How to Make Your Own Chest Binder

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Plus, important health tips for binding safely
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If you want to flatten your chest with a binder in order to look and feel more like your authentic self, you're definitely not alone! A professionally made binder safely flattens the breast tissue of the chest to help alleviate gender dysphoria, but they’re not exactly cheap. While it’s only medically recommended to wear a high-quality binder specifically made for this purpose, you have some other makeshift options to tide you over until you can get one. In this article, we’ll show you how to cut a DIY binder from a pair of tights or use other common clothing items to bind your chest, plus how to bind safely so you can enjoy your new look comfortably (with insight from our community transgender expert Shahpar Mirza)!

It is not recommended to wear a DIY binder long-term. Incorrectly made or excessively tight binders can cause skin damage, rib and lung damage, breathing problems, and other issues. Please remove your binder as soon as possible if you feel any pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing. [1]

Homemade Chest Binders: Best Options

  • Cut off the legs and crotch of a pair of tights, then put your head through the crotch hole and your arms through the legs (“sleeves”).
  • Layer 2 sports bras without cups (one forward and one backward).
  • Wear a camisole with a built-in bra backwards and tighten the straps all the way.
  • Use a neoprene back brace or athletic compression shirts.
  • Layer loose shirts over a tight undershirt to create the illusion of a smaller chest.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Turning Tights into a Chest Binder

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  1. Buy or find a pair of tights, leggings, or control-top pantyhose . You can use any tights for this purpose. If you're about the same size at your waist as your chest, you can just purchase your normal size. [2] Otherwise, use a soft tape measure to measure your chest. Start with 1 end at the front (over the fullest part of your chest) and go around your back until you reach the front with the other end. Pull it slightly tight over your chest and then take the measurement where the end overlaps the rest of the tape measure. [3]
    • Use this measurement to find the size of tights you need. Check size charts on the back of packages or online when buying your tights.
  2. Leaving about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of the legs on both sides, use sharp scissors to cut straight across each leg. You should have tights that look like shorts now. [4]
    • The amount of “leg” you leave on the tights or leggings will become your sleeves later. Longer sleeves will look like a T-shirt or thick-strapped tank, while shorter sleeves will look more like a tank top.
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  3. Find the crotch in the tights. Then, smooth the tights out so they look like a flat pair of shorts. Using a pair of scissors, cut a hole out of the crotch that's big enough for your head to fit through. [5]
    • If the hole isn't big enough for your head to fit through when you try the binder on, use your scissors to open it up more.
    • A wider hole will create a lower and looser neckline, while a small one will make a higher and tighter neckline. Cut whatever feels and looks best to you!
  4. Stick your head through the hole you made in the crotch and your arms through the “legs” that are left on the tights. Pull the waist part of the tights down over your chest to help flatten it out. [6]
    • You may want to layer this over a sports bra or fitted compression shirt for a smoother, flatter look.
    • Tights are elastic and breathable, making them a safer DIY binder than other methods. Avoid making binders with t-shirt fabric or other non-stretch fabric as these can be too constrictive and potentially harmful.
    • Remember that this is not a permanent solution!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Other Garments for Binders

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  1. Choose sports bras that are flat rather than having cups, as that will help smooth out your chest. If you have a larger chest, layering one on top of the other can help flatten it out. Aim for ones that fit a little tighter, though not so tight that it cuts off your breathing. [7]
    • Avoid sports bras with a “push up” effect since these will just make your chest more prominent.
    • Consider wearing a second sports bra backwards and letting the elastic band sit on the fullest part of your chest to help flatten it.
  2. Wear a camisole with a built-in bra backwards. Put the camisole on backwards and adjust the straps (now in front) until they’re as short as you can get them. Fold the camisole upward 2 or 3 times so it wraps around your chest, helping flatten it. If needed, you can layer and fold up another camisole on top. [8]
    • Camisoles are usually available for cheap at most big clothing stores. Purchase one that’s snug and fitted, but not so tight it hurts or constraints your breathing.
    • This method may not work as well for folks with a large chest.
  3. Wrap a neoprene back brace around your chest for an easy-to-put-on option. These usually attach with Velcro straps. Place the Velcro part under your arm so it doesn't show through your shirt as much, tightening up the brace as needed. It will help flatten out your chest. [9]
    • You can find these anywhere that sells back braces, such as big box stores and drug stores.
    • Don't make it so tight that you can't breathe.
    • This works best under loose clothing or layers because of the Velcro. Stiff materials like a denim jacket will help disguise bulky binders.
  4. Pick up a compression shirt to wear for a simple solution. Compression shirts, like compression leggings or socks, hug the body tightly. When you wear it around your chest, it tends to flatten it out. Then, you can wear whatever you want on top. You can find these in most athletic stores. [10]
    • If you only have compression shorts available, you can cut them into a shirt by cutting a hole in the crotch that's large enough for your head and wearing the “legs” as sleeves (the waistband area will compress your chest).
  5. If you don’t have any of the garments above, you’re not totally out of luck. Put on a sports bra if you have one, or if not, put on a tight-fitting undershirt (or 2 for more support). Then, layer one or two larger shirts on top—maybe a larger t-shirt and a button-down shirt over it—to dramatically reduce how big your chest looks. [11]
    • This method isn’t the most effective for folks with large chests, but it’s better than nothing!
    • To make this optical illusion more convincing, try an outer shirt with a crazy or chaotic pattern to distract onlooker’s eyes (using a geometric or repetitive pattern is less distracting). [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Practicing Safe Binding

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  1. Gender expression is very personal and you may not feel comfortable or safe seeing a doctor about it. However, a doctor can help you learn to bind safely and provide instructions for your unique body and needs. For example, if you have any heart, lung, or chest issues, a doctor can help you find a binding solution that doesn’t impact those issues. [13]
    • A medical professional can also offer guidance on how often and how long to bind, as well recommendations for where and how to access an affordable chest binder.
    • If you need help finding an LGBTQ+-friendly doctor near you, use this search tool from the LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory.
  2. Binding 24 hours a day can cause skin problems and other medical issues like overheating, dizziness and headaches, rib fractures and shoulder popping, or breathing issues. You need to leave it off for at least several hours a day to give your body a chance to rest. [14]
    • When possible, only wear your binder 8 to 10 hours at a time maximum.
    • Remove your binder as soon as possible if you feel any pain, discomfort, or have trouble breathing. Never intentionally wear a binder that is too small or tight to get a flatter look.
    • Mirza warns, “Tight binding can lead to breathing problems and even broken ribs. Over time, compressing your chest in this way can even change your skeletal structure.” [15]
  3. A sports bra is fine to exercise in since it's designed to move with your body, but makeshift binders like back braces and even tights might be too restrictive. They don't allow you to move enough and you won't be able to breathe as well as you should. [16]
  4. Put body powder under your binder to help prevent chafing. If you're having trouble with your binder rubbing your skin and causing redness, a layer of body powder may help, such as baby powder. Just add a light dusting before putting your binder on. [17]
    • You can also wear a tight undershirt below your binder.
    • Or, use an anti-chafing stick , which goes on like deodorant and protects your skin. You can find anti-chafing sticks online or at athletic stores.
  5. These materials do not move properly, aren’t breathable, and they can cause serious issues with your skin, muscles, and even ribs. Tape can harm your skin by trapping moisture and doesn't bind evenly, while Ace bandages will keep getting tighter as you wear them. This is what they're designed to do for an injury, but that can make breathing difficult. [18]
    • These types of bindings are more likely to lead to broken ribs.
    • You may see ads for “trans tape” (or kinesiology tape) for binding. This tape only goes on your front and reduces the risk of over-constriction, but the risk for skin irritation and damage remains. [19]
  6. Pro binders aren’t without risks either, but they’re generally safer than DIY solutions that can accidentally be too tight or unbreathable. Mirza reminds us that there are companies that manufacture vest-like binders that go halfway up your torso and compress your chest, as well as longer ones you can tuck in to compress your stomach as well. [20] Here are some reputable brands to browse when the time is right: [21]
  7. As Mirza says, “Experiment with what makes you feel happiest in regards to binding. There's no need to feel obligated to do so.” [22] Skipping a binder and wearing your natural chest does not take away from your transness or non-binary-ness. In fact, some openly trans and non-binary folks rarely bind or only bind for specific situations. Some don’t bind at all!
    • Always listen to your body and give yourself a break when you feel sore instead of pushing through the pain to maintain a flat appearance.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Would I be able to use old leggings instead of tights?
    S A T O B A B E
    Community Answer
    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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    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 409
  • Question
    Why am I using wikiHow for this? I could just use a site that is dedicated to giving safe advice on binding.
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    wikiHow is here to help anyone on the planet learn how to do anything. You know what would be great? If you read some other sites, did some research, then came back to improve this article with your knowledge. It really does help.
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    Not Helpful 49 Helpful 624
  • Question
    What's something that is easy to hide and to make?
    PhoenixAce13
    Community Answer
    I use old sports bras. I hide them under my bed and in my dresser. My parents don't suspect a thing!
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      Warnings

      • Improper binding might do permanent damage and even make top surgery impossible if you harm your body too much. When in doubt, play it safe.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      • If you can afford to, buy a binder made specifically for that purpose, as it's generally safer than making your own.
        Thanks
        Helpful 19 Not Helpful 0
      • Listen to your body. If you start to feel wheezy while binding or you're experiencing pain, you need to take it off and try something else.
        Thanks
        Helpful 17 Not Helpful 0
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      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/safe-chest-binding
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/jfzl_DZGY8E?t=39
      3. ↑ https://www.looksmartalterations.com.au/womans-guide-clothing-measurements/
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/jfzl_DZGY8E?t=70
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/jfzl_DZGY8E?t=165
      6. ↑ https://www.minus18.org.au/index.php/resources/sexuality-info/item/441-how-to-bind-your-chest
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PpBQfKrk3w&feature=youtu.be&t=200
      8. ↑ https://trans.fandom.com/wiki/Binding
      9. ↑ https://www.minus18.org.au/index.php/resources/sexuality-info/item/441-how-to-bind-your-chest
      1. ↑ https://www.minus18.org.au/articles/how-to-bind-your-chest-safely-and-healthily/
      2. ↑ https://www.minus18.org.au/articles/how-to-bind-your-chest-safely-and-healthily/
      3. ↑ https://trans.fandom.com/wiki/Binding
      4. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/safe-chest-binding
      5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/safe-chest-binding/
      6. ↑ Shahpar Mirza. Community Transgender Expert. Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
      7. ↑ https://www.pointofpride.org/blog/binding-101-tips-to-bind-your-chest-safely
      8. ↑ https://www.minus18.org.au/index.php/resources/sexuality-info/item/441-how-to-bind-your-chest
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/safe-chest-binding
      10. ↑ https://offbinary.com/blogs/articles/trans-tape-the-ultimate-guide
      11. ↑ Shahpar Mirza. Community Transgender Expert. Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.
      12. ↑ https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2022-03/Gender-Clinic-Chest-Binding-Handout.pdf
      13. ↑ Shahpar Mirza. Community Transgender Expert. Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.

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