Q&A for How to Bind Your Chest

The "In A Bind" program helps trans masc people get a free, used binder if they cannot afford one. I got my first one from there.

No! As long as you don't use it to mock trans or nonbinary people, binding is not offensive. However, binding for extended periods of time breaks down the breast tissue, which may not be desirable to some cisgender women.

Yes. Just don't wear it when you sleep or for longer than 8 hours at a time. If it hurts or you feel like you can't breathe easily, take it off.

It could be provided it is comfortable. Usually, tank tops aren't that expensive so you could buy a few and layer them if necessary. Remember to not be too drastic, and to stay safe. You still want to breathe well.

No, it would not.

Never use tape in any manner. Tape can rip your skin off, isn't breathable, and can be bad for your skin. Tape isn't meant for the skin, so don't use it there.

No. This is unsafe, and doesn't bind well either. Additionally, all plastic wraps are not breathable, and will end up leaving you swimming in your own sweat. Bind with breathable materials only.

Wear a hoodie at home so they don't notice it's flat. After you go out, take off the hoodie. If you're in school, take it to school without wearing it, then put it on in the morning in the bathroom.

There are websites where you can get binders for free. They send used clean ones to people under 18 who can not purchase one. Check them out to see how you can meet the terms and conditions.

You can use a camisole - a tank top with a built in bra. Put it on backwards, tighten the straps as far as they'll go, and fold the fabric from the bottom to the middle, then up over your chest. Make sure it's as smooth as possible.

Bandages can be very dangerous. Buy two sports bras, put one on backward and the other frontward. This way you are smaller, and when you buy them they are still considered feminine, so your mum hopefully won't have a problem with it.

Wear it backwards so the front is in the back.

Binding is often described as only a temporary solution, but if you bind safely you could probably go for quite awhile.

It will, but running in a binder is not advisable because it makes it hard to breath.

If you can sew, get your hands on jersey fabric. Smaller sizes (A/B cup) can go with cotton-based jersey (with 8% spandex), people with larger sizes will need to use a lot of layers of this fabric. Try a polyamid or nylon based fabric instead. Just make sure it has 15 to 30% spandex in it. Take your measurements (high bust, low bust, waist, height) and sew a tank top/sports bra looking thing. Use elastic stitches only -- that means using zig-zag stitches. You should also only use jersey needles. Use two to three layers in front, and one to two in the back. Adjust your binder as needed. If sewing is not an option, keep your eyes open for giveaways and ask in local trans communities for help from someone willing to do the sewing for you.

It would still be a health risk. Bandages were designed to constrict, so even with the sports bra, when you breath, it will compress your chest.

Pantyhose and sports bra together or on their own is fine, just be careful. Bandages can deform your ribs and breasts, making it hard to breathe and even more difficult to get top surgery (if you want it).

That is probably a really bad idea. Your bed sheet fabric is more than likely not elastic, and will do more damage to your ribs, chest, or lungs because you will not be able to take full breaths. Also, the yarn or shoelace can come undone if not secured properly.

Yes, you're allowed to wear a binder no matter what gender you are. It all depends on what you feel is right.

Underworks, GC2B, Les Loveboat, and many other websites sell binders. If those are out of your price range, eBay and Amazon usually have some for cheaper prices and they work fairly well.

Any exercise, really. People who are fitter tend to have smaller breasts -- take runners, for example.

Taping to bind can be dangerous and uncomfortable, especially if you're taking it off. As said above, using tape can restrict movement and oxygen from your body, making it harder to move around and breathe.

You could tell them that it's because you lost some weight.

I was the same age when I started and it's been about two years. My breasts have been fine. I've talked to my doctor and had checkups, which all came back fine. The only long-term effect from safely wearing a binder is sagging breasts, and even that takes a very long time. Binders are made to be safe and will not hurt you if you use them correctly. I use a GC2B binder and it's wonderful. Just remember to wear it for only 8 hours at a time, hydrate, and if it hurts, take it off. I actually carry a bra in my bag just in case I need to switch.

Tell them you need it for a male cosplay costume. That's how I got mine. If you don't ever dress up for conventions and such, ask around Halloween.

That could work if you're able to sew/refit it well to ensure that it fits. It all just comes down to if it works for your chest size and the aesthetic you're going for. In any case, that wouldn't hurt your ribs or anything, so you would be fine.

Yes, as a gender fluid person, I know first hand that binding incorrectly can cause severe back pain.

You can layer sports bras or find tightly-fitting sports bras. You should never use bandages, duct tape, clingfilm or anything of the sort as it is dangerous.

Try "In a Bind" or "Replace The Ace."

You may try a waist trimmer, tank tops, layering, etc. You may also order a binder yourself online and have it shipped to a friend's house or a PO box.