Surveying the Field
An inventory of current products in the breast binding/chest compression arena...
T-SHIRT: ($36 - $80)
http://www.underworks.com
This involves two stretchy materials: 70% nylon + 30% spandex. Fits over the head and has no enclosure or fasteners. This is a redesign of a the nylon stocking + T-Shirt option. It boasts a"double front panel" and purports to ease back pain and improve posture.
COMPRESSION VESTS ($78-$88+ Overseas Shipping)
mangoproducts.net/FTMChestBinders.htm#vests1
This is a "professional" product manufactured by/for transmen sold online through Taiwan. These seem to be differnt from the T-Kingdom binders also from Taiwan. The vests are sold through Mango Products.
I am particularly curious about these because they have front enclosures: zippers and velcro. this is something that I am interested in but vetoed originally because it seemed as if it might be too bulky. But this is clearly a design worth trying. T-Kingdom does have a similar zip front but their garment is shorter and is described as "sports bra styled." This one has mesh air panelling plus "supportive Lycra"
it is made from a "lightweight, breathable but firm, stretchy material."
BRASSIERE ($25):
http://www.t-kingdom.com/shopping/english/page690_english.shtml
A tighter version of the classic sports bra. Another version is also made by Title 9 designs.
EUPHEMISMS ABOUND: There is a host of products for men that promise to "reshape" the "silhouettes" men who are out of shape or may desire to "enhance their rear or front view."
A descrption form the T-kingdom site
"•Feature: soft material, breath aire, comfortable, light, and can help to shape your body. the most Sophisticated binding underware."
CORSET InSPIRED ($18):
http://www.onehanesplace.com/product/19655.html?cgnbr=B120000000
I found the design of Barely There's SMOOTH-TONERS SHAPING TANK fascinating. The corset-like details—from what I can tell—seem more decorative than functional. Described as "retro-look" it features the lacing and boning of the original corsets minus the functionality. I do find the incredibly close/tight fit distressing. Again discomfort for the sake of fashion/appearance. Design that seems to inhibit or atleast limits its ability to be worn for any significant amount of time. It is made from a nylon/spandex "micro-fiber."
MASS MARKET BACK/AB SUPPORT PRODUCTS often called Binders...
DIYLovely:
Adventures of an American Trans Fag
This is actually really similar to the design I've been formulating... design will be determined by the add-ons...
Another home-grown variety:
