Learning About Safe Binding Practices

Chest binding is a way to create the look of a flatter chest. It's a temporary and reversible way for people assigned female at birth to express a more masculine gender identity. It's also known simply as binding.

There are many ways to bind. Some methods are safer, more comfortable, and more effective than others. The most common way to bind is by wearing a piece of clothing made specially for this purpose, called a binder.

A chest binder is a tight undergarment used to create the look of a flatter chest. It can look like a tank top or undershirt. There are full-length and half-length options. Full-length binders can be tucked into the waist of pants or shorts. Half-length binders end near the bottom of the ribs. There are many different styles, brands, and designs to choose from. Certain types work better for different people.

Binding is done to affirm a person's gender identity. It can increase comfort and safety while reducing misgendering. It's also associated with better mental health and mood in gender-diverse people.

Chest binding can cause some problems. They include:

• Skin irritation.
• Back or chest pain.
• Soreness.
• Poor posture.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
• Overheating.

These symptoms may happen in the first year of binding but can last longer. It depends on what binder is used, how long the binder is worn, and the person's chest size.

Binding is a personal choice and should be done carefully and responsibly. Here are some ways to practice safe binding:

• Give your body a break every 8 to 12 hours.
• Avoid sleeping in your binder.
• Stretch when you take your binder off. Try stretching your arms, shoulders, chest, and back. Take a few deep breaths too.
• Use a product designed for transgender and gender-diverse people. Avoid unsafe materials, including ACE bandages, duct tape, and plastic wrap.
• Use the right sized binder for you. Don’t size down for greater compression. A binder that's too small can increase problems. To make sure that your binder fits right, check to see if you can take deep breaths. And your arms should be able to move freely while you wear it.
• Wash your binder regularly. Follow the care instructions that came with it.