Packing 101: Everything You Want to Know (and Then Some)

Trying packing for the first time, or ready to upgrade your setup? This guide covers it all, from a rolled-up sock to silicone packers, STPs, and pack and play. Our team packs every day, so this is what we've learned from wearing the stuff.

What is packing?

Packing means wearing a prosthetic, called a packer, in your underwear to create a natural-looking bulge. For many people it eases dysphoria and makes everyday stuff easier: getting dressed, public restrooms, gym clothes, intimacy.

Some people pack every day. Some only for certain plans. Some try it once and decide it's not for them. All of that is valid. Packing is a tool, not a requirement, and it doesn't make you more or less trans.

How does a packer work?

A packer sits in a pouch, a harness, or packing underwear. It doesn't stick to your skin. The underwear or harness holds it in place.

Most packers are TPR (thermoplastic rubber) or silicone. TPR packers like the Mr. Limpy are soft, affordable, and great for beginners. Silicone packers like the My Buddy 4" have a more realistic weight and feel and are body-safe for long-term wear.

How to pack: getting started

1. Pick a packer. Start cheap, with a TPR packer or even a sock, to see if packing is for you before you spend more.
2. Pick how to hold it. Packing underwear, a pouch, or a harness. More on each below.
3. Position it. It sits in the front of your underwear, angled slightly down for the most natural look.
4. Wear it at home first. Give yourself a few days to get used to the look and feel before you go out.
5. Adjust. Size, position, and hold are all personal. What works for someone else may not work for you.

How to pack with a sock (for free)

Before you spend anything, try a sock. If you hate it, you've lost nothing. If you love it, or it changes how you feel walking around, you'll know a real packer is worth it. It's also a good way to test size: a small roll gives you a subtle look, and a fuller roll shows you what a bigger packer would feel like.

1. Pick a clean crew sock. A thin one gives a subtle shape, and a thick athletic sock adds bulk.
2. Roll it from the toe up into a short, soft cylinder, then fold the cuff over so it holds together.
3. For a firmer bundle, tuck it inside a second sock or add a few loose stitches.
4. Place it low and centered in snug briefs or boxer briefs, angled slightly down.
5. Check it in the mirror with your usual pants on, and resize until it feels right.

Know packing is for you but can't afford a packer yet? Here's how to make a packer from stuff you probably have at home.

How to choose a packer

It comes down to budget, how realistic you want it, your body, and how you'll wear it.

• Budget or beginner: a TPR packer like the Mr. Limpy. It's been a go-to first packer for years. TPR contains trace mineral oil, so always keep a barrier (packing underwear or a harness) between it and your skin.
• Ready for silicone: the My Buddy 4" is our entry silicone packer, ultra-soft and body-safe with a realistic weight. The #1 Trans Packer is another strong pick, with a lot of detail.
• Size: bigger isn't always better. As a rough guide, 3–4" for a subtle everyday look or smaller frames, and 4–5" for a more noticeable bulge. When in doubt, start smaller. More in what size packer should I get.

Browse all packers.

How to wear a packer

• Packing underwear: a built-in front pouch holds it. Put it on and go. The most popular way to pack every day.
• Packing pouch: clips or pins into underwear you already own.
• Packing harness: holds the packer firmly against your body. Good for working out, sports, or anyone who wants it locked in all day.
• O-ring harness: wear it with any underwear. The O-ring holds any packer or STP in place.

STP packers: pack and pee

An STP (stand-to-pee) packer gives you a bulge and lets you pee standing up. If public restrooms, especially urinals, bring on dysphoria, an STP can change a lot. Popular picks are the Lou STP and the STP Freely XL, which becomes a 3-in-1 with a play rod. There's a learning curve with positioning, but most people get it within a few tries.

STP underwear like Cake Bandit STP boxer briefs makes positioning much more reliable than a regular pouch. Browse all STPs or read the STP guide.

Pack and play packers

A pack and play packer (also called 2-in-1 or 3-in-1) is firm enough for penetrative play and soft enough to pack all day. Regular soft packers aren't made for this. Options run from entry-level picks to fully custom ones with hand-painted detail and adjustable firmness.

3-in-1s add stand-to-pee. The STP Freely XL with the Play Rod Insert is our most affordable 3-in-1.

Packing tips for beginners

• Start smaller than you think. A smaller packer is easier to position, shifts less, and looks more natural in most clothes.
• The underwear matters as much as the packer. Get a pair of packing underwear before you judge how a packer feels.
• Use a barrier with TPR. Its mineral oil can irritate skin with long direct contact.
• Do what feels right. Every day or now and then, there's no minimum.

Packer care

TPR packers (Mr. Limpy, Packer Gear)

• Wash with warm water and mild soap after each wear.
• Pat it completely dry. Never store it damp.
• Keep it out of direct sun and away from other TPR products, since they can bond together.
• Never use silicone-based lube or oil near TPR. It breaks the material down.
• Dust with Packer Renewing Powder to keep it soft and stop tackiness.

Silicone packers (My Buddy, #1 Trans Packer)

• Wash with warm water and a body-safe toy cleaner after each wear. Silicone is non-porous and easy to clean, but it still needs regular washing.
• Let it air dry completely before storing.
• Store it on its own. Silicone touching silicone over time can damage the surface.
• Finish with a light dusting of Packer Renewing Powder for a smooth matte finish.

FAQ

Keep reading: how to wear a packer, STP packer tips, 3 things to know before your first packer, and how often to replace packing underwear.