So, you've decided to start chest binding! If you want to flatten your chest, a specially designed chest binder is going to be safest and easiest way to do that. But everyone’s got their own circ*mstances, and if that’s not an option for you then there are still a couple of things you can do. In this post, we’ll look at 6 ways to chest bind without a binder and how to stay safe when doing so!
Warning: never use duct tape or a homemade binder, it’s too dangerous. It can tear your skin, restrict your breathing, and damage your ribs.
1. Working Out
It’s not possible to target specific areas to reduce fat (the main component of chest tissue) but you can target muscle groups to tone. Focusing your work outs on your chest area muscles such as your pecs can change the way your chest tissue sits, giving it a flatter appearance. If you’re noticeably fit, if people do notice your chest, they’re likely to assume you just have strong pecs.
You can read about how to exercise to strengthen your pecs at home here.
2. Sports Bra
Using a sports bra is a subtle way to flatten your chest that won’t be questioned by anyone. Look for sports bras without padding, and offer full coverage of the front of your chest. It’s best to shop in person for this so you can try on different types to find what works best for you. If you’re uncomfortable doing this alone, you could bring a female friend with you and say it’s for her.
Make sure you don’t get one that’s too small and the straps don't dig into you, it should be comfortable and you need to be able to move and breath easily. You could also layer 2 sports bras to flatten your chest more.
3. Compression Bra
A compression bra is often used for people recovering from breast surgery, but can also be used for sports (as compression sports bras) or to get the appearance of a flatter chest. They can be more expensive than a regular sports bra, but provide more support and compression. They vary in design, but you can get ones which look less like traditional bras and provide more coverage over your chest.
You can find a guide to compression bras here.
4. Trans Tape
Trans Tape is adhesive tape designed to allow you to bind safely without a binder. It comes in a variety of colours for different skin tones, and also can be used for packing and tucking. You can also buy an oil to help remove the tape without damaging your skin.
You can find out more about Trans Tape here.
As you can see, there are several methods you can use to bind without using a chest binder, and you might need to try out a couple to see what works best for you. Be careful to stay safe by taking regular breaks from binding, and making sure you stop as soon as you feel any pain or discomfort.
You can check out our new line of Sports Chest Binders and regular Chest Binders here.
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FAQs
You can turn one old shirt into a binder as well. To do this, cut the sleeves off, then cut the seams on both sides of the shirt. you now have two binders. To put this binder on, wrap it around your chest as tightly as you can without causing pain or discomfort.
How to make a makeshift chest binder? ›
You can turn one old shirt into a binder as well. To do this, cut the sleeves off, then cut the seams on both sides of the shirt. you now have two binders. To put this binder on, wrap it around your chest as tightly as you can without causing pain or discomfort.
What can I use for chest binding? ›
The most popular method of chest binding is with a dedicated binder. Kinetic tape. This type of medical tape is for your skin and can be used to bind your chest. Do not use other tapes or binders, such as duct tape or plastic wrap.
What to do when you can't bind? ›
If you can't bind
Start with a tight shirt or sports bra. Wear your shirts and jackets unbuttoned or unzipped. If you are layering sports bras, use caution.
Is it safe to bind with two sports bras? ›
Sports bra
Avoid layering multiple sports bras. Safety must be your top priority if you choose to bind your chest. Using duct tape, elastic bandages or KT (kinetic) tape can cause serious injury and endanger your chances for success with top surgery.
Can you bind your chest with plastic wrap? ›
Experts also stress that you should never use plastic wrap, duct tape or elastic bandages to bind your chest. These materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly.
How can I bind my chest without tape? ›
- Use sports bras but use bras that are a size smaller than you usually wear. Two or three should do the job (buy compression bras. ...
- Use hoodies to bind and/or hide your chest.
- Use tank tops with built in bras. They can also help with binding.
- Use pantyhose.
Try a Compression Top
They're designed for long-term or all-day wear, which you can't usually get away with a regular binder. Compression tops are designed specifically for daily, long-term wear. You can easily sleep in them, wear them while working out, or simply wear them every day.
Is it safe to bind with bandages? ›
Never use duct tape or Ace bandages to bind your chest. Binding with these materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly. Ace bandages in particular are designed to constrict, so as you breathe, they get tighter and tighter and can really hurt you.
How can I bind at home? ›
How do I bind a document at home?
- Use a comb binding machine. Comb binding is popular for a reason– it is inexpensive and easy. ...
- Use screw posts. If you don't want to get a binding machine, screw posts are a great second option. ...
- Use a thermal binding machine. ...
- Use three-ring binders.
Binding involves wrapping material tightly around the breasts to flatten them. It will not shrink breast tissue or prevent the breasts from growing, but binding can help the breasts look smaller and may make a person feel more comfortable.
How to stop chest dysphoria? ›
Medical treatment of gender dysphoria might include:
- Hormone therapy, such as feminizing hormone therapy or masculinizing hormone therapy.
- Surgery, such as feminizing surgery or masculinizing surgery to change the chest, external genitalia, internal genitalia, facial features and body contour.
Here are some tips to dress well without wearing a chest binder.
- Use an undershirt and smart layering. Most folks find layering to be a comfortable way to hide or neutralize their chest without compression. ...
- Try a sports bra. ...
- Avoid wearing baggy clothing. ...
- Stick to darker colors and/or patterns. ...
- Think vertical.
Using a chest binder is generally safe when done correctly. However, it's important to consider risks and pursue an appropriate approach for each unique body and lifestyle. Read on to learn about chest binders, why they're used, and how to support a child who needs one.
What are the safest ways to bind? ›
In addition to commercial binders, which are specially designed to bind the chest, common chest binding methods include:
- Wearing multiple sports bras.
- Strategically layering clothing.
- Flattening your breasts using kinesiology tape (sometimes sold as “trans tape”).
Here are some options:
- Screw posts. If you have access to a three-hole punch, you can use screw posts. ...
- Report covers. If you're in a hurry but still need to make your documents look presentable, report covers are a great choice. ...
- Staples. ...
- Binders. ...
- GBC ProClick spines.
Chest binding can help people of any gender feel more comfortable with the way their chest looks and feels. Binding can be helpful, but doing it safely is very important. You might consider using stretchy bandages or duct tape. But these items are not made for binding, and they can be dangerous.
What is the safest chest binder? ›
These are also good options if you already have a fairly small chest.
- Underworks Extreme MagiCotton Sports and Binding Bra.
- Urbody Compression Sports Top.
- TomboyX Compression Top.
Here are some of my suggestions for what to use:
- Classic yellow mustard is the most widely used binding agent, and works well with big cuts of pork. ...
- Mayonnaise is a great binder that can add a little zip into whatever you put it on. ...
- Yogurt makes a thick binding agent that works well with lamb.
