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'''Binding''' refers to a variety of methods that a person can use to flatten their breast tissue. Usually, this means wearing an undergarment called a binder. Binding involves risk of permanent change to the breasts and injury to other parts of the body, so this article will focus on how to mitigate those risks. | '''Binding''' refers to a variety of methods that a person can use to flatten their breast tissue. Usually, this means wearing an undergarment called a binder. Binding involves risk of permanent change to the breasts and injury to other parts of the body, so this article will focus on how to mitigate those risks. | ||
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== | ==How not to bind== | ||
[[File:Binder side.jpg|thumb|200px|A commercially made binder like this is the safest way to bind.]] | |||
[[File:Binder front.jpg|thumb|200px|A front view of the same binder.]] | |||
First of all, here's the horror-story cautionary tale part, and it's gross, so brace yourself. Most home-made binding methods can cause serious injury! You might hear about people who bind with duct tape, ACE bandage, saran wrap, or layering bras in complicated ways, but don't try it. Those can cause fainting, break ribs, injure lungs, cause skin infections, scarring, or death. They can need surgery to repair scarring or other damage. Home-made binding methods might bind so much tighter than is reasonable that they cut off circulation and cause tissue death. | First of all, here's the horror-story cautionary tale part, and it's gross, so brace yourself. Most home-made binding methods can cause serious injury! You might hear about people who bind with duct tape, ACE bandage, saran wrap, or layering bras in complicated ways, but don't try it. Those can cause fainting, break ribs, injure lungs, cause skin infections, scarring, or death. They can need surgery to repair scarring or other damage. Home-made binding methods might bind so much tighter than is reasonable that they cut off circulation and cause tissue death. | ||
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* '''ACE bandage''' constricts your ribs tighter and tighter with each breath, until it can break bone. This happens because ACE bandage is designed to compress swelling, and to tighten when moved, instead of loosening. Films, artwork, and documentaries that show people binding their breasts almost always show them using bandages. Although bandages are-- now and historically-- the most common method of binding, they are also the ''least'' safe way to bind breasts. Broken ribs can't be put in a cast to help them heal, so they will just hurt every time you breathe for months. There's also a risk that broken ribs can perforate lungs, which is deadly. | * '''ACE bandage''' constricts your ribs tighter and tighter with each breath, until it can break bone. This happens because ACE bandage is designed to compress swelling, and to tighten when moved, instead of loosening. Films, artwork, and documentaries that show people binding their breasts almost always show them using bandages. Although bandages are-- now and historically-- the most common method of binding, they are also the ''least'' safe way to bind breasts. Broken ribs can't be put in a cast to help them heal, so they will just hurt every time you breathe for months. There's also a risk that broken ribs can perforate lungs, which is deadly. | ||
* ''' | * '''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. | ||
The above binding methods may sound inexpensive enough to experiment with, but don't be fooled, because emergency room trips are not cheap! A lot of these kinds of injuries need surgery to fix if they can be fixed at all. A commercial binder costs about USD$30 to USD$60, whereas messing with unsafe binding methods could cost you for the rest of your life. If money is really an issue for you, see the section at the end of this page about how to get a binder for free. | The above binding methods may sound inexpensive enough to experiment with, but don't be fooled, because emergency room trips are not cheap! A lot of these kinds of injuries need surgery to fix if they can be fixed at all. A commercial binder costs about USD$30 to USD$60, whereas messing with unsafe binding methods could cost you for the rest of your life. If money is really an issue for you, see the section at the end of this page about how to get a binder for free. | ||
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==Choosing a binder to buy== | ==Choosing a binder to buy== | ||
[[File:Chest binders in various skin tones DSCF2250.jpg|thumb| | {{Outdated Information|section=yes}} | ||
[[File:Chest binders in various skin tones DSCF2250.jpg|thumb|200px|Chest binders in various skin tones.]] | |||
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.) | ||
For people who have breasts that are about C cup size or larger, there are really only a few binders. Which also happen to work great for people with smaller breasts. It's just that these are the best binders that actually work as ''binders''! (A lot of the binders that only work for small breasts are like that just because they're poor binders that don't have any binding power.) Here's a list of the binders that consistently get the best reviews. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages: | For people who have breasts that are about C cup size or larger, there are really only a few binders. Which also happen to work great for people with smaller breasts. It's just that these are the best binders that actually work as ''binders''! (A lot of the binders that only work for small breasts are like that just because they're poor binders that don't have any binding power.) Here's a list of the binders that consistently get the best reviews. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages: | ||
'''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. | ||
* Tri-top pros: it's symmetrical, which means it's better for your ribs, and you can get both breasts looking symmetrical. The stretchy material means that you ''can'' draw a full breath, it's just that you have to work at it a little harder. It holds your breasts in exactly the same place all day long, no matter how you move around. The mesh material breathes much better than the other binders described here, so you don't get too hot. | * Tri-top pros: it's symmetrical, which means it's better for your ribs, and you can get both breasts looking symmetrical. The stretchy material means that you ''can'' draw a full breath, it's just that you have to work at it a little harder. It holds your breasts in exactly the same place all day long, no matter how you move around. The mesh material breathes much better than the other binders described here, so you don't get too hot. | ||
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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). | ||
'''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. | |||
'''Esha Chest binder''' https://eshaproduct.com/ | |||
This brand is from Taiwan, and their binder have four types of binders, which are zipper, buckle, pullover, and velcro. | |||
==Safety tips and advice for wearing commercial binders== | ==Safety tips and advice for wearing commercial binders== | ||
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If you get a binder that turns out not to be your thing, or doesn't fit and can't be returned, or you're otherwise done with it, there are a bunch of non-profit organizations that you can donate the used binder to. They'll give it to trans people for free. Some of these programs only give binders to trans men, whereas others allow binders to be given to nonbinary and gender non-conforming people. For shipping cost reasons, some of these programs only ship to certain countries. These are some organizations that do free binder exchanges, in alphabetical order: | If you get a binder that turns out not to be your thing, or doesn't fit and can't be returned, or you're otherwise done with it, there are a bunch of non-profit organizations that you can donate the used binder to. They'll give it to trans people for free. Some of these programs only give binders to trans men, whereas others allow binders to be given to nonbinary and gender non-conforming people. For shipping cost reasons, some of these programs only ship to certain countries. These are some organizations that do free binder exchanges, in alphabetical order: | ||
*[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. | ||
*[http://www.facebook.com/binderboys Binder Boys] has a monthly binder give-away program. | *[http://www.facebook.com/binderboys Binder Boys] has a monthly binder give-away program. | ||
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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. | ||
*[http:// | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20200224231919/http://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. | ||
*[http://morf.org.uk/binder.html MORF binder exchange]. Region: UK. | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20140916061445/http://morf.org.uk/binder.html MORF binder exchange]. Region: UK. | ||
*[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. | *[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. | ||
*[ | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20160626033112/https://replacetheace.wordpress.com/binders/ Replace the ACE]. Donate binders, and this group gives them to trans men for free. | ||
*[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. | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20190615123024/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. | ||
*[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. | ||
*[http:// | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20170917085804/http://transcircle.org/ Trans Circle, the]. | ||
*[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. | *[https://web.archive.org/web/20160110220041/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== | ==See also== | ||