What Size Packer Should I Get?
What Size Packer Should I Get?
The TGS Bulge Rating System — a community-tested guide to packer sizes, body proportions, and finding what actually works for you.
Not sure what size packer to get? You're not alone — it's one of the most common questions we get from people just starting their packing journey, and honestly, from experienced packers too. With so many options out there, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.
At Transguy Supply — a trans-owned store designed by and for trans men, trans masculine, non-binary, and gender expansive people — we've spent years helping our community find their perfect fit. That's why we built the TGS Bulge Rating System: a simple, community-tested guide that cuts through the noise and helps you choose with confidence.
What Is a Packer?
A packer is a soft prosthetic worn in the front of your underwear to create a natural-looking bulge. Used by trans men, trans masculine, non-binary, and gender expansive people, packing is a common form of gender affirmation — for many people it reduces dysphoria and increases confidence in everyday situations. Packers come in a range of sizes, materials, and skin tones. Some also function as stand-to-pee devices or pack-and-play prosthetics.
Why Shaft Length Alone Doesn't Tell the Full Story
Most packers are marketed and sold based on shaft length. But after polling hundreds of users, we found that ball size is actually a better indicator of how big a packer will look in your pants. A longer shaft with small balls can produce a smaller visible bulge than a shorter shaft with larger balls.
Take the Small Mr. Limpy and the Performance Packer. Looking only at shaft length, the Performance Packer seems bigger. But its balls are some of the smallest we carry — so it actually produces a smaller bulge than the Small Mr. Limpy. Our Bulge Rating accounts for both, giving you a much more accurate picture of what you'll actually see in your pants.
The TGS Bulge Rating System
Our ratings run from 1 (Small) to 5 (Extra Large) and are based on data collected from hundreds of community members. These are averages and guidelines — not absolutes. Packing is deeply personal. If you're 4'11" and 100 lbs and feel most comfortable with a Bulge Rating of 4, that's completely valid. Choose what feels right for you.
The TGS Bulge Rating System — community-tested across hundreds of packers and body types.
Packer Size Comparison Chart
Want to see how every packer TGS carries stacks up against the others? The chart below graphs our full range from smallest to largest bulge. A quick note: the measurements show volume — how much space the packer takes up — not weight. Bulge size is about space, not mass.
Every packer TGS carries, graphed by bulge volume from smallest to largest.
Size Recommendations by Height & Body Type
| Height / Body Type | Suggested Starting Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5'0" / under 100 lbs | Rating 1–2 | Smaller proportions look most natural. Start with Rating 1 or 2. |
| 5'0"–5'6" / average build | Rating 2–3 | Rating 3 is the community favourite for this range. Conservative is the safe starting point. |
| 5'6"–6'0" / average to larger build | Rating 3 | Moderate works for almost every body type in this range. Most natural-looking everyday option. |
| Over 6'0" / over 200 lbs | Rating 3–4 | Larger frames can carry Rating 4 naturally. Rating 3 still works well if you prefer a subtle look. |
| Any height / want maximum presence | Rating 5 | This will be noticeable on any body type. Go in knowing that — and own it. |
These are starting points, not rules. Height and weight correlate with preferred packer size — but they don't determine it. The right size is the one that makes you feel most like yourself. If that's a Rating 5 on a 5'2" frame, that's the right choice.
Soft Packer vs. STP — Choosing the Right Type
Size is just one dimension. The other big decision is what type of packer you want.
Soft packers are designed purely for packing — creating a natural bulge for all-day wear. They come in TPR (softer, more affordable, great for beginners) and silicone (more realistic feel, non-porous, longer lasting). Our most popular soft packers include the Mr. Limpy for beginners and the full silicone packer range for those wanting a premium, long-term option.
STP packers (Stand-to-Pee) do double duty — creating a bulge and letting you pee standing up. Most of our STP range is 3-in-1, adding play functionality as well. Our STPs are made from ultra-soft, premium platinum-cured, body-safe silicone — the same material standard found in products at two to three times the price. They start at $48 and ship from the US. Browse the full STP range →
Our Recommendations by Bulge Rating
| Rating | Best Soft Packer | Best STP / Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 Small / Conservative | Mr. Limpy Extra Small or Lil Buddy | Subtle, lightweight, easy to wear daily |
| 3 Moderate | Mr. Limpy Small | My Buddy 4" Silicone — most popular overall |
| 4 Large | Mr. Limpy Large or Packer Gear 5" Silicone | STP Freely or The Lou STP — premium 3-in-1, $48 |
| 5 Extra Large | Mr. Limpy Extra Large | Mr. Right Silicone Packer — makes a statement |
Tips for First-Time Packers
- Start smaller than you think. Most people overestimate how big they want to go. A Rating 3 looks more natural on more bodies than a Rating 4 or 5 — and is much easier to position and keep in place
- The right underwear makes everything better. A packer without proper support will shift, sag, or feel wrong regardless of size. Cake Bandit packing underwear is designed specifically to hold your packer in place — no improvising needed
- Silicone vs TPR: TPR packers like the Mr. Limpy are affordable and great for starting out, but they're porous and degrade over time. Silicone packers are non-porous, body-safe, and built to last. If you're ready to invest in something long-term, silicone is worth it
- Packing is personal. There's no objectively correct size. The right choice is whatever size makes you feel most like yourself
FAQ
What size packer should I get as a beginner?
Start at Rating 3 (Moderate) — it's the most popular size across our community and works for the widest range of body types. If you're on the smaller side (under 5'3" or slimmer build), consider Rating 2 (Conservative). Most beginners who go straight to Rating 4 or 5 find it looks less natural and is harder to position and keep in place. You can always size up later.
What do packer sizes look like as a bulge?
Rating 1–2 creates a subtle, barely-there profile — present but not prominent. Rating 3 (Moderate) creates the most natural-looking everyday bulge for most body types — visible under fitted clothing but proportionate. Rating 4 is noticeably larger and reads "well-endowed." Rating 5 creates a softball-sized profile that will draw attention on any body type. The TGS Packer Size Comparison Chart above shows the full range graphed by bulge volume.
How much do FTM packers weigh?
Packer weight varies by size and material. TPR packers like the Mr. Limpy are lighter — the Small weighs roughly 45–55g. Silicone packers of similar size are slightly heavier due to material density, typically 60–90g for a 4" model. The weight difference is small enough that most people don't notice it during wear — fit and positioning are much more noticeable factors than weight for all-day comfort.
What size packer for tall people?
Taller frames (over 6 feet) can carry a Rating 4 naturally — a larger packer is proportionate to a larger body. That said, Rating 3 (Moderate) works well for tall people too if you prefer a subtle everyday look. Height is a guideline, not a rule. Some tall trans men prefer Rating 2 or 3 for daily wear and size up for specific situations.
What size packer for short people?
Shorter frames (under 5'3") generally look most natural with a Rating 1 or 2. A Rating 3 can work well depending on build. The key is proportion — a very large packer on a small frame can look visually out of place under fitted clothing. Start conservative and work up if you want more presence.
What is a packer for trans men?
A packer is a soft prosthetic worn in the front of your underwear to create a natural-looking bulge. They're used by trans men, trans masculine, non-binary, and gender expansive people as a form of gender affirmation. Packers come in soft (wear only), STP (stand-to-pee), and pack-and-play varieties. TGS carries the full range — browse our full packer collection.
Does packer weight matter for daily wear?
Not significantly — most packers are light enough that weight isn't a noticeable factor during everyday wear. The more important variables are how well the packer is held in place (your underwear or harness), the size and proportion to your body, and the material. A heavier packer in good packing underwear will feel more stable than a lighter packer in the wrong hold setup.
Ready to find your size?
Every packer in this guide, in one place.