Where can I get a binder?
Shops where you can buy binders at are [gc2b] and [underworks]. Binder giveaway places are [InABind], [Point 5cc] and [FtM Essentials]. We advertise binder giveaways here as well.
Gc2b includes a little flyer with how to use it when you get their binders, if you fear that someone will open your package you can specify that you don’t want anyone to know it’s a binder and they will leave out the flyer and any notes.
Please note that the fabric most binders are made of can be irritating. I solve this by wearing a light, soft cotton t-shirt underneath it. Rashguards can work too.
How do I find my size when binder shopping?
[Here is gc2b’s guide, complete with a diagram showing where to measure.]
8 hours max. When you are first starting binding, don’t go all the way to 8 hours. Ease yourself in and take it on and off throughout the time you are wearing it. Even going to the bathroom and taking it off for a minute is good,
Can I bind when sleeping?
No, you can injure your ribs and/or lungs. You need to breathe freely when asleep.
You have to hand wash it in cold water and lay it out to dry. Don’t hang it, lay it out flat in the sun or any other place it will dry. If you put it in the washing machine and/or dryer it will shrink it, small binders are highly unsafe.
Make sure your binder is clean before putting it on. You can get fungus under your chest from a dirty binder, especially the bigger chested people out there.
How do I bind without a binder?
A double or triple sports bra works for people who don’t have large chests. The safety of home made binders has been iffy so I would not suggest making your own unless you have the right materials (the materials real binders are made of).
How do I put on/take off a binder?
First off, don’t get scared if you can’t put on your binder or take it off with ease. You will have trouble putting it on and taking it off even if it is your size. I got stuck in my binder the first time I tried to take it off and it was a size larger than my actual measurements.
To put it on, put both your arms in and pull it over your head, then pull down. If you do it one arm at a time you will get stuck. You will do a lot of a wiggling. [Here is a video showing you how to do it]
To take it off, you need to pull it up over your chest and pull it off with both arms. Imagine that it is a very tight shirt. [Here is a video showing you how to do it.]
What are dangers/cons of binding?
An accidental fracture of the ribs can happen. (It is rare, but if you bind unsafely, this can mean wearing it while asleep or wearing it when exercising, you will raise your chances by a lot to damage your ribs.)
Breast tissue may become elongated and more malleable. Droopy boobs, essentially. Not a danger, but it’is a con. You can reduce this by instead of positioning your breasts to the side and down, position them to the side with the nipples facing outwards.
You could hurt your back if you bind consistently. It’s not always the case but be wary. Please stretch your back and shoulders before and after wearing your binder.
Longterm binding could change your spine alignment.
Compressing your chest too tightly or incorrectly can permanently damage small blood vessels. This means you could get blood clots and it could lead to heart problems.
Back and/or neck pain is common due to the pressure.
Slumping over to hide your chest when binding can inhibit your breathing. When wearing a binder, please be mindful of your posture.
BINDING DOES NOT CAUSE BREAST CANCER.
Sources: [Ask Alice at Columbia University] [McLean Clinic] [Gender Confirmation Center]
What is an unsafe binder?
An unsafe binder is one that is not made for going around someone’s chest. Ace bandages, compression sleeves, or duct tape are a few common ones used that are bad. If you use these, the chances that you may hurt yourself and/or make yourself unqualifiable for top surgery are high. Binding with duct tape can rip off your skin and severely mess up your nipples.
I think I hurt myself when binding, how do I tell and what do I do?
If you feel any of these, this is abnormal and you need to go to a doctor:
Skipping heart beats, heart pumping faster than normal, or pain in the chest area around the heart.
Inability to cough, sneeze, or take deep breaths.
Bruising around chest or rib cage.
Nausea caused by the binding.
Seeing effects of lack of oxygen in your body, such as dizziness, blueness in fingers or lips, or fainting.
Changed shape of your rib cage.
Numbness in arms or chest.
You need to go to a doctor and stop binding for a while. If you hurt yourself very badly you may never be able to bind again or even not be able to have top surgery. Please bind safety.
If I feel pain in my shoulders, does this mean I’ve hurt myself?
Soreness in the shoulders is normal, however, if you feel that the pain is abnormal or you have never felt that kind of pain before stop binding for a few weeks. If the pain persists, see a doctor.
I can’t breathe well when binding, is that normal?
If you get winded when going up stairs and stuff like that but can catch your breath, that’s normal. If you are constantly in a state where it is hard to breathe that is abnormal and you are either wearing a binder that is too small, slouching while binding, or have been wearing it for far too long. If this inability to breathe is accompanied with pain in the chest or ribs or irregular heartbeats, please see a doctor.
Can I bind when doing sports?
It is not suggested but if you need to, get a binder 1 to 2 sizes up and wear a rash guard underneath. You still can’t do hard exercise with that. You can also get a sports compression top for hard workouts. Swimming especially you want to be able to breathe, so a compression top from underworks should do the trick.
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