Binding

*For a list of binders, see List of binder resources.*

**Binding** is the process of flattening the chest, often in order to relieve gender dysphoria. Binding is often done with a *binder*, a compression tank-like product which was originally intended for cisgender males with gynecomastia.

For many assigned female (*AFAB*) transgender people, it is often one of the first acts of physical transition, as some find it a crucial part of their presentation of their gender. It is also used by crossdressers, drag kings, and male impersonators.

## How to bind

### Proper binding methods

* Commercial binders and compression shirts made of materials such as spandex, Lycra, mesh, or neoprene
* Sports and minimizer bras (without cups or padding)
* Camisole tank tops with "bras"
* Control-top pantyhose
* Sarashi
* Specifically designed Trans-Tape, kinesiology/sports tape (elastic and made for use on skin) with nipple protectors

### Improper binding methods

* Using elastic bandages (e.g. ACE bandages), tape (e.g. duct tape and packing/shipping tape), back braces, post-surgical binders, plastic wrap
* Double binding; i.e., wearing more than one binder (or two sports bras) at the same time
* Wearing commercial binders or sports bras that are too small
* Wearing commercial binders for more than 8-12 hours a day
* Wearing commercial binders that are "tube top"-style/bandeau/strapless
* Sleeping while binding

## Considerations

### Health risks

   There are few studies done on chest binding and its effects. Due to this, While there is no evidence that it increases risk of breast cancer, binding is not without its risks. Binding via tape is dangerous due to risk of injuries to the skin, ribs and lungs. Over-binding can damage the breast tissue, making surgery more difficult. Even safely binding can cause damage. A study showed that 97.2% of those who bind experience at least one negative physical symptom from it, most commonly back pain. Those that bind should refrain from binding as often as possible to minimize potential damage, and take breaks when possible when they do bind. Long-term users should consider top surgery to minimize damage.

While binding is done mostly on AFAB individuals, it may also be done on assigned male (*AMAB*) non-binary people and closeted trans women on estrogen with breast growth development; however, new breast tissue should not be bound, as it will impede growth and damage developing tissue. Taking a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) may inhibit breast development, but there are currently no studies on its usage in transgender AMAB patients; as with all treatment, there are risks associated with its use.

Those with breast implants should also not bind, as the pressure can cause deformation or rupture of the implants. Breast forms are suitable replacements for AMAB individuals with fluctuating chest dysphoria, as they can be removed and placed as needed.

Some people also experience skin issues while binding. With binders this happens especially in warm climates and seasons - the sweat and friction can cause e.g. rashes. You can apply powder or wear a thin layer of clothing underneath to prevent this. Irritations also frequently occur while using tape. Especially the skin of your nipples is vulnerable, so protect them (with a layer of pad, a plaster, toilet paper, a small square of cloth, bandage, etc.). To protect the rest of your skin, it can help to apply milk of magnesia to it before you put the tape on. Change the tape after three days of use. When removing, don't rip the tape off abruptly, but proceed very carefully to aviod skin damage and in the long term scarring. Do it in the shower and generously soak the tape in oil before you start. If you are allergic any of the tape's components such as the glue, find a different brand or don't use tape.

### Finding the right method for you and your situation

Which one of the (safe!) methods you use is your own choice, though it might pay off to try out a few things before you settle on one, or maybe it works best for you to adapt your method depending on the circumstances.

#### Knowing your body and needs

Every person is different, and so are their bodies. While some things are rather obvious - e.g. people with sensitive skin might want to try a binder rather than tape first - even though with the right precautions tape might work out as well. Tape usually doesn't do as a good job in flattening as a binder does. Still, especially for people with smaller breasts or low dysphoria-levels it might be good enough. There are also differences depending on the firmness of the tissue. People whose breast tissue is more "squishy" usually achieve better results with tape. When binders cause too much pain, using tape, a less restrictive sports bras or multiple layers of clothing might be a good bet. This also is a good substitute for binder-break days which of you should make at least one, better two, per week [this depends a bit on the size, your body and the brand - listen to your body!; you could pick the weekends].

Last but not least it is also a matter of how comfortable you are with each method. There might be compression-bras that work almost as well that one binder does for you; but just knowing it is called "bra" makes you choose the binder, anyhow. When going "bare-chested", some people might not like half binders (that stop above the belly-button) because they remind them of bras and therefore choose a long/tank binder (cloth going down to the hip) istead. Likewise, wearing tape might be a liberated and natural feeling for some, while others feel exposed (especially if using tape in sports is uncommon where they live or when nude shades of tape are not available) and therefore prefer binders. Just judge for yourself.

#### Experimenting

If you can, experimenting with different methods and variations can pay of a lot. Not only will you be able to adapt to various circumstances (see next section), but you might also only find your dream method on second try.

There are a lot of different ways to try out new things. With sports bras (or binders) bought in store, it's best to just try them on. Bring a regular shirt and a sweater and put both on over the binder (consecutively) to get a realistic view of the outcome. You can also try and squish the chests to the sides within the bra to make them appear even flatter. Some people also like to wear the sports bra backwards. If you have a friend you trust, bring them along - they can look from a distance and also are usually less self-critical but provide you with a realistic evaluation. When shopping oline, inform yourself about return policies and don't hesitate to return the item when the size doesn't fit you. Note that some binders do need some "breaking in" first and that most binders are not comfortable to wear; still, you'll know when it's just too small, be honest to yourself about it. The effect of your binder will also change over time, and at some point you might want to replace it. If you can afford it, try different brands of binders - preferences vary drastically. There are plenty of reviews and comparisons online. Maybe you also know someone who lets you put on or even borrow their binder.

With tape there are also a lot of different options. Sports tape conventionally comes in narrower strips than trans tape. Therefore, getting a evenly flattened chest is more difficult to achieve; still, it is doable and worth a shot. It generally takes some time to get the hang on how to best apply tape. Some people do it lying down, others like to stand or need a mirrior. Try different taping methods, too - it doesn't always look the same. Over time you will get faster and better at applying the tape.

#### Adapting to circumstances

Every method has it's up and downs, and not every method is suitable all the time. For example, while you can't wear binders to sports or sleep, tape is usually perfectly safe (but pay attention and don't overdo yourself, anyhow) to sleep, exercise and even go swimming with. When it's cold and you are wearing a sweater it might also not be worth the back pain for that little extra compression that isn't actually visible, anyhow. When you are going somewhere where you know you won't have the possibility to take your binder off should complications arise, choose a different method for that day. Naturally, dysphoria-levels are also not the same every day, so you might make different desicions for the same situation on another day, and that's ok.

#### Dealing with unsupportive environments

For some people it is also a matter of personal safety to hide the fact that they are binding. Please consider very carefully whether this also applies to you and how subtle you need to be. In doubt, proceed with utmost caution. Generally, wearing wider or oversized clothes, items with thick fabric and multiple layers or clothes with dark colours, complicated patterns, unusual shapes and structured surfaces can help hide or diffuse any bumps. Alternatively, you can also try to distract and draw attention to a different area with a fun and colourful statement-item like a cowboy hat etc..

While tape and binders are sometimes also used with cis-people, they for a fact are associated with being trans a lot nowadays (if someone knows what it is), so if you don't want to give any reason for or risk someone getting suspicious, better hide them. It is a bit easier with tape though, as some of it (called "b\*\*b tape") is also marketed as a "strapless bra" alternative. You can also put some of it on your knee or so (just look at sports tutorials to know how) if you need to justify the purchase. Hint: Better don't buy "trans tape" if that is your situation. Also consider that tape does take a long time to put on (~20-30 minutes, depending on skill, experience, tape, chest, ...) and can't also spontaneously be taken off. There is waste to discreetly get rid off afterwards and you might need a mirror to put on. Also, since it usually stays on for 2-3 days, you need a private space to shower and dry afterwards, change clothes and sleep (if there is a risk your shirt might move up). If the colour of the tape is not nude, you need to be extra careful. On the other hand, binders could be a problem when showing at neck openings. Consider carefully whether or not it can pass as a bra or if you are willing to take cha'ces. Some long/tank binders also pass as a regular undershirt. Also, they naturally conceal the edge where the compression zone ends; half binders sometimes create a visible bump/line there under the T-shirt. Most binders can be ordered with discreet packaging. Nonetheless, it might be a good idea to send it to the home of a trusted one. Wash it yourself by hand - it's normally the best way to wash a binder, anyhow.

#### Financial considerations

Proper binding equipment can get quite expensive. That's why there are often programs online to donate binders to people who can't afford one (like when someone doesn't need it anymore after top surgery, or found a better-fitting one, ...). (see under external links e. g.) If you can't get your hands on one of these, there are some things you can DIY (also external links), but always be extra cautious with those, listen to your body and don't expect a miracle there. Also they also aren't 100% for free, and you might need to try several before anything works well enough for you, if ever. That being said, it's always best to go with an actual binder. Make sure to pick one of the well-known, trustworthy brands. There are other binders available online for as little as ten bucks, which appears to be tempting, but be aware that those are often of poor quality and probably anything but safe - you'll only know that for sure after you've been insured by them. Additionally, even though you might have good experiences with a cheap binder at first, they also tend to loosen much faster, which means you have to replace them a lot quicker. Therefore it generally is adviseable to just save up for one with good quality. The advantage is, you can find plenty of reviews for them, so it makes it easier for you to pick one. Maybe someone you know even owns one that you can try on. Furthermore they offer good customer support and have accurate sizing charts. So having a little patience and saving up pays off. If you can't wish for a binder, wish for money; place an order together with friends to split shipping; wait for a discount code or look for them online; You'll get there!

Also, binding with tape is always worth a try, financially speaking. Not trans tape, that is rather expensive and might have shipping costs you have to cover on top of that. Sports tape, on the other hand, is rather cheap and you can get it in most bigger grocery stores, sometimes even in smaller ones. Off-brand roles are roughly around five bucks (June 2023) for 5m x 5cm. Depending on how big you and your breasts are, that is enough for a couple of times. In the long run they are likely more expensive than good binders, considering those last a year or more if taken care of well. The advantage of tape is that you don't have to make a long time commitment right away. Even if you end up not liking it, there's not much lost.

## External links

* Binder Drafting Tutorial | GlitterGrandpa | Etsy
* Donate a Binder | Point of Pride
* Make Your Own Binder Sewing Kit | Shapeshifters
* Bind Your Chest | WikiHow

## References

1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4902153/
2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/17/reader-center/chest-binding.html
3. ↑ http://archive.is/81pjA
4. ↑ https://sarashi-binding.net/about-sarashi/sarashi-for-stomach-chest-binder/
5. ↑ https://www.mainehealth.org/-/media/BBCH/files/Safe-Binding-Options.pdf [22nd June 2023]
6. ↑ http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/science/what/characteristics
7. ↑ https://www.vice.com/en\_us/article/7xzpxx/chest-binding-health-project-inside-landmark-overdue-transgender-study
8. ↑ https://www.genderconfirmation.com/breast-binding/
9. ↑ https://www.ftmtopsurgery.ca/blog/ftm-faq/health-consequences-chest-binding/
10. ↑ https://www.pstc.org/files/public/Liu%2C%20Jacob2012.pdf
11. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20130906013654/http://thatsnothowitworks.tumblr.com/post/29727596284/this-is-why-you-need-to-bind-safely-the-damage (NSFW)
12. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140100
13. ↑ http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/748626\_6
14. ↑ https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/bcr3677