Chest Binding 101: Everything You Need To Know

Binding is an essential process for trans guys. Of course, not every transmasculine person binds or wants to bind. And there are a lot of trans guys who want to bind, but can’t – often due to health reasons. However, many trans guys say that above all else, their chests give them the most dysphoria. For some, having lumps where they feel they shouldn’t is like wearing a costume that 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 guys 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 pass – if that’s your aim. And of course, it can significantly reduce your dysphoria.

That said, binding can be a bit 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.

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 and to the sides towards the armpit. The rest of the binder is usually made of more elastic fabric for comfort and ease of movement.

1. SAFE(R) CHEST BINDING

• 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. What’s more, Ace bandages aren’t designed to move with your body. This means more opportunities for injury and discomfort. Think you are the exception? You are 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 a time, it will reduce oxygen to the area and can even kill cells by depriving them of moisture and air.

• NOTE: Trust us. We know dysphoria is a beast. We know what it’s like to not want to look in a mirror or face your day. 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.

  • Measure your chest and buy the appropriately sized binder.

  • 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 our 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.

3. 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.

4. Be Mindful of Your Posture

• • As we noted above, binding can affect your posture. Guys 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.

5. 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.

  • Binding is an essential process for trans guys. Of course, not every transmasculine person binds or wants to bind. And there are a lot of trans guys who want to bind, but can’t – often due to health reasons. However, many trans guys say that above all else, their chests give them the most dysphoria. For some, having lumps where they feel they shouldn’t is like wearing a costume that 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 guys 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 pass – if that’s your aim. And of course, it can significantly reduce your dysphoria.

  • That said, binding can be a bit 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.

6.  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.

7.  Who wears chest binders?

• • Anyone who wants a flatter looking chest.

8.  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 and to the sides towards the armpit. The rest of the binder is usually made of more elastic fabric for comfort and ease of movement.

9.  Safe( R) Chest Binding 

• • 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. What’s more, Ace bandages aren’t designed to move with your body. This means more opportunities for injury and discomfort. Think you are the exception? You are 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 a time, it will reduce oxygen to the area and can even kill cells by depriving them of moisture and air.

 10.  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.

11.   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.

12.  Be Mindful of Your Posture

• • As we noted above, binding can affect your posture. Guys 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.

13.  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.