B+
The Cotton Concealer Compression Muscle Shirt- $32 http://www.underworks.com/998.html
I bought the Compression Muscle Shirt by Underworks about three months ago and I plan to purchase another soon. This compression shirt flattens both chest and belly while providing support and comfort. It can be worn alone or as a undershirt, but that is also determined by individual fitness. I’ve found that, due to its nature as a muslce shirt, this binder will not allow for a completely flattened chest, but it provides a well-defined muscular chest. This look is best pulled off when paired with muscular arms.
Generally, I have worn this shirt under another shirt; I have used it once under an open button down, but was too self-conscious to spend the day that way. My girlfriend, however, says my paranoia was unwarranted and I looked fine. I have worn this under extremely thin shirts and in windy weather, and this binder still holds up its impression of a muscular chest.
The biggest problem FTMs have with binders, is the heat and this binder addresses that issue pretty well, but its on this factor that this binder scores lowest. When I wear this binder under sleeved shirts, the heat can get pretty bad compared to if I was not wearing the binder. When I wear this binder under a sleeveless tee shirt, I am only slightly hotter. This is of course, a natural result, of wearing multiple layers. However, I sweat so much more with this binder than my non-concealer binder by the same company. Unfortunately this sweatiness isn’t noticeable until I am in an air conditioned area or (fortunately) until I take it off. Let me stop here for a moment to explain the design of this binder.
The concealer and compression parts of the binders are two layers. One layer, is a tight spandex material that wicks the sweat off of the skin, the other layer is a cotton layer that soaks up the sweat. Both these materials are somewhat breathable and air conditioning flows easily through. This makes sitting for a long ride on a bus, after a long walk to that bus stop on a hot day, an experience akin to torture. The problem with the design is that, unlike my other binder which dries quickly, the cotton layer holds the wetness for hours. After wearing this for a long time on a hot day, this binder can feel like a wet rag when I take it off.
Despite being a pullover binder, this binder is actually pretty easy to get on and off once you get a good method. It isn’t so tight that it can’t be worn for a full day, but I recommend taking it off for small breaks whenever possible throughout the day. Unfortunately, this sometimes results in putting a sweaty binder back on depending on circumstances.
Overall, I am pleased with this binder. The summer months are hard on it as far as wear and tear, I would recommend purchasing more than one or daily washings. I also purchased a white binder (although I think I ordered black), and feel that a black one would be better for hiding dinginess and providing better concealment.
Price: 5/5
Compression: 4/5
Usability:4/5
Durability: 4/5
Appearance: 5/5
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