Binding, or the practice of compressing one’s chest to have a flatter and traditionally masculine appearance, is a pretty standard practice amongst the trans community, similar to packing and tucking. Anyone can bind – even if you’re not transgender, there might be moments when it’s beneficial, like if you’re cisgender but engage in cosplay or drag.
In the transmasculine community, binding is one of the first steps in transitioning. Being assigned female at birth, breast tissue naturally forms during natal puberty and creates distress from gender dysphoria unless preventative measures are taken, like puberty blockers. When trans men begin testosterone through prescribed hormone replacement therapy, breast tissue no longer forms – but HRT cannot reverse tissue already created.* Since few transgender people have the fortune to have supportive parents and the ability to access puberty blockers as youth, binding is the norm.
*Technically, testosterone-based hormone replacement therapy CAN impact breast tissue, but it cannot get rid of it entirely. It’s all extremely anecdotal, but you might experience breast tissue shrink in size. More commonly, HRT affects the composition of breast tissue and makes it less firm, similar to breast tissue cisgender men have. However, these changes are rarely enough to override the need for binding.
Q: DO I HAVE TO BIND?
A: Nope! While binding is common, it is not a requirement to be transgender, and there are many reasons transmasculine folks may choose not to bind, such as having a chest too large for traditional binders, disability, or comfort. Generally, you should talk with your doctor before binding if you have asthma, scoliosis, lupus, COPD, arthritis, Hypermobility Joint Disorder, GERD/IBS/IBD, migraines, TMJD, or fibromyalgia.
Q: HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO BIND?
A: Anyone who has breast tissue is old enough to bind, although this statement might make people queasy. American youth are entering puberty earlier than ever, so it’s reasonable to say that if breast tissue is causing them significant discomfort, they should have access to binding. While binding can have long-term consequences, preventing kids from binding safely will only make them more likely to DIY, which can be dangerous. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s no upper age cap for binding.
Q: WAIT, DID YOU SAY THERE ARE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES TO BINDING?
A: Yes, but those consequences come with caveats. Long-term binding can impact the density of your breast tissue, which can potentially limit your options for chest surgery later. However, these effects (which are common at 10+ years of binding) do not bar you from chest surgery – and it’s worth stating that the average transmasculine person gets chest surgery way before this deadline.
There are plenty of anti-trans parents who will rant on how chest binding will impact children’s bone development during puberty, so youth shouldn’t be allowed to bind. While it is a possibility, there isn’t research to back up this claim: there is little long-term research on transgender people as a whole, and even less on minors. Chest binding, when done safely, isn’t dangerous – a binder should feel like a relatively tight hug and should never cause pain. You should also never wear two or more binders, since the added compression can cause a lot of pain. Exceeding safety recommendations puts you at actual risk of developing skeletal issues, and as mentioned above, barring safe binders from youth pushes them to resort to DIY methods with higher risk.
Always get the right size.
Yes, a smaller binder will give you a flatter chest – but the right size vastly minimizes your risk of common side effects. Keep in mind that cisgender men don’t have completely flat chests, and everyone has some breast tissue. Don’t strive for a perfectly flat chest.
DON’T KNOW YOUR BINDER SIZE? FOLLOW THESE STEPS.
- Wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest. This is the part that comes out the farthest from your body. Do this while you are dressed.
- Write down the measurement. You might want to measure more than once to check it.
- Wrap the tape measure around your chest, right under your breasts. This is where the crease is.
- Write down the measurement.
- Add the measurements together and divide by 2. This is your chest size.
- Put the end of the tape at the outside edge of one of your shoulders. Measure across your body to the outside edge of your other shoulder. Make sure you are standing up straight. Avoid tensing up, hunching your shoulders, or wrapping the measuring tape around your shoulders.
- Write down the number you get. This is your shoulder size.
If your shoulder measurement is 1.5 inches bigger than the shoulder measurements listed for your chest size… Buy a larger size, usually the next size up.
If your shoulder measurement is smaller than the shoulder measurements for your chest size… Buy the size that matches your chest measurement.
If you have a larger chest or broad shoulders… Consider a tank binder. This might be the most comfortable style for you.
If you buy a binder that is smaller than your measurements… Return it for one that fits. The effect on your chest is probably not enough to notice, and the wrong size puts pressure on your back and ribs.
Wearing the correct binder size MATTERS. Over time, using the incorrect size can restrict breathing, irritate the skin, break skin around the edges of the binder, cause overheating, and bruise/fracture the ribs.
TYPES OF BINDERS
Full-Length Tank
As one of the two main classics, the full-length or tank binder has a long panel of compression and can be tucked into your pants. They compress more than just the chest – they also flatten the hips and stomach, which is why these are the most common binders used by cisgender men.
Full-lengths are best suited for individuals with large chests or folks who want additional compression around the stomach and hips. Newer tank binders are made to look like casual shirts, which is a benefit you won’t find with other binder styles. On the other hand, I’ve been told that the more a binder resembles a regular tank top, the less compression it offers. They’re also far less comfortable – from personal experience, full-tanks are hotter and irritating to wear, and I was never able to get the hang of tucking them in, so it would always roll back up.
Half-Length
The other classic binder is the half-length, which is identical to the full-length, other than the lack of material. These stop above the ribs, so they’re cooler and allow for a greater range of motion.
Half-lengths are ideal for individuals with smaller chests compared to full-length, but they can work for folks with larger chests if you’re okay with less compression. They offer better breathability, so they’re more comfortable for all-day use and sports. On the other hand, half-lengths are the most well-known – people will know you’re wearing a chest binder unless you cover it up with a shirt.
Racerback
The racerback binder came into style within the last decade, offering even more range of motion than the half-tank. They’re identical to the traditional half-tank other than the back support design resembling the same ‘x’ pattern that racerback sports bras use. The same pros and cons apply to these as half-tanks, but their strap design is easier to conceal for folks who don’t want to possibly out themselves for wearing a binder.
Strapless
Strapless binders are the most commonly portrayed in film when depicting transmasculine characters, but they’re far from the most commonly worn by actual transgender people.
These are often the cheapest since they’re made in mass production for cosplay, but they offer significantly less compression and support than other binder styles. You have to be precise with strapless measurements, too, since the wrong size could mean the binder falling off. These are also difficult to find by major binder brands due to their association.
I’ll also note that strapless binders like these are considered less safe than other styles – they’re created for cosplay purposes and worn for a day or two at a time, not regular long-term binding. They’re easy to access, but always use with caution.
Pullover & Zipper
These aren’t binder styles themselves, but refer to another aspect of all of the above types. A pullover binder will be pulled over your head, similar to a t-shirt, whereas a zipper binder uses a zipper, clasps, or hooks to put the binder around your chest.
Both are good options! Pullover binders are more commonly produced by binder brands since they’re associated with better compression, but they’re difficult to put on in the beginning when you’re new to binding. Zipper binders are common for strapless and cosplay binders, but they’re a better option if you struggle to get pullovers on. However, always opt for zipper binders that attach in the center of your chest or back – zipper binders that attach on just one side will cause uneven compression that can harm your body over time.
Kinetic Tape
Kinesiology tape, or K-tape, is a thin elastic tape that uses adhesive, and it’s become fairly popular for binding amongst smaller chested individuals. You should NEVER use other forms of tape to bind, such as duct tape, since K-tape is made specifically for athletic purposes and provides a range of motion and breathability that other tape does not. Duct tape is especially dangerous since it constricts your breathing after application.
K-tape struggles to provide the same level of binding as traditional binders, but many folks find it empowering since it gives a more natural look compared to binders. You can even safely sleep and shower with it since the tape is relatively waterproof and takes a few days to naturally lose its grip.
If you have the funds, there are a number of K-tapes now produced with chest binding in mind – like Trans Tape. While the function is the same, I’ve heard that the quality of Trans Tape is significantly better, BUT regular K-tape is pretty accessible since anyone can purchase it in their local Walmart.
Despite this, kinetic tape isn’t for everyone. The compression level isn’t feasible for many, but more often, it’s the adhesive. Kinetic tapes, regardless of brand, can cause significant irritation to the skin even if you don’t have any adhesive allergies. Later on, I’ll be talking about the importance of binder hygiene, and the same applies here. K-tape is used in a sweaty and hot part of the body that creates a LOT of friction. While I was pleased with the compression K-tape provided me, the tape chafed me pretty badly, and I *don’t* have any adhesive allergies.
Sports Bra
A good sports bra can provide a decent level of compression, so it’s a great alternative to regular binding to give your body breaks. In essence, sports bras are similar to racerback binders. Unlike binders, you can find sports bras sold pretty much anywhere, so they’re more accessible.
Unlike the above binding options, sports bras are the ONLY style that I would okay “double-binding.” Since sports bras offer less compression than actual binders, the compression level achieved from double-layering won’t cause significant harm, like if you layered traditional binders.
Keep it clean!
Binders are underwear. Seriously, they can get gross – they’re directly compressing your body and creating hot and humid spaces. Regardless of season, binders should be washed at least weekly, but you should move to every three days if it’s summer or you’re a naturally sweaty person. Even if the binder doesn’t smell too bad, poor binder hygiene causes rashes, skin irritation, acne, fungal infections, and other conditions.
Each binder manufacturer will provide specific instructions on how to best care for your binder. Follow their advice to prolong the life of your binder! However, if you lost the instructions, these are the most common suggestions.
- Wash your binder in cold water on a delicate cycle, OR wash it by hand in the sink with laundry detergent and warm water. Avoid hot water and putting your binder in the dryer.
- Hang the binder up to dry.
- Keep your binder on a hanger when you are not wearing it. This helps it keep its shape.
- Have more than one binder, if possible. This allows you to wash and dry them regularly.
Stay flexible and give your body breaks.
Listen to your body – what works for your friend won’t inherently work for you. The following are general guidelines, but always listen to your own body first. If you’re in pain, stop.
- Keep binding for eight hours at a time and never bind more than twelve consecutive hours. This can be difficult to navigate if you’re in public often, but it’s best practice to have off days when you do not bind.
- Take at least one day completely free of binding per week, and take more break days if you can manage.
- Never sleep in your binder. Breathing becomes more shallow while you’re unconscious, so binding while asleep poses an increased risk.
- Take precautions if binding while working out or swimming. There are binders available to purchase to use while swimming, since chlorine exposure can shorten traditional binders’ lifespans, and exercise binders that provide greater mobility. If these aren’t options for you, your dedicated workout or swimming binder should be at least one size larger than what you typically wear.
- Stay hydrated and keep cool when binding, especially during summer months. Even if you feel fine, it’s pretty easy to develop heat stroke – from personal experience, I got heat exhaustion once while on a summer field trip because I thought it was a myth.
- Never use any material to bind that was not listed here. Do not use duct tape, plastic wrap, belts, or ACE bandages. These constrict as you breathe, which can bruise you or potentially suffocate you.
- Consider wearing a cotton undershirt or tank top under your binder if your skin is prone to irritation. Binders won’t help any existing skin conditions. An undershirt or the use of body powder also helps during warm weather to limit excess sweating.
- Learn exercises and stretches to ease pain in your back, shoulders, and chest. Try stretching every few hours while binding.
Looking for binder suggestions?
The following prices are based on the current price at the time this article was published. Verify with the merchant before buying.
Wait! I want a new binder, but there are too many options!
Yeah, and there are plenty of binder brands that I don’t cover below – if you hear good things about a binder company from friends or those you trust, go for it and don’t let my lack of review stop you. Otherwise…
- Generally overwhelmed and just need a good quality binder? Get GC2B.
- Unable to find a binder size that fits? Get Origami Customs.
- Have severe dysphoria and need high compression? Get Underworks.
- Looking for something special to be proud of? Get ShapeShifters.
- Can’t deal with sensory overload? Get GenderBender or Amor Sensory.
GC2B @ gc2b.co / $42 USD
Founded in 2015 as a trans-operated binding brand, GC2B is the premier binder today. After using an Underworks binder, I found GC2B much more comfortable in comparison – although it provided slightly less compression. There’s talk that GC2B binders have gone downhill in quality after they changed textile suppliers, but I’m still a strong supporter of the brand as a whole.
GC2B has a bit of everything, including K-tape. They specialize in everyday binders, so you’ll find a variety of nude binders designed to be concealed under shirts. Before GC2B, binders were only available in white, black, and a limited number of “nude” binders – but the binder color matters significantly if you’re wanting to wear a white shirt. Their binder utilizes both the front and back panels to provide medium compression.
FLAVNT @ flavnt.com / $55 USD
This streetwear brand has a larger range of nude binders than GC2B and has a pretty good selection of pride apparel. Their binders are all pullover style and offer medium compression via the front panel. Tired of hideous rainbow merch from retailers like Target and Walmart? Try FLAVNT.
For Them @ forthem.com / $55-$64 USD
This brand specializes in underwear, including binders. For Them produces two types, one labeled “MAX” to offer high compression and “All-Day” that prioritizes comfort.
The MAX binder will provide compression similar to other brands, but the All-Day line is unique: it’s made with sensory issues in mind. It won’t make you as flat as other binders, but it’s super comfortable.
Peecock Products @ peecockproducts.com / $31-$34 USD
Based out of Singapore, Peecock has been producing chest binders since 2010 and also has one of the best quality of entry-level prosthetic packers out there. Zippers, pullovers, v-necks, swimming binders, you name it – Peecock probably has what you’re looking for. However, their binders won’t be as comfortable or sensory-friendly as GC2B.
TomboyX @ tomboyx.com / $49 USD
Although TomboyX caters to femme-identified people, they have a decent binder selection since a large chunk of their customer base is butch. Their selling point is their adjustable binder, which uses straps to allow the user to modify the level of compression. On the other hand, TomboyX binders have lighter compression compared to other brands.
UNTAG @ untag.com / $61-$69 USD
Preferred by folks living overseas, UNTAG has a diverse binder selection that offers lower shipping rates compared to some American brands. In addition to the regular selection of binders, UNTAG also offers binders specifically made to exercise and unique designs like lace.
Urbody @ urbody.co / $45-$55 USD
These binders were created to further expand binding beyond masculine-identified folks, so they generally offer less compression than other binders. Despite that, Urbody binders are preferred with folks with compression or sensory issues since the lack of compression means increased comfort.
Underworks @ underworks.com / $32-$38 USD
As the oldest brand on this list, Underworks is a classic alongside T-Kingdom – they’ve been around since 1997. Originally, their target audience was cisgender men who wanted to compress their torsos, but they transitioned to make an array of trans-friendly binders since Underworks was the easiest place to purchase online.
If you’re looking for high compression, Underworks is for you. Seriously, their compression is INTENSE – but this means their binders can also be uncomfortable. The material is also rougher than brands like GC2B and Origami.
GenderBender @ genderbenderllc.com / $49-$59 USD
These guys are relatively new, but they have a great selection that makes them distinct from other brands, like their own brand of K-tape, pride-themed binders, and plus-sized binding swimwear. Their company is disability-centered, so their products are made with various disabilities in mind, like sensory issues, anxiety, adhesive allergies, and the like.
Origami Customs @ origamicustoms.com / $64 USD
In addition to the regular selection of binders, Origami Customs is unique because they can and will make custom binders on order. If you are too large for other binder companies, Origami Customs should be your go-to. Without them, people would be barred from binding due to weight or breast size – but Origami Customs can provide anyone with a binder.
Origami Customs also has ready-to-order binders, but I wouldn’t really recommend them if you don’t require a custom size.
Shapeshifters @ shapeshifters.co / $85-$115 USD
Most binders are boring since they cater to everyday wear and stealth. Not Shapeshifters binders – they don’t actually have any nude binders unless you’re ordering from their “Make Your Own Binder” sewing kit. Shapeshifters specialize in fashionable designs, offering a refreshing alternative to bland options and asking, ‘Why can’t binders be fun too?!’
However, Shapeshifters is pricier than other brands, so I wouldn’t recommend them as your first binder unless you have money to burn.
Amor Sensory @ amorsensory.com / $79 USD
Similar to GenderBender, Amor Sensory is a disability-first binder brand that centers on Autistic experiences. Binding can be a sensory nightmare, so Amor’s binders are sewn with those issues in mind. Even though they cost a bit more, Amor Sensory binders offer trustworthy moderate compression like mainstream brands.
Reddit and Online Spaces @ r/ftm / FREE to ∞
If you don’t mind used binders, check out virtual spaces like r/ftm – they host recurring spaces to allow guys to buy, sell, and trade items and you’ll likely find a used or free binder faster than the binder programs I suggest below. You can find these types of spaces on any forum, including Facebook groups and trans-related Discord servers.
I can’t afford a binder, what should I do?
Fret not, because there’s still options out there! Before continuing with my suggestions, read my last point on binder brands – in my experience, you’ll get a binder faster from online spaces like r/ftm when there’s availability. The companies and organizations I list below give binders as donations, which means they have limited resources and funding and MASSIVE waitlists.
Generally speaking, the larger the organization, the longer the waitlist. My very first binder was a donation from Point of Pride, but I had to wait nine months on their waitlist before it was shipped. These resources are national, but if possible, you should check with any local LGBTQIA+ organization in your area to see if they have a binder program. CenterLink hosts a (incomplete) directory of LGBTQIA+ nonprofits throughout the country, so start there if you don’t know where to begin.
Keep in mind that the following programs are active at the time this article was published. In my experience, binder programs tend to be unstable since they rely on donation funding – so some might be no longer active by the time you’re reading, or there might some missing that you expected to see.
Point of Pride @ pointofpride.org
With a variety of funds, Point of Pride has given nearly $4 million dollars to financial aid programs to benefit transgender folks.
They were created in 2016 by Point 5cc, a trans clothing and apparel company to become the first and largest international chest binder donation program. Check out their website for details on their binder program, femme shapewear and gaff program, electrolysis support fund, HRT access fund, trans surgery fund, and Thrive fund. Their binder program is open to all, regardless of age or where they live in the world.
Trans Essentials @ ftmessentials.com
Similar to Transguy Supply, Trans Essentials is an online megastore for trans needs. They sell binders, tucking tape, packers, gaffs, dilators, STPs, books, buttons, etc. They also operate Early to Bed for adult goods.
TE provides free Underworks binders to individuals ages 24 and under anywhere in the United States, shipped out on a quarterly basis.
TOMSCOUT @ tomscout.com
The Freedom Binder Program provides binders to “storytellers,” determining eligibility based on your personal story and need for a binder.
Make sure to read all of TOMSCOUT’s rules before applying, since missing one will automatically disqualify you. There is no upper age cap, but applicants must be at least sixteen to qualify. Additionally, you’ll have to cover the shipping costs of the binder once you’ve been selected.
The Queer Trans Project @ queertransproject.org
Based out of Florida, QTP is a Black-led organization that donates binders, packers, and packing underwear to individuals in need.
QTP has high demand, but they cover a lot of needs – including flight assistance to help transgender folks flee hostile states like Florida for safer havens.
Black Trans Men Inc @ blacktransmen.org
The Brother 2 Brother Binder Grant allows Black Trans Men Inc to give free binders to low-income transgender men of color throughout the US.
To qualify, you must be at least sixteen years old, identify as transmasculine, demonstrate financial hardship, and identify as Black. There are no upper age cut-offs for their program. If you don’t identify as Black, they can still help if you reach out by referring you to other applicable programs.
Health Care Advocates International @ hcaillc.com
Healthcare access isn’t equal to everyone, which is something marginalized people know well. HACI believes every patient deserves their best chance at a health life.
You must be at least eighteen years olds to qualify for HACI binders. Individuals must be in the United States or Puerto Rico to receive a binder from their services.
Thriving Transmen of Color @ thrivingtransmenofcolor.org
TTMOC is a national grassroot nonprofit with chapters in Virginia, Georgia, District of Columbia, California, Florida, Illinois, and Nevada. Like Black Trans Men Inc, TTMOC centers on uplifting Black and Brown transgender individuals.
TTMOC binders are provided based on eligibility and are reserved only for transmasculine individuals who cannot afford to purchase their own binder. Applicants must be following TTMOC on social media and have attended at least one virtual or in-person event to qualify.
Phoenix Transition Program @ phoenixtransitionprogram.org
PTP offers direct assistance to transgender folks in need, such as their binder program, care packages, utilities assistance, opening businesses, and crises.
To qualify, you must be at least eighteen years old and live in the United States. Other programs beyond binder assistance are functioning, but are limited based on time of year.