Binders

General Questions

What is a binder?
A binder is an undergarment used to compress one's breasts, and give the appearance of a flat chest.

Why would someone wear a binder?
Binders are typically worn due to gender dysphoria, and/or a desire to appear more flat.
Some people bind due to body dysmorphia, and a desire to appear slimmer.
Some men with gynecomastia bind to fit in. Some women who cosplay bind for artistic purposes.

Who would wear a binder
While binders are typically associated with transgender men, anyone with more of a chest than they would prefer to have can wear a binder! Binding is not limited to anyone of any particular gender.
There are transgender men who don't want to bind, and there are cisgender men who do. Binding is for anyone who simply wants to bind.

Are binders safe?
So long as you are using a properly sized binder from a reputable brand, yes, binders are safe to wear.
It is also important to follow certain guidelines relating to binding, most of which are listed below.

What are some long-term effects of proper binding?

Feeling more comfortable in your own body.
Saggy breasts.

What are the dangers of improper binding?
Improper binding can lead to damage to the ribs and lungs, often in the form of bruising. In severe cases, improper binding can result in being unable to get top surgery, or even continue to bind.
These risks are easily avoidable.

How do I know if binding is right for me?

No one other than yourself can tell you if binding is right for you.
If you find yourself thinking about wanting a binder, just go for it! Find a brand you like and can afford, measure yourself properly (note - not all brands have the same size chart, so make sure to double check the sizing) and buy yourself a binder. Once it arrives, put it on, and look itself in the mirror.
If you feel like you are finally seeing yourself in the reflection, then good news! It was right for you.
If you realize that you hate it, take it off, and check the brand's return policy (or donate it to someone else).

Are there alternatives to binders for binding?
Yes! Some people use trans tape, or sports bras.

Some DOs of Binding

Wear binders which are the correct size. A properly sized binder should be comfortable, and not cause discomfort while being worn. Make sure to take proper measurements, and check size charts before ordering a new binder.
If binding during heavy exercise or manual labor, switch to wearing a binder which is a size larger than your normal size. Either that, or wear a sports bra instead of a binder.
Take breaks from binding to let your chest relax.
If you are going to swim while wearing a binder, make sure to get a binder which is intended to be worn while swimming. If you don't have such a binder, or are unable to get one, use a binder that is a size too large, such as you would with other forms of exercise.
If wearing a binder on a day-to-day basis, keep it to around 8 hours at a time.
Remove your binder if it causes you pain. (note - if you experience pain the first time you put on your binder, it is likely too small. if you are experiencing pain after wearing it over a longer period of time, there is likely a different issue, if so, see the "don'ts" list.)

Some DON'TS of Binding

Do not wear binders which are a size too small. If you are between sizes, go with the larger size. Binders which are too small are difficult to put on, and even if you do manage to put them on; they can be painful and cause damage to your body.
If binding with sports bras, do not wear more than two sports bra at the same time. (note - do not wear more than one actual binder at the same time.)
Do not wear ACE bandages in place of a binder. They are not intended for this purpose, as ACE bandages are meant to hold bones in place. Binders are designed to expand comfortably as you breath. ACE bandages can and will restrict breathing, along with causing damage to the ribs and lungs. Only use ACE bandages as directed by a physician.
Do not use duct tape to bind.
Do not use plastic wrap to bind.
Do not wear a tight binder during heavy exercise. Even when binding safely, binders still restrict breathing. It is unwise to restrict one's breathing during strenuous activity.
Do not bind for extensive lengths of time, or until you are in pain. Binding should NOT be painful.
Avoid clasp binders. They compress unevenly, putting stress on your ribs.
Avoid velcro binders. As they are self-adjustable, they may be tightned more than is safe (either purposefully or accidentially).
Do not wear a normal binder for swimming.
Do not sleep while wearing a binder.
Do not wear a binder for longer than a maximum of 12 hours at a time.

How To Wash Your Binder

Before anything else, double check the care instructions for your binder. If the brand for your binder of choice says that you are able to throw your binder in the washing machine, then go ahead. Some binders can even be safely thrown in the dryer. If you find that it must be hand washed, or you cannot find any information on care instrucitons (which usually means you're going to have to hand wash it), then continue onto the rest of this section if you're not sure how to hand wash a binder.

Additionally, do not put a binder in the dryer unless you know for sure if it is safe. If a binder is not meant to go in a commercial dryer, this can mean that it will shrink. If a binder shrinks, then it can compress in a way that it is not meant to.

Before you begin washing your binder, make sure that you have everything you need.

The binder in question.
A sink that can be filled up without draining, or a bucket which can be filled with hot water
Liquid detergent, or other appropriate soap
A spot to hang the binder to air-dry once done

Soak the binder in hot water and detergent. The hotter the water is (so long as you are not burning yourself) the better. Clothes are primarially cleaned through friction, so you're going to have to swish around, massage, and rub the fabric binder against itself. Spend a few minutes doing this before ringing out the binder.

Drain the dirty water, and replace with clean water. Continue ringing out and rinsing the binder until the water runs clear. Once the water is clear, ring out the binder as much as possible, so that it isn't dripping.

Hang the binder to dry. Make sure to wait to put it away or put it back on until it is completely dry. When clothing doesn't have a chance to properly dry, it can get musty, resulting in a bad smell and unhygenic conditions.

Buy Binders & Similar Compression Gear Online

The Transgender Dictionary

Binders

General Questions

Some DOs of Binding

Some DON'TS of Binding

How To Wash Your Binder

Buy Binders & Similar Compression Gear Online

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