“I'm 5'1, under bust: 27in, chest: 32in.
Since this is a compression top and not a binder (compression is different than binding, btw) it is in fact a lot less restricting and more forgiving. I wanted a top that is more flattening than a sports bra, but comfortable enough to wear under looser clothes. This does the job. Not flat by any means, but just enough.
My main concern with actual binders is the "shelf." The gap between the bottom front hem and my under bust that is very apparent under tighter shirts. The bottom elastic band on this solves this problem, though it is a bit tight. I've read some reviews that say for larger folks, the bottom band is way too tight. I can only speak for myself- I bought an XS and it does feel pretty snug. I'm hoping that it'll stretch with time.
In short, if you want an actual flattening binder... Don't get a compression top. If you just want a bit of a flattened silhouette with a band to stop the "shelf" effect, I'd say this is a good deal.”
“Great for smaller chests, gives a pec-like appearance without being painful. It wrinkles and folds a bit when worn but it’s not noticeable under a shirt. I’m a fan!”
“I love this top! It’s perfect for the days I don’t feel like wearing a binder but still want to flatten my chest. It’s definitely not a binder, but it comfortably helps with mildly dysphoric days.”
“The arm holes are pinchy and restrictive and the waistband does not stay put. I have the sports bra also, and in my opinion, the sports bra offers both better support and compression. This is worse and more expensive.”
We are so sorry to hear this order did not work out for you. We appreciate your feedback and will be sure to share this with the appropriate team. If you need any further assistance, please reach out to us at help@tomboyx.com
“I heard really good things about this bra (calling it what it is here - you'll see why) from some online trans spaces, so I decided to try it out. As a trans guy who needs a decent amount of compression when I'm on a binding break or doing sports, I thought this would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, it was not.
It was comfortable at first, but after a few hours of wearing it around the house, my ribs were seriously hurting. I thought that was really weird considering the actual bra/cup part was really loose. If you have atypical measurements (ie, are a B or C cup) you'll likely run into this same issue. I have a 33 inch bust (size xs) and a 30 inch underbust (size m). I got a small as a happy medium and was really disappointed. It actually made my chest have a much more defined dip like you would see on a wired bra, which just accentuated my chest. I tried running in it a few times, but after seriously bruising one of my ribs, I decided to just stop wearing it altogether.
If your measurements fit the sizing chart, it would be a nice bra. It is nowhere near a binder though, so don't expect it to masculinize or flatten your chest. There's not much support either, so lots of bounce. I could see it being nice for sleep or weekends when your body needs a break from actual binding, though. If you're looking for an actual compression bra/light binder.. there's better (and cheaper) options.”
“According to the sizing chart, I got a Medium. It was waayyy too big, so I exchanged it for a XS. It doesn't flatten me out that much, and it feels more like a sports bra than a binder. Disappointed.”
“I bought the beige one and it had a white stripe at the bottom instead of beige for some reason. Otherwise, great product! I wear it under baggier clothes instead of my binder and when I exercise. It doesn't make my chest flatter necessarily, but because there's no padding or cups, and because its shape like a tank-top, it doesn't accentuate the breasts unlike most sports bras. But keep in mind that your chest size won't be minimized, this is not a binder. Planning to purchase more of this item. :-)”
“For context: Nonbinary, B cup, been on T for a little over a year and wearing binders for a decade. I've tried Underworks and GC2B. Those brands both bind well but I've always had the problem of the hem eventually warping and becoming visible through shirts over time. I was drawn to the TomboyX compression top because it has the same/similar elastic hem as their bras/swim tops. So far it looks like it's going to hold up a bit better in comparison to the other brands! It does however come with the caveat of not binding the chest as well. BECAUSE of this however, it is more comfortable and easier to wear for longer periods of time (full work day in busy retail environment) and there has been a considerable difference in it not affecting my GERD as much which has always been a problem when wearing binders. So for these reasons I give it 4/5 stars for being comfortable, solving the hem rolling/warping problem, and being a little easier on my body so my GERD doesn't act up as much. Despite it not binding as well as other brands, it's a solid go-to in my wardrobe so I can prioritize being more physically comfortable throughout the day even though I'm a bit more self-conscious about a "less masculine" chest. I would be more hesitant if I had a larger chest which seems to be a reoccurring issue from many reviewers :( I wonder if TomboyX would consider making this in another version with stronger binding capabilities to provide more options? I also wish this product wasn't listed under the "bralette" section :/
TLDR;
Pros: Hem likely won't warp/roll up over time, softer and more comfortable than Underworks/GC2B, doesn't aggravate GERD symptoms as much as other brands
Cons: More expensive and doesn't bind as well as Underworks/GC2B”
