What are Chest Binders?

Chest binders (also called breast compressor, breast binder, binder trans, binder bra, chest binder ftm or compression top) are specialized garments designed to compress the chest area, creating a flatter appearance. Chest binding is a method commonly used by individuals who seek to minimize the visibility of their breasts and achieve a more masculine or gender-neutral appearance. Chest binders are worn by people of various gender identities, including non-binary individuals, as well as those who identify as transgender, genderqueer, or gender fluid. But people who do not identify as trans or nonbinary can also wear binders - you do not need to tick any box to be able to wear them. 

How Do Binders Work?

Binders work by using compression to flatten the chest area. They are typically made of stretchy, breathable materials that are designed to be worn close to the skin. When worn as intended and in the correct size, binders can help reduce the appearance of the chest, creating a more masc or gender-neutral silhouette.

Choosing the Right Binder

It is important to choose a binder that fits well and is comfortable to wear. Binders should not cause pain or ongoing discomfort or make breathing difficult.  Proper sizing is crucial to ensure effectiveness and comfort. We recommend that you take your chest measurements and follow the sizing guidelines provided that you can find on our ‘Sizing & Fitting’ page. Binders come in various styles, such as tank tops, racerback binder, and long binders, and each person prefers a different style. Finding your favourite style can take time, but can be incredibly rewarding! 

Safety Considerations

While binders can be a helpful tool for individuals seeking to affirm their gender identity, it is essential to prioritize safety while binding breasts. It is not recommended to use makeshift binders, such as duct tape or ace bandages, as these are not designed for chest binding and may increase the risk of discomfort or injury. It is crucial to follow basic guidelines for wearing and caring for the binder properly. Three main guidelines are: 

• Don’t sleep in your binder
• Find the correct size
• Don’t wear your binder for longer than 8 hours at a time

It is also essential to listen to your body and take breaks from binding when needed! Remember that, while a binder can help support how you feel about your appearance, your identity is valid with or without wearing a binder.

Binding for a bigger chest

Shirt binders and long binders are popular options for individuals with larger chests seeking to bind their breasts for gender-affirming reasons. Long binders extend further down the torso, covering the stomach area as well, and offer more space for the breast mass to be distributed. Proper sizing and prioritizing safety and comfort are important when using shirt binders or long binders for binding larger chests! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, chest binders are a valuable tool for many individuals who identify as non-binary, transgender, genderqueer, or gender fluid. They provide a way to affirm one's gender identity by creating a flatter chest appearance. It is crucial to prioritize safety, choose a reputable binder brand that offers a proper fit, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. By doing so, people can wear chest binders in a more comfortable and informed way.