Compression top

On Friday I ordered a compression top from Underworks.  It arrived yesterday.  First off, I want to start by giving the company Tool Shed Toys super-dper major props for getting the product to me so quickly.  They do great work and I'm definitely going to let them know how awesome and speedy the shipping is, esp when it takes my Netflix as long to get to me from Tacoma.  but I digress....

I ordered a Medium white tank.  I have to say it took me a good two minutes to wiggle it on.  My shoulders are pretty wide considering my frame, but the compression is also that intense.  When I finally got it on, I was... disappointed.  The compression wasn't as tight as I expected and my breasts weren't flattened into oblivion, as I had been hoping for.  But that expectation was a tad unrealistic.

The fabric looks like mesh... and feels a bit like a swimmy bag.  But it's not uncomfortable on the skin.  It really does stay cool against skin.  I decided to wear a sports bra underneath for extra flattening power, but tomorrow I think I'll wear a tank.  I personally don't like the feel of the fabric against my skin, and I also want to increase its lifespan by exposing it to sweat and oil as infrequently as possible.

The smell is kind of strange, like juice and perfume mixed together.  It's not unpleasant, but I did give it an initial rinse last night before wearing it out today.

Something that I notice helps with flattening my chest is 1) wearing the sports bra underneath and 2) pulling my breasts to the side, much like I did while binding.

I have to say that, overall, this compression top is incredibly comfortable.  It also highlights how improperly I was binding, because I haven't felt light-headed, tingly-armed or headache-y once today.

Something I was fearing when ordering this top, was the fact that I've read reviews where folx have said that after a few hours their breasts began to gather in one spot (under their arms, near their clavicles), but since mine are so small, I have mercifully been spared that issue.  Never have I been more thankful for my small breasts than during this transition.  Thank you Nature and Nurture.

The Pros

1) It got here so quickly!!

2) It's lightweight and seems easy to clean

3) It's not too tight.  In fact, I breath easier in this than I did while binding wiht ACE bandage

4) I got the right size on the first go!

The Cons

1) The top isn't as snug as I was hoping for, which makes me sad.  I 'm very slim, so it's difficult to get on.  But once on, the fabric bunches and doesn't hug very tightly to my body.

2) The fabric  around the sleeve is rough enough to scrape the very sensitive skin around my underarms.  I'm not please about this, but I can easily fit a tank top underneath for extra protection.

3) I'm concerned that since the fit is so loose around my torso, that if I kick yp my workout routine, it will become even more loose.   :(  Also, the fabric will stretch out over time (says the 'Care For' instructions) which makes me even sadder.  :((

4) I think I can deal though.  I'm not sure I would buy this product again.... I've seen other sites that have binders that I think will be more suitable for my body frame, and seem to be made of higher quality fabric to boot.  But for$35, this will suffice.