Binding 101

Binding is a great way to reduce chest dysphoria and become more comfortable with your body. For many, a flat chest affirms identity or helps with identity presentation. The most important thing is to remember that binding is not required for your gender and gender expression to be valid. If you choose to practice binding please ensure that you do so safely.

A FEW PRO-TIPS

• Never bind for more than 8 hours a day. Binding for long periods of time, especially if you're binding regularly, will break down tissue and can cause a variety of medical issues.

• Never sleep in or work out in your binder.

• Never use products like duct tape or ace-bandaging to bind your chest. These sorts of materials will restrict your ability to breathe and move properly.

• If it hurts - stop immediately! Pain is always an indicator that something is wrong. If your binder hurts then try out a larger size, or seek alternatives that work for you.

Binding is for anyone!

Lots of people who don’t identify as trans do things for a flatter chest appearance, and/or to feel more comfortable. Genderbands believes that chest binding is for anyone who wants to- not just the transmasculine community.