Q&A for How to Safely Bind Your Chest Without a Binder

If you don't have a binder, you can try wearing 1 or 2 sports bras to flatten out your chest. However, if the reason you don't have a binder is because you're afraid your parents or someone else will notice that you made the purchase, consider asking a trusted friend if they'd be willing to order your binder for you.

It's best to just buy a better snugly fitting one to avoid problems with breathing and blood circulation. I do not recommend wearing more than one, as it gets hot, and could cause health problems.

Yes, just try not to do it often.

As long as it does not hurt your chest, and as long as you can breathe comfortably, you should be safe. Don't bind for more than 8 hours, though.

Do not use Ace bandages, they could deform your ribcage. Try wearing denim things that cover your chest, like jackets.

You could tell her that the sports bra doesn't fit you properly and ask for a new one. It's a lot easier than explaining what's going on or using a sports bra that's too big, and you're not lying, either.

Talk to an adult - a parent, a teacher, a counselor, a therapist, someone. Please don't cut yourself. Things will get better. If you cannot talk to anyone in your life, call the Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) or another crisis hotline.

The trick is to wear baggy clothes; binding can only do so much. Also, the way you bind with sports bras is to wear one the correct way (facing forward) and then another over top backwards. You could also buy a regular binder (you can buy them on Amazon or point5cc.com). I suggest the regular binders since that is what they are made for; sports bras are designed for keeping breasts steady when exercising.

Yes, as long as you don't feel any pain while doing so and only wear it for like that for 8 hours at a time.

If you want to bind without your mom's approval, go for the double sports bra approach; it's more comfortable than binding and it's subtle because you're wearing a "bra".

No, it is not wrong, and you're not the only one. You can still bind your chest if you like, as long as you do so safely.

There are many ways! GC2B suggests you use a binder one size larger than your actual size, or you can layer two sports bras, or if you have a smaller chest, try just wearing baggy and dark colored clothing.

Buy a new one! Don't try to alter it yourself because that could result in injury.

No, this wouldn't be safe. Opt for one of the alternatives listed in the article instead.

The smaller your chest is, the more potential you have to mimic a flatter chest without an official compression binder; sports bras often prove an effective and safe alternative. Ensure the sports bra(s) you're using are the correct size.

You could tell her it's for a cosplay/Halloween costume, or that you need it for acting as a male character in a school play. But if you think your mom is open-minded, you should just be honest with her about how you feel and why you want the binder.

Yes, you can.

Try just wearing a tight sports bra and baggy clothing. Don't use tape or bandages, as this can be very dangerous.

No. Using bandages and tape is not a safe binding practice ever, even if you're using them over something else. If you can't afford a binder right now, look around online and see if there are any deals for the holiday season. If you're worried about someone finding out, have it sent to someone else's house, or tell your parents you bought it as a gift for someone.

They could definitely get a little bit more tender or sore since they are growing, but if you bind safely then it should not be harmful. Just remember not to bind for more than 8 hours and never use bandages or tape.

You could always try a sports bra to see how that works for binding. You can find rather inexpensive ones online or at some stores. If you don't like how that looks, then go ahead and get the binder.

There are swim binders available online. You can also try wearing sports bras for exercise. Remember to listen to your body.

No, you should avoid wearing them during the day after sleeping in them.

Well, depending on your age you can buy some yourself, or tell your mother that you need them and let her buy them for you. Just lay out to your mother that at this point you need something for your breasts and she should understand.

Yes, you can. Anyone and everyone can bind, regardless of their gender identity.

You can bind with as many sports bras you want! Just stop when it gets too uncomfortable.

Yes and no, the purpose of binding is to make people’s breasts appear smaller but it won't make them actually smaller. If you have larger breasts (DD or D or /maybe/ C’s) then you should consider a proper, professional binder. If neither options help, try using baggy t-shirts.

You don't have to spread them. Just bind them as they normally hang (pushing inwards rather than upwards).

Yes. You can express your gender identity in any way you please, regardless of the way you identify.

Yes, you can bind at school and in gym as long as you are comfortable moving around.