I am so sorry for this but the binder FAQ on yalls FAQ page just leads to the same post im so sorry
Our blog is a hot mess and I take full responsibility for that because I don’t know anything about HTML so each of my “fixes” just makes things worse in a different way. At some point I intend to update our resources so the info is current, and then maybe find someone who knows HTML to make it look nice. But until that day, you get Legacy Blog ™ which looks and acts like it’s from 9 years ago because it is.
However, the page should work if you copy this link in your browser: https://transgenderteensurvivalguide.tumblr.com/bindingfaq
And if it doesn’t work, I’ll copy the text from that page below:
Anyone who has a chest they’d like to be less prominent can bind! It isn’t limited to only dysphoric trans men/boys, and if you want to bind then you’re allowed to.
Anyone who wants to bind is allowed to. That includes AFAB non-binary people who want a flatter chest, trans people who don’t have chest dysphoria but want to pass as male or look less feminine and find binding helpful for that, and transfeminine people on E who have breast development they are uncomfortable with or need to hide because they aren’t out, and anyone else who wants to bind.
Cis people who want to make their chest appear smaller or flat can bind. That includes cis men with gynecomastia and cis women doing cosplay. If you’re cis and you want to bind, you’re welcome to use this page because the safety tips apply to everyone, but please do not use the free binder resources here because they are meant for trans people. Cis people can buy binders that are marketed toward trans people, though. And no, putting on a binder does not “make” you trans.
However, nobody is required to bind. You don’t need to bind to be a valid trans person, and you shouldn’t feel pressured to do so. You can be a trans boy with a large chest and still not want to bind- it’s okay to opt out of binding if you’re comfortable with your body and don’t want to bind! You can be trans and not want to bind too because gender identity is different than your gender expression and your body. You are also allowed to choose to bind only at specific times.
Where can I buy a binder?
GC2B and Underworks are the most popular and reputable binder companies
We can’t guarantee the safety of other brands as they haven’t been as thoroughly reviewed and tested by the trans community, so please use at your discretion.
Custom binders: Shapeshifters Inc (also safe!)
Spectrum Outfitters is a UK-based binder brand that looks similar to gc2b
Other relatively safe binder makers are T-kingdom, DoubleDesign (Or DoubleT), Danaë, Peecock, Sweat It Out, Morris Designs, Nouvelle Inc, ManSculpture, Esha-Taipei, and X-body
There is no single best binder. Different binders will suit different needs and body types. Finding reviews by people with a similar body type and asking people why they chose the binder they wear are good places to start when looking for a binder.
Strapless binders likely aren’t safe.
Known unsafe brands: LesLoveBoat (their clasp binders specifically), Ebay, binders that are sold on Amazon (except Underworks), Wish, The Discriminant, Ancient Fish King
Free binders for trans people:
Gender Gear (Canada, not free but $5 each)
Search “binder giveaway” on Tumblr and keep that tag tracked! Also check out blogs like @Binder-giveaway-reblogs.
Local LGBT organizations or support groups may have free binders that have been donated by other trans folk, especially if they also have other donated clothes available so check in with local resources first since it’s usually easier to get a binder from them in person than it is to go on a waitlist for a non-local organization and get something shipped online.
Cis people who want to flatten their chests because of cosplay or acting can buy binders from a store listed in the question above but shouldn't get them from a donation program for trans people.
How do I buy a binder if I’m not out?
How to buy a binder without parents knowing
Asking a friend to get you a binder
What is the gc2b packaging like?
What’s the underworks packaging like?
What does shapeshifters inc. packaging look like?
If your parents find your binder
How do I ask my parents for a binder?
Asking parents for a binder
Scientific study on the safety of binding
I can’t get a binder. How can make my chest look flatter?
Sports bras: Ren made some sweet info on binding with two sports bras- see part one here, and part two here. Here’s a post about asking for a sports bra. You’ll want to use this type, and here are some brand recs. There is a ribbed sports bra modification prototype here, but it may not be safe, so we recommend Ren’s method for now.
Camisoles: We also have a post about binding with camisoles
Tape: KT or TransTape binding
Padded shaper: This post describes a padded undershirt to help make your chest less noticeable by filling out the other areas.
Dance top, swimsuit, compression shirt: Dance tops or one-piece Speedo sports swimsuits, and athletic compression shirts can also compress the chest a little.
Clothing: Clothing to wear to help disguise chest
Please do not try to make a DIY binder. Chances are, it will not be safe and you could hurt yourself.
Which type of binder should I get and what size?
We have a style guide here!
Full length vs half tank binders
Again, strapless binders likely aren’t safe.
Here is how to measure yourself for a binder
Can I bind if my chest is still growing?
Yes, it’s safe to bind if you’re afab and going through an estrogen-based puberty and your chest is still developing, and it’s safe to bind if you’re amab and on estrogen and want to hide your breast development.
Binding shouldn’t interfere with breast development or cause them to grow less, and it shouldn’t harm them if you bind safely even if they’re still growing although you may get some sagging.
But- you do want to periodically re-measure yourself periodically to make sure you haven’t outgrown your binder and need a bigger size.
If your binder starts feeling too tight or uncomfortable, you’ll need to buy a larger one.
What are the risks unsafe of binding?
These are side effects we’ve heard people self-report after unsafe binding:
Damaged ribs (bruised, broken, deformed, warped, cracked, etc)
If you deform/damage your ribcage, you might not be be able to bind again
aggravation of existing conditions (such as asthma)
build up of fluid in the lungs
A non-harmful side-effect would be softer chest tissue, stretch marks on the chest, and a more saggy chest. You will likely get sagging after a while even if you bind safely!
These exercises and advice can help prevent binding injuries (here are some more)
What are the general safety rules of binding?
Don’t sleep with your binder on at night
Don’t do any vigorous exercising in a binder- no things that get your heart rate up and make you breathe heavily and sweat
Don’t bind for more than 12 hours maximum at once, 8 hours regularly
Break in a binder - don’t go straight to 8 hours of use
Never bind too small, use the right size (if between sizes, go up)
Never use ACE bandages or duct tape
Take it off if you’re experiencing pain
Don’t bind when you’re sick with a cough
Do not double bind! Don’t wear a binder and another binder on top, or a binder and a compression sports bra. Two sports bras are okay though.
Binding with two sports bras is still binding, and the same rules about wearing a binder apply to sports bra binding!
By easing into it! Don’t go straight to the maximum time limits, work up by one or two hours per day
Here’s how to remember to take it off
What to wear under binder if chest is falling down
Binding when you have anxiety about it
You can position your chest however you feel the most comfortable. gc2b recommends having your chest face forward in the center of the binder like this.
Explaining binder if visible when changing
I’ve just started binding and I’m experiencing X!
Can I bind while doing x?
On a plane (but be careful of TSA)
Doing normal routine stuff that won’t raise your heart rate
While taking a walk or light bike ride
While playing an instrument that requires breath
While singing (singing in the car is okay, choral singing or any singing where you need good breath control is not)
While practicing for/performing in a theatre production
While moshing/screaming/dancing at a concert
While swimming (unless you have a specific swimming binder)
On roller coasters/thrill rides
While getting a first tattoo
While crying heavily (if you can avoid it)
When you’re sick (especially if you’re coughing, having a hard time breathing, or throwing up)
When you’re visiting somewhere that is much hotter than temperatures that you are used to (vacations)
When you have a chest/torso injury, are recovering from improper binding, etc.
While drunk/planning to be drunk
While doing any activity you couldn’t sing while doing without getting out of breath, even if you don’t consider it “exercise”, including marching band, dance, running, weightlifting, etc
Let’s be clear, binding does NOT cause
Will binding make my chest sag?
Everyone’s chest sags with time whether or not you bind, but binding accelerates the process because over time the compression from binding can break down some of the breast tissue. This isn’t dangerous, it’s just an aesthetic change.
Larger breasts naturally tend to sag more over time even if you don’t bind because the breasts themselves weigh more.
Your chest will still be the same functionality-wise: you’ll have the same amount of sensation and you’ll still be able to breastfeed one day if you so chose.
You can wear a supportive bra to help your chest look less saggy although bras don’t actually reverse chest sagging. A push-up bra is best for cleavage, but generally any bra with quality straps and an underwire will help with the shape.
There isn’t really a way to bind and not have your chest sag eventually.
Any binding over an extended period of time will cause sagging, but some people can bind for months without noticing sagging while other people notice it sooner so there isn’t any particular time frame when it happens as it varies by person.
You won’t suddenly get a lot of sagging one day without noticing it because sagging happens gradually over time, so you could always stop binding if you feel uncomfortable with the changes.
Sagging is only reversible through cosmetic surgery.
Binding with certain conditions can be detrimental but doable, while others may prevent you from binding. Keep in mind that many of these conditions have varying severity and your experience may be different from others.
bronchitis / pneumonia / any coughing
using crutches (for an injury)
dwarfism/chronic congestion + sinus issues
So, I wore my binder for too long, but I feel okay! Am I injured? What should I do?
I think I hurt myself! What do I do?
Ren once again made a really nice troubleshooting post for chest pains/binding injuries
Here’s some excuses to give your parents if you need to see a doctor and you’re closeted
Here’s some info on talking to your doc about binding
How do I put on/take off my binder?
Here is the usual method for putting it on.
However, if your shoulders/chest are larger than your hips, you may find it easier to step into it and pull it up (like you would with a one-piece swimsuit or snowsuit).
This is how to wear a velcro/zipper binder
This is how to take off a binder
Here’s a post on washing a binder. It has info on how to secretly wash it on your own if you’re closeted and have to hide your binder.
Binders should be washed about as often as you would wash a bra. Some people say every 3 days, and some people say once a week. It depends on how much you sweat and whether your skin is irritated easily.
If you’re getting increased acne on your chest or back, it may be a sign that you need to wash your binder (and/or body) more often!
Put your right hand on the left side of your binder, and the left hand on the right side, and pull up.
If that doesn’t work, try pulling your arms out of the arm holes and pulling it downwards
If that doesn’t work, try pulling the straps upwards or grabbing the center back of the neckline and pulling it upward.
If that doesn’t work, try get a friend to help you
If there’s no friend / it didn’t work, you may need to cut it off and replace it. However a binder shouldn’t be so tight that you get stuck!
How do I know if it’s the right size?
If you’re having trouble breathing or experiencing sharp pain in your ribs, then it’s too small.
Can you fit your fist between your binder and the centre of your chest? If so, then it’s big enough!
If you could wear a winter coat under your binder, then it’s too big!
Here’s a post from GC2B about how to tell if a binder is too small or too big.
What do I do if it’s not the right size?
Here’s Lee’s experience with exchanging Underworks and GC2B binders.
Do not wear your binder if it is too small because that’s not safe.
I get really dysphoric without my binder but I need to sleep, help!
Wearing a baggy shirt, putting a pillow over your chest, or sleeping on your front can all help with dysphoria when going to bed! Look at our sleep post too.
I get dysphoric without my binder but I need to shower, help!
Turning off the lights in the bathroom or just having a dim light, or having some point on the wall to focus on rather than you body can help!
Staying clean when you have dysphoria about showering
I wanna go swimming, what do I do?
There are swim binders available from Underworks here, and some other binder stores mentioned above.
All GC2B binders are safe to swim in if you get a size larger than your usual size.
Bareskin Swim Binders should also be safe for swimming.
Outplay has high compression swimming tops.
Rebirth Garments has a swim top.
However, if you swim competitively, lifeguard, or do any type of “exercise” swimming, use a sports bra and rash guard instead.
More info on what to wear swimming is here.
I still want to know more!
Here’s another post about binding and check out our binding tag and our binders tag!
9 Tips For Chest Binding As A Plus Size Person
A YouTube video on binding
All The Questions You Had About Chest Binding, But Were Afraid To Ask
Everything you need to know about binders and binding
