I don't have a great deal of experience with them, but what I can say is that they do have a size chart on their site. So it looks like if you measure your chest already compressed (say with the bandages you mentioned) that would give you an idea of where you would need to be for a size measurement to get the same effect? outside of that I really cant say for sure... I am going on a reverse idea of what I did for determining cup size for a bra while waiting on forms... back when I needed forms.

Pokemon,

I think the first thing that needs to happen for you is to accept your body as it is right now, even though, it is not the one you want to have. Let's face it, should you transition, it will be the same body with a few tweaks here and there, but it will be the same body, not a brand new one.

The reason why I say this is because, self acceptance opens the door for less anxiety about one's body. So, if you were to accept your situation and start loving your body and yourself, as it is, you may not need to use to many layers to hide it.

I only use an oversized t-shirt and an oversized shirt every day. I used to use binders, and ACE bandages like crazy but after a few months of therapy and self acceptance work, I found that I was wasting good money and low and behold because I knew who I was and I carried myself with confidence, no one bothered me or questioned my gender.

You may feel you need this binder but try and work on your self image and see if you will still need it after it.

Just a thought,
Wolf (FTM since 1987)

It's really trial and error with finding binder that fits. Underworks is trans friendly so if you call their customer service line they can help you find a good size based off your measurements, just make sure you let them know you are DFAB since it makes a big difference how you measure for the right size. If you get it and it doesn't fit they are very good about exchanges. I highly recommend the tri-top binder.

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I really appreciate that. I just wish I knew where the measuring thingy is so I can measure myself. I'll have to pick one up from the store.

Wolf, you're right. I agree with you. It's a really tough road and I am not in therapy consistently and my psychiatrist will probably not be very accepting. He is very traditional. But I'll try to work up the guts to tell him I am transgender. Maybe he can help me with some coping skills.

Pokemon,

When I first started transitioning there was no support since the word did not even exist. It was much later like 3 years into my transition that I was able to find a therapist willing to work with me.

However while I was waiting to find a worthy therapist a friend recomended a book called You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay, it was instrumental in my journey towards self-acceptance and learning to love myself. I highly recommend it.

Lastly, if your therapist does not accept you and your situation, it is time to shop for another one. I personally had to fire 5 therapists before the last one who was a psych grad student and was willing to work with me.

Incidentally, we did not work on being transgender we worked on dealing with life and its never ending complications. I am eternally grateful that she never allowed me to feel sorry for myself and challenged me to be a better person.

In the end, I realized that being transgender was simply another aspect of myself, like my blue eyes or my brown hair. It is not all I am and it most definitely does not define me as a person. In other words, i learned that my life does not revolve around my being transgender. It was an extremely freeing insight.

Hope this helps,
Wolf (ftm since 1987)

Wolfiepa,

Thank you for the recommendation. I will surely look into that. My old therapist had me reading a lot of self help books too. Unfortunately I don't see her anymore. But I will look that book up.
Also thank you so much for your reply and taking the time to give me advice. I appreciate that a ton.

I think Underworks binders are the best & most affordable ones. There is a sizing chart on their website to help you decide what size to buy.
Be aware that these run TIGHT! It is very hard to get the binder on, but once you do, it will flatten you down nicely unless you are greater than a C-cup ( nothing can completely flatten large breasts).
If you have to struggle into the binder without help, consider buying one size larger than the chart recommends. It will still do a good job.
MACHINE WASH IN COOL WATER, but DON'T PUT IT IN THE DRYER!
You can also buy Underworks binders on Amazon.com.