A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO CHEST BINDERS

Guest written by Rain Andersen (@wearenotfriends_) a veteran sworker with nine years in adult entertainment and five years working for Lovers.

Chest binders are a gender affirmation product that can be used to create the appearance of a smooth, flat chest. Our Beginner's Guide to Chest Binders contains the best tips and tricks for using a chest binder safely and confidently.

QUICK LINKS:

  1. What is a Chest Binder?
  2. Types of Chest Binders
  3. How to Size Your Chest Binder
  4. How to Safely Bind Your Chest

What is a Chest Binder?

Chest binding is the practice of wrapping or compressing the breast tissue to create the appearance of a flat chest. Chest binders are a common way to affirm a person’s gender identity. People who are considering transitioning, or in the process of transitioning from female-to-male gender might consider a chest binder a practical, body affirming accessory.

Types of Chest Binders

People use a variety of different methods and materials for binding their chest. Trying different styles of binders can help you to determine which method and material will be most comfortable and effective for your body.

NYTC Mid-Length Binder, $55.00
Available in Sizes Small - X Large

Chest Binders: An undergarment designed to flatten the chest, available in full length and cropped length styles. Chest binders come in an assortment of colors and patterns, perfect for expressing your personality.

Kinetic Tape: A flexible, medical tape, made from a stretchy fiber, like cotton. Kinetic tape offers users total physical mobility, while supporting and flattening the chest. Kinetic tape is another popular method for binding the chest, but may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin.

Sports Bras & Compression Tops: Sports bras and compression tops are a great alternative to traditional binders and tapes. While they don’t offer as much compression as a chest binder, sports bras can be a way to experiment with the sensation of chest binding. Some individuals will use sports bras in combination with other binding methods to achieve the same effect.

How to Size Your Chest Binder

Are you ready to invest in your first chest binder? Sizing your chest binder is an important component of safe chest binding, and will help to ensure that your binder feels and looks as amazing as you do!

To measure yourself for a chest binder, wrap a measuring tape around your back, until the ends meet at the center of your chest. The measuring tape should feel snug, but not tight enough to compress your chest. Next, use the measuring tape to determine the length between your shoulder blades, by placing the measuring tape across your back, from shoulder to shoulder.

Use these two measurements and your favorite brand’s size chart to identify what size of chest binder you will need. If you find that you are somewhere between sizes, we recommend sizing up to the larger size.

How to Safely Bind Your Chest

Chest binding is a relatively simple concept, but it doesn’t come without its risks. An improperly sized binder, or a binder made from low quality materials can be incredibly dangerous when worn for extended periods of time. Use these tips and tricks to safely bind your chest.

  • How many hours can I wear a chest binder? We do not recommend binding your chest for longer than 8 hours a day. If you require a binder for longer than 8 hours, we encourage you to take the binder off in a bathroom or changing room to let your muscles relax.
  • How many days can I wear my chest binder? We recommend that you take a minimum of 1-day off from chest binding per week.

  • Can I sleep in my chest binder? You should never sleep in your chest binder, regardless of how tight or loose it may appear to be. Sleeping with a chest binder on can influence your ability to breath, as your breath becomes shallower.

NYTC Full Length Binder, $64.00
Available in Sizes Small - X Large

  • Can I exercise in my chest binder? We recommend sizing up your chest binder, if you intend to use it for exercise. Using a fitted chest binder or a binder that is too small for you, can restrict your breathing and lead to overheating, skin irritation, bruises, or fractures.

  • Can I swim in my binder? You can swim in your chest binder, but we do not recommend wearing damp or wet binders for extended periods of time.

  • Can I substitute other tapes for kinetic tape? Using alternative materials to bind your chest can be incredibly dangerous. Materials like duct tape, plastic wrap, and ace bandages, should never be applied to the skin and can pose serious health risks to the wearer, including fainting, fluid build-up in the lungs, and long-term back pain.
  • My binder hurts and feels uncomfortable to wear. What should I do? If your binder feels uncomfortable or painful to wear, you may be wearing the wrong size! Take your binder off immediately if you feel pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, or numbness.

  • How do I sanitize my chest binder? Chest binders are made from a number of different materials, like nylon and cotton. Because of this, each brand will have its own recommended set of cleaning instructions. You can always hand-wash and air-dry your chest binder to prevent the build up of fungus, oils, and other bacteria.

  • How does chest binding affect my posture? Chest binding can sometimes impact a person’s posture. The compression material, when worn over long periods of time, can lead to rounded shoulders and curved spines. Pay attention to your posture when wearing a binder, and allow your body to stretch between uses.
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Further Readings:

Binding 101 - How to Safely Chest Bind: Point of Pride
What I Learned Trying to Find the Perfect Binder: VICE
Binding or Suicide- Transgender & Non-Binary Experiences with Binders: NY Times

WITH PLEASURE,

LOVERS

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