Q&A for How to Make a Binder

Leggings can be used, just be aware that legging material is a little more thicker and may be harder to stretch or move.

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Binders are usually used to flatten a chest. Bras are used to support and/or accentuate them.

No, don't wear more than 2 sports bras at once, because that could put pressure on your ribs and possibly fracture them.

Yes, they are. I tried it (I'm a minor not even a teen) and they work! Just do what the thing says and you can bind your chest.

Wear baggy clothing, hoodies/sweaters, or layers to cover up the fact you're binding. Or, just wear regular clothes, and if one of your family members ask why your chest is so flat, tell them you're wearing a (fancy) sports bra.

Try to avoid wearing a white shirt. White shirts can be seen through, and show the binder, or sports bra that you are wearing. If you do not want to give up wearing white shirts if you wear them, try layering them, or wearing something over it.

No. Binders only work when they're on your chest. When it's off, your chest will go back to normal.

Yes, it is possible. Just wrap it as tightly and as flat as you can without causing discomfort. Then tie it in front, then tuck the tie into the bind between your breasts.

Ask him what size leggings he wears or would wear and get some, then use the first method and take the sleeves off. You now have a binder for him. If this doesn't work, try making him a binder out of old shirts he or you don't need anymore.

If you do your own laundry, then this shouldn't be a problem. If not, just tell whoever washes it (if they ask, don't make a big deal out of it) that it is just a fashion thing you made up and wanted to try. Or, if you feel comfortable telling them the truth, go ahead and tell them.

Try wearing only the binder instead of both, especially if the bra has padding. If the bra does not have padding, then you could try both with the bra under the binder. Choose whichever way is most comfortable for you.

This may help, but if it doesn't, try using leggings, they are a little harder to stretch out.

Yes, the sleeves are optional. Just make sure (if you want to have some sort of straps) that you can fit your head through and decide from there where to cut the sleeves off.

You actually have a few non-binder options if you're trying to flatten the appearance of your chest. A super simple one is to wear a compression shirt that hugs your body tightly and flattens your chest. You can also wrap a neoprene back brace around your chest and tighten it as much as you want to until you're happy with your appearance. Be careful not to tighten it so much that you can't breathe well. Another option is to put on a bunch of flat sports bras. Layer them on top of each other to flatten your chest. Use tight-fitting ones that you can still breathe in.

It can be. If you use unsafe materials or you bind your chest too tightly for too long, it can lead to permanent deformation of your breasts, scarring, and can even affect your breathing. However, if you want to simply flatten the appearance of your chest, there are safe ways of binding your chest that won't have any long-term negative effects. One way is to simply layer sports bras that are flat and don't have cups. Layer the bras on top of each other and try to use ones that fit a little tighter, but aren't so tight that it's difficult for you to breathe. There are even companies that make vest-like binders that go halfway up your torso to help compress and flatten your chest safely.

One simple way is to use an old pair of tights! Take a pair of scissors and cut the legs off of the tights, leaving about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of the legs on both sides. Then cut a hole in the crotch that's big enough for you to put your head through. Then, stick your head through the hole you made and slide your arms into what were the legs of the tights. Pull the waist part over your chest to help flatten it out and you're all set. It can also be helpful to wear a sports bra underneath your DIY binder.

Ask your friends to call you by a different name (not your parents if you haven’t come out, but when you do, you can ask) and ask if you would be able to get uniform pants. Wear a binder anyway, if a teacher or student asks you if you are wearing a binder, just say it’s a sports bra.

You could just say that it’s a sports bra, but most people don’t even notice, and if they do, they need to get a hobby.

Many won't even notice. And if they do, it would be a weird thing to ask about. It's highly unlikely anyone will ask.

I'm sure many won't even notice, unless you make a big fuss about it. But if someone questions it and you don't want to explain it, you could say it's a sports bra.

If the binder is really tight, it might start to feel uncomfortable, or maybe even hurt a bit. But keep observing how you feel and take the binder off if you start to feel really bad. And also, try stretching after wearing it, especially for longer time,

It's different for everyone, but it can make a significant difference in making you feel better.

If you have second thoughts about it, that's normal. If you know you feel that a binder is what you've been wanting for a while, then get it without any regrets. Regrets tend to come and go, but something that would really make you regret is not getting one when you've really wanted one.

I use old sports bras. I hide them under my bed and in my dresser. My parents don't suspect a thing!