Chest binders: what are they?
The practice of chest binding involves wrapping or compressing breast tissue to make it appear flat. People commonly use chest binders to affirm their gender identity. Those contemplating transitioning from female-to-male gender may find that chest binders are useful and body affirming accessories.
Chest Binder Types
The methods and materials people use for binding their chests vary considerably. It can be helpful to try different binding styles and materials before deciding which is best for you.
There are full-length and cropped-length chest binders available. They are designed to flatten the chest. A chest binder can be customized in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your style.
Historically, the kinetic tape was made from stretchy fibers, like cotton, to create a flexible medical tape. As well as providing users with total mobility, kinetic tape supports and flattens the chest. The use of kinetic tape is another popular method for binding the chest, but it can irritate those with sensitive skin.
Alternatives to traditional binders and tapes include sports bras and compression tops. Although sports bras do not provide the same level of compression as chest binders, they are a great way to experience the sensation of chest binding without having to wear a chest binder. For the same result, some people combine sports bras with other binding methods.
Chest Binders: How to Size Them
Considering investing in a chest binder for the first time? Safe chest binding is about sizing your chest binder properly, and it will ensure that your binder looks and feels amazing.
A chest binder should be measured by wrapping a measuring tape around your back until it meets in the middle. You should be able to feel the measuring tape snugly against your chest but not so tight that it compresses it. Using the measuring tape, measure the distance from shoulder to shoulder between your shoulder blades.
Determine the size of the chest binder based on these two measurements and the size chart of your favorite brand. It is recommended that you size up if you find yourself somewhere between sizes.
What You Need to Know About Safely Binding Your Chest
The concept of chest binding is relatively simple, but it does come with some risks. When worn for extended periods of time, a binder that is improperly sized or made of low-quality materials can be very dangerous. Here are some tips and tricks for binding your chest safely.
- Is it possible to wear a chest binder for more than a few hours at a time? The length of time you should wear a chest binder shouldn’t exceed 8 hours a day. To let your muscles relax, take off the binder if you need to wear one for longer than 8 hours.
- Is it possible to wear my chest binder more than one day at a time? It is recommended that you take at least one day off from chest binding every week.
- Do I have the option of sleeping in my chest binder? Whatever the tightness or looseness of your chest binder,you should never sleep in it. Having a chest binder on while sleeping can result in shallower breaths, which can affect your ability to breathe.
- Does my chest binder allow me to exercise? If you plan to use your chest binder for exercise, we recommend sizing it up. Binders that are too small or too fitted can restrict your breathing and lead to overheating, skin irritation, bruises, and fractures.
- Is it possible to swim in my binder? Swimming in a chest binder is fine, but we recommend that you don’t wear it for an extended period if it is damp or wet.
- Is there another tape that can be substituted for kinetic tape? Binding your chest with alternative materials can be extremely dangerous. There are many health risks to wearing materials like duct tape, plastic wrap, and ace bandages that are not supposed to be applied to the skin. These materials can cause fainting, fluid buildup in the lungs, and chronic back pain for the wearer.
- I feel uncomfortable wearing my binder and it hurts. How should I proceed? There’s a possibility that you’re wearing the wrong size if your binder seems uncomfortable or painful to put on! When you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or numb, take your binder off immediately.
- What is the best way to sanitize my chest binder? Chess binders are made using a variety of materials, such as nylon and cotton. In order to protect its reputation, each brand recommends a set of cleaning instructions customized to its product. To prevent fungus, oil, and other bacteria from building up on your chest binder, you should always hand wash, and air dry it.
- What are the effects of chest binding on my posture? Chest binding can sometimes impact a person’s posture. Long-term wear of compression material can result in rounded shoulders and curled spines. Allow your body to stretch between uses when wearing a binder. Pay attention to your posture when wearing one.
Gender-Neutral Sex Toys
Gender-neutral sex toys are designed to be used by people of any gender identity or expression. These toys typically do not have a specific gendered shape or appearance, and they can be used for a variety of sexual activities regardless of the gender identity of the user or their partner.
Examples of gender-neutral sex toys include vibrating wands, bullet vibrators, anal beads, and strap-on harnesses. It is important to note that while these toys may be marketed as “gender-neutral,” individuals may still have personal preferences for certain types of toys based on their own gender identity or sexual preferences. It is always important to choose sex toys that feel comfortable and pleasurable for you and your partner.
