in water

Effectiveness: 3/5

• Binds well at first, looses it’s shape but gets it back generally after a hand washing and drying.
• Hard to get on the first few times

Discreetness: 4.5/5

• Even though it’s short and sometimes people can see the line that rises to about my waist, you cannot notice it around my shoulders.

Overall : 4/5

• Recommended, especially for a basic first binder.
• Cheap, if you wanted it just for drag, etc.

Review: Underworks Tri-Top Chest Binder: Anon

Reviewed by Anon

Product name: Tri-top Chest Binder (Underworks)

Manufacturer’s website: http://www.underworks.com/983.html

Chest size at time of use: 12C (Australian measurements) – around 32.5 inches I think.

Comfort: 3/5

• This is my first binder, so I have nothing but cotton sports bras to compare it to, but I’m not finding it very comfortable. When I first put it on it made my back ache and my breathing felt constricted, these both passed within a half-hour or so, and I expect were factors of being unused to wearing something this tight. The top stops at the base of my ribs, so doesn’t compress my stomach at all, which is good. My big problem is that some of my chest tissue has been pushed out of the arm-holes and I can’t seem to adjust myself in any way to stop this happening. This looks like under-arm fat, which isn’t nice, and the arm-holes themselves are digging quite uncomfortably into these rolls of tissue, bringing overall comfort down. I won’t be able to wear this every day, and I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it while doing anything very active, it cuts in too much. According to the measurements on the Underworks website I have the right size for me, so I think it’s just a factor of the design versus my chest.

Effectiveness: 5/5

• I don’t know how it will bear out over time, but brand new this is the flattest I’ve ever been since before puberty. Brilliant.

Discreetness: 4/5

• Under dark and/or loose-fitting shirts you can’t tell I’m wearing anything at all. In v-necks or open-necked button-downs the little bit that shows just looks like I’m wearing a tank or undershirt underneath. Under white/translucent shirts however, it can easily be seen, and it’s obvious that it only covers my chest. I don’t wear tight shirts, so the shape of it showing under tight shirts is not a problem for me.

Overall : 3.5/5

• This was really, really difficult to get on. I got a small, which was the correct size for me according to the sizing on the website, and once on it fits fine, but I had a LOT of difficulty getting it on over my shoulders. It was awkward and kept bunching painfully around my upper arms and getting stuck. I eventually managed to get it on without actually straining my shoulder, but I very nearly gave up. Definitely something to have a helper on hand for if you can, and not good for anyone who is prone to dislocating their shoulders or needs to get dressed quickly.
  It’s great for flattening my chest, but being so hard to get on (and I assume off, I haven’t tried that yet), and the way it cuts around my arms really brings the rating down IMO. I can’t wear this every day, I’ll keep it for the days when my need to be as flat as possible is stronger than my need to be physically comfortable.

Review: Underworks Tri-top Chest Binder: Alix

Review by Alix
Product name: Underworks Tritop Chest Binder (Model 983)
Manufacturer’s website:http://www.underworks.com/987.html
Chest measurements in inches at time of use: Bust 37″, chest 44″ (mean 40.5″)

Comfort: 4/5

• 2 for the initial 3 days of wear, but soon much more comfortable as I got used to the feel and it gained a bit more give.

Effectiveness: 4/5

• Gives a fairly good bind, perfect for under loose clothing, but the shape of them is still somewhat visible in tight clothes.

Discreetness: 3.5/5

• Looks like a sports bra, if that’s okay for you; high neck line so visible under shirts with a low neck.

Overall : 4/5

• A good binder for those with larger chest, as folding to get an effective bind is not necessary(or possible-preventing you from going too tight) as it is with a double front.
• Be warned that getting in and out of it is a pain, but once you find a method for it, it’s possible.
• Also, you may have to move things around in there to get the best bind. I do up and out to the sides, but my friend who is also large chested prefers ‘down and out’.

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: Jordan

Reviewed by Jordan

Product name: UnderWorks 983 (Medium)

Manufacturer’s website: UnderWorks.com

Cup size at time of use: B

Comfort: 3/5:

• It’s 70% Nylon and 30% Lycra. I think the Lycra is what makes this product actually worth it. The Nylon makes a swishing noise if I rub my shirt over the binder. Reminds me of an extremely uncomfortable bathing suit. Also, I don’t care how thin/thick you are, this sucker will roll up when you bend over or need to be adjusted if you make any sudden movements. Under the arms is the most uncomfortable because the fabric gives a pinching feeling, even though it fits like it’s supposed to or there tends to be friction there because I move my arms like other human beings. Oh, and no matter how many times you wash this sucker, it still smells like rubber or something strange. I have sink-washed and hung-dry like the instructions say and that smell never leaves. However, the fabric is breathable, so if I sweat at all, it may be damp, but it doesn’t ruin the functionality of the binder itself. Also, a major note: the website sort of assumes since you are a “biological female” then you must have tiny shoulders. This creates a problem in itself because, personally, I have very broad shoulders, so since the shoulder straps are meant to sit at a certain place on an individual with a smaller frame, it causes a hump in the scoop of the neck, which is irritating because, of course, we want it to lie flat on our chests like a tank top.

Effectiveness: 4/5

• It definitely does what it says it does. Somebody else had submitted a photo of “without binder” and “with binder.” That describes it perfectly. It’s especially nice if you are like me and went from wearing a couple sports bras to this binder. The difference is amazing. For me, the less I wear, the better. I don’t like to have to prepare all my undergarments before putting clothes on. That’s just time-consuming and ridiculous. I don’t think I could ever wear a regular sports bra again because I have definitely become accustomed to the binding effect. It has also helped with my posture, although the binder is not stiff and is flexible, but I tended to hunch over without knowing it to hide my chest. It definitely could improve though because I still am not fully confident to walk around with my chest thrust outward (not that I would, but you know what I mean). Also, I adjust my chest under this binder by flattening my breasts toward each armpit. Personally, this helps me and the “shaping” process because, of course, if they aren’t perfectly positioned in the binder, there are oddly-shaped looking bumps on my chest and no, they don’t appear to be pecs, however, what I described does help with that specific effect.

Discreetness: 3/5

• Depends on the shirt you wear over it. A tighter fitting shirt is more difficult because of the hump that’s created in the neck scoop, so it protrudes outward if the shoulder straps are not positioned on the outermost part of my shoulders. No, wearing a tank over it really doesn’t help, and like I said, I am personally burnt out on layering my clothes. That was the point of the binder. Also, with a tighter fitting shirt, if it rolls up, well, you might as well be wearing a sports bra because you can totally tell which part of your upper body is confined within a fabric and what is not. You may also note that if you have *any* underarm fat tissue, it will protrude out of the binder in what I’ve seen described as “dog ears.” If you are a thinner person, it will appear to be a tank top under your shirt, but still keep in mind the size of your shoulders, as this will still affect how it fits.

Overall : 3/5

 

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: Diego

Reviewed by Diego

Product name: Underworks Tri-Top Chest Binder

Manufacturer’s website: http://www.underworks.com

Cup size at time of use: size B

• My chest measured about 34 inches so I ordered a medium according to their measurements and ended up having to exchange it for an X-small which fit well.

Ratings:

Comfort: 4.5/5

• Getting it on is TOUGH. Getting it off, is even harder. It doesn’t hurt when it’s on except for sometimes when I’m sitting in weird positions for a long time. Does chafe at the armpits a little. And also, it makes my chest and stomach make creaking noises when I breathe. But it is all worth it.

Effectiveness: 4.5/5

• I used to use t-shirt sleeves and tight spandex pants legs which I feel sometimes gave me better results because I could pull it tighter. But this is one constant fabric that conceals well and I can wear pretty tight shirts and still pull off a 97% flat chest.

Discreetness: 4.5/5

• It’s definitely passable except for the fact that you can’t wear V-necks.

Overall : 4.5/5

 

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: chiaroscuro13

Reviewed by chiaroscuro13

Product Name: Tri-Top (983)

Manufacturer’s website: http://ftm.underworks.com/

Cup size at time of use: A approx.

Comfort: 4

• This binder is so non-restrictive and casual in appearance,I wear mine like a second skin day and night.
  Repetitive arm motions can cause the straps to rub into the shoulder when this product is still new. Very tight in the beginning.
  Free range of motion.

Effectiveness: 5

• Like it’s predecessor–the double front compression top–this product efficiently binds and stops motion transfers of the chest area. One can really get the sense that they no longer have breasts. The magic is in the third binding layer. In addition to utilizing three layers to bind, the extra layer exclusive to the tri-top, delineates the breast form. This product essentially levels your chest. I find that although I’m not overly bound down, I appear to be much flatter and appear naturally male in my torso.
  Make sure to recognize the inside from the outside of this product. Due to where the straps lie on the shoulders, there can accumulate a raw spot if the binder is not worn properly.

Discreetness: 5

• I have no reservations about wearing this product to every occasion. The seams are barely visible and virtually invisible under any type of clothing because they taper off.
  Since this binder is not a full shirt, roll-up is inevitable. Sewing a longer strip of fabric to complete the shirt is an option but not necessary. Although this roll-up can be annoying, it is not overly noticeable and can be easily and discreetly fixed by a casual smooth.
  Looks like an A-shirt under white shirts.

Overall: 5

• It has been said, and I agree in all my experiences, the TRI-TOP is THE BEST BINDER ON THE MARKET. We’re talking overall coverage, delineation and versatility.
  Things to note: The three layers of binding only occur in the front. The back is one sheer layer of spandex nylon so it releases heat effectually.
  No need to wear anything under this product.
  I Recommend ordering your exact bust size. The three binding layers are designed to work with the actual size of the binder it’s self. At 32″ I found the x-small to be more beneficial in the long run.
  This product is durable. After over two years with the same product with constant wear, there have been no holes, tears or unravelling.
  Always wash in cold water, it preserves the binder’s ability to bind. Using hot water does not shrink it to fit later on in it’s life, it only weakens it.
  Best way to put on/take off is over the head because it reduces stretching or possibility of tearing.

 

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: Nathan

Reviewed by Nathan

Product Name: Tri-top Chest Binder Style 983

Manufacturer’s website: http://www.underworks.com/ftm

Cup size at time of use: 40 C

Comfort: 3

• Product is best worn with a shirt underneath it to protect your underarms from being rubbed. I wear an off-brand underarmour style t-shirt for ease of putting the binder on and for comfort.

Effectiveness: 5

• This does not give a completely flat chest although I have noticed that in some button down shirts my chest looks too flat compared to my physical size. Larger men often have larger chests and this binder took me from being gender in question to being harassed for not belonging when in the women\’s restroom (on the few unfortunate times I have been forced to use it). It removed any question of my gender in all public places.

Discreetness: 4

• The top rides too high to be worn without a t-shirt over the top. There is a little bit of bubbling at the top which is fine in nearly every circumstance but made me a little self conscious at water parks and swimming pools where your shirt hugs tight when wet.

Overall: 4

• Again this product did not make me completely flat as I am a larger guy. I ordered according to the sizing suggestions and think I could go a size down for a flatter affect. I absolutely plan on buying this in the future even though there are some negative aspects. I was also pleased with the price for the effect.

 

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: Alexander

Reviewed by  Alexander

Product Name: Underworks Tri-top

Manufacturer’s website: http://www.underworks.com

Cup size at time of use: <A

Comfort: 4

• Fits good. WAY cooler than the Double model. Still really tight around the shoulders compared to other brands.Doesn’t limit breathing at all. But it is the FIRST thing to come off when I step in the door.

Effectiveness: 4

• Flat. Super flat.

Discreetness: 3

• The seam does show through some shirts. in the winter it would be fine but in the summer t shirts tend to make it obvious

Overall: 4

• I’d get it again in a pinch. But i still prefer other makers.

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: Chris

Reviewed by Chris

Product Name: Underworks Tri-Top

Manufacturer’s Web Site

Cup size at time of use: D

Ratings:

Comfort: 1/5

• EEK! I could hardly breathe wearing this binder! At first I ordered a small and that was so small that I couldn’t even get it on (my ribcage measures about 32 inches) so I had to exchange it for a medium. But even the medium was too tight–I went to a party wearing it and I had to roll it up in the car on my way there because I was feeling light-headed and dizzy. Needless to say I didn’t wear it again after that.

Effectiveness: 5/5

• It definitely does a good job of hiding your chest, I’ll give it that!

Discreetness: 5/5

• Looks like an undershirt.

Overall: 3/5

• Does a great job of binding but definitely not comfortable, especially if you have large breasts. Make sure to order at least one size up.

Review: Underworks Tri-Top: Rory

Reviewed by Rory

Product Name: Underworks Tri-Top

Manufacturer’s Web Site

Cup size at time of use: B, 36ish

Ratings:

Comfort: 4/5

• Very difficult to get on (although I did go a size smaller than recommended), if I wasn’t double-jointed it probably would have never made it on.
  Did not hamper breathing/movement at all. The underarm seams started to dig in after the second hour; I don’t think I’d want to go through an 8 hour work day in the smaller size. Nipples hurt like heck after it came off!

Effectiveness: 5/5

• Even in a fairly tight t-shirt, nothing showed. That’s not to say it creates a *perfect* boy-chest, but no one will be looking twice.

Discreetness: 5/5

• The lower hem/seam thing might be a little visible under a very close-fitting, light-colored shirt, but that’s probably paranoia more than anything.

Overall: 5/5

• Once I managed to wrangle the Tri-Top on I spent a good four minutes grinning like an idiot at the mirror, the results were so good. My only other experience with binding is Ace bandages; this is like upgrading from a ’94 Cavalier to a spankin new Audi A5. It is pretty damn wonderful.