Chest Binding 101: Everything You Need To Know
Binding is an essential process for lots of Trans men, Trans masc and Non-binary folx.
Of course, not every trans person binds or wants to bind. And there are a lot of trans people who want to bind, but can't - often due to health reasons. However, many trans folx say that, above all else, their chests give them the most dysphoria. For some, having lumps where they feel they shouldn't feels like wearing a costume they can't take off. For others, it can make them not want to leave their houses or interact with other people at all.
For those who have severe chest dysphoria, a good binder can be a godsend. Having the appearance of a flat chest can increase confidence and reduce anxiety. It can also help you fit into clothes made for people with flat chests. It can help you be read as male by others - if that's your aim. And of course, it can significantly reduce your dysphoria.
That said, binding can be complicated. It's not exactly the most comfortable thing you can do to your body. And chest binding is not without risk. In fact, long term binding can lead to severe health issues. And improper binding is a fail-proof way to cause your body some real damage.
In this article, you can find all the information you need for safer binding. You can also check out reviews of the best chest binder companies, and find out where to buy one. Can't afford a binder? No sweat. We've got you covered there too. Keep reading, or skip ahead for info on how to get your hands on a free or gently used binder.
Have a specific question? Jump ahead with these links:
What is a chest binder?Chest Binding Safety Tips
Best Cheap Chest Binders
Best Chest Binders - Premium
Where to Buy Chest Binders
Used chest binders - Where to buy one
Free binders - Donation Programs
How to put on a chest binder
How to wear a chest binder
How to care for your chest binder
WHAT IS A CHEST BINDER
A chest binder is a very tight undergarment worn on the torso to give the wearer a flatter looking chest.
Who wears chest binders?
Anyone who wants a flatter looking chest.
How do chest binders work?
A binder works by pushing down the skin and tissue that create bumps on the chest. The wearer usually pushes any excess flesh down, to the sides, and towards the armpit. The rest of the binder is often made of more elastic fabric for comfort and ease of movement.
SAFE(R) CHEST BINDING
1. Do NOT use duct tape or sports bandages to bind.
It's next to impossible to get an Ace bandage the appropriate level of tightness for your body. And most people err on the side of too tight. What can this do to your body? Serious harm. Internal organ damage, broken or cracked ribs, and restrictive breathing - just to name a few potential side effects. What's more, Ace bandages aren't designed to move with your body. This means more opportunities for injury and discomfort. Think you're the exception? You're not. If you bind with an Ace bandage, you will eventually hurt yourself.
If Ace bandages are out, that goes double for duct tape. Not only can it cause the same type of injury to your body as an Ace bandage, ripping the duct tape off your skin can be incredibly painful. Duct tape was made to act as a barrier to moisture and air where it is applied. Left on the skin for long periods of time, it will reduce oxygen to the area and can even kill cells by depriving them of moisture and air.
NOTE: We know dysphoria is a beast. We know what it's like to not want to look in a mirror. To want to crawl under the floorboards and never emerge. But no matter what mental anguish your current body may be giving you, we implore you to not bind using either of these methods. YOU have a future. And that body of your has places to go and things to do. Take care of the only body you have so the future you can be the guy or non-binary person you were meant to be. Scroll down for ways to get your hands on a legit binder, even if you can't afford one.
2. Give your lungs a breather, (literally)
Long-term binding can cause lasting damage to your lungs, heart, and posture. Transguy Supply recommends that you bind no longer than 8-12 hours per day. Actually, we recommend that you bind no longer than 4-6 hours a day, but we know that no one is going to do that.
Most people are out of their houses for about 10 hours a day - either at school or work. So consider this time frame as a harm-reduction model. The more breaks you can give your body, the better.
3. Never Sleep in Your Binder
Speaking of giving yourself breaks, night time is the perfect time to let your body unwind a bit. You breathe differently when you sleep. Binding while sleeping can restrict your breathing, and cause issues similar to sleep apnea.
Long term, this can disrupt your sleep patterns and open you up to a whole host of other potential problems. High blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and worsening of ADHD, just to name a few. Lousy sleep can also lead to poor performance in other areas like work or school. Getting a good night's sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your long term health.
4. Never Bind While Working Out
If binding in your sleep is out, this goes double for working out. First and foremost, binding while working out can cause shortness of breath. This can be especially dangerous if you are prone to asthma and can result in an asthma attack.
Even if you don't have asthma, working out in your binder is risky. Binding can restrict your mobility and also affect your posture. Both of these factors can prevent you from completing exercises with proper form. Improper form leads to injuries, and a bad one can sideline you from doing any exercise for a long time. Good form allows you to reap all the benefits of your workout and avoid injuries at the same time.
Want to exercise, but don't want to be seen in public without your binder? There are lots of full-body no-equipment exercise plans out there. These can give you a fantastic workout from the comfort of your own home. Extra bonus: you'll save money on a gym membership.
5. Measure your chest and buy the appropriate size.
We’ve seen a lot of flimsy binders out there on the market. Some of them are little more than glorified sports bras and aren't firm enough to flatten a pancake. However, all of the chest binders on Transguy Supply are quality binders and offer strong compression. There’s no need to buy a size smaller size to get some serious flattening.
Grab a tape measure, and measure around the widest part of your chest (usually where your nipples are, but not always). With that measurement, use the product size charts to find the right size for you. Each binder we offer has its own size guide in the product description.
It's important to note that each binder brand will use a different measurement scale. If you wear a small in one brand, it doesn't mean you will need a small in another. Pay attention to the size guides and if you are unsure, don't hesitate to reach out. Any company that has your health and safety and mind will be glad to help you determine which size is best for you.
6. Listen to your body
Even if you've purchased the right binder, and are giving yourself breaks at night, it's important to listen to your body. A lot of us trans folks spend a significant amount of time ignoring our bodies.
We're not judging. This can be an essential survival tactic, especially when dysphoria is eating away at you. That said, it's important to be aware of when your body is experiencing physical pain. While very few people would say that binding is comfortable, it should never be painful.
Every couple of hours, check in with your body. A 60-second meditation-style body scan will do the trick.
Here's how to do one: sit up straight, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then rest your attention on different parts of your body, starting with the top of your head and moving toward your toes. As you notice each one, focus your attention there and consciously relax that part of you. Do you notice any tension? Any pain?
In just one minute you should be able to check in with your head, neck, shoulders, arms, upper back, lower back, and belly.
7. Stretch Throughout the Day
If you notice any tension during your body scan, a little stretching can go a long way to ease those little aches. Roll your shoulders a few times. Stretch your arms overhead. Give yourself a little chair twist.
If you can spare the time for a full body stretch, do it. But if not, even a little stretching can benefit your body. At the very least, stretching can improve your circulation and get the blood flowing back into your bound body.
8. Take Moments to Breathe Deeply
Remember that 60-second body scan I mentioned 2 tips up? These little check-ins are also a great time to give your lungs some love.
To kick off your body scan, start by pushing all of the air out of your lungs. Contract your ab muscles to make sure your lungs as empty as possible. Now breathing in through your nose, fill your belly with air first. Once your belly is full, allow your chest to expand and fill with air too. Once you can't take in any more air, hold your breath and count to 3. Now exhale through your mouth.
Take 3-4 full breaths like this a couple of times a day. It helps you release some of the tension that uncomfortable binding can cause. This is also great to do at the end of the day when you're taking your binder off for its nightly break.
Qwear blogger, Logan also suggest coughing hard a few times. He writes, "Cough hard a few times to loosen any fluid that has built up in your lungs. This is very effective."
9. Be Mindful of Your Posture
As we noted above, binding can affect your posture. People will often unconsciously shift and hunch to reduce the discomfort of binding. This can lead to rounded shoulders and curved spines.
Take moments to check in on your posture and make sure you aren't hunched over. Hunching can cause nerve compression among other issues. Make sure your shoulders are back and down. Also, position your head so that your neck and head are stacked on top of one another in a straight line.
Being trans is nothing to be ashamed of. Show the world by standing up straight and walking tall.
Is binding ever completely safe?
No. Our bodies weren't meant for this kind of serious, long-term compression. However, you can reduce the potentially harmful side effects (eg. back and shoulder pain, bruised ribs, etc.) of daily binding by following the above safety tips and by purchasing the correct size.
Which brand is best for you?
The best binder for you will depend on several factors including budget, chest size, body shape and desired compression level. Take a look below at the binders we recommend most.
BEST CHEAP CHEST BINDERS
UNDERWORKS
This is the classic, most popular and most affordable brand of quality binding on the market. The company got its start by making chest binders for cis men with gynecomastia. Long ago, trans folks discovered that these binders can help create the appearance of a flat chest too.
Given the affordability, it's no surprise that Underworks is the brand most people opt for. The least expensive model on the market is the Econo Top Binder which comes in at $17.99 plus shipping). Underworks binders are also known for their effective compression. However, in this case, the lower cost and more aggressive compression can also mean a sacrifice in comfort. Nearly everyone who has tried both Underworks and one of the more premium brands will report that Underworks is the less comfortable model. Trans folx generally site 3 different reasons for this:
1. Underworks binders compress more tightly than other brands.
2. The actual texture of the material the binder is made of can be rough and scratchy (though this will ease up after a few rounds in the wash).
3. The armholes of Underworks binders are smaller and can chafe your armpits. This one is especially true for those with larger arms.
Underworks does have a handful of models that come with a soft inner lining. This lining will significantly improve the texture and your comfort. Of course, these improved models are also much pricier than the Econo models. Also, we should note that these softer models still come with tight armholes.
In light of all that, who is the Underworks binder best for?
1. People with smaller arms.
2. People who are budget conscious.
Let's be real, transition gear can be very expensive. All in, even the less pricey merch can be a serious strain on someone strapped for cash. There are definitely other cheap binder options on the market. We've seen quite a few of these on Amazon lately. However, we've tested a lot of these models and the reality is, they are little more than glorified sports bras.
3. Those who want a little extra compression.
Please note there is a difference between discomfort and pain. If you are experiencing pain from your binder, you might have the wrong binder size or type.
BEST MID-RANGE CHEST BINDERS
TRANSGUY SUPPLY
TGS launched our binder line in 2022 with three basic styles: a mid tank binder, a full tank binder, and a mid-length racerback binder for those with broader shoulders.
Each of these models is made with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. And they all contain a breathable mesh back that allows for improved air circulation and comfort. The two mid-length models also have a support band that helps prevent your binder from rolling up at the bottom. With superior engineering, these binders are quickly gaining in popularity.
And it doesn't hurt that the two shorter models come in under $30.
BEST PREMIUM CHEST BINDERS
1. NEW YORK TOY COLLECTIVE
New York Toy Collective (NYTC) is a New York-based company that mostly makes adult toys. However, they also make great packers and STPs and started offering binders in 2018. Currently, their binders only come in two basic models: mid-length and long. Both of these models are significantly more comfortable than Underworks binders. They're made with reinforced stitching for extra durability and a moisture-wicking lining to help keep you dry.
Of course, the higher quality material comes with a higher price tag. A NYTC binder will cost you a little under $50 plus shipping. Yet for something that you are likely going to wear every day, it's a worthwhile investment. Both of the NYTC models have great mobility for your arms and upper back. The neck is also low enough to wear beneath button downs and v-necks without showing.
Check out Jackson Miloh's review of them:
2. GC2B
gc2b is one of the most popular binder brands out there. Founded in 2014 by Marli Washington, a trans person of color, gc2b is a trans-owned and operated business. If you can shell out $33-$35 for a binder, nearly everyone who has one will tell you it's worth it. gc2b binders are made from softer, stretchier material that goes on easier than the Underworks binders.
Bigger folx will appreciate the wider armholes, but also sometimes report that they have to adjust their chest so that extra flesh doesn't poke out under their armpits.
3. FLAVNT
Flavnt Streetwear is a trans-owned apparel company operating out of Austin, TX. While they mainly traffic in shirts, they also happen to make a highly rated binder for trans folks. Flavnt binders are called the "Bareskin Binder." They come in a variety of skin tones and are great for someone who doesn't want to layer up on the beach during the summer. While you can swim in any binder, the Bareskin Binder dries more quickly than other brands.
It also has a lower neckline making it easier to take on and off, even when wet. This also means that it won't show underneath lower, V-neck cut shirts. Additionally, Flavnt's chest binders are racer back, which allows for more arm mobility. While we still do not recommend working out in a binder, these are our recommendation for light activity. If you're spending the day at the beach and want to swim and play a little paddle ball, this binder is your best bet.
It should be noted that Bareskin Binders routinely sell out. Flavnt keeps ordering bigger orders from their manufacturer, but customers keep gobbling them up. Sometimes in a matter of days. You can stay up to date with Flavnt binder releases by following them on Instagram. You can also stay in the loop by signing up for their email list.
Check out this great comparison video of gc2b and Flavnt chest binders.
WHERE TO BUY A CHEST BINDER
Online
There are a number of places you can buy a chest binder. One of the easiest and most popular places to snag one is from an online company.
Transguy Supply currently sells chest binders from Underworks and New York Toy Collective.
You can also buy FLAVNT and gc2b chest binders on their websites:
The benefit of buying online is that it's the most discreet method to make a purchase. If you don't have a credit card, you can use cash to buy a generic pre-paid gift card. Pharmacies and big-box retail stores such as Walmart and Best Buy often sell these. Once you have a gift card, you can use it to place an online purchase.
At a Sex Shop
If you want to buy a chest binder, but don't want to order one online, your best bet is a local sex shop. The benefit of buying in person is that you can try on different models and sizes to see which one is right for you. Unfortunately, most of these shops will not allow people inside who are under the age of 18.
Contact your local sex shop to see if they carry binders.
BUY A USED CHEST BINDER
If you don't have the money to shell out on a new binder, you can still get your hands on a good one. Lots of Trans and NonBinary folx will sell their gently-used binders after having chest surgery. Some even offer them up free. Here are a couple of places you can check to find something more affordable.
Each month, the subreddit message board /ftm has a pinned BUY/SELL post at the top of their page. Oftentimes on Reddit, people are only asking that you cover the shipping costs. Depending on where you live, you can score a binder here for under $3. Sometimes these binders are barely used.
If you don't see your size, check back often. This subreddit is very active and new posts go up all the time.
FTM GARAGE SALE
https://ftmgaragesale.livejournal.com/tag/sale
People here are buying and selling general FTM gear, such as packers and binders. US-based.
GET A FREE CHEST BINDER
If you don't have any way to pay for shipping, you can always try to score a free binder. There are dozens of binder giveaway programs and though they're competitive, it's worth a shot. Here is a list of a few great binder giveaway programs.
POINT 5CC
https://pointofpride.org/chest-binder-donations/
HOW TO PUT ON A CHEST BINDER
So You've Got a Binder and Now You're Wondering... How Do I Put This Thing On??
It can be a bit confusing when you first get your binder because it's not like other tank tops or shirts we're used to. It's smaller and tighter so we've got these handy steps that will help you put it on without too much strife:
- Put your binder inside out and upside down.
- Step into your binder and pull the bottom of it up, ideally to your belt line. The binder should still be inside out and upside down.
- Use the sleeves as handles to pull the top of the binder (the end closer to your feet) up to your shoulders.
- Put your arms through the sleeve holes and adjust your chest to your needs.
Once you've got it on, be sure to adjust your tissue to the sides of the binder towards your underarms. Try to be sure not to move your chest in unnatural or tug too far to the sides or down for safety and comfort concerns! Remember, you want the binder to fit comfortably since you may be wearing the binder throughout the day.
Taking It Off
After a long day, my favorite feeling was taking my binder off and crawling into bed being able to stretch freely. It's not recommended that you bind for more than 8 hours at a time and the more breaks you can take the better! Binding for long amounts of time day after day breaks down the chest tissue and may cause breathing problems, back pain, and skin irritation. So when you're ready to remove your binder we want you to have a seamless experience!
- From the bottom up shuffle your binder as high off your chest as possible so it's mostly under your underarms.
- Find the bottom of the binder behind you on your back and unravel so it's not a tangled mess.
- Cross your arms, take your binder at your sides and wiggle it as high as you can up your back.
- Grab ahold of the back of the binder behind you, this time from above and shift it up over your shoulders.
- Now pull up and over your head! It can help to grab both sides of the bottom of the binder too.
The first few times you take it off it can be a process when you're learning how to wear a chest binder. But after a few times, you'll be a pro! It can help to shift your shoulders from side to side as you inch your binder up too. The most difficulty I had was after a workout or mowing the lawn where I was sweaty and it stuck to me more than usual. Worst-case scenario you may have to ask your partner or someone you feel comfortable with assist you with step 4 and 5.
HOW TO WEAR A CHEST BINDER
Beware the Uni-Chest
If you purchased an Underworks binder, once you pull your binder over your head, you will need to adjust your chest to help create the appearance of two distinct pecs. You can do this by reaching under your binder and pulling, very slightly, each side of your chest towards your armpit. It may seem weird at first, but it’ll actually spread out the compressed area to give your chest an overall flatter look.
Can I swim in my binder?
Yes! There's no reason not to take a little dip while binding. We don't recommend swimming laps, however. In fact, serious physical activity of all kinds should be avoided while binding.
Wet Binder Warning
Though you can swim in a binder, a wet binder can be incredibly difficult to take on and off. Same goes for putting a binder on a wet body. If you have just gotten out of the shower, make sure that you are completely dry before attempting.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CHEST BINDER
You can increase the longevity of your chest binder by taking care of it properly. With any article of clothing, dirt can get trapped between fibers and stretch out the fabric over time. Eventually, this trapped dirt can make holes in your clothing. As you can imagine, this is especially troublesome for binders. You want your binder to hold its compression for as long as possible.
You can keep your binder nice and tight by washing your binder regularly with mild soap and cold water. We recommend hand washing your binder at night and allowing it to air dry while you sleep. That said, it's ok to put it in the washing machine, but make sure it's on a cold setting.
Have a question about binding that you don't see answered here? Drop a comment below if you have any questions
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