When you are FTM transitioning, chest binding is such an effective way to curb gender dysphoria. The chest binder flattens your chest giving you the sexy masculine or non-binary look you are looking for.
Unfortunately wearing the binder improperly exposes you to a number of health risks such as cutting off circulation to the extremities and obstructed breathing. Thankfully, you can wear the binder correctly and achieve the perfect look and at the same time keep off the health risks associated with binders. To help you out, here are tips on how to wear a chest binder.
Chest binding for large breasts
As a large-breasted person, you are at the absolute top of nearly every company’s size chart, so you might have a problem finding the right binder as just a few companies are making binders your size..
And when you get the binder, you might find it challenging wearing it, especially if this is your first time.
Some people recommend pulling the breast tissue towards your armpits instead of letting the binder push the chest flat. Others recommend you push your breasts down and out. Others advise you do it up and out.
Truthfully, there is no right or wrong way to do it. Experiment and find out the position that works best for you. Stand before the mirror and make the adjustments until you achieve the idyllic look.
You must have come across information that you can wear two binders at a time. Don’t do this as this is a recipe for disaster as the two binders have high chances of constricting your ribs and diminishing your lung capacity.
When you attain a flat chest, it’s tempting to want to have the flatter look all the time, so you want to have the binder on all the time. This is wrong as it makes you too uncomfortable and also increases your chances of suffering from incessant backaches.
Even if you need the masculine torso, you have to to let your body relax. Giving the body a break is even more important when you have larger breasts.
As a rule of thumb, bind for 6-8 hours at a time. Of course, don’t bind overnight or when exercising.
Chest binding for small breasts
Even if you have small breasts, you should follow the same rules that apply to those with larger breasts. Give your body time to relax, wear the binder as little as possible, and never wear two binders at a time.
Most people with smaller breasts want to get flat-as-a-board flat, so they buy binders that are a size down from their normal size. While it might seem logical to do this, it might be too painful and uncomfortable that you won’t enjoy the binder.
For example, if you are a medium and you buy a small size binder, you will put a lot of pressure on your back and ribs, and you won’t even get the flatter look you are looking for.
A telltale sign you are wearing a wrongly sized binder is if you have a problem breathing. If you are gasping for air, you need to go a size up. After all, what is the point of being a little flatter if you can’t be alive?
Although a binder covers more of your chest and gives you a flatter look, you can still use a sports bra and get decent compression levels. Plus, the sports bra is easier and cheaper to buy. When buying the sports bra, look for one marked as a compression sports bra as it will get you flatter.
Chest binding when you are differently abled, or have a medical condition
Since the chest binder puts pressure on your ribs, chest, and internal organs and restricts movement, always consult your doctor before you put it on.
If you suffer from skin conditions such as acne and eczema, don’t put on the binder until the area is completely healed. This is because the binder will compress the skin and prevent any wounds from healing.
Even after healing, carefully inspect your skin when you take off the binder. If there is some redness or bleeding around the binder edges, chances are the binder is too tight on your skin, and you need to go a size up.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, asthma, or other breathing conditions and have issues when wearing the binder, stop wearing it. Try to flatten the breasts with an undershirt or sports bra. While the compression won’t be the same as that of a binder, you will be better off as you won’t be at the risk of losing your breath.
Do you have a condition that prevents you from moving around freely? Opt for binders with Velcro, clasps, or zippers on the front, as they are easy to put on and remove.
Other tips on how to wear a chest binder
Buy the right binder size.
As we have been saying, there is no way you will achieve a flatter chest if you are wearing the wrong binder size. Thankfully, it’s easy to find the right size.
Can you still remember your old bra size? You can use this size to buy your binder. If you can’t remember, you can still measure yourself the good old way.
- Measure the fullest part of your chest using a tape measure and note the number.
- Measure the underneath of your chest where the chest is and not this number too
- Add these numbers and divide the sum by 2. You should find a binder with that number.
Don’t make your own binder.
If you are a fan of movies, you must have seen Christina Ricci’s character in Now and Then taping down her boobs. While it seems handy and cheap, don’t go that route, as the tapes, bandages, and other DIY items can be harmful to your health.
The tape can have adverse reactions on your skin, and the bandages might get tighter over time, making it hard for you to breath.
The purpose of binding your chest is to compress the tissue evenly, and the DIY methods just don’t get the work done. If you want your breasts bound safely, use professional binders. For more information on chest binders, visit this page for more information.
