Everything You Need to Know About Trans Chest Binders
If you are FTM or a nonbinary individual, you’ve probably spent countless hours googling chest binders, including where to buy them, how to wear them, and what the best options on the market are.
It feels like the world of chest binders has changed dramatically in the last few years. Ten years ago, binders were not widely available, and so many people who were transitioning or simply wanted to reduce the look of their chest had to use alternative methods to achieve their desired look, many of which were incredibly unsafe.
Before we even get into this guide, we want to emphasise something that we really believe in: Don’t ever use duct tape to bind.
Thankfully, as the world has become increasingly accepting of gender fluidity, non-conformity, and transitions, people who want to use chest binders no longer have to do so in secret. As public demand has grown, more and more businesses are now providing safe chest binding solutions.
At Gaff and Go, we are proud providers of a range of chest binders, all designed with comfort and durability in mind. In this guide, we will provide more insight into what binders are and what to look out for when purchasing binders.
What is a Chest Binder?
A chest binder is a compression garment that is worn to minimise the look of the chest, creating a flatter silhouette. Trans and non-binary individuals primarily use chest binders, but no limitations exist on who can use them.
Binders are made from a variety of materials, but they are typically made from stretchy, compressive fabric such as nylon blends and spandex. These materials comfortably secure the breasts, while not putting too much pressure on the chest muscle.
How to Choose the Right Binder for You
If you are looking to start your binder journey but have no idea what to look for, you’re in the right place. When it comes to picking out any trans undergarments, it’s important that you go into the buying process with a clear idea of what to look for.
Make sure you keep the following in mind when choosing a binder that fits your needs.
Body Shape
Every body is different and just because a binder works for one person, doesn’t mean that it will work for another. This is something that we try to convey to all of our clients, especially when it comes to our MTF clients and sizing transgender lingerie, as understanding your body shape can help you determine your correct size and support your comfort.
If you have larger breasts, you might need to go for a thicker band or a bigger size, whereas if your breasts are smaller, you might be able to wear a smaller, more discreet binder.
Compression Level
A big mistake that a lot of people make is believing that they have to get the tightest binder available to make the flattest possible look. We understand just how overwhelming body dysmorphia can be and so we get why you would want to reduce the look of your chest as much as possible, but safety and comfort should always be your first priority.
If you haven’t dabbled in the world of binders yet, we will always recommend that you start on a lower compression as you get comfortable, then you can slowly increase your compression level.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle is something that you should take into consideration when it comes to picking the right binder for you. Though they shouldn’t restrict your breathing if fitted correctly, the compression can be quite tight and if you are not used to wearing them, it can be quite uncomfortable.
If you have quite an active lifestyle and you won’t be able to find time to remove your binder and take breaks, we will always recommend that you wear a binder with lower compression levels, as these are easier to wear for a prolonged period of time.
Being comfortable when wearing binders is really important if you plan on wearing them for the foreseeable, so make sure that you’re only wearing binders that are fit for your comfort.
As providers of both binders and custom fit lingerie, we know just how important getting a comfortable fit is to allow people to continue to live their everyday lives without disruption.
Fitting Your Binder
If you feel a bit lost at the idea of picking a binder size that works for your body, take a look at this binder sizing guide to learn more.
Can You Swim in a Binder?
It is not recommended to wear a traditional chest binder while swimming due to potential health and safety reasons, especially if the binder has a high compression level.
However, you can swim when wearing a lighter, lower-compression swim binder, which is designed with light spandex materials that are easy to dry and comfortable to wear.
For days when you just want to lounge around the pool and skip swimming altogether, you can wear a smaller, sun-friendly binder that does not have the same full coverage as your usual binder.
How Long Can You Wear a Binder?
The duration you should spend wearing a binder depends on your experience with binders. If you’re a seasoned wearer and you are comfortable with wearing binders for a prolonged period of time, you will likely be able to wear them longer.
No matter your experience, it is recommended that you wear them for no longer than 8 hours at a time and do not sleep in them to ensure that you’re following safe binder practice.
If you are wearing your binder and you start to feel breathless or even uncomfortable, make sure that you take a break and always make time to have one day off from wearing it every week.
Again, we understand that it may be challenging for some who struggle with dysphoria, but you can’t live as your authentic self if you are constantly uncomfortable and unwell because of your binder.
Caring For Your Binder
It is important that you know how to care for your binder in order to get the most out of the garment. Improper handling of your binder could ruin the integrity of the material and impact its use, so make sure you take note of how to care for your binder properly.
Washing Your Binder
Though you can put your binder into the machine for a gentle cycle, you should always hand-wash it. Hand washing is the most gentle method, which means it is most likely to preserve the shape of your binder.
When washing, avoid using strong detergents and softeners, as these can break down the elastic in the binder and make it less effective. A natural, gentle detergent is the best way to ensure that the binder remains intact.
Drying Your Binder
Repeat after us - always air dry your binder, no exceptions. Because of the materials binders are usually made from, air drying your binder will not take as long as drying other items of clothing, so hang your binder up and allow it to dry that way.
Applying too much heat to your binder can warp your binder and even shrink it, so it’s never worth the risk, especially if you are not in the position to purchase a replacement.
Chest Binder FAQs
Some commonly asked questions about chest binders include:
Do Binders Flatten Completely?
Chest binders are not designed to completely flatten your chest, as the level of compression required to do that could cause discomfort, but they do greatly reduce the appearance of your chest, creating a much more masculine appearance.
We understand that you might desire a flat chest, but it’s important to remember that even cis males have breast tissue, so achieving a completely flat look shouldn’t be your primary priority.
Can Teens Wear Binders?
Teens can wear chest binders, but they are advised to be extra careful concerning the tightness of the binder and the duration of wearing the binder. If you are a teen looking to wear binders, make sure that you are not getting a size that is too snug and you do not wear your binder for more than 6 hours at a time.
What’s the Safest Binder Material?
When selecting a binder, always look for binders made from breathable fabrics such as nylon, spandex and cotton blends. These materials will offer enough compression, while not causing irritation to your skin.
Feel Euphoric With Gaff and Go
We hope that this blog has provided you with more insight into binders, including what to look out for before purchasing a binder and how to care for your binders. At Gaff and Go, we are passionate about providing, accessible, gender affirming garments that last.
Get in touch if you want to know more about what we offer and take a look at our selection of chest binders.