Chest binding is a way for many trans men to curb dysphoria, and is a fairly common step in FTM transition. “Binding” refers to flattening breast tissue to create a male-appearing chest using a variety of materials and methods. While binding with common household items is an inexpensive route, it can also be unsafe. Chest Binding 101 is your guide to how to bind safely, where to get a chest binder, how to choose a binder that best suits you, and how to put on your binder.
How to Chest Bind Safely
The first step in learning how to bind safely is finding about what’s not safe to do. Don’t use Ace bandages or duct tape—they aren’t meant for binding, don’t move with your body, and can cause physical harm. They can seriously restrict breathing, cause fluid build-up in your lungs and other serious injuries, such as broken ribs. There have been numerous cases of trans men who’ve acquired permanent scars and other injuries from using Ace bandages or duct tape to bind. Don’t do it.
Even with the right binder product it’s still possible to bind unsafely. Despite what you may have been told, don’t buy a binder that’s too small for you. Wearing an ill-fitting binder puts you at risk of the same problems as those who bind with Ace bandages or duct tape. Another piece of bad advice floating around out there is to wear tape and/or another binder on top of your binder. This too can cause restricted breathing and physical injury.
Lastly, give your body a break: don’t bind 24/7. In fact, don’t bind for more than 8-12 hours at a time. Suppressing dysphoria can’t come at the expense of your health. Even high quality binders can cause bruising. Use the times that you’re not binding to wash and air dry your binder, which will help make it last longer.
Where to Get a Chest Binder
A proper chest binder should minimize pain, discomfort, sweating, and irritation. There are several places online where you can buy chest binders specifically designed for trans men:
Underworks sells binders originally made for cisgender men with gynecomastia, and subsequently became popular with transgender men for their effectiveness and affordability. Underworks is trans-friendly and have excellent customer service as well. Stick to the binders that have “extreme” in the name or description. A binder without this label may not give you the compression you hoped for unless you have a very small chest already. Prices range from $25-45 USD.
B.Y. Evolution is an online store that’s trans guy owned and operated. They sell Underworks binders that are slightly discounted from what you’ll find on the Underworks site, though there’s less selection.
TuBOQ is also trans guy owned and operated and sells Underworks binders for a slightly lower price. Like B.Y. Evolution, TuBOQ has a smaller selection of binders but they also sell a wide range of other transition related products, giving you the opportunity to save money on shipping costs.
Double T Collection is another trans guy owned and operated company dedicated to the FTM community. Based in Taiwan, they have three binders to choose from priced at $72-84 USD. The Love Boat Shop (see below) also sells Double T binders.
Wow-Wow-Wear is a Blogspot site established in 2009 that sells Esha binders from Taiwan. Esha binders are high quality, durable and easily washable and come in three different styles, with prices in the $32-42 USD range. The Love Boat Shop (see below) also sells Esha binders.
T-Kingdom is also based in Taiwan and sells binders designed for trans men and gender benders. They have a wide variety of styles, including vest binders with Velcro. Prices range from $30-65 USD. Note: T-Kingdom doesn’t accept returns.
Love Boat Shop is another online store based in Taiwan. They feature a large selection of binder styles and colors made by Double T Collection, Esha and Juya, with prices ranging from $21-$100 USD.
Danaë is a trans guy owned and operated company from the Netherlands, offering European guys the chance to save on shipping. Prices range from €30-45, and they allow returns after an email notification and within seven days of your receiving your binder.
Design Veronique has been designing high quality compression garments since 1986 and is the choice of several US-based surgeons. However, higher prices in the $100-180 USD range, and a lack of information about if these products are durable enough for long term use call into question their suitability for daily chest binding.
Nabay is a lesser known company located in Japan. They appear to have a good variety of binder styles to choose from, however all products are currently sold out and they didn’t respond to a request for more information. Prices range from $105-112 USD.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Company | Location | Price (USD) | FTM Owned |
| Underworks | USA | $25-45 | N |
| B. Y. Evolution | USA | $28-33 | Y |
| TuBOQ | USA | $23-35 | Y |
| Double Collection | Taiwan | $72-84 | Y |
| Wow Wow Wear | Taiwan | $32-42 | ? |
| T-Kingdom | Taiwan | $30-65 | ? |
| Love Boat Shop | Taiwan | $21-100 | ? |
| Danaë | Netherlands | $38-58 | Y |
| Design Veronique | USA | $100-180 | N |
| NABAY | Japan | $105-112 | ? |
Depending on where you live, you might also find chest binders in stock at your favorite local sex positive merchant. Another option, if you know someone who’s skilled with a sewing machine, is to have a custom binder made for you, as YouTube’s sillyyetsuccinct did:
Used Binders
If you can’t afford a binder, don’t despair! Used binders are often passed on by post-op trans men or those whose binders may no longer fit. There are a few programs available that help distribute donated second-hand binders:
You can also try asking around for an inexpensive hand-me-down binder on one of the mailing lists for trans guys or check out LiveJournal’s FTM Garage Sale.
How to Choose a Chest Binder
If you still remember your old bra size, you can find out your binder size by using the Bra to Chest Size Converter Tool. If you don’t know your old bra size, you can measure yourself the old-fashioned way:
- Take a snug measurement of the fullest part of your chest using a tape measure (best if measured while clothed) and write that number down onto a sheet of paper.
- Measure underneath your chest where the crease is and write that number down as well.
- Add those numbers together and divide the sum by 2. This number will differentiate your size not only from brand to brand but from binder to binder as well.
Selecting a binder brand and style can be difficult: there are so many options that it can be overwhelming! Plus, there aren’t very many reviews of binders other than those about Underworks’ and T-Kingdom’s more popular models. After buying your binder, help make the experience easier for guys in the future by contributing your review to one of the review sites listed below.
Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it’s inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.
Lastly, consider the location of the company you’re buying from. Buying from a company that’s closer to you can save you a significant amount of money on shipping costs.
How to Put On a Chest Binder
It might seem silly, but you’re probably going to need some help figuring out how to put on your new binder, particularly if you purchased one of the longer styles.
- Put your binder inside out and upside down.
- Step into your binder and pull the bottom of it up, ideally to your belt line. The binder should still be inside out and upside down.
- Use the sleeves as handles to pull the top of the binder (the end closer to your feet) up to your shoulders.
- Put your arms through the sleeve holes and adjust your chest to your needs. You may need to pull the bottom of the binder out from underneath itself if you don’t want it folded under. For others, leaving it folded under may help stop the binder from rolling up.
Don’t be disappointed if you look in the mirror and it looks like you have one big boob in the middle of your chest. You just need to adjust your chest. Reach in from the neck hole and push your chesticles down and out. You’re basically pushing your nipple toward your armpit to achieve the flattest looking chest possible.
FTM Chest Binding Tips
Very important: When binding, you should not by any means feel as though you can’t breathe or like you’re going to pass out from a lack of oxygen.
Binders aren’t the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath.
Depending on the size of your chest, you may need to layer clothing on top of the binder to get optimal chest flattening. You’ll find that some of the shirts in your closet require you to layer more than shirts in your wardrobe.
You can swim in your binder. Just wear a sleeveless or sleeved T-shirt over it. Don’t worry if your binder seems less effective after a swim, this isn’t permanent. Simply wash it and it will go back to normal.
Your chest will look bigger than it really is when you look down at it. Check in the mirror for a more accurate side view.
Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you’re probably going to get hot. If you’ve already started testosterone, you’re definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you’ve already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.
Conclusion
Chest binding, as cumbersome as it may seem, can be very freeing for transgender men. There’s a plethora of quality FTM binding products available for body types of all shapes and sizes. Regardless of what you use for binding, please remember to put your health first. Now that you’re armed with all the information you need to find the right binder for you, go forth and feel more comfortable in your skin!
FTM Chest Binder Reviews
The Trans Consumer: Written and video reviews of any products that are related to transition. The site is mostly full of binder reviews, rated on a scale of 1-5.
Chest Binder Reviews Site: Written reviews of various chest binding products. Binders are rated for effectiveness, comfort, and discreetness.
Binder Reviews’ YouTube Collab Channel: This is a collab channel dedicated to providing reviews of a wide variety of chest binders on different sizes and shapes of people.
More FTM Chest Binding Resources
Hudson’s Guide to FTM Binding: Includes a complete list of other products you can use for chest binding, such as compression garments and sports bras.
FYI Binding Tips: The Butchelor has some useful tips on how to put on a binder, how to keep it from rolling up, and how to wash a binder.
Do you have any tips about binding? Want to share your experience with a particular binder brand or model? Do you know of other binder manufacturers, particularly those outside of Asia and the US? Please leave your comments below.
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September 6th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I’m not sure Nabay is in business anymore, their binders have been sold out since last year, at least. Maybe longer.
September 7th, 2010 at 7:50 am
thx for awesome tips! XD
September 10th, 2010 at 12:24 am
I had a horrible experience with Underworks. After having the mastectomy I ordered a binder to help with the compression. I ordered the “male compression/binder top” with the male sizing. NOT MALE SIZING!!! I complained a lot to get a refund (terrible customer service). I said I was male and had ordered the correct size, but since they have a sister company selling the same shirt as a FTM binder I didn’t believe their sizing was right, nor their sneaky company.
However, they kinda have the market cornered..be aware to order a size up, if it didn’t fit without breasts, it ain’t gonna fit with ‘em.
September 12th, 2010 at 1:42 am
Isaac:
Every binder is going to be tight. That’s the whole purpose. The sizes vary from binder to binder on Underworks’ site depending on your chest measurement. The way one measures the chest isn’t dependent upon whether or not one has breasts. There are other companies on the list in the article that don’t permit returning and/or exchanging products. So, you’re lucky in this case. Every company has its downfalls, and, for that reason, we all need to do our research and be intelligent consumer, which is what this article attempts to help with. Furthermore, many of us feel as though Underworks has the market cornered, but there are at least six other brands one can choose from. There just isn’t as much information on the web about the others.
Percival:
I noticed that as well, but I thought since maybe the site is still up they may just make a comeback? This is probably wishful thinking on my part.
Adohnes:
Thank you, I’m glad I could be of some help.
September 13th, 2010 at 1:26 am
Thanks for the review, I do have one tip though for longer style binders. I’ve found that using shirt stays generally keeps the binder from rolling up for moving around. I can bend and jump and lift without worrying about my binder moving around and loosening. I made a video about it on youtube which can be found here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_3OQxb_DPE
October 17th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Thanks for the review. I checked out all of these sites and ordered one binder from LES LOVE BOAT. I just have to say IT’S AMAZING.
AMAZING.
I have had 2 binders from underworks, which are of a stiff material that chafes all over, and even considered not binding after that, and one from T-Kingdom, which looks like a big elastic waistband over the chest and doesn’t flatten that much. They were pretty uncomfortable and every time I had to put one I dreaded it.
I just have to rave about the one from Love Boat because I didn’t think it was possible to have a binder this comfortable. It’s super soft (yes, SOFT) and I can’t even feel it – it’s more comfortable than a sports bra! And somehow it flattens the same as a medium compression one, I don’t know how, because it’s not even tight or anything. I got the short style one, but I would be tempted to get the long style one and use it as a tank top, because it looks like a regular shirt. It also arrived on time and I had problems paying online so they contacted me directly – great customer service.
November 24th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
Thanks for the article, I’ve had passing out issues on a couple of occasions, I unfortunately have to deal with DD’s and their pretty unruly, making it impossible for me to pass. Is their any binder-making company you would recommend looking at for such a situation (I’m still ages away from affording surgery)?
My original M.O. was duct tape…
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:08 pm
I need to know how to make a chest binder because my mom doesn’t know.
May 11th, 2011 at 10:12 am
hey, everyone, i know i wrote down instructions for how to put on a binder, but i made a video showing how to shortly after writing this article. i thought it may be helpful for visual learners.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbHM7Lp6jp0&lc=4kdeFaAv3cOTWXXcnDi3HQiRpF0AHDZ6mtaajTUX6gA&feature=inbox
May 27th, 2011 at 9:25 am
I just wanted to thank you for posting the How-To about putting on a binder – it’s super effective! I feel so much better about myself while wearing one and having an easier time putting it on makes it that much more worthwhile.
June 13th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
I’m so confused! Not because of this article but because I’ve heard so many different things about Underworks etc… I’m size D and need something that will put my mind at ease so I don’t have to worry about how I look anymore. Problem is I don’t exactly have any money and even the $30 Underworks binders are too much. I really need a binder that I KNOW will do the job well because I don’t have the money to go out and buy better ones every week…
June 23rd, 2011 at 4:29 am
Nabay only answers questions and orders in japanese. If you didn’t send one in japanese thats most likely why they didn’t answer.
July 5th, 2011 at 4:05 am
I would definitely recommend Danaë especially if you live in the UK. Decent prices, decent styles (the ones with the zips are good) delivery is quick and more importantly they make skin coloured ones!
I hated wearing black or white ones, the white would never stay strong enough and both colours could be seen under shirts unless they were proper thick or a t-shirt was also worn which sometimes just looked stupid. Now I can wear a skin coloured one with just a normal shirt over the top (as in smart shirt not just t-shirt) and I don’t have to worry about having to add extra layers to hide the binder. Brilliant especially in summer! Had an appointment down to the London clinic yesterday and I went in just a thin red/white/blue checked shirt (and jeans obviously!) and wasn’t dieing of heat stroke! Why more companies don’t make skin coloured binders I don’t know as this is something you want to stay invisible.
They are also very good with returns as well and their communication is great.
The only thing I would say is not to bother with the strapless binder, with nothing to hold it up it is pretty much useless.
August 9th, 2011 at 9:08 pm
I’m a HUGE fan of Nabay Shirts. I’m sad they only accept orders in Japanese and even more sad I don’t know enough Japanese to make an order. My binder is falling apart, finally, after 4 years of daily wear. I had a spare I gave to someone
Even when I was completely broke, I still scrimped and saved to buy that second binder. The price point is equal to the quality of the product. Now if I could just find someone who knows enough Japanese to get my order through, I’d be ecstatic!
August 19th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
I ordered and received a binder from Underworks this weekend. I didn’t have any problems at all with them as far as swift shipping, and the order went through smoothly. I got the model that has compression on the top only, and I must say I am quite pleased with the product thus far. I’m somewhat of a small guy, but even though with my size I COULD get away with wearing a T-shirt (I get called “sir” all of the time even in regular clothes, but you can still see “lady lumps” if I’m standing up straight or wearing a tight shirt) the binder really did hide my unfortunate lumps quite nicely. I planned to buy different binders to see how they fit, but really Underworks is a good place to start. My ONLY complaint about the binder, is that it does tend to pull on the shoulders a little if you wear it for an extended period of time, which could get uncomfortable, but otherwise it wasn’t unbearable, and it was nice to feel a masculine chest. I’ll update whenever I get around to trying a different binder.
December 4th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Are there any stores that physically sell binders? I’m 14 and don’t have a credit card & my mom doesn’t know. I need to buy one ASAP. (I live in Ohio.) Thank you
January 6th, 2012 at 8:10 am
Hey Jes, if you need a credit card you can always buy a Visa gift card from a grocery store or pharmacy, like CVS. They’re used like normal credit cards that way you can order what you need online.
January 21st, 2012 at 4:09 pm
So, I’ve been binding daily for about 6 years now. My DD’s are so saggy that they’re level with the bottom of my ribcage, and I’m able to see my pecs above (knowing I have pecs almost makes up for what’s drooping off of them). This is extremely uncomfortable, but the alternative is being almost constantly light-headed because my muscles have forgotten how to breathe properly. I don’t like leaving the house because most of my clothes don’t fit right without a binder, and I really can’t pass without one anyway. As much as I’d like to simply put everything on hold until I’ve had top surgery, I don’t this is feasible.
Suggestions? Anything?