Summer is here, and that means pool days, beach trips and everything in between. But if you bind, tape or pack, swimming can come with a few extra questions. Can you swim in a binder? Does trans tape stay on in water? How do you pack in swimwear? We get these questions a lot, so we put together this guide to help you get in the water feeling comfortable and confident.
Let's dive in (sorry, we had to).
Can you swim in a binder?
Short answer: yes, but always wear a swim binder, not your everyday chest binder. Swim binders have a fit specifically for working out, which allows you to breathe and move freely in the water.
What makes our swim binders different? We work mesh fabric into almost all of our swim products. Mesh dries much faster and is lighter to swim in, so you're not carrying around heavy, soaked fabric while you move. The materials are also designed to withstand chlorine, salt water and sunlight, which means your swim binder keeps its shape and compression much longer.
Our swim binders come in two styles: long and short. Which one suits you best depends on the look and coverage you're going for.
Long swim binders
If you want full coverage in one piece, go for a swimsuit style binder. The Hook-Up Swimsuit Binder, The Swimtop Binder and the Swimsuit Binder are sporty swimsuits with an integrated binding layer. Because they cover the whole torso, they make your torso and hips appear straighter, giving you a streamlined silhouette from chest to hip.
They also combine really well with boardshorts or swim trunks over them. That way, the swimsuit works as your base layer and you can style the rest however you like.
Short swim binders
Prefer to mix and match? Our short swim binders are cropped compression tops that you can wear on their own, or with a t-shirt as a cover-up:
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Basic Swim Binder: a classic crop style swim binder. It also comes in a light grey that's invisible under white t-shirts, which makes it a comfortable option if you like to swim or hang at the beach with a shirt on.
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Tank Swim Binder: a racerback cut with 4-way stretch for extra freedom of movement. Great if you're actually planning to swim laps and not just float around (no judgement either way).
Tips for binding while swimming
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Choose your correct size. A swim binder should feel snug, not tight. If you're in between sizes, size up for water activities. On our Sizing & Fitting page you can find out more.
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Consider nipple pads. Our silicone Nipple Pads prevent friction between your binder and your nipples, which can be extra welcome while swimming, when fabric and skin are moving against each other constantly.
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Take breaks. Just like with everyday binding, listen to your body and give yourself moments to rest.
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Rinse your swim binder with cold water after swimming to wash out chlorine or salt, and let it air dry. It will thank you with a longer lifespan.
Does tape work for swimming?
Yes! Our Shaping Tape (also known as trans tape or binding tape) is a great option for FtM, masc and non-binary swimmers, especially if you want to go shirtless or wear an open swim top.
So why do so many people love taping for swimming? Because the tape sits directly on your skin, there's no extra layer of fabric to deal with. Nothing gets soaked, nothing needs to dry, and nothing shifts around while you swim. It moves with your body, dries as your skin dries, and gives you the freedom to wear whatever swimwear you want, or nothing on top at all, if you're comfortable like that. For a lot of people, that feeling of just wearing swim shorts at the beach is exactly what makes taping worth it.
A few things to keep in mind when taping for a swim:
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Apply the tape to clean, dry skin before you head to the water. Skin products like sunscreen or lotion can affect how well the tape sticks, so tape first, then apply sunscreen around it.
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Make sure the tape feels secure but not too tight. Comfort is key.
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Never apply tape to irritated skin, and remove it if you feel pain or discomfort.
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Give the tape some time to set before jumping in. The adhesive bonds better when it has had a moment to warm up against your skin.
Our shaping tape comes in different colours and sizes, so you can find a shade that blends with your skin tone. New to taping? Check out our full shaping tape manual for a step by step tutorial on how to apply and remove the tape properly.
How to pack while swimming
Packing at the pool or beach is totally doable, you just need the right setup. Regular packing methods don't always hold up in water, so here's what works:
Packing swimwear with a pouch. The easiest option is packing swim bottoms with a special compartment that keeps everything securely in place, even when you're moving around in the water.
Foam paddings. Foam is a great material for swimming because it's lightweight, dries quickly and is resistant to chlorine and seawater. Our Foam Penis Shape Padding has a subtle anatomical outline for a more defined look, while the Foam Penis Padding gives a smooth, natural silhouette. Both come with safety pins so you can attach them to any swimwear you already own.
The Penis Padding String. Worried about your packer shifting or floating away mid swim? We get it, it's one of the most common fears when packing in water. That's exactly why the Penis Padding String is such a favourite for swimming. The thong construction keeps the padding securely in place, so it can't move around, even during an active beach day or while diving into the pool. You wear it under your swim shorts and forget it's there. The padding itself has a subtle, realistic outline and is lightweight enough for all day wear.
When choosing a packer, remember: there is no right size or shape. Whatever feels good to you is the right choice. It should never feel restrictive or uncomfortable, in or out of the water.
Want to learn more about packing in general? Our packing guide covers everything from foam paddings to packers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim in a regular chest binder? We recommend a swim binder instead. Everyday binders are not designed for water, while swim binders are made with mesh fabric that dries faster and is lighter to swim in. They also have less compression, so you can breathe and move freely, and the material is built to withstand chlorine, salt water and sunlight.
Does shaping tape stay on in water? Yes, when applied correctly to clean, dry skin, shaping tape is water resistant and stays in place while swimming. Follow our shaping tape manual for the best application technique.
How do I choose my swim binder size? Use the size chart on each product page and measure yourself carefully. A swim binder should feel comfortable and secure without restricting your breathing. Not sure about your size? Reach out to our customer service, we're happy to help you find the right fit.
Can foam paddings get wet? Absolutely. Foam paddings are resistant to chlorine and seawater, making them perfect for swimming. Rinse them after use and let them air dry on a towel.
Will my packer shift or fall out while swimming? Not with the right setup. Packing swim bottoms with a built-in compartment keep everything in place, and the Penis Padding String is designed so the padding physically can't move around, even while you're actively swimming.
Ready for the water?
Everyone deserves to enjoy summer without worrying about their swimwear. Whether you bind, tape, pack or all three, there's a setup that works for you. Browse our full swimwear collection and get ready to make a splash.
Got questions about sizing or products? Our customer service team is always here to help.
