Chest Binding Use and Safety

What is Chest Binding?
Chest Binding is the compressing of breast tissue in order to give the chest the appearance of being flat. It is common for transgender men and non-binary people to bind there chest with the desire of not looking feminine. Note that it is not just non binary and transgender people who bind their chests, however, it is incredibly common in the transgender community

This Page was created through effort from Grand Forks Out and Proud!

Binding Use & Safety

When measuring yourself, make sure that you are measuring snuggly around the fullest part of your chest.

  • How to Measure Yourself for a Binder
    • When measuring yourself, make sure that you are measuring snuggly around the fullest part of your chest.
    • Measure underneath you chest where the crease is and then add those two measurements together and divide that by two and that is typically your binder size. Not all binder brands measure the same, so if you are trying a new brand, make sure to always re-measure yourself prior to ordering as not all binders are the same and always follow the directions for measuring yourself that each brands website says as that will always be the most accurate measurement for that binder.
  • Safe Binding Tips
    • Pay attention to your body. If you have chest pain, or are struggling to breathe, take your binder of immediately.
    • DO NOT bind for more than 8 to 10 hours and do not ever sleep in your binder. Always make sure to take at least one rest day each week where you do not wear a binder.
    • DO NOT ever wear a binder that is too small for you. Binders that are too small can cause injury. In order to avoid ordering the wrong the size, always refer to the manufacturers size charts and measure yourself accordingly.
    • On your break days, wearing a sports bra or layering shirts can be a good alternative during extreme dysphoria.
    • You can swim in your binder! However it is recommended that when swimming in a binder, you use a binder that is one size bigger than the size you normally wear to allow you move around easier and prevent injury.
    • Wash your binder regularly and make sure to follow cleaning care guidelines from manufacturer. Make sure to always stretch after taking your binder off. Stretch your arms, shoulders, back and chest to loosen any tightness brought on by wearing the binder.
  • If You Notice any of the following signs, it may be time to take a binding break:
    • Chest pain
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Overheating
    • Dehydration
    • Numbness or Tingling
    • Back Pain
    • Skin irritation or soreness
  • Binding with Trans Tape
    • Always make sure you are in a healthy mental state. Remember all bodies are different and your results may be different than others, and that is okay.
    • Never apply trans tape directly on your nipples. Always use nipple covers before taping. Nipple covers are included with your purchase of trans tape but you can also use band aides or toilet paper if needed.
    • There are many different systems to apply trans tape, and you can find more information and videos on their website transtape.life or also on YouTube.
    • Prepare your Tape. Measure the tape to the length you need and make sure to round the corners after they are cut to length, this helps you avoid having the edges curl and also creates a more clean look. Trans tape is very stretchy so start with smaller strips.
    • Typically 3 to 4 sections (dark blue line on the paper backing will show your sections) are typically long enough and you typically only need 2 to 3 strips per side.
    • After cutting your tape to the proper size and cornered your edges, now its time to tear the paper lining on the back. Now apply the one edge of the tape to your chest. With one hand, push the tissue of your chest flat against your chest while gently peeling the paper to the side.
    • Make sure not to over-stretch your tape during application as it can cause skin irritation. Apply extra layers if necessary.
    • Trans tape is safe to wear for 3-5 days straight and is shower friendly. After 5 days, you should remove the tape (remove by peeling the tape off the same directions you put it on) with the adhesive remover trans tape offers and give your body 1 to 2 days to build back up the natural oils in your skin on your chest and give any skin irritation some time to heal.
    • If you shower with tape on, make sure to pat your chest dry rather than rubbing as you do not want it start to peel off from the towel.
  • Most importantly, love yourself and give yourself some grace. Tape jobs are not always going to be perfect, and that is okay!

Binder Types and Lengths

  • The most common binders are half tank or full tank that are put on like a sports bra. There are other half tank binders that come with velcro, clasps or zippers.
  • The length and style of binder is mostly personal choice, however, before making your decision, make sure you have measured yourself and found the right fit. Having the correct size is incredibly important. (More information on this later on.)
  • Half Tank pullover binders are the most popular binder style. They are more breathable than the full tank binders, which is nice during the warmer time of the year. Half tank binders may not be the most supportive binder for someone with a bigger chest.
  • Full Tank pullovers are considered compression tank tops and depending on if you get a full compression or half compression will determine if it just compresses your chest or also your stomach. Full tank binders can also provide more support which can be helpful if you have a larger chest.

Binder Brands

Not all binders are the same and not all binder are safe. Make sure you are doing your research. However, we will be listing some of the most well known binder brands below!

  • GC2B
    • Gc2b is one of if not the most well-known binder company out there. Gc2b was started by trans people for trans people. They have binder sizes ranging from XS to 5XL.
    • They also have a wide variety of colors ranging from the nude collection which is 5 different shades to match skin tones, to binders in white, black, purple, green and even pride related colors as well. Prices for gc2bs binders ranges from $35 to $45 and they also sell other clothing, like shirts, and shorts.
  • Underworks
    • Underworks has binders ranging from $28-$45 and they are offered in various sizes and types of compression. They also have post-surgery compression binders as well. Most of their binders are either black or white.
  • Transguy Supply
    • Transguy Supply sells more than just binders. They also sell items like binding options with tape, packers, STPs, apparel and grooming items. Binders from Transguy Supply range from around $29-$50. Their binders come in most white or black and in sizes from XS-4XL.
  • Forthem
    • Forthem is a newer binder company. Their binders are around $52 for non-members and $36 for members. They have 8 different color options like orange, black, grey, blue, green, white and navy.
  • Point of Pride
    • Point of Pride is not a binder company. However, they purchase binders and offer low cost or no cost options for binders as do a number of other organizations.

References