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Binding

unbound photos
There are many different ways to make your chest appear flatter without having surgery. Here are a few of the more common products and methods used. If you bind, try to do so safely and carefully. Binding is uncomfortable for most people and in some cases can be extremely painful. If it is very uncomfortable for you, try to bind only when absolutely necessary. Binding commonly leads to the breakdown of breast tissue, development of stretch marks and increased acne on the chest and back. Many people have also complained of increased back pain and shifting rib cages as a result of prolonged binding. Here is a picture of my chest after four years of daily binding. Before binding my chest was approximately a 36C. The pictures on the left are of my chest unbound after about 3 years of binding, for comparison with the later photos.

Thank you to all of the guys who sent in pictures for this section.

ACE Bandages

Cost:
$5 - $15
Pros:
inexpensive
available everywhere
Cons:
prone to slipping and unraveling
require frequent adjustment
often too tight, leading to sharp pain and shortness of breath
Comments:
Don't use ACE bandages if you can possibly avoid it. They are uncomfortable and can become dangerously tight. There are other options which are similarly priced, safer, and more effective. But if you insist, wide bandages may be safer and more effective than thinner ones. Try to find something that is at least 3" wide. Wearing a sports bra over the top of the bandages may help smooth out seams and hold things in place. If you decide to try binding with ACE bandages, be careful. It is very easy to tighten them too much, and it can get very painful very quickly. I highly suggest getting used to wearing them at home before going out in public where you may not be able to adjust them easily.


Sports Bras

Cost:
$10 - $50
Pros:
available at department and sporting goods stores
can pass as "just a bra" if you don't want people to know you're binding
relatively comfortable
Cons:
not the most effective at flattening
sometimes creates a "uni-boob" effect
straps can be a giveaway
Comments:
Try to select a style that has high lycra or spandex content, these generally offer the most compression. Most sports bras sold in stores only contain up to 20% lycra/spandex, but more aggressive models are sold online. Straps can be pretty visible depending on what type of shirt you wear. Wearing an undershirt may cut down on that.
Photos:
binding with Frog Bra
Title 9 Frog Bra
Links:
Frog Bra from Title 9 Sports


Compression Shirts/Vests

Cost:
$20 - $100
Pros:
great compression
several styles available
Cons:
expensive
only available online
can be difficult to size
some models tend to roll up over the stomach
Comments:
Some compression garments are designed specifically for trans guys, while others are designed for men with gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) or for post-surgical binding. If you're having a hard time putting your compression shirt on, try stepping down through the neck hole rather than pulling it on over your head. If your binder keeps rolling up over your stomach, you can just fold it up over your chest and safety pin it in place. This also offers an additional layer of compression across your chest. I permanently modified my binders in this way with a little cutting and sewing.

Photos and instructions for modifying compression shirts
Photos:
Underworks double front compression shirt
Underworks Double Front Compression Shirt

T-Kingdom binder
T-Kingdom Binder (with unbound comparison)

Morris Designs vest
Morris Designs gynecomastia vest (with unbound comparison)

Native compression vest
Native compression vest
Links:
Underworks- makers of the tri-top and double front compression shirt
Morris Designs- gynecomastia vests
GC2 Compression- good priced binders, not the most compression
Make Me Heal support and compression garments
T-Kingdom- binders specifically designed for tomboys and FTMs
Native- this is a Russian site (search for "compression vests for men")
Gallery of binding photos- various models, mostly Underworks


Waist Trimmers/Back Braces

Cost:
$5 - $20
Pros:
inexpensive
available at department and sporting goods stores
lots of compression
Cons:
hot and sweaty
can result in chafing and/or blistering skin
thick enough to be seen and felt under shirts
back braces tend to slip down
Comments:
Most back braces are made of fabric/elastic and found in the first aid section of pharmacies or department stores. Waist trimmers are made of neoprene (wet-suit material) and are usually found mixed in with jock straps, compression shorts, etc in department and sporting goods stores. They are supposedly designed for weight loss. I guess the logic is that if you're wearing one you'll sweat the weight off in that area. It helps to wear a tight undershirt or sports bra over the binder to smooth out the seams. I used them exclusively for many years before discovering Underworks binders, and they worked well for me. I attribute most of the breakdown of my breast tissue to this binder. They were pretty unbearable on hot summer days, though.

Trim the waist trimmer so it is the right length to go around you either one, one and a half, or two times. One time will produce a slimmer effect but if you need the extra compression you might want to go around twice. Wrap the non-velcro end around your chest, tucking your breasts down and toward the sides as you go. Hold that end in place and wrap the other end around to the other side and fasten the velcro under your arm (it will be well hidden there). If you're only wrapping it around once, you should start with the velcro right under one of your arms and only wrap the non-velcro side around.
Photos:
neoprene waist trimmer
Neoprene waist trimmer

putting on the neoprene binder
Putting on a waist trimmer

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Packing

Not every guy feels the need to pack, and I don't think it makes much of a visible difference unless you're wearing really tight pants, dress pants, a swim suit, or walking around in your underwear (like in a locker room). There are two basic types of packing, hard and soft. Products that are designed for both generally end up being too bulky and uncomfortable for daily packing, and too soft or floppy to use for penetration. Some packers are equipped with a spoon or funnel shaped end piece and a tube running through the shaft of the penis and can be purchased pre-made or if you are handy you can make your own by modifying a cyberskin type packer. See also: urinary devices.

If you're wondering about exactly where and how to position your packer inside your briefs, a good rule of thumb is that the penis should come out at about the place where you can feel your pubic bone. But everyone is built differently so you might have to play with that a little (no pun intended). One way to figure out if you've got it right or not is to check out men's underwear ads.

Styles of soft packs:

Condoms and hair gel

Cost:
$5 - $10
Pros:
relatively easy to make
inexpensive
don't need to order online
Cons:
unrealistic look and feel up close, but looks fine under clothes
Comments:
Materials:
6 unlubricated condoms
thick hair gel or similar substance, preferably unscented
nylon stocking

Directions:
1. Fill one of the condoms with gel until it's about the size you think a penis should be. Remember that most guys are only about 4" long when flaccid. Tie off the end of the condom and place your newly created penis inside another condom and tie that off too (double bagging helps in case one of the condoms breaks).
2. Repeat that process for each of the balls. Most guys' testicles aren't exactly the same size, so don't worry if yours aren't either.
3. Once all the components are made, tie the ends of the condoms together to make the basic shape of a penis and a set of testicles.
4. Slip that into the cut off leg of a pair of nylons and double the nylons over it a few times. If you want to get fancy you can finish it off at the end by twisting the nylons around the end of the shaft to create somewhat of a head.
Links:
More detailed directions from DJ Knows Dicks


Cyberskin-type packers

Cost:
$12 - $22
Pros:
relatively realistic look and feel
available in 3.5", 5.5", and 6.5" lengths
moderately priced
some models allow for urination
Cons:
only available in some specialty sex stores or online
Comments:
This is a great, affordable style of packer. There are several different vendors selling essentially the same product for in the $10-20 range, so shop around for a good price. They are commonly called "packy" or "soft pack." In my opinion the smallest size is the most realistic. This product can not be used for penetration, and the cornstarch taste makes receiving oral sex not a great option. This type of packer needs to be washed regularly and powdered with cornstarch to keep it from getting sticky and collecting lint. Do not use talc to powder it, as talc has been connected to increased yeast infections and ovarian cancer when used regularly on the genitals. Many baby powders contain talc. Check out the link below for more info and links to vendors.
Links:
Hudson's FTM Resource Guide: Packing Soft

Soft silicone packer/Mr. Right

Cost:
$50 - $56
Pros:
relatively realistic look and feel
available in three shades
silicone can be sterilized
no need to powder
can be used for penetration
Cons:
only available in some specialty sex stores or online
one size only
heavy and has unrealistically large balls
tendency to tear where shaft meets balls
Comments:
In my opinion this product is good in theory, not so great in practice. When I checked it out at a store it seemed way heavier than anything I would be comfortable using for daily packing. It also doesn't look as realistic as I'd like to to for the price. "VixSkin" silicone is softer than what would be used for most dildos, but not as soft or flexible as a flaccid penis. Some guys have complained that their packers have torn on the underside of the shaft where it meets the balls. In a pinch, this packer can be used for penetration or for receiving oral sex. Search for "Mr. Right" online or at one of the sites linked below.
Links:
Vixen Creations
Babeland
Early to Bed
Smitten Kitten


Prosthesis

Cost:
$150 - $2,000+
Pros:
most realistic
many styles can be affixed directly to body with medical adhesive
multiple skin tones
some styles allow for "pack and play" dual use and/or urination
Cons:
expensive
only available online
adhesive can be a pain/expensive/time consuming
Comments:
There are now several different prostheses on the market for transsexual men. Years ago I saw one of the first models that was available, and it was considerably more realistic than the cyberskin packers or Mr. Right (which was not available at the time). If you have the money and realism is important to you, here are some links you may want to check out. These products are often very customizable in terms of skin tone, size, form and function. There are too many variations to go through them all here, so check out the links to get a better idea of what's out there.
Links:
FTM Prosthetics
LoLaJake.com

tyron2-prosthetics

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Urinary Devices

Here are a few different devices which enable someone who hasn't had any type of genital reconstruction surgery to urinate while standing. Like packing, not every guy finds it important to stand to pee. There are also plenty of non-trans guys who routinely sit to pee, so don't think it'll set off all kinds of flags in the men's restroom if you do it. No one's going to care. Still, sometimes it's helpful to be able to stand, like in a crowded or dirty public restroom, or in restrooms where the stalls don't have doors.

With any urinary device, it's a good idea to practice at home before trying it out in public. The shower is a good place to try new methods out if you're worried about making a mess. Also, just because one method doesn't work for you doesn't mean something else won't. Keep trying different systems and you will probably find something that suits your needs. Something to keep in mind when using any method of standing to pee is that the worse you have to go, the faster your urine will come out (and with more force), and that makes any method less reliable. So if that's the case you might want to just suck it up and sit down in the stall. Most of these methods will work best if you don't use a whole lot of force, so just try to relax and let it flow naturally.

You might be debating about whether or not you should be using the men's room. Chances are if you're passing well then you've probably experienced some sort of hassle in the women's' room from ladies who see you as a guy anyway. It's really not a huge deal... all you have to do is walk in and head for a stall, close the door behind you and do your stuff. In general, guys don't talk to or look at each other in the bathroom.


If you're not sure where your urethra is, here is a diagram.

Plastic Disk
This is an old-school method that actually works better than you might think, though you do have to drop your drawers lower than you might be able to pull off at a urinal. The idea is to take the lid from a coffee can, Cool Whip container or something else about that size, and trim off the edges so you have a flat, flexible plastic disk that's about 5" or 6" in diameter. You'll want to sand down the edges so they're smooth. Fold the disk into a kind of taco or funnel shape, and hold the wider end against your body. It works on the same principle as the pStyle or other similar products, though it's not as comfortable or fool-proof. I'll try to get a picture up sometime soon. One great thing about this method is that when not in use the disk takes up practically no space and can easily be slipped into a pocket without creating a conspicuous bulge. Cost: free
Medicine Spoon
medicine spoon
Another do-it-yourself option. Medicine spoons are available everywhere, pharmacies, department stores, dollar stores, etc. They're designed for measuring and dispensing liquid medication. Cut the closed end off at an angle to allow the urine to pass through. Position the mouth of the spoon over your urethral opening, which is located between the dick/clitoris and vaginal opening. The end of the spoon should point down at about a 45 degree angle. Apply just enough pressure to maintain a seal, but not so much that you restrict the flow. It may take some time to find the correct placement for your body, this type of device does not work for everyone. Cost: $1 - $3

The Travelmate is similar to a medicine spoon but more comfortable and reliable, while still being inexpensive. Cost: $6.59
Packers
There are several styles of packers that are equipped with a receptacle and tubing for urination. They work on the same premise as a medicine spoon but have a flexible tube that runs through the shaft of the penis. If you're crafty you can try to make one of these on your own. Buy a medicine spoon like this or this, drill a hole in the end and attach it to tubing you can buy at the hardware store with two-part epoxy. Cyberskin packers are easy to slice through. Heat up a screwdriver on the stovetop and you'll be able to push it right through to make a hole for the tubing. Costs: Homemade: $20, Pre-made: $50 - $70

Mango Products
- also featuring the MetaMango for guys who have had metoidioplasty
DJ Knows Dicks
The Whiz
I've heard some great reviews about this product in terms of ease of use and reliability. The only drawbacks seem to be that it's brightly colored (hard to conceal in a public restroom) and a little bulky. Reasonably priced, but this company is based in England so be prepared for hefty shipping costs if you're ordering from elsewhere. Cost: less than $20

The Whiz
Others
Check out Hudson's Guide for a more extensive listing of available products.

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Shaving

Here are a few quick tips on shaving from my own experience, a quick web search for "male shaving tips" or something like that will turn up a lot more. Anyway, here you go:

Clean shave with a razor
Keep your blade fresh, replace it once it starts to dull. Wash your face with warm/hot water and an exfoliating scrub right before you shave. Keep the blade of your razor in hot water while you lather up your face. Rub the lather into your face, try to make sure the hairs on your face are standing up. First time through, shave in downward strokes. Use long, even strokes, and rinse the blade between strokes. For lots of guys, that will be enough. Remember that the more times you shave over the same area, the greater the chance of cutting or irritating your skin. If you need a closer shave, you can lather up again and shave upward, against the grain of your facial hair. If you have a particularly thick beard, you have been shaving for long enough to know how to do it and you're probably not reading this section. Once you're happy with your shave, rinse off, towel dry and apply some non-alcohol based aftershave (a little goes a long way here).

Product recommendations:
Tom's of Maine Conditioning Shave Cream

Lush Cosmetic Lad Moisturizer/Aftershave

Shaving links:
7 Tips for a Great Shave

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Clothing

I'm not getting in depth about clothes here, because the most important thing is to dress in a way that you like and that makes you feel good. However, there are some issues that seem to come up for a lot of guys, so some of this may be helpful.

A little info on sizing, based on US sizes:

Shoes- Men's shoes generally run one and a half to two sizes smaller in men's than in women's shoes. For example, if you're a 9.5 in women's shoes, you're probably a 7.5 or 8 in men's. Men's shoes also run a size wider than women's, but you can sometimes find sizes in narrow widths if need be. If you wear anything smaller than a 6 you will probably have to shop in the kid's sections or at specialty stores online.

Pants- Men's pants are sized by the waist and the inseam. A pair of pants that measures 38x32 would have a 38" waist and a 32" inseam. Many stores carry inseams down to 30" and waists up into the 40s in the store, with smaller and larger sizes available online.

Dress Shirts- Dress shirts have two measurements, neck size and sleeve length. A tag that reads 15 32/33 means the neck size is 15" and the sleeves are 32" to 33" long. Many department stores have staff there to help you find a good fit, but it is easy to take these measurements at home if you have someone to help you.

Resources:
How to Measure Your Neck Size and Sleeve Length
- fitting yourself for dress shirts
Short Shrifted- a clothing and style resource for short men
Tie-a-Tie.net- Directions and tips for several different knots, including bow ties

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For More Information:

Hudson's FTM Resource Guide

FTM Passing Tips Site

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