The Perfect Flat Chest: Binders 101
For many transgender men, non-binary individuals, and masculine-presenting people, chest dysphoria can be a significant source of discomfort. Chest binders—garments designed to flatten the chest—can provide relief by creating a more masculine or gender-neutral silhouette.
What is chest binding?
Chest binders are compression garments that minimize the appearance of breast tissue, helping people achieve a flatter chest. They come in various styles, including full-tank binders, half-binders, and adjustable options. While chest binding can help alleviate gender-dysphoria, there are certain risks associated with binding. Luckily, there are methods of concealing chest tissue that are less intrusive and can be safe for everyone. Other methods, such as body-safe tapes and compression tops, come in different styles and lengths and are much safer than older methods.
who is Binding for?
Chest binding is common in the transgender and non-binary community for gender affirmation and expression. But chest binding can be used by anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of chest tissue. Some people bind their chests for medical reasons such as gynecomastia – an imbalance of hormones to cause increased breast tissue in cisgender men. Binding is also used in cosplay and performance arts.
As a side note – did you know that chest binding was used all the way back in the Victorian era with corsets and bandages? Fashion standards at the time encouraged women to have flat chests. Chest binding has also been used historically during wartime to conceal identities. We can find examples of chest binding across various epochs, cultures, and for religious reasons.
Types of Chest Binders
There are a variety of chest binding options on the market. When choosing a binder or other alternatives, consider what you would be comfortable wearing and for what activities. Many people alternate between binder styles on a given day to offer lifestyle flexibility.
Full-Length Binders (Tank Style)
Extend from the chest down to the hips.
Provide full coverage and can double as a compression shirt.
Some find them more comfortable for all-day wear.
Half-Binders
Stop at the waist, similar to a sports bra.
More breathable and easier to layer under clothes.
Popular for warmer climates.
Zip-Front or Hook-and-Eye Binders
Easier to put on and take off than pull-over binders.
Adjustable compression levels.
Best for those with shoulder or mobility limitations.
Sports Bras as Binding Alternatives
High-compression sports bras (e.g., Nike, Under Armour) can offer mild flattening.
Safer for exercise or long-term wear.
Binding Tape
Can be worn for up to five days at a time
Water-proof, can be worn while swimming, showering, exercising, etc.
She Bop carries the brand Underworks. We currently stock the Tri-Top, which is a cotton-lined, cropped tank, and the Double-Front, which is a full-length tank designed to compress from chest to abdomen to hips. Both are made from Nylon and Spandex, so each will have some flexibility and compression. We also carry TransTape.
Other reputable brands include:
gc2b
Spectrum Outfitters (UK)
T-Kingdom (Asia)
Finding the Right Fit
After you’ve considered your needs and narrowed down the style of binder, it’s time to find the right size. Don’t wear any bra, barrier, or other constricting tops while measuring your chest. If needed, wear a loose shirt or tank top to reduce dysphoria or for discretion while measuring yourself.
Use a fabric measuring tape for accurate results.
Stand straight with your arms out (if someone is measuring for you), and hold the tape snuggly against your back and at the widest point of your chest.
Remember, hormonal cycles can cause your breast tissue to swell, so it’s normal to have slightly different measurements on different days.
Never size down as this can lead to injury!
A well-fitted binder should compress without restricting breathing.
We encourage you to try different sizes in store to ensure accurate size and fit. Our associates are trained to help you with chest binder sizing, so don’t hesitate to ask for help! We also offer youth binder fittings, with parental presence, but ask that you schedule an off-hour appointment by emailing us.
Safety Concerns:
It takes time for your body to adjust to chest binding. When you first try wearing a new binder, take deep breaths and move around. There shouldn’t be any major restrictions to your body. It should feel snug, but not limit your mobility or breathing. Make sure there is no pinching or pulling. Skin irritation, swelling, and rashes are signs that you need a different option. Ill-fitted binder can cause serious injury, such as pinched nerves or worse. It’s important to measure accurately and try them on when possible.
Never bind using unsafe methods!! Duct tape, bandages, or wearing multiple sports bras can cause bruising, broken ribs, or lung damage.
If you plan on using tape, do a test patch before applying it to a larger area. Some people have sensitivities to adhesive. If you develop a rash, itching, or pain, remove the tape as soon as possible using removal oil and try a different product.
Safe Binding Practices:
Limit wear to 8-10 hours max. Binders that provide more compression should not be worn longer than a few hours.
Take breaks when possible (especially at home). If you experience severe dysphoria when you’re not wearing a binder, try using a safer method, such as tape.
Remove your binder immediately if you experience:
Pain, numbness, or tingling
Difficulty breathing
Lightheadedness
How do I put a binder on?
Getting into a binder is easy with the right method. Place it front-facing down. Roll the base of the binder up towards the shoulders to shorten it. Pull it over your head and roll the rest down. Once it’s on, adjust your chest tissue to achieve a smooth flat effect. You can flatten your chest tissue by moving it towards your armpits or up your chest, whichever you find more comfortable.
Unfortunately, getting a completely flat look will be difficult if you're heavier-chested. We can only work within our body’s limits. It’s important not to size down, to achieve a flatter look as this can cause injury. If you’re heavier-chested, you’ll achieve what we call “chest pecks”! Binding is still a rewarding way to look more buff.
Caring for your binder:
Caring for your binder is important. You don’t want to wash it too often, as it will ruin its elasticity and structure. Machine wash on delicate or hand wash with cold water and allow it to hang dry. Avoid introducing heat or harsh chemicals to increase the longevity of your binder. Unfortunately, many binder materials hold onto body odors and sweat when you wash it delicately. We recommend using a fabric spray to help freshen up the material, if needed. It’s time to replace your binder when it has lost its shape and elasticity.
TransTape - A Safe Alternative
She Bop carries the brand TransTape, an alternative to a compression top. TransTape is flexible for the wearer and made with a blend of cotton, spandex, and medical-grade, latex-free adhesive. A single application can be worn for several days at a time.
Along with the tape, we also suggest the Repairing Salve and the Removal Oil. The salve helps reduce possible skin irritation and can be used on chapped and dry skin or the bandage. The removal oil must be used for every time as it helps dissolve the adhesive and prevent lesions and irritation.
Be sure to have clean and dry skin before applying. If you apply it incorrectly, remove it using oil and apply it again differently. Don’t be afraid to use too much tape! If this is your first time experimenting with TransTape, it will also be an adjustment period to figure out how to apply and move your chest tissue to achieve your desired look. Visit the TransTape website for video tutorial tips and tricks.
Final Thoughts
Chest binders can be life-changing for those experiencing dysphoria, or it can be an occasional fun experience. No matter which chest binding option you choose, safety should always come first. Finding the right binder may take some trial and error, so be patient with yourself.
If you face financial barriers that prevent you from accessing gender-affirming chest binders, please check out Point of Pride. They are a non-profit that offer free binders for trans people who can’t afford them. You can also donate to support this incredibly valuable program!
