Binding Safely

Binding can help to reduce chest dysphoria and help you be more comfortable with your body. The most important thing is that you do it safely.

It is advised to gradually build up the time you are wearing a binder. Start off with 2 hours, then 4 and eventually you can wear the binder for up to 8 hours. It is advised to never wear a binder for longer than 8 hours, as the lungs need to be given room to breathe properly. Don't sleep with a trans binder or ftm top, as this can negatively impact your breathing. If you are having trouble breathing or are experiencing other physical symptoms when wearing the binder, it is advised you to take the binder off. If it is hard to breathe, painful, or skin is wearing away, it is too tight.

Always...
use a chest binder or compression garment specifically intended for flattening your chest safely.
bind for less than 8 hours a day. The more breaks and time you can go without wearing your binder, the better!
take it off before you sleep or before you exercise to give your body a rest. Sports bras are designed to move with you as you workout, while a binder can make both movement and breathing difficult.
seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any binding questions you may have.
Never...
use duct tape or Ace bandages as a replacement for a chest binder. Binding with these materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly. Ace bandages are designed to constrict, so as you breathe, they get tighter and tighter and can really hurt you.
wear a binder that’s too small. Tightness ≠ better binding. A binder should create a masculine/neutral torso, not crush your ribcage or make it hard to breathe.
wear a binder if you feel pain. Binding may be a little uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Try out a larger compression shirt, find binding alternatives that work for you, or try different ways to hide your chest without binding. Pain is always an indicator that something is wrong.
wear a binder if you have a respiratory illness. Consult a medical professional for guidance.
Possible Negative Effects
Back Pain & Muscle Soreness

Stretching and exercise can help with this. There's lots of great suggestions online for people who use binders.

Skin Irritation & Overheating

Ensure your binder is made from breathable material and plan for breaks when you can take it off and let your skin breathe.

Respiratory Conditions

Binding may make conditions such as asthma worse.

Reduced Skin Elasticity

Prolonged binding can reduce skin elasticity, which can negatively affect surgical outcomes.

See a clinician if you experience pain, difficulty breathing, ongoing tingling/numbness, skin rash, or sores.

Tips to Make Binding More Comfortable

Depending on your style of binder (especially full-length styles), it might be easier to put it on by stepping into it rather than pulling it on like a regular t-shirt. Stick your feet in between the shoulder straps and pull it up your body to your chest, then stick your arms through the holes.

To make binding more comfortable, some people wear a light shirt underneath their binder or apply baby powder or cornstarch to their skin, to stop the binder from holding in sweat.

If your skin becomes irritated, take care of it just as you would any other wound: keep your skin clean by washing with antibacterial soap. (Consider taking a break from wearing your binder as well to help things heal faster.)

Keep cool and stay hydrated while binding, especially during summer months or in warmer climates. Wear fabrics over your binder that are designed to stay cool, like cotton or linen.

For those of us with mobility issues, there are styles of binders with zippers, velcro, or clasps on the front that may be easier to maneuver over single-piece options you have to step into or pull over your head.