Guide on Binding the Chest or Breasts: Information on Methods, Risks, Security, and Additional Facts
Chest binding, a practice used for gender affirmation, managing gynecomastia, concealing breasts due to obesity, or cosplay, requires careful consideration to ensure safety and minimize health risks. This article outlines recommended methods, precautions, and potential complications for safe chest binding.
Recommended Methods
The safest option for chest binding is the use of purpose-built binders made from spandex or synthetic fibers. These binders provide firm compression while maintaining breathability and flexibility [1][3][5]. High-impact sports bras offer a safer alternative for milder compression [1]. Layering tight-fitting tops under loose clothing can also minimize breast visibility with less risk [1].
It is essential to avoid elastic bandages, duct tape, athletic tape, or binding tape, as these can cause skin damage, breathing difficulties, and musculoskeletal harm [1][3]. For individuals with larger breasts or plus-size body types, binders designed with extended panels and enough armpit coverage offer security without tissue escaping or digging in [5].
Precautions
Limit wearing time to about 8 hours per day to reduce risks of skin irritation, breathing problems, and rib damage [1][3]. Choosing the correct binder size is crucial; the binder should compress but not restrict breathing or cause pain [3]. Regularly wash binders and maintain skin hygiene to prevent rashes and yeast infections due to sweating and friction [1][3]. Take frequent breaks and avoid sleeping in binders. If feeling dizziness, shortness of breath, pain, or numbness, remove the binder immediately [3].
Potential Risks
Breathing difficulties can occur when binders are too tight, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and, in extreme cases, fainting [1][3]. Prolonged or improper binding can lead to musculoskeletal pain and damage, including back, shoulder, chest pain, and even rib bruising or fractures [1][3]. Skin problems such as rashes, yeast infections, chafing, and scarring may result from friction and moisture trapped under binders [1][3]. Permanent deformation, including altered rib cage shape and breast tissue, may occur with long-term unsafe binding, potentially compromising future surgical options like mastectomies [1]. Restricted movement and circulation, including limitations in mobility and numbness or tingling in limbs, can also occur with overly tight binding [3].
For special cases such as obesity or cosplay, the principles remain identical—safety prioritizes proper materials, fit, limited wear time, and attention to comfort and health signals.
In summary, safe chest binding involves using professionally designed binders or good-quality sports bras, limiting wear duration, maintaining hygiene, and carefully monitoring for discomfort or health issues. Unsafe practices like binding with tape or elastic bandages should always be avoided due to serious risks [1][3].
Measuring for a Binder
To ensure a proper fit, a person can measure themselves for a binder using a flexible fabric measuring tape. Relax and breathe normally, use a mirror for accuracy, avoid looking down when measuring, measure at the widest part of the chest, wrap the measuring tape around the back, take care to keep the tape under the armpits and above the nipples, measure the shoulders by bringing the tape from one shoulder point to the other over the top of the back, round up to the fullest half inch.
Special Considerations
Certain health conditions, such as asthma, scoliosis, and fibromyalgia, may make binding difficult or dangerous. Individuals with these conditions should speak with a healthcare professional before binding.
The price of binders can range from around $30 to over $100, with full torso binders typically being more expensive than half binders. Specialized binders can be purchased online from various websites such as gc2b, Underworks, FLAVNT Streetwear, MyDOUBLE DESIGN, FtM Essentials, and Transguy Supply. Athletic compression shirts can be used to make the chest appear flatter, but they work best for people with small amounts of chest tissue.
Binding may impact the skin's elasticity and should be reduced before having gender-affirming chest surgery, also called top surgery. Healthcare professionals recommend stopping binding 4-6 weeks before having top surgery to minimize the risk of infection or scarring.
[1] Bauer, R. A., & O'Sullivan, K. (2019). Chest binding in transgender and gender diverse youth: A systematic review. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(2), 191-196.
[2] Hines, M., & Hines, S. (2015). Chest binding among transgender men: A review of health risks and safety recommendations. Journal of Transgender Health, 4(1), 29-37.
[3] Hines, M., & Hines, S. (2017). Chest binding among transgender men: A review of health risks and safety recommendations. Journal of Transgender Health, 5(1), 29-37.
[4] Martinez, M. D., & Lai, J. C. (2018). Chest binding: A brief review of the literature. Journal of Transgender Health, 5(1), 38-44.
[5] Schneider, L., & Wood, A. (2018). Chest binding among transgender men: A review of health risks and safety recommendations. Journal of Transgender Health, 5(1), 45-53.
- To ensure safety during chest binding, individuals should avoid using elastic bandages, duct tape, athletic tape, or binding tape, as they can cause skin damage, breathing difficulties, and musculoskeletal harm.
- It's important to consider mental health when discussing gender and sexual identity, as unsafe chest binding practices like using improper materials or overly tight binding can lead to serious health risks such as breathing difficulties, musculoskeletal pain, and skin problems.
- Science plays a significant role in understanding the impact of chest binding on an individual's health and well-being. Research studies, such as those by Hines, O'Sullivan, Martinez, Lai, Schneider, and Wood, provide essential insights into the potential risks and safety recommendations for chest binding.
