CHEST BINDERS & BINDING TAPE

The right binder depends on how flat you want to look, how long you plan to wear it, and what your day involves. Here is how our styles compare:

Cotton binders use a 92 to 95% cotton and spandex blend, so they feel soft against skin and work well for long days. Max compression binders, on the other hand, add a woven inner panel for firmer, more targeted flattening. If you are new to binding, start with cotton.

Short vs. long

Short binders end just below the ribcage, which makes them easier to tuck and a little cooler. Long binders run to the hip instead, so they smooth the torso and keep the hem from rolling up. Similarly, racerback styles free up the shoulders, whereas tank styles spread pressure more evenly across the back.

First, measure your chest at its fullest point. Next, measure your underbust just below. Then match both numbers on the Binder Size Chart.

A smaller binder does not make you flatter. Instead, it squeezes your ribs and makes breathing harder. So if you land between two sizes, size up. And if a binder still feels wrong, our free 30-day size exchange has you covered.

Binding should feel snug, never painful. Above all, listen to your body. These habits keep binding comfortable for the long run:

• Bind for 8 hours or less at a stretch, and take breaks whenever you can.
• Never sleep in a binder. Your chest and ribs need time to rest.
• Work out in a sports binder like the Sports Bro rather than a max compression style.
• Skip ACE bandages and duct tape. They tighten as you move and can damage skin and ribs.
• Take it off right away if you feel pain, shortness of breath or rib tightness, and then size up.
• Wash your binder regularly so it keeps its shape and compression.

If you are planning top surgery, ask your surgeon how binding fits into your prep. For the full rundown, read Chest Binding 101 and our warm weather binding guide.

Binding tape is a kinesiology-style tape that shapes the chest directly on skin. As a result, it works under swimwear, tank tops and open-back shirts where a binder would show. TGS Binding Tape comes in 3", 4", 5", 6" and 8" widths; wider tape gives more coverage and support.

• Always use nipple guards underneath.
• Apply to clean, dry skin.
• Never wrap all the way around the chest. Leave a gap at the back.

Learn more in How to Bind with Tape and the binding tape FAQ, or shop all binding tape.

Which binder is best for beginners?
Start with a cotton binder. It is softer and more breathable, so it is easier to wear while you learn how binding feels.

Can I swim in a chest binder?
Yes, in the right one. The Sports Bro uses a quick-dry recycled polyester and spandex blend made for the pool. Alternatively, binding tape works well under swimwear.

Can I exchange for a different size?
Yes. Every binder gets a free size exchange within 30 days of delivery, including sale styles. Items should be unworn, clean and in original packaging, and we send the return label.

Where can I compare binder brands?
Read our best chest binders guide and our chest binder brands compared breakdown.

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