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Binding (edit)

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Binding is practised by many kinds of people, including [[transgender men]] who haven't had [[top surgery]] (meaning bilateral mastectomy, in this case called FTM chest reconstruction), [[cisgender men]] with breasts (gynecomastia), [[drag]] kings (performing artists who do a male impersonation act), [[transgender women]] in situations where they need to look male (such as early in transition, with people they haven't [[coming out|come out]] to yet), and some [[nonbinary]] people who want an [[androgyny|androgynous]] look. Because this is a temporary effect, some [[transgender]] and [[gender non-conforming]] people either bind their breasts or wear [[breast prostheses]] at different times. This is one solution for [[genderfluid]] people who wouldn't be satisfied with the permanence of surgery or [[hormone therapy]].
Binding is practised by many kinds of people, including [[transgender men]] who haven't had [[top surgery]] (meaning bilateral mastectomy, in this case called FTM chest reconstruction), [[cisgender men]] with breasts (gynecomastia), [[cisgender women]] who want a flatter chest for costuming reasons, [[drag]] kings (performing artists who do a male impersonation act), [[transgender women]] in situations where they need to look male (such as early in transition, with people they haven't [[coming out|come out]] to yet), and some [[nonbinary]] people who want an [[androgyny|androgynous]] look. Because this is a temporary effect, some [[transgender]] and [[gender non-conforming]] people either bind their breasts or wear [[breast prostheses]] at different times. This is one solution for [[genderfluid]] people who wouldn't be satisfied with the permanence of surgery or [[hormone therapy]].


==How not to bind== <!--T:6-->
==How not to bind== <!--T:6-->
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[[File:Binder side.jpg|thumb|200px|<translate><!--T:78--> A commercially made binder like this is the safest way to bind.</translate>]]
[[File:Binder front.jpg|thumb|200px|<translate><!--T:79--> A front view of the same binder.</translate>]]
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* '''Saran wrap''' (plastic cling film) doesn't breathe, so it makes a hot wet environment for bacteria. A few resources for drag kings talk about using this method, but none recommend it. It doesn't seem to have any bonuses that outweigh the discomfort and risks.
* '''Plastic cling film''' such as Saran Wrap doesn't breathe, so it makes a hot wet environment for bacteria. A few resources for drag kings talk about using this method, but none recommend it. It doesn't seem to have any bonuses that outweigh the discomfort and risks.


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==Choosing a binder to buy== <!--T:14-->
==Choosing a binder to buy== <!--T:14-->
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[[File:Chest binders in various skin tones DSCF2250.jpg|thumb|150px|<translate><!--T:15--> Chest binders in various skin tones.</translate>]]  
{{Outdated Information|section=yes}}
[[File:Chest binders in various skin tones DSCF2250.jpg|thumb|200px|<translate><!--T:15--> Chest binders in various skin tones.</translate>]]
 
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There are a lot of varieties of commercial binders, but nearly all of them are for people who have breasts that are a B cup size or smaller. A lot of them don't do much different than a compression sports bra. (For people who have B cup size or smaller breasts, a compression sports bra can work as good as a binder for creating a chest that just looks like pectoral muscles. Compression sports bras are better for your body than any binder, especially when exercising. Some trans men use those bras at the gym.)
There are a lot of varieties of commercial binders, but nearly all of them are for people who have breasts that are a B cup size or smaller. A lot of them don't do much different than a compression sports bra. (For people who have B cup size or smaller breasts, a compression sports bra can work as good as a binder for creating a chest that just looks like pectoral muscles. Compression sports bras are better for your body than any binder, especially when exercising. Some trans men use those bras at the gym.)
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'''The "Tri-Top style 983," by Underworks.''' [http://www.ftm.underworks.com/ http://www.ftm.underworks.com/] Shaped like a cropped tank-top, with a breathable mesh back, with a heavy-duty front that feels like it's made out of the same stuff as a trampoline. It doesn't have any fasteners. You put it on by stepping into it and pulling it up. Putting it on over your head requires a lot of agility in your arms, which can get tangled in it, but some people who are wider in the lower part of their body find that this is easier. Either way, try practising by putting on a normal tank top over and over, thinking carefully about how you're moving your body to do it. Think of putting on the binder as like putting on an amazingly intractable tank top. It's very, very difficult to put this binder on over your head when the binder hasn't been broken in yet. After it's been broken in, and after you've had some practice, you can get so that you can put it on as quickly as a bra.
'''The "Tri-Top style 983," by Underworks.''' [https://web.archive.org/web/20131027201255/http://www.ftm.underworks.com/ https://web.archive.org/web/20131027201255/http://www.ftm.underworks.com/] Shaped like a cropped tank-top, with a breathable mesh back, with a heavy-duty front that feels like it's made out of the same stuff as a trampoline. It doesn't have any fasteners. You put it on by stepping into it and pulling it up. Putting it on over your head requires a lot of agility in your arms, which can get tangled in it, but some people who are wider in the lower part of their body find that this is easier. Either way, try practising by putting on a normal tank top over and over, thinking carefully about how you're moving your body to do it. Think of putting on the binder as like putting on an amazingly intractable tank top. It's very, very difficult to put this binder on over your head when the binder hasn't been broken in yet. After it's been broken in, and after you've had some practice, you can get so that you can put it on as quickly as a bra.


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'''The "extreme chest concealer style 988," by Underworks''' (at the same link as above), is another version of the tri-top described above, with a small change: it's longer, so you can tuck it into your waistband. Some people have trouble with the tri-top rolling up, so they prefer to get the long one and tuck it in so it can't roll up. The tri-top has been re-designed a little bit (with a flared lower edge) so that it's less likely to roll up, though. The tri-top would have to be the more comfortable of the two, because it doesn't constrict around your tummy at all, so you can breathe more freely. Some people save money by buying the tri-top style 983 instead and then sewing some extra fabric onto the end so that it can tuck in as this long 988 binder can. That's cheaper if you've got the sewing skills and supplies.
'''The "extreme chest concealer style 988," by Underworks''' (at the same link as above), is another version of the tri-top described above, with a small change: it's longer, so you can tuck it into your waistband. Some people have trouble with the tri-top rolling up, so they prefer to get the long one and tuck it in so it can't roll up. The tri-top has been re-designed a little bit (with a flared lower edge) so that it's less likely to roll up, though. The tri-top would have to be the more comfortable of the two, because it doesn't constrict around your tummy at all, so you can breathe more freely. Some people save money by buying the tri-top style 983 instead and then sewing some extra fabric onto the end so that it can tuck in as this long 988 binder can. That's cheaper if you've got the sewing skills and supplies.
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'''"2nd Gen. Jersey Mesh Short Binder," by LesLoveBoat.''' [http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=255 http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=255]  It has a Velcro closure on the left side, a racer back, and soft fabric lining.


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* Cons: The Velcro closure down the left side of your ribs makes it so this binder is asymmetrical. That means that your left breast gets compressed much more firmly, whereas your right breast might not look compressed at all if you don't have it positioned quite right. The asymmetrical pressure-- much firmer on the left than on the right-- is also bad for your ribs, so don't wear this binder all the time. The soft fabric insulates body heat and will make you feel much, much hotter than with the mesh Underworks binders. The Velcro closure has a hard, coarse texture that digs into your skin on that side, so you might have to wear an undershirt with it, which then kind of defeats the breathability of the fabric.
* Cons: The Velcro closure down the left side of your ribs makes it so this binder is asymmetrical. That means that your left breast gets compressed much more firmly, whereas your right breast might not look compressed at all if you don't have it positioned quite right. The asymmetrical pressure-- much firmer on the left than on the right-- is also bad for your ribs, so don't wear this binder all the time. The soft fabric insulates body heat and will make you feel much, much hotter than with the mesh Underworks binders. The Velcro closure has a hard, coarse texture that digs into your skin on that side, so you might have to wear an undershirt with it, which then kind of defeats the breathability of the fabric.
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'''"Super Strength Velcro Short Binder," by LesLoveBoat.''' [http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=78_80&amp;products_id=122 http://www.lesloveboat.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=78_80&amp;products_id=122] This binder is exactly the same as the above Jerseybinder, except that this one doesn't have a racer back. The extra fabric makes it hotter, and may or may not have an effect on its binding power.


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'''GC2B Tank or Half binder''' [https://gc2b.io/ (UK/EU)] [https://gc2b.co US/CAN/Americas] Similar design shape to underworks, but in nude (5 shades), red, green, blue and purple too. The compression panel is made of cotton, compared to Underwork's one-material-all-over design. Racerback binders are now available in black and nude (5 shades).
'''GC2B Tank or Half binder''' [https://gc2b.io/ (UK/EU)] [https://gc2b.co US/CAN/Americas] Similar design shape to underworks, but in nude (5 shades), red, green, blue and purple too. The compression panel is made of cotton, compared to Underwork's one-material-all-over design. Racerback binders are now available in black and nude (5 shades).


==Safety tips and advice for wearing commercial binders== <!--T:28-->
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'''Compression Chest Binder | Gynecomastia Solutions''' [https://gynecomastiasolutions.co.uk/collections/compression-vests/products/compression-chest-binder (UK/EU)] Comes in white and black only. Made from a Nylon / Spandex blend. Uses a 3 clasp design, allegedly for post surgery use or for general chest binding.
 
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'''Esha Chest binder''' https://eshaproduct.com/
 
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This brand is from Taiwan, and their binder have four types of binders, which are zipper, buckle, pullover, and velcro.
 
'''Banabuddy''' https://banabuddy.com/ is an FTM brand that symbolized the courage to embrace one's authentic self, no matter the obstacles.The tale of Banabuddy lives on, ever-evolving, touching lives, and empowering transgender men to embrace their true selves and celebrate their authenticity with pride. They provide premium binders priced at approximately $50, featuring a soft cotton inner layer that enhances comfort against the skin. The front zipper design allows for quick removal, adding convenience to your experience.
 
==Safety tips and advice for wearing commercial binders== <!--T:77-->


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*[http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/BBUB.html Big Brother Used Binder Program]. Donate used binders, and this group gives them to trans men for free. They require that you prove that you truly need a binder and can't afford one. Region: USA.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170807104728/http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/BBUB.html Big Brother Used Binder Program]. Donate used binders, and this group gives them to trans men for free. They require that you prove that you truly need a binder and can't afford one. Region: USA.


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*[http://www.facebook.com/binderboys Binder Boys] has a monthly binder give-away program.
*[https://bindersforlove.wixsite.com/bindersforlove Binders For Love]. Gives new and used binders for free to trans people who can't afford one.


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*[https://www.dcats.org/binderexchange DC Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS) Binder Exchange] - Free binders to residents of Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia.
*[http://bryanpride18.tumblr.com/post/127673640450/my-binder-program Binders For Love]. Gives new and used binders for free to trans people who can't afford one.


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*[http://ftmgaragesale.livejournal.com/ FTM Garage Sale]. A Livejournal blog/forum for trans men to sell their second-hand binders and other equipment.
*[http://ftmgaragesale.livejournal.com/ FTM Garage Sale]. A Livejournal blog/forum for trans men to sell their second-hand binders and other equipment.


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*[https://herkimercountypridealliance.org/about Herkimer County Pride Alliance] - Provides "new or gently used binders" to people who can't otherwise access them. Limited to residents of Herkimer County, New York, USA. You need parental permission if you're under 13.
*[http://www.inabind.transactiveonline.org/ In A Bind]. Donate new and used binders, and this group gives them to trans-masculine and genderqueer youth for free. In the USA only.
 
*[https://linktr.ee/littlepetalalliance Little Petal Alliance] - LPA is partnered with GC2B for a binder giveaway program for people in the USA (prioritizing Black and Indigenous people, as well as people in states where trans rights are under legislative attack.) As of June 2023, the binder giveaway is currently closed, but check back in the future to see if they reopen it.


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*[http://morf.org.uk/binder.html MORF binder exchange]. Region: UK.
*[https://www.morf.org.uk/binder-scheme/ MORF binder exchange]. Region: UK.


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*[https://phoenixtransitionprogram.com/binder Phoenix Transition Program] - Gives free GC2B binders to transmasculine people age 18 or over in the USA.
*[http://www.facebook.com/binderprogram Pay-It-Forward Binder Program]. Should only be used by people who otherwise can't afford a binder, not just trying to save money. Region: Australia and New Zealand.
 
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*[http://replacetheace.wordpress.com/binders/ Replace the ACE]. Donate binders, and this group gives them to trans men for free.
 
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*[https://www.shapeshifters.co/blog Shapeshifters monthly giveaway] They offer one $50 Shapeshifters crop top binder, however, the winner is allowed to purchase an upgrade to whichever binder they choose.


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*[http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,324.0.html Susan's Place Transgender Resources - Forum - FTM Gear]. People often make posts on this forum about binders they have to sell or give away.
*[http://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,324.0.html Susan's Place Transgender Resources - Forum - FTM Gear]. People often make posts on this forum about binders they have to sell or give away.


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*[https://www.validusa.org/active-affirming-wardrobes Valid USA] - Free binders mailed out to people ages 24 and under. (Only for people living in Arizona, USA.)
*[http://www.transcircle.org/ Trans Circle, the].
 
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*[http://www.transyouthequality.org/binder-drive/ Trans Youth Equality Foundation binder drive]. Donate used binders, and this group gives them confidentially to children between age 9 and 18 for free. Located in Maine, USA.


==See also== <!--T:67-->
==See also== <!--T:67-->
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