Binder Size Chart — How to Find Your Binder Size
Chest Binding Guide
Find Your
Binder Size
How you measure, which style fits your life, and what to do if it's not right — everything you need before you buy. Because sizing anxiety shouldn't stand between you and a chest that feels like yours.
Step One
How to Measure for a Binder
All you need is a soft fabric measuring tape. Take both measurements relaxed — not while inhaling, not while holding your breath, not after coffee number three. Just you, standing naturally.
Chest Measurement
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest — typically across the nipple line. Keep it parallel to the floor and snug, but not pulled tight. Note this measurement in inches.
Underbust Measurement
Wrap the tape directly below your chest, at the top of your ribcage. Snug but comfortable. This number helps confirm you're in the right size range for long-style binders.
Size Charts
TGS Binder Size Charts
Size ranges vary by style. Maximum compression binders run smaller due to the stiff inner layer — account for this when sizing. Cotton binders have a stretchier three-layer panel and tend to fit more true to measurement.
Size charts may vary between styles. Always check the individual product page size guide before ordering.
Binder Styles
Which Binder Is Right for You
TGS carries three compression types. Here's how they break down — and who each one is built for.
Short & Long Tank / Racerback
The stiff inner layer delivers the flattest chest of anything we carry. Sizes run smaller — account for this when measuring.
- Highest compression level in the TGS lineup
- Available in short and long tank, racerback styles
- Best for lower-activity wear and longer days
- Not recommended for workouts or sleep
Cotton Short & Long Tank / Racerback
Three-layer cotton/spandex panel — no stiff inner layer. Breathes, moves with you, and wears well through long days and warm climates.
- 92–95% cotton blend, soft against skin
- Great for sensitive skin, warm weather, and active days
- More forgiving fit than max compression
- Solid first-binder option — approachable without sacrificing real compression
Sports Bro Sports Binder
Moisture-wicking, quick-dry, four-way stretch. Built for the gym — and works in the pool. The one binder that pulls double duty.
- Works as a swim top — quick-dry construction holds in water
- Available in Black, Orange Edition, and Splash Print
- Double-layer front panel, flat seams throughout
- Pairs with binding tape for a flatter look on active days
- Not a max-compression substitute — built to move
| Style | Compression | Best For | Note on Sizing |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Max Compression Binders Short + Long Tank & Racerback |
Maximum | Daily wear, lower-activity days, those wanting the flattest chest | Run smaller. Size up if on the edge. |
|
Cotton Binders Short + Long Tank & Racerback |
Full | All-day wear, warm climates, sensitive skin, active days, first binder | Three-layer cotton panel, stretchier and more forgiving. |
|
Sports Bro 3 colorways |
Medium | Workouts, high-intensity activity, sports, swimming | Quick-dry and moisture-wicking. Works as a swim top. Not a max-compression substitute. |
Sizing Advice
Binder Sizing Tips
Size up when in doubt
The most common sizing mistake is going too small. A well-sized binder still compresses effectively and stays comfortable over a full day. A tight binder causes pain, restricted breathing, and red marks.
Your binder size ≠ your shirt size
Binder sizing is based entirely on chest measurement, not clothing size. Measure first. A medium in one brand is not a medium in another.
New binders run a little firm
Most binders loosen slightly after a few wears and washes — this is normal and expected. It doesn't mean you sized incorrectly. Give it a few wears before deciding.
Styles fit differently
A racerback and a tank binder may feel different even at the same size. Check each product's individual size guide when comparing across styles, especially max vs. cotton.
Max compression binders run small
The stiff inner layer that delivers maximum compression doesn't stretch the way cotton does. If you're right at the top of a size range, go up.
Rotate your binders
If you wear a binder daily, having two or more extends the life of each one and keeps compression consistent. Elastic needs recovery time too.
Binding Safety
How Long Can You Wear a Binder?
Binding safely is binding sustainably. These aren't arbitrary rules — they're how you make sure you can keep binding for years, not just months.
The Ground Rules
Binding Tape
TGS Binding Tape — Widths, Colors & When to Use It
TGS Binding Tape comes in more widths than any other brand — and in a full range of skin tones. Whether you're supplementing a binder or going tape-only for swimming, sport, or a low-profile look, there's a width and tone for your body and your day.
3", 4", 5" & 6"
Four widths in stock. 8" coming soon. More widths means more options for your body shape, chest size, and the look you're going for.
- 3" — low profile, great under fitted tops and lighter chests
- 4" — the workhorse width, versatile for most chest sizes
- 5" — more coverage and compression per strip
- 6" — maximum coverage, ideal for larger chests and fuller binding
6 Skin Tones + True Black
Six dedicated skin tone options plus True Black — so the tape works with your skin, not against it. Matches or exceeds what any competitor carries.
- Designed to lay flat and blend naturally
- True Black for dark base layers and high-contrast looks
- Skin tones available across all widths
When to Use Binding Tape
Note: Binding tape is not eligible for the free size exchange — all tape sales are final. See our Returns & Refunds Policy for details.
Returns & Exchanges
Got the Wrong Size?
We've Got You.
Sizing a binder for the first time is legitimately hard. That's why we offer a free size exchange on every binder we carry — no guessing, no penalty.
30 Days. Prepaid Label. Done.
Every binder at TGS is eligible for a free size exchange within 30 days of delivery — including sale items unless otherwise noted at time of purchase. Binding tape is excluded.
If your binder isn't eligible for exchange, we'll always work with you — contact us first before assuming anything is final. For full returns and refund details, see our Returns & Refunds Policy →
Go Deeper
More from the TGS Blog
Binding education is part of what we do. These guides go further than any size chart can — plus two community programs that set TGS apart from every other binder shop.
Chest Binding 101
The full guide — binder types, safe wear times, how to care for your binder, and when to take a break. Start here if you're new.
The Best Binders for Trans Masc, Non-Binary & Gender Expansive People
A full breakdown of what's out there — and why TGS's lineup is built differently. Community-tested picks with real context.
How to Bind Safely in Warm Weather
Summer binding hits different. Breathable options, hydration, rest strategies, and when tape makes more sense than a binder.
Chest Tape Binding Tutorial
Step-by-step: test strip, placement, removal technique, and skin care. Required reading before your first tape order.
Youth Packer Giveaway
Free binders for trans and non-binary youth under 22 whose families aren't in a position to help. No hoops. No judgment. Apply any time.
Binder Recycling Program
Outgrown your binder? Send it back. We clean, inspect, and pass it on to someone who needs it. Because a good binder shouldn't go to waste.
Ready to Find
Your Binder
Trans-owned. Community-tested. Full lineup of binders and binding tape, all in one place.
Shop All Binders & Binding Tape → TGS Blog & Resources →