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dannydevito69 · 7 years

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BINDING 101

I’ve recently seen a lot of people using dangerous binders and methods of binding, so I’m making a masterpost of tips for binding safely, where to get binders, how to wear them, washing them, and generally what you need to know if you are a binder wearer! Info under the read more!

Safe Binders

Two of the best and most common binder brands are GC2B, and Underworks. I, personally, prefer gc2b binders because they are made by trans people, specifically for trans people; whereas the underworks binders are made for cis men with gynecomastia, a condition where men grow breast tissue. Other brands make binders, such as Flavnt Streetwear, who make swim safe binders that are designed in a way that they don’t show under tank tops. However, usually more expensive binders last longer, so in the long run it will be the more cost effective binder, to quote one of my favorite musicals, Kinky Boots, “ A good shoe will last a man a lifetime, but a cheap shoe will keep a man poor because he has to buy new ones every time they break.” Imagine that, but with binders.

Finding the Right Style

Most binders are one of two styles: the half tank, and the tank. A half tank binder usually looks like a crop top. The tank comes in multiple designs, some look like if you sewed extra stretchy fabric to the half tank, and some have compression the whole length of the tank.

-Tank binders are good if you don’t like your binders to ride up, or want to feel like you are wearing a shirt rather than a bra type shirt. These binders can easily be tucked in, and will not ride up if you tuck them in. These are good for the winter if you want an extra layer to keep warm.

-Half tank binders are the most common type of binder, they are often what a person imagines when they hear “binder” and are commonly depicted in art of trans guys. These binders usually hit right around the bottom rib cage area, depending on how long your torso is. These binders are especially good for the summer, because they don’t have the extra layer that tank binders do.

Finding the Right Size

Different binder companies have different sizing methods and are specified on their websites. NEVER order a binder in sizes that are too small, as they can cause lots of damage to your health and body. Most sizing methods will have you measure the circumference of your ribcage just under your breasts, and the width of your shoulders. Binders will stretch and wear out over time, which will cause them to be looser.

Finding the Right Color

Most people prefer a white binder, but these can get stained easily and tend to show wear more than a dark color. A good way to chose the color of your binder is to think of what colors you wear the most. For instance, if you often wear dark colors, you might want to get a black binder. If you wear mostly light colors, you should get a white or nude binder. Some binders come in more flashy colors, and even cool prints. Ultimately the color is up to you.

Trustworthy Binder Brands

gc2b

gc2b is a company ran by trans people specifically for trans people.GC2B binders come in two styles, and 11 colors. They make a half tank binder ($33 USD) and a tank binder ($35 USD). They come in a range of nudes, a range of neutrals, and a range of bright colors. The nudes come in five different shades, each with a number, one being the darkest and five being the lightest. ((I am fairly pale and wear a number five nude)) . The neutrals come in black, grey, and white; and the bright colors come in blue, red, and olive green. These binders are a nylon and spandex blend, which is extremely important as this allows your lungs and ribcage to fully expand. They are constructed with a compression panel in the front, and a spandex back and straps. These binders are safe to swim in, but be careful with swimming in chlorine pools because they can change the color of your binder. These ship in discreet packaging, a standard grey plastic envelope.

Flavnt Streetwear

Flavnt is another company ran by two LGBT people, a set of twins, Chris, who is a trans male, and Courtney, who is a lesbian, and are made specifically for trans people. A Flavnt Bareskin binder will set you back about $50, so they are pricier. A percentage of the profit goes to a trans man’s top surgery, and they pick a different person every couple of months. Right now the bareskin binder is sold out, but the company is working on getting them restocked. These binders sell out VERY quickly, their last restock sold out in 30 minutes. If you follow them on social media, like twitter or instagram, you can get notified when they restock and get one then. They also have an email newsletter, where you’ll get emailed when they restock. These binders are also safe to swim in, again be careful with swimming in chlorine pools because they can change the color of your binder.

Underworks

These binders come in a vast range of styles, and can be found on their website under Health, and click Gynecomastia. The company also has a sub company called f2m that sells the same binders Underworks makes, as well as other compression garments like shorts to slim your hips and butt. Underworks binders can range anywhere from $17 USD to $99 USD. They have regular binders, and two binders specifically for swimming (one is the $99 binder), and the other is $45 USD. They also sell three packs of binders for $85, which saves you $5. The three packs come in their two most popular binder styles, the tri top, which is a half tank binder, and the ultimate chest binder tank. The tri top comes in white, black, and a pale nude, and is $29.99USD. The ultimate chest binder tank comes also in white, black, and pale nude, and is also $29.99. Both of these binders have five star reviews, and are often praised in the trans community. These two binders are 70% medical grade nylon and 30% spandex. These (except for the swim binders) are not safe to swim in.

Etsy

There are many independent binder companies on etsy that will make customized binders, where they are made to your exact measurements and come in pretty much any color or pattern you want. They range from $17 USD to $120 USD. ALWAYS check if the seller has good reviews, and what fabric/s they are made of.

Non-Binders that Bind

There are many compression sports bras that work as binders, especially if you have small breasts. The Nike original compression sports bra is a great one, and can be found at JCPenney, Macy’s, and Kohl’s for $22.50. The Nike bra also has their Dri Fit fabric, which will wick sweat and keep you dry and cool. These are a good option to start wearing binders, or if your parents do not want you to wear a binder or will not buy you one.

This is a good review on three of the binders listed here

Binders for Free/Cheaper Prices

There are a couple of organizations that help people that need binders and can’t afford them, such as the Big Brother Used Binder program, and the Point of Pride program (run by point 5cc, an excellent website for trans males/masculine people). Here is a master post of places where you can get free/cheap binders. You can often see binders being sold on second hand clothing websites such as Depop, Vinted, and Poshmark.

How to Bind Properly

Getting your Binder Problem one: you can't buy a binder with your credit/debit card, you can't use your parent's card, or you only have cash If you save up some money you can buy a Visa gift card, which you can then use as a credit card on most websites to buy your binder. Problem two: you can't have your binder shipped to your house and/or your parents will check your mail before they give it to you Ask a friend who is trustworthy if you can ship the package to their house, and they can give it to you that way. There is also the option of opening a P.O. box, but renting these costs money and not all websites ship to P.O. boxes. Problem three: your parents will question what the binder is if you put it in the wash There’s a couple ways around this, one is hand washing your binder in a bathroom while your parents aren't washing. You can leave it to dry in a place they won't check, such as your closet. ((I managed to wear a hoodie my mom didn't like and wouldn't let me buy ((my friend bought it for me)) and washed it in my sink before my mom got home, for almost three months before I accidentally wore it in front of her.)) The second solution is to ask your friend if they can wash it at their house, it might seem like an odd request, but if you explain the situation to them they will most likely help you out. Another solution is to tell your parents that it is a different article of clothing, such as a tank top ((if it is a tank style binder)), sports bra, or crop top and put it in the wash Problem four: your parents will notice that your chest looks flatter Put the binder in your backpack before you leave, and change when you get to wherever you are going. Make sure to take it off before you get home if your parents will be home when you come back.

Putting on Your Binder

If you don’t have broad shoulders, you can pull your binder over your head like a shirt or a sports bra. A good way to put it on is to put your arms through the arm holes, and pull the bottom down. If the back rolls up, you can pull the back of the fabric down if you have good shoulder flexibility, if not you can ask someone to help you with it. I find that the tank binders are easier to put on due to the extra fabric. It WILL be tight when you first put it on, but this is normal. If you are unable to breathe and fully expand your lungs, it is not the right size and is too small. If it doesn’t bind you at all, it is too big.

Washing your Binder

If you hand wash your binder it will last longer. Kay has a good guide on handwashing your binder (add kays post). However, you can wash your binder in a washing machine if it is on the delicate and cold settings, but make sure you air dry it. You should wash your binder once or twice a week depending on how much you sweat.

Other Binder Wearing Related things

ONLY wear your binder for 6-8 hours a day, more than this can cause back pain, breathing problems, and can possibly injure your ribs.

Wear a light weight bra/cloth bralette under your binder or keep one with you in case you need to take your binder off in public.

TAKE BREAKS if you wear your binder at work or school, take a bathroom break as often as you can to take your binder off in a bathroom stall to give your chest a rest.

If you have larger breasts or sweat easily, putting pieces of cloth or paper towel between the areas where the skin has contact with the skin to avoid rashes, chest acne, fungal infections, yeast infections (yes you can get these on your skin!) and other sweat related problems. I personally prefer the paper towel method as I can throw them out at the end of the day and always have fresh ones.

You can always wear a low compression sports bra or bralette under your binder, which can make the binder easier to put on. If you have a layer between your skin and the fabric of the binder, you can avoid skin irritation from chafing from the binder. This can also ease the pain in nipples from binding. If the binder gives you back pain from poor posture, you can wear a posture support bra underneath your binder, I do this and it helps immensely.

If you are wearing a baggy shirt or hoodie, you can wear a worn out binder or a high compression sports bra to give your ribs and chest a break.

You shouldn’t wear your binder every day, but if it is necessary use the weekends and any day off to rest.

An important thing to remember is a binder will NOT make you completely flat, but this is ok because most cis guy’s chests are not flat.

ALWAYS stretch when you have your binder on! Good stretches to do are shoulder stretches, back stretches, arm stretches, and neck stretches. Try to do this multiple times a day and as often as you can when wearing your binder.

DRINK WATER!! Staying hydrated is very important when you have multiple layers on.

NEVER sleep in your binder. This can cause so many problems, much like the problems caused by wearing your binder for too long.

How to Spot a Bad Binder

Bad Binder Indicator #1

The binder is marketed for “tomboys” or “lesbians”

NEVER buy a binder that is marketed towards tomboys or lesbians, as these are usually constructed very badly and can break your ribs. On the subject of ribs, if you damage them, there is a possibility that you will never be able to wear a binder again, might be refused top surgery, and permanently disfigure your ribs. Also, if you do break your ribs, you can’t wear a binder until they have completely healed, which usually takes one to two months.

Bad Binder Indicator #2

The binder is constructed fully with compression material and has no give

I cannot stress this enough, these binders will hinder your breathing IMMENSELY which can cause you to pass out, and can easily break your ribs.

Bad Binder Indicator #3

The binder has clasps instead of one solid piece

If the binder has clasps, this is usually a sign that the binder does not stretch, which can cause the problems mentioned in #2.

Bad Binder Indicator #4

The binder is marketed for cosplay

These binders usually are extremely compressing, which does not make them safe for long periods of wear and extended wear.

Bad Binder Indicator #5

It’s strapless

These are possibly the worst binders, it may be tempting to use these to wear tank tops, but they WILL cut your chest open and chafe.

Bad Binder Brands

I’ve compiled a list of binders that are not safe. Most of these are found on eBay and Amazon. If you have to order your binder from Amazon, Underworks sells theirs on Amazon.

LesLoveBoat

Most AliExpress brands that sell binders

LesMax

Most eBay sellers

A good rule of thumb is if its under $15 and isn't second hand, it's probably dangerous.

If you have any other safe binding tips and tricks, add them on!

Source: I’ve been wearing binders for five years

Be safe and happy binding!

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