Buzz
Chest binding is a technique to reduce or flatten the chest, available to everyone regardless of gender identity or situation. Whether you're in the process of transitioning, need to shrink your chest to fit into a specific outfit, or are simply tired of being noticed, safe and healthy binding can offer a solution to your concerns.
Steps
Use a specialized binding shirt
Find a place to buy a binding shirt. Some online companies offer binding shirts specifically designed for transgender men. Additionally, some transgender men may resell shirts that no longer fit or are no longer needed. You can also find binding shirts from local vendors who support gender diversity.
- Binding shirts are not only for transgender men but also for men with gynecomastia. You can find shirts specifically designed for those with gynecomastia.
- If you can't afford a binding shirt, many programs offer the option to sign up for free or low-cost shirts. However, most of these exchange programs are aimed at helping transgender individuals facing financial difficulties during their gender transition.
Select a properly fitting corset. If you know your bra size, salespeople can help you convert it to the appropriate corset size. If shopping online, a size conversion tool or size chart might be available on the seller's website.
- Finding a well-fitting corset is essential. Wearing a corset isn't always comfortable, but you should still be able to breathe. It shouldn't be tight enough to make it hard to breathe.
Decide whether you want a longline or short corset. A short corset reaches just to your stomach or below your bust, while a longline corset extends over the stomach, typically 3cm below the belly button (depending on your body shape).
- Longline corsets are more prone to rolling up and may need frequent adjustment, while short corsets are less likely to roll up. A rolled-up corset can create visible marks under your outer clothing. To avoid this, you can fold the edge of the corset about 3cm to prevent it from rolling.
- Choose a longline or short corset based on your body shape and fit preference. If you have a fuller figure, a longline corset may be a better option as it won't roll up as often.
Wear the corset. A corset is worn differently from regular bras or sports bras. Here's how to get started:
- Turn the corset inside out and hold it upside down.
- Step into the corset and pull it up to your stomach.
- Lift the straps to turn the corset right-side out.
- Slip your arms through the straps.
- Pull down the bottom of the corset to smooth it out. Some people tuck the bottom under to avoid it rolling up as they move.
Adjust the corset to fit your body. After wearing the corset for the first time, you might notice that your chest looks like a single breast, or that your breasts are sticking together. There are several ways to adjust the corset for a better fit:
- Flatten your chest by separating the breasts. Reach inside the corset and push your breasts apart.
- Push the chest downward to make it appear flatter. Insert your hand inside the corset to press the chest downward to flatten it.
- Trim or adjust any details on the corset to avoid bulges or chafing. The corset may be too long or too tight under your arms. You can adjust the corset using scissors and needle and thread for a better fit.
- Adjust the fit by adding velcro, spandex fabric, or other materials to the corset. If the bottom of the corset is too tight while other parts fit well or it keeps rolling up, you can attach velcro or spandex at the bottom for better fit.
Use tips and tricks to make wearing the corset more effective and comfortable. For some people, a corset may not be enough, especially if you have a larger chest. A corset might also feel uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear. Here are some tips to make wearing a corset more comfortable:
- Wear a layer underneath the corset. This will make wearing the corset more comfortable and prevent it from shifting.
- Wear layered clothing to make your chest appear flatter. Loose clothes or baggy outfits can help conceal your chest.
- Look in the mirror to better understand how your chest looks. It might appear larger when viewed from above. Adjust your appearance according to what you see in the mirror.
- Move around, bend your back, sit down, and jump while trying on the corset. You may look fine while standing, but when you start moving, the fit and look may change.
- Use baby powder or talcum powder on your skin before wearing the corset to absorb moisture or sweat. Some corsets may not be breathable and can cause sweating in hot weather or when you're physically active. Baby powder and talcum powder can prevent irritation caused by the tight fit of the corset.
Always prioritize safety when wearing a corset. It's important to wear a corset safely to protect your body from harm and long-term health issues. Wearing a corset too tightly can cause difficulty breathing, rib fractures, damage to breast tissue over time, and fluid retention in the chest.
- Do not wear a corset for more than 8 to 12 hours. Wearing it for extended periods can lead to bruising and oxygen deprivation.
- Corseting is a short-term solution. Prolonged corseting can cause permanent tissue damage. If you plan to corset daily for any reason, consider safer long-term options.
- Never sleep in a corset. Wearing a corset at night can interfere with breathing and/or irritate the skin.
- Never wrap additional bandages or tape around the corset. In fact, you should never use tape or bandages to flatten your chest. These methods restrict movement and reduce oxygen intake.
Wear a sports bra
Choose a good sports bra. A well-fitting sports bra will flatten your chest. You can try wearing a sports bra that is a size smaller for an even flatter look. However, you should never feel pain or difficulty breathing while wearing it.
- When trying on a sports bra, take a few deep breaths to make sure it doesn't restrict your breathing.
- Move around while wearing the sports bra by bending down, shrugging your shoulders, jumping, and sitting. This will help you assess how it fits and how it feels during physical activity. You might look fine standing still, but the feeling could be different once you start moving throughout the day.
- Look for bras made from spandex. Spandex is a stretchy, body-hugging fabric.
- Don't wear a very tight sports bra for too long. The general guideline is to avoid wearing any type of corset or tight garment for more than 8 hours.
Wear an additional sports bra. If one sports bra isn't enough, try wearing another one to achieve a flatter chest. Here's how you can do it:
- Wear the first bra normally and wear the second one backward.
- The second bra will be a size larger. If wearing the second bra over the first is too difficult, try choosing a bigger size and see if it feels more comfortable and fitting.
Always prioritize safety when corseting. No matter which corseting method you use, the most important thing is to do it safely. Wearing a corset too tightly or for too long can permanently damage tissue, cause breathing issues, bruises, and broken ribs.
- Never use elastic bandages over a sports bra. Any corseting method that involves wrapping can be dangerous, causing harm to the chest tissue, lungs, and ribs.
- Never wear a sports bra while sleeping.
- Limit corseting to a maximum of 8 hours.
- For a sports bra, make sure to get an accurate measurement to find one that fits well. A professional can help you choose a sports bra that fits correctly and flattens your chest effectively.
Use a rubber waist trainer
Place the waist trainer on your chest. Wrap it around your chest so that the hook-and-loop fastener is positioned under your arms.
- Rubber waist trainers are commonly used to improve blood circulation for athletes. They are also used to shape the waist for individuals who do not have a naturally slender waist.
Trim the waist trainer to fit your chest. If the waist trainer is too long for your chest measurement, trim the end without the hook-and-loop fastener using scissors to make it fit better. Avoid wrapping two layers of the waist trainer around your chest, as this can be counterproductive.
- If the waist trainer digs into your ribs or the inner part of your arms, use scissors to cut the edge of the waist trainer into a curved shape.
Apply moisturizing cream and baby powder to minimize irritation. Rubber waist trainers can cause chafing and increase moisture around the chest area. Applying baby powder before wearing the waist trainer will help reduce excess moisture. Make sure to regularly apply moisturizing cream after removing the waist trainer to protect the skin from abrasions and dryness.
- Do not apply both moisturizing cream and baby powder at the same time or while wearing the waist trainer, as this may damage the waist trainer. Additionally, the combination of cream and powder can create a sticky mixture on your skin.
Prioritize safety when using a waist trainer for chest binding. When binding your chest, safety is paramount, and your body must be protected from harm and health issues. A waist trainer that is too tight can cause breathing difficulties, rib fractures, and long-term damage to breast tissue and fluid buildup in the chest.
- Do not wear the waist trainer for more than 8 hours. Wearing it for extended periods can cause bruising and reduced oxygen flow in your body.
- Do not sleep while wearing the waist trainer.
- Do not wrap bandages or tapes over the waist trainer. In fact, you should never use tape or bandages to flatten your chest. These methods restrict movement and reduce oxygen intake.
Use alternative methods
Wear multiple layers over your chest-binding shirt. This is particularly effective if you have already bound your chest. It's also a good backup solution when you don't have a binding shirt available. A fitted T-shirt or tank top worn under loose-fitting T-shirts or button-up shirts can help reduce the appearance of your chest. You can make your chest appear even smaller by:
Wear clothes that draw attention away from your chest or make it appear flatter.
- Opt for clothing with patterns or colors that shift focus from your chest area. Shirts with regular patterns (like checks) can accentuate your figure, while free-form patterns like camouflage will make your shape harder to discern. Shirts with logos directly over the chest can either highlight or diminish the prominence of your chest, depending on the design. Full-covering details create a structured look, making your chest appear flatter. Dark-colored clothing also helps in making your chest appear smaller.
- Wear scarves, vests, and ties. These accessories can help obscure your chest or divert attention away from it.
- Choose clothing with pockets around your chest. Instead of focusing on your chest, people may be drawn to the pockets. This method works especially well with loose-fitting tops.
- Wear hooded tops. Hooded jackets are often loose and can effectively hide your chest when worn over a tight-fitting tank top.
Wear compression clothing designed for sports. These clothes are typically worn to enhance blood circulation during exercise or to reduce muscle soreness after a workout. You can find compression sportswear at local athletic stores.
- Even tight-fitting swimwear can provide similar benefits. However, swimwear may need to be a size smaller to be effective and might require trimming along the edges to reduce compression around the arms and legs.
Advice
- Weight loss can cause your chest to shrink and become easier to bind.
- Coughing after removing a chest binder helps release any buildup in your lungs from binding.
- Wearing multiple shirts, tank tops, or undershirts will help flatten your chest.
- If you have a larger chest, sports bras may not be effective and could also carry some risks.
- Do not pull your breasts too close together when binding. Instead, push them out to the sides.
Warning
- Never bind your chest with elastic bandages. This can restrict breathing and compress the rib cage, which might cause rib fractures, lung damage, and other long-term chest injuries. This could prevent you from binding again or from undergoing breast removal surgery later on.
- Do not use tape to bind your chest. It is not designed for skin contact and will make breathing difficult.
- Do not sleep in your chest binder. Even though binders made for gynecomastia or gender transition are much safer than wrapping bandages, you should still avoid wearing them to bed. You won’t notice discomfort, or the binder could shift while you sleep, making it harder to breathe.
- When buying a chest binder online, it’s best to avoid those marketed to lesbians as they often prioritize aesthetics over practical use and could cause more harm than good. Also, purchasing binders from eBay could be risky due to poor quality and potential harm, especially those intended for lesbians.
- Do not bind for more than 8 hours, and avoid binding for 8 hours on your first try. Start by binding for a few hours and gradually increase the time.
- Frequent binding can cause the breast tissue to lose firmness, making your chest smaller and more saggy. For long-term solutions, consult with a doctor or an LGBTQ+ mentor if you’re transitioning. Even daily binding over several months may permanently alter the shape of your chest.
- While using a specialized chest binder or sports bra is the safest method, all binding methods carry risks if used incorrectly. Always listen to your body: if you feel pain, remove the binder as soon as possible.
- There is no research linking chest binding with breast cancer, but binding can cause benign lumps that may lead to unwanted health issues and expensive treatments.
- Most low-cost chest binders sold on Amazon, especially those under $20 marketed to lesbians, are dangerous. They can be too small, restrict breathing, and lead to serious health problems.
- Do not push your breasts down when binding. While this may make your chest appear flatter, it can negatively impact future breast surgery.
