the_physicist
in
ftm
more on kinesiology tape binding
Further to this post that we had not too long ago by another member: http://ftm.livejournal.com/7119123.html that made me check out kinesiology tape for binding, I wanted to report on my experiences with it in case it is of any help to anyone.
So here's my review on using kinesiology tape to bind (for guys on the smaller side):
I want to first talk about the good things and then the downsides, because I do actually really like this tape. If money is an issue for you though, skip straight to the "bad things" about this method of binding.
I bought a wide roll in beige colour. 'Wide' being 7.5cm (~3 inches) wide. The roll that transkid used seems to have been far narrower. I think cheaper too.
Good things:
It's VERY comfortable. Much more so than my previous methods of binding (which did not include an underworks binder, mind you). I can move around with it as if it wasn't there at all. It's just a bit of tape, so it isn't heavy, it doesn't restrict my breathing, it isn't heavy, it doesn't get in the way of anything.
It makes me sufficiently flat (tagged this 'smaller guys binding method', as i'm not sure i can see how this would work for larger guys though).
It's easy to apply and take off again. It seems to hold all day unless you apply it incorrectly.
Depending on what you wear you don't need to wear anything other than the tape. I don't wear a sports bra over it.
Colour match... if you have white or black skin you can find tape that matches your skin colour. Then you can wear those slightly transparent shirts (i.e. any white shirt in existence basically) and it not look like you are binding, but look rather natural).
Could be interesting for guys wanting to go swimming as it seems to be waterproof. Shorts + rashvest/sunblock vest. And doesn't restrict movement...
Running: seemed to be fine to run with. Gave enough support, didn't come lose even though I was definitely sweating.
Bad things:
The price. No way around it, this is an expensive method. Oh, I'm sure that if you live in the USA especially you might find much cheaper tape. I'm going to shop around, but it will still cost every month. If I kept using this roll I tried out as my sole method of binding, my estimate is it would cost ~$290 a year.
You can only apply it on freshly washed skin (put your deodorant on after too) or it might not stick well. You will need to take the time to put it on, you can't just throw on this method quickly. I think with practice it wouldn't take too long though.
If you're really hairy you might need to shave.
The colours available: if you have brown skin you might find it hard to get a good colour match.
It is easy to take off, but don't take that as an excuse to rip it off your nipples really quickly. Slowly, or you will do what I did and take some skin off your nipples. I think it's impossible to take skin off anywhere else though.
Skin tight tops? Eh... I can't wear those anyway, no way. I can imagine if someone wanted to though, they might have a few issues trying to wear a very tight top while binding this way.
Overall:
Amazing, but sadly expensive. If you have the money, worth it though. Could be good for those who need to take a break from using their usual method of binding though, but who still need to bind. Or for occasional use for a specialised purpose... swimming/other sport/to work well with a certain item of clothing...
So here's my review on using kinesiology tape to bind (for guys on the smaller side):
I want to first talk about the good things and then the downsides, because I do actually really like this tape. If money is an issue for you though, skip straight to the "bad things" about this method of binding.
I bought a wide roll in beige colour. 'Wide' being 7.5cm (~3 inches) wide. The roll that transkid used seems to have been far narrower. I think cheaper too.
Good things:
It's VERY comfortable. Much more so than my previous methods of binding (which did not include an underworks binder, mind you). I can move around with it as if it wasn't there at all. It's just a bit of tape, so it isn't heavy, it doesn't restrict my breathing, it isn't heavy, it doesn't get in the way of anything.
It makes me sufficiently flat (tagged this 'smaller guys binding method', as i'm not sure i can see how this would work for larger guys though).
It's easy to apply and take off again. It seems to hold all day unless you apply it incorrectly.
Depending on what you wear you don't need to wear anything other than the tape. I don't wear a sports bra over it.
Colour match... if you have white or black skin you can find tape that matches your skin colour. Then you can wear those slightly transparent shirts (i.e. any white shirt in existence basically) and it not look like you are binding, but look rather natural).
Could be interesting for guys wanting to go swimming as it seems to be waterproof. Shorts + rashvest/sunblock vest. And doesn't restrict movement...
Running: seemed to be fine to run with. Gave enough support, didn't come lose even though I was definitely sweating.
Bad things:
The price. No way around it, this is an expensive method. Oh, I'm sure that if you live in the USA especially you might find much cheaper tape. I'm going to shop around, but it will still cost every month. If I kept using this roll I tried out as my sole method of binding, my estimate is it would cost ~$290 a year.
You can only apply it on freshly washed skin (put your deodorant on after too) or it might not stick well. You will need to take the time to put it on, you can't just throw on this method quickly. I think with practice it wouldn't take too long though.
If you're really hairy you might need to shave.
The colours available: if you have brown skin you might find it hard to get a good colour match.
It is easy to take off, but don't take that as an excuse to rip it off your nipples really quickly. Slowly, or you will do what I did and take some skin off your nipples. I think it's impossible to take skin off anywhere else though.
Skin tight tops? Eh... I can't wear those anyway, no way. I can imagine if someone wanted to though, they might have a few issues trying to wear a very tight top while binding this way.
Overall:
Amazing, but sadly expensive. If you have the money, worth it though. Could be good for those who need to take a break from using their usual method of binding though, but who still need to bind. Or for occasional use for a specialised purpose... swimming/other sport/to work well with a certain item of clothing...