How To Wash A Chest Binder? Quick Answer

For many transmasculine and nonbinary people, chest binders are more than an essential piece of clothing: they are a vital and life-changing piece of clothing.

It is therefore important that it retains its shape and stays as good as new, because keeping your tie in good condition will also keep you healthy and safe!

Here are 5 tips to keep your cravat in good condition.

1. Hand wash instead of machine wash

Machine washing your binder can damage your binder’s stitching and shorten its lifespan. Depending on the fiber types and compression materials used in your binder, it can lose its compression more easily. Instead, hand wash your binder in the sink with mild detergent and cold water, and don’t let it soak for long periods of time.

2. If you are machine washing, use the delicates setting

If you are machine washing your binder, first check your binder manufacturer’s website for recommendations on how to wash your specific garment. If no instructions are listed, the safest way to machine wash is to place your binder in a delicates bag, then place in the washing machine and use the “delicates” setting with cold water.

3. Hang your cravat to dry

You want your folder to keep its shape and size like new, so it’s best to hang your chest folder to air dry after washing. Do not put your binder in the dryer as it may shrink in size and a binder that is too tight could result in injury or strain on your chest, lungs and back.

4. Wear your chest strap as short as possible

Try to put your binder down as much as possible during times when it is less important. It is especially recommended not to wear a binder for more than 8 consecutive hours and never wear a binder while sleeping or exercising. We encourage you to take off your binder even more often – after school, before or after work, while relaxing… whenever it’s safe or convenient for you. Not only does this reduce the risk of strain or injury for you, but it also helps your tie last a lot longer.

5. Consider layering it under your folder

Ties are often not very breathable, so you’re likely to get hot and sweaty (especially in hot weather). Sweat accumulation can irritate your skin and cause your binder to become dirty, discolored and wear out more quickly. Wearing a thin, light cotton shirt that breathes well under your binder can help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, you can also try applying a thin layer of cornstarch to your skin before applying your binder. This prevents it from retaining moisture, making you feel much more comfortable and keeping your tie in better shape.

Do you have a new or slightly used folder that you want to give to someone who can’t afford one? Point of Pride accepts chest folder donations of all sizes, styles and conditions and has provided thousands of chest folders to trans youth and adults in all 50 states and over 50 countries. Donate your folder

Asked by Anonymous

[!!Time sensitive!!] I am a trans man and would like to know what is the procedure for hand washing a folder. Which detergent should I use? How much? How long should I wash it? What is the fabric softener policy? I don’t go to my parents’ house and they just left the house, so I have a small window of opportunity and I’m too nervous to just throw it in the washing machine because one of my siblings might find it and rat me out (I’m too not out to them). What to do?

Lee says:

The easiest way is to do your own laundry on a regular basis so that no one notices if you only wash one item. Make it so that you take more responsibility for yourself as you get older, and wash and fold all your clothes every two weeks (or however often you wash your laundry) for a month or two before you start tying up your binder add to the clothes you wash So people have gotten used to you doing your laundry and not rummaging around to see what you’re up to.

The only risk with this: if you leave it in the washer or dryer after a load, someone could take your clothes out to put them on the machine so they can start their own wash, and then they might notice what you’re doing I got involved in that.

In the meantime, I took my binder with me in the shower and tucked the tub in so I could wash it in the tub while showering and clean it with my body soap that I used in the shower. It’s better to get clothing detergent in a zipblock bag wherever your family keeps it because it won’t build up and leave a residue over time, but any soap will work in a pinch.

You can always take your binder in the shower when you shower and wash it in the water there or wash it in the bathroom sink – I assume you use the bathroom daily so this is probably your best opportunity to wash yours Binder without the parents knowing if you don’t shower often due to a disability or mental illness.

Then you can dry it in a towel or hang it in the back of your closet. Before I went outside, I hung my folder in my closet to dry. I put a plastic grocery bag on the carpet for dripping and hung my portfolio on a hanger at the end of the bar.

It is better to wash it by hand as it will extend the life of the binder. But if you can’t hand wash it (hello handicap!) then popping it in the washing machine for a light cycle on a gentle cycle is also fine. You know, the mesh bag you put your delicates in? Like this one. Now that I’m away I machine wash my folders because I’m disabled and don’t have the spoons to hand wash them and they’ve been fine.

The only thing not to do is don’t put it in the dryer hot unless you intend it to shrink.

gc2b: “You can hand wash your binder with cold or warm water. Foam the binding agent with a little washing-up liquid or detergent. Be sure to wash all of the soap out of your binder before drying it! You can squeeze the binder a little to get some excess water out before hanging or laying out to dry. If you wash it in the machine, we recommend the “delicate wash” setting. If you hang your binder to air dry or lay it out overnight, it should be ready to use in the morning! You may choose to occasionally machine dry your bonding agent for 7-15 minutes to fluff/tighten.”

Underworks: “You can hand or machine wash your ties, but only in cold water. When machine washing, use a gentle cycle. Do not iron. Do not place the garment near heat sources. Do not use bleach. Drain and dry flat. Don’t put your binder in the dryer.”

Shapeshifter: “Always wash cold, either hand wash or gentle machine wash. Hang to dry.”

And everyone’s favorite resource, WikiHow, has an article How to Wash Your Clothes (In a Washing Machine or by Hand) that’s pretty useful if you’re new to laundry.

I’ve put together a master post of all past mod answers and tons of follower answers of similar/related questions on the topic below for you!

Ren says:

Here’s a good post on it! But I tl;dr it for you.

If you’re out and safe and have a supportive environment: Toss it in your washing machine in cold water on a “gentle” or “delicate” cycle and use Woolite (a mild detergent) instead of Tide or similar. Hang to dry (do not put in the dryer).

If you’re not in a safe area or don’t have a dryer with these settings: plug in your sink, fill with cold water and a squirt of detergent (preferably Woolite, if not then regular detergent, if not then use a bar of mild soap), knead and swirl your binder for a few minutes, then drain the sink and rinse until all the soap is gone. Hang to dry. (If you can’t hang it willy-nilly, stick it on a hanger and put it in the back of your closet.)

Don’t use fabric softener – unfortunately it doesn’t work well with binders.

But honestly, the sink method should be fine! Woolite and gentle hand washes already tend to make everything pretty soft. 🙂

Jay says:

Detergent is ideal. I found that many soaps irritated my skin because a binder is so solid. If more rinsing after the soap doesn’t work, I would try one of the detergents without dyes, fragrances, etc. instead. Using a hypoallergenic variety with no added fragrance or coloring (like All free and clear) is probably best if you’re prone to allergies and skin irritation. Woolite is also good because it’s made for delicates. If you can’t get hold of laundry detergent, plain mild soap will work too. Make sure you rinse it really thoroughly and hang to dry.

Washing your tie about as often as you’ve washed bras is probably a good start. Wash it at least once a week. If you notice it smelling bad beforehand or if you start breaking out on your chest or back, wash it more often.

Kii says:

As a one off thing, I say washing your folder with hand soap is fine! However, I wouldn’t recommend doing this on a regular basis, so I’d definitely look into the detergent soon.

I would recommend washing it with the detergent you use on the rest of your clothes as you won’t be allergic to it, just wash it in the sink. Colored soaps meant for clothes shouldn’t stain anything, but I would advise against using body soap, hand soap, etc. as these often don’t mix well with binders. I’ve never heard of washing things by hand with washing powder, but I can’t see why it shouldn’t work.

You can roll it in a towel and put it in a drawer to dry, but change the towel if it’s still not dry after a day, so don’t leave it rolled in a wet towel.

Some people just have one and wash it on their day off from school/work/etc. Other people prefer to have two or three if they can afford it. It really depends on your lifestyle. Think about how often you wash/change your bras and use that as a baseline estimate of how often you would need to change your binder.

Charlie says:

If your parents aren’t going through your drawers, I’d suggest putting it in with your underwear or something. Other useful hiding places are in/under your pillow, on a bookshelf or in your pocket/purse!!

Washing clothes is easier than you might think if you don’t already do your own laundry. If you don’t want them to notice, you can put it in with one of your own loads (fine!!), wash it when they’re not home, or even take it to a laundromat if you have one near you . If you’re worried your local laundromat is being too strict with the binder, I’d just hand wash it with soap or detergent in the sink.

The problem is that I really wouldn’t use a machine to dry a binder because that often causes it to shrink and that’s not what you need. Finding a way or place to hang it out to dry might be an even more pressing issue than washing it. Thankfully, binders don’t need to be washed every day. I wish you the best of luck, and additional advice in the answers might be appreciated!!

Kai says:

You can hand wash it in a sink with some soap or detergent and then air dry it in your room or maybe in your locker at school? but probably not a good place to store it. Another great idea would be to have a supportive friend take it home and wash it in the washing machine for you or let it dry at their house.

If possible, you could start doing your own laundry for some privacy. If you do your laundry and they never see it, then it might be okay. When your parents do your laundry, I don’t recommend putting your folder in there with everything else.

Emery says:

Hand wash in cold water with a squirt of detergent, aka a capful of detergent (or even regular hand soap). Translation: Put it in a basin of cold water with some soap, swirl the binder around, let sit for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly (in clean, cold water) and hang to dry up (or lay it flat). .

followers say:

sunfloweroli said: I just wanted to point out that washing a binder with liquid hand soap is perfectly fine and perfectly safe and actually eliminates some of the stretching that can occur when using a washing machine. I personally hand wash my binder exclusively and hand soap can actually work to get stains/body-or better out. Just thought I’d give heads up!

Anon said: To the Anon who asks about washing his folder when his parents are home: What I’ve done in the past is wash it in the sink right before I shower (so I’m already in the bathroom and the water noise isn’t suspicious) and also washed in a plastic wash bowl in my room at night. Then I did as suggested in the FAQ on this blog and hung it in my closet to dry (making sure it doesn’t touch the rest of my clothes). Hope this is helpful and good luck!

how-to-be-him said: If you wash it when you bathe you can just use your bar, I’ve been doing it like this for 3 years

buttscentedbreathmints said: When I’m going through a period of poor mental health and can’t do laundry for a while, a little bit of a fever is enough

Anon said: To the person who secretly needs to wash/dry their portfolio. I wash my binder with me in the shower and then wring it out as best I can. Then I hang it in my closet overnight so it’s dry in the morning and you can hide it again. I think this should work unless you are sharing a room or your parents are walking through your room at night. Or you can hang it on a trash can and cover it with the towel you used from your shower

King-in-Amber said: Make sure you hang it in a well-ventilated area. If you put it in a drawer or something while it’s still wet, it can get moldy.

Redinx said: One tip I found for washing binders is to keep detergent in a tic tac box thing! it won’t leak and it’s super easy to get and it’s not suspicious! When my parents were out I threw some water in it and hid it in my room! You can hide it in a bag when you go to the bathroom to take a shower and wash your binder while the shower is running to minimize suspicion! hope this helps someone!

akeyboooo said: Any other small containers can work as well. Make sure they close well. I would hide the can in your backpack because parents don’t really look in there and if you have to you can wash it at school or if you get kicked out you at least have that.

truegoatking said: I put mine in front of a fan, it dries in an hour on high instead of leaving it overnight

Anon said: I wash my binder with baby soap and it doesn’t smell like anything all day : )

mollylollie7 said: I just wash it when it gets too damp to wear further

strongintherealgay said: The most important thing is to let it air dry for as long as possible. I’ve used the dryer when I’m in a hurry, but do it on the coolest, gentlest setting to avoid shrinkage and loose threads

fleetwoodian said: I use hand soap and it works fine as long as you rinse it well. Although I don’t know if it would be okay specifically for your skin. I have sensitive skin and it’s fine, but be careful and rinse thoroughly.

thought cascade said: Personally I would use laundry detergent if you can get your hands on it! I’ve used body soap before but for some reason I got a rash even though it doesn’t when I use it in the shower? But I’ve never had this problem with detergent, so…💁‍♂️

neonelysium said: I’ve washed bras in detergent powder but make sure you rinse the soap out thoroughly

satanspersonal666 said: Shampoo works really well!!!! I’m allergic to most soaps and detergents and when I had to, my binder was secret (I couldn’t just fetch detergent from the kitchen), I used my hypoallergenic shampoo and washed it in the sink

wallecticide said: washing powder can chemically burn your skin!! Be very careful it’s extra concentrated and it’s happened to me before holy hell it was bad!!

Pridefulkryptonite said: If you hang it out to dry, you might as well put another shirt ABOVE the folder to hide from family!

booknerdbassdrum said: If you have a private bathroom, you could hang it in the shower behind the curtain

oliverisahandsomebitch: If you have a hair dryer, wash it when you shower/bath and blow-dry it cold at the same time/right after you have dried your hair

unknown-pear said: I wash mine in one of those cloth mesh bags, idk why but it helps

sinezona said: oh, even if you have modest spoons or just lack of time, wash your bandages or bras with you when you shower

antisocial is an understatement said the cold water makes it hold its shape better if you want it to be a little more stretchy/comfortable then hot water is fine but warm doesn’t really make much of a difference

magicmanhattanproject said: I think as long as it’s not hot enough to cause shrinkage, it would probably be too hot to hand wash comfortably. also protip: you can wash your binder with a masc smelling body wash and it will be perfectly fine for washing purposes

enbysaurus-rex said take it in the shower and wash it with soap and then hang it in your closet or something to hide and dry overnight

fablehavenfantasy said: You might be able to discreetly tuck it into another shirt, or maybe tell your parents it’s a tank top or a sports bra. That might help, but I’m not entirely sure!

lesbitomboyish said: wash it by hand in the sink with some gentle soap and let it dry in your closet or in the attic where your parents don’t go. Plus, ties will last longer and stay taut longer if you only wash them by hand. Good luck <3 bi-baby said: I suggest hand washing right after school and letting it dry in your closet overnight so you can wear it the next day. 🙂 deadlymoustachezombie said: Sometimes I wear a cheap sports bra under my pad just to have a layer to protect me from scratching, but it also collects most of the sweat so your pad stays clean jeshire-katt said: Iirc GC2B's are made to be washed and dried so it really shouldn't be too much of a problem in my opinion Cross wolves said: You can also wash it by hand in the sink if you have a suitable detergent! I secretly dried things on my radiator by putting a towel over it cherri-z said: I heard it's actually better to wash by hand booknerdbassdrum said: I would hand wash mine in the sink or in the shower and then hang them up hidden among other clothes in the closet xynn-undertheveil said: I know many people who have two baskets, one for regular dirty laundry and one for items that need to be hand washed/professional washed. I think this system will help with folders as well. gays—in—space said: I agree. I keep my folders separate from my other dirty clothes, usually in the same drawer where I keep clean stuff. I hand wash them in the sink and hang them to dry in the bathroom before putting them in the binder drawer. riotdash said: I don't know why you guys keep saying not to put it in the dryer when every trans guy I know puts it in the dryer and it comes out fine amazingbees said: if you have a dresser or something against a wall, can you try putting something heavy on your arm and letting it hang down the side facing the wall overnight??? Not sure how well this dries but it sounds like it will work???????? justalosttransboy said: I hang mine in my closet with other shirts on top so they keep their shape. Also, it looks that way when they show up, it just looks like another layer or shirt I've paired with it. frnkiequinn said: If you can't, wash cold and hang dry sleepyanimal said: Honestly I wash mine in the washing machine and tumble dry with all my other clothes and I've had her for about a year and she's absolutely fine! I don't wear it every day though, so can that change things? Anon said: @ the gc2b binder person: If you can't wash it in a sink, it says you can machine wash it on a very gentle cycle and hang dry. I've done it with both of my and so far they've proven they still stay the same (I've had them for about 3 weeks) Anon said: With all this binder talk, I thought I could say something - make sure you wash your binder as often as possible! Yeast loves warm, tight, dark places, so a Bound Chest is the perfect environment for it. I didn't wash mine enough and I got a yeast infection on my chest and the medicine is quite expensive. If you see lightly discolored spots on your chest, see a dermatologist and they will help you get rid of them. Take care of yourself! uk-ftm said: For the anon whose friend buys him a folder - hide it under your mattress! If you change your own bed, no one will find it, and even if someone enters your room, they won't see it! I tend to wash my folder in the bathroom sink before getting in the bath/shower, then ring it as often as possible and hide it in my clothes when I go to my room. Much luck! Admire-the-mountains said: I wash mine at 30°C every week and it's perfect 🙂 melktert221 said: I personally hand wash mine, but they are both from Underworks. Make sure it doesn't go in the dryer though, heat can cause it to not work as well. goldpilot22 said: Washing tends to make ties firmer for a while! Just try stretching it a little, then wear it for a while. magicdoremimimi said: My tie is usually a little tight after washing, so I just stretch it gently before I put it on. If it's still snug then I wear it around the house for about an hour to stretch it a little more and then take it off and stretch it more. transjenna said: Put cold water in it with hair conditioner to relax the fabric. Hughculber said: Sometimes washing can strengthen shrunken binders, it usually depends on the temperature of the water! Try stretching it gently or putting it on and off a few times, maybe hand wash it in lukewarm water. socollectioncyclesblog said: Grab a pair of scissors to open the Tide Pod in the shower. Or use your nails. Or even hold it under water until it starts to dissolve. xxsushixxlovexsissy said: Next time you're in the store, you might want to look for Zote (not sure if it'll be there). all-time-jalex-321 said: To wash my folder discreetly, I wash it while I'm talking in the shower and then I just dry it in my desk drawer, but you can dry it anywhere transgenderhelp said: Just make sure it gets completely dry so no fungus grows! Anon said: I've seen a lot of people asking about binder washing discreetly and my parents are incredibly curious so I thought I'd offer my advice, what I do is grab some laundry stuff and put the binder in the Washing the sink while I'm in the shower (or at least turning the shower on to minimize any suspicion) and then hanging it to dry in my closet/robe. Bigmememan said: Try hand washing it while you are in the shower and then dry it with a towel and hang it somewhere in your room? idk :/ autisticbumblebee said: Maybe you could start showing interest in how to do your own laundry, ask them how certain things relate to it, and then it won't seem so suspicious if you do your own laundry every once in a while plushiegirl said: It's a good idea to wash it in the shower, just use a gentle soap. To dry it quickly, roll it up in your towel and then stand on it. As a result, the water is pressed out and remains largely dry. Still, hang it up to finish drying – maybe in the closet? Admire-the-mountains said pretend you're taking a shower or a bath or something and wash it in the sink or whatever and then wrap it in a towel and take it to your room and hang it in your closet with some space for air and the door opens easily! itgm-admin said: If you're on the toilet to shower/bath, wash and soak while you bathe, take it out when you get out and hide it in a towel when you're worried, in between to be seen traveling room to room danny-needs-a-life said: Dry faster with a hair dryer? acosmic says: Hide it under your mattress when not in use and hang it in your closet to dry behind other clothes when you wash it. ikigatomaruno said: Hide it under your mattress, if you can't wash it as often as you want, try airing it in your room if you can tgroupsupport said: dip it in the sink when you bath/shower, hang it up with your towel when you're done so it dries and isn't suspicious. nyxliquidsuede said: I have an older brother who does his own laundry and I let him do mine. Maybe if you have someone to support you, they can do it with their laundry? Anon said: Let it dry on the heater! paracosim said: I usually just throw mine in the washing machine with my clothes and then hang them up to dry. Never put it in the dryer. oneeyedtransman said: To the anon about the tie starting to tie looser, that's normal when you wear it every day. After washing, it will shrink back to its original size. I wash mine about once a week or so because that's when it starts to loosen and you know that's as long as I can take without washing anything. I hope it helps! Herrwiestein said: I use the eucalyptus soap from Dr. Bronner. It is good for body wash and clothes. Smells good and is super concentrated. A few drops in a sink full of hot water works like a charm! tranzlusent said: I'm hanging mine out to dry. Thankfully, although it was accidentally thrown in the dryer once, nothing happened madrigalfan1 said: You can't put it in the dryer as that will shrink the binder, which is unsafe, but a binder that air dries will allow it to dry without shrinking beaupunx said: I've put mine in the dryer a few times when I needed to dry it in a rush!!! rly depends on what kind of binder you are using. If it's like the nylon or wtvr ones, they dry super fast, I just leave mine out daimboi said: i always put mine in the dryer, but dried it gently in the dryer and took it out to hang up earlier than the other clothes. Mark-the-Demiboy said: Personally, I hang dry floatinghostfox said: It depends on the binder. I have a couple of slip-on folders and they shrink in the dryer. The Velcro on the side is not, however, because the material is different. To be honest, I only put my older ties in the dryer to tighten them up when they come loose. Duncheon said: Yes, if you put it in the dryer or use hot water to wash it, the elastic will be damaged due to the heat. Just washing with cold water and hanging to dry always works well for me ffinnyremade said: Maybe let it air dry in your closet. I always do that odiferousfinagle said: i take a towel and put my folder on it and then roll it up and press down it makes it practically dry, you can do the same and turn it inside out too. Village Witch said: It might still be damp and cause mold sephirotofficial said: I promise your binder won't go moldy. Please put it in your closet quickly and let it dry there. I have 2 folders, I let them both dry in my closet all the time. It's also okay to put them in the dryer, just be careful not to shrink them Soldierslightwillforeverburn said: Maybe try a hair dryer? I've used this before to dry things quickly, at least enough where I can carry them or put them somewhere to dry completely without getting moldy Turkeycakes said: Lay it on a towel and then roll it all up to make a small strip of fabric. Then squish squish squish so that the water enters the towel. I find that pressing by kneeling works best goofy-ruthie said: Bring a hair dryer with it ajlinker said: I used to do this and put a towel underneath in case it drips any more... planetbrilliant said: I used to hide mine at the bottom of a drawer and hand wash them at night Anon said: To the Anon with the binder hiding from mom this will sound silly, but I actually had a place way out in the woods when I was young where I hung binders and "boys clothes" out to dry, even if you have. She would or I doubt she'd look in a tool shed for a folder Cogwheelfeline said: To wash the binder right away, it's best to put it on the gentle cycle and let it air dry, or if you're even afraid of it, another good option is to just hand wash it in the sink wash with some detergent and air dry marvin-at-peace said: Many folders can be washed in the washing machine with a lighter setting. For washing information, go to the website where the binder originally came from (if you know). Achte nur darauf, dass es nicht in den Trockner kommt. Sie können versuchen, es an einem privaten Ort wie einem Schlafzimmerschrank zum Trocknen aufzuhängen. Wenn Sie wirklich sicher sein wollen, waschen Sie es im Gestank, wenn Sie eine private Zeit und einen privaten Ort dafür finden. Der beste Weg, um die Wäsche vor dem Rest Ihrer Familie geheim zu halten, besteht darin, anzubieten, einen Teil der Wäsche Ihres Haushalts zu waschen. (Hält die Eltern von der Waschküche/dem Bereich fern, in dem Sie sich bei leichteren Ladungen in Ihren Ordner schleichen können.) Wenn sie es zufällig finden, können Sie es auch als Sportpanzer, Hemd für ein Kostüm ausgeben, usw., abhängig von Ihren Interessen und dem, was Sie für glaubwürdig halten. Die meisten Eltern werden es nicht als Binder erkennen können, ohne es ihnen gesagt zu haben. Anon sagte: Ratschlag: NIEMALS einen Binder trocken föhnen! Wärmedisproportion schrumpft ein Stück und löst ein anderes! Es wird nicht einmal mehr sein! Sie können einmal Glück haben, aber tun Sie es wirklich nicht, Ihrer Mappe und Ihrer eigenen Sicherheit zuliebe!! Anon sagte: (Beim Föhnen eines Binders) Ich habe das getan und es ist in Ordnung, aber meine bevorzugte Methode ist, den Binder auf ein trockenes Handtuch zu legen und ihn fest zusammenzurollen. Dann stellst du dich ein bisschen auf das zusammengerollte Handtuch oder was auch immer, dann sollte es fast vollständig trocken sein. Wenn es nicht gut genug ist, föhnen Sie es. Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie Ihren Ordner ausgewrungen haben, b4 tun Sie dies übrigens Anon sagte: Für Anon: Ich denke, es ist in Ordnung, es zu trocknen, halten Sie es einfach mindestens einen Fuß entfernt, drücken Sie es vorher zusammen und versuchen Sie nicht zu sehr, es so trocken wie die Sahara zu machen, machen Sie es einfach zu 90% trocken und warte den Rest ab. Das kommt nicht aus Erfahrung, aber ich nähe viel. Much luck! Anon sagte: Ich habe mein (gc2b) Bindemittel zum Trocknen auf einen Heizkörper gestellt und es war immer in Ordnung und das ist Hitze /direkt angewendet/ aber es ist auf eine andere Art, also bin ich mir nicht 100% sicher :/ Anon sagte: Sie können einen Binder nicht föhnen, weil er aus Spandex/dehnbaren Materialien besteht, diese Materialien verformen das Material, wenn die Wärme nicht proportional in allen Materialien gleichzeitig verwendet wird, es könnte das Material uneben machen und schließlich dazu führen, dass es die Bindungswirkung verliert oder weniger macht! (Wahre Geschichte, ist mir passiert…) livinglifedtd sagte: Ich habe meine einfach auf natürliche Weise trocknen lassen Toryinnis sagte: Ich benutze ein Unterbaubindemittel und es wurde ein paar Mal gewaschen und getrocknet (ich weiß, dass es nicht sein sollte, aber meine Mutter ist normalerweise diejenige, die es macht). Es sollte nicht reißen oder so, wenn das Trocknen nicht zu intensiv ist, aber es wird enger als zuvor und Sie müssen es dehnen (wie wenn Sie es zum ersten Mal bekommen), bevor es wieder normal passt Koranika sagte: Ich habe das mit Underworks-Bindemitteln gemacht und es ist in Ordnung, solange Sie es zuerst ein wenig strecken. Es ist, als hättest du es gerade bekommen und musst es wieder einspielen. Tragen Sie es also nicht zu lange, nachdem Sie dies getan haben. rainydaybf sagte: Ich wasche und trockne meine Underworks-Bindemittel die ganze Zeit, es ist absolut sicher Space-Boy-3000 sagte: Mein Binder fühlt sich nach dem Waschen/Trocknen viel straffer an, sei einfach heute/morgen vorsichtig und er sollte sich innerhalb von ein oder zwei Tagen dehnen und wieder normal werden thalenmahariel sagte: Ich bin erwachsen, aber ich habe meinen Ordner bekommen, bevor ich zu meinem Vater gegangen bin, aber ich wasche meine eigenen Klamotten, also stecke ich sie einfach mit meinen anderen Klamotten in die Wäsche und wasche kalt, dann würde ich sie rausschleichen der Wäsche, nachdem ich meine anderen Klamotten in den Trockner gelegt habe, und hänge den Binder auf einen Kleiderbügel in meinem Schrank, versteckt zwischen anderen Klamotten. Aber mein Vater geht (meines Wissens nach) nie durch mein Zimmer. trans-positive-vibes sagt: Wenn deine Eltern nicht gerade regelmäßig deinen Spind durchsuchen, kannst du ihn auch in der Schule lassen, ihn am Freitagnachmittag waschen und übers Wochenende im Spind trocknen lassen. Oder fragen Sie einen Freund/Lehrer Ihres Vertrauens, ob Sie dessen Schließfach/Lagerbereich benutzen dürfen. Mädchen-Typ-Nonbi sagte: Ich weiß, wie du dich fühlst. Auch ich habe meinen Ordner in den hintersten Winkeln meines Schranks versteckt und ihn nur angelegt, wenn ich wusste, dass meine Eltern nicht zu Hause sein würden/wenn sie schliefen. Ich habe ein paar Freunde, denen es schwer fällt, ihre Ordner zu waschen (so wie ich). Sie müssen es ins Badezimmer schmuggeln und es mit Shampoo waschen, aber die Shampoorückstände haben ihnen einen Ausschlag gegeben. Deshalb möchte ich den Trick teilen, der bei mir funktioniert hat. Wenn Sie können, füllen Sie einen Reise-Shampoobehälter (die Art, die Sie bei einem CVS für etwa drei Dollar bekommen können) und füllen Sie ihn mit Waschmittel. Diese Behälter können in einer Socke versteckt und in Ihren Sockenhalter gesteckt oder in ein Reise-Kulturset gesteckt werden. Da ich empfindliche Haut habe, war es einfach, meine Eltern (auf Nachfrage) davon zu überzeugen, dass ich etwas beiseite lege, damit ich bei unserer nächsten Reise ein Waschmittel habe, das meine Haut nicht reizt. Sie sind klein und können beim nächsten Waschen wieder nachgefüllt werden. xanderthepander sagte: Körperwaschmittel für empfindliche Haut verursachen weniger Hautausschläge als Shampoos und wirken genauso gut. Ich würde immer ein zusätzliches Handtuch mitnehmen, „um zu verhindern, dass Wasser auf den Boden gelangt“. Waschen Sie den Binder in warmem Wasser, aber spülen Sie ihn mit kaltem Wasser ab, aber mein Binder hat immer besser funktioniert, wenn ich ihn so gewaschen habe. Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie Ihr Bindemittel gut ausspülen. Seifen- (oder Waschmittel-) Rückstände sind schlecht für Ihre Haut und können den Stoff beschädigen, aus dem Ihr Ordner besteht. Nachdem Sie Ihr Bindemittel gewaschen haben, legen Sie es auf ein Handtuch, rollen Sie es in das Handtuch und treten / springen / setzen Sie sich dann auf das Handtuch, um es schneller zu trocknen. Das einfache Auswringen Ihres Binders kann ihn beschädigen, da Sie den Stoff aktiv ausdehnen, während er nass ist. Abhängig von der Luftfeuchtigkeit können Sie damit rechnen, dass Ihr Binder morgens trocken ist, wenn Sie ihn abends waschen. Es ist wichtig, die Feuchtigkeitsmenge so weit wie möglich zu reduzieren. Wenn Sie Ihren Ordner waschen und sofort in Ihrer Schublade verstecken, während er noch feucht ist, wird er ganz schimmelig, was 1) eklig riecht und 2) Ihren Ordner ruiniert. casual-derg said: Be careful which detergent or soap you use! I’d stick with laundry detergent if you can, some soaps can cause a rash. parrotassbutt said: For any kind of hand washing I use a small (I cannot emphasize this enough, a little bit goes a mile!) Amount of laundry detergent, close the drain on the sink, and fill it with warm water. Mix the detergent into the water; it’s like a tiny washing machine. Then drain the sink and rinse until the water is clear/there’s no suds

anonymous asked:

How long do binders typically last before they wear out or stop compressing as much? My half tank is about a year old now and after wearing it comes loose a lot more than it used to, so I have to put it in the dryer more often now to tighten it up

This article is also available in: português, español, Deutsch, français

The most important things to know:

Breast binding (compressing breast tissue to give the appearance of a flat chest) is common for those who don’t want their breasts to look feminine.

DO NOT bind your chest with tape or plastic wrap. The most popular safe methods are using commercial binders, sports bras, strategic layers and bandages, or elastic materials.

If you tie frequently, take breaks throughout the day and take days off, as continuous tying can have negative side effects (2,4).

If you’re hoping for top surgery (a procedure to reduce or remove breast tissue), frequent binding can affect skin elasticity and the results of the surgery (4,5).

Chest binding (compressing breast tissue to give the appearance of a flat chest) is a common practice among people who don’t want their breasts to appear feminine, such as women. B. Transgender males and male presenting AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth) subjects.

Clue uses gender-neutral language to help you track your cycle and health on the App Store Play Store

For some trans and non-binary people, breasts are a source of gender dysphoria as they are a visual reminder of a person’s birth-assigned gender (1). Bonding can reduce gender dysphoria and improve mental health, but it can also cause negative physical health symptoms (2).

How do people bind their chests?

People bind in many different ways: some people wrap their chest with elastic bandages, some wear a sports bra, neoprene or athletic compression garments, or layer multiple sports bras or shirts. Others wear commercial ties specifically designed for this purpose (2).

Everyone binds differently. Some people only tie on special occasions, others every day. A study surveying people who do binders reported that the average person binds their chest about 10 hours a day, with the most popular methods being commercial chest binders, followed by sports bras, shirt or bra layers, and bandages or elastic materials (2).

Risks and side effects of binding

Like many things people do to change their physical appearance (wearing high heels or shaving facial hair), breast tying comes with some risks.

Binding can affect skin, muscles, and movement, especially over long periods of time. Tightly covering the skin and chest with materials that don’t allow free-flowing air can create a warm, humid environment in which bacterial and fungal infections can develop. Wearing restraints that are too tight can damage underlying tissue and muscles, prevent range of motion and even limit a person’s ability to breathe.

There aren’t many studies on the health effects of attachment, so it’s important to listen to the experiences of others and talk to your doctor. (Here’s a guide to finding a trans-friendly doctor and getting better treatment from those who have you.)

Two studies have been completed that specifically focus on people who attach. They were cross-sectional studies observing a specific population (people with breast tenderness) at a specific point in time and were published in 2017 and 2018. Both studies are based on data from 1,800 participants in an online survey.

In both studies, the majority of people (89-97%) reported experiencing at least one negative symptom from chest tenderness (2,3).

Common side effects of breast binding

76-78% of study participants reported skin/tissue issues such as tenderness, scarring, swelling, itching, infection

74-75% of people reported pain in their chest, shoulders, back or abdomen

51-52% of people reported respiratory problems (like shortness of breath)

47-49% of people reported musculoskeletal symptoms such as postural changes, muscle wasting or broken ribs (2,3)

However, many people feel better mentally and emotionally when they commit. According to these studies, breast tying helps people reduce their gender dysphoria and anxiety or suicidality while boosting public trust and self-esteem (2).

Risk factors for binding side effects

People who bind their chest more frequently (every day) are more likely to have negative symptoms. For this reason, taking days off between bonding can help reduce this risk. Long-term commitment (over years) was also more likely to be associated with negative symptoms, particularly skin, tissue, and musculoskeletal problems (2). Skin and soft tissue problems were more common in people with larger breasts (2).

What people choose to tie their chests with is a very personal choice, and it’s unclear to find a standard “best type of tie” for everyone. One study showed that people who used commercial ties had an increased risk of most of the negative symptoms from tying, followed by those who used bandages and plastic wrap or duct tape ( 2Trusted Source ).

The high number of negative effects of commercial ties found in this study came as a surprise to the researchers, as blogs and other informal resources dedicated to trans men and healthy tying often recommend commercial ties (2,4). This can be due to people wearing ties that are too small, wearing them for long periods of time, or wearing more than one at a time. More research is needed, but if you decide to wear a commercial tie, do your research, read online reviews, and make sure it’s the right size for you.

Healthcare and chest binding

The 2017 study found that nearly 9 in 10 people experienced at least one negative effect from attachment, and 8 in 10 felt it was important to discuss attachment with a healthcare provider. But only 3 in 20 (15%) sought medical help for attachment-related health problems (3).

Over half of the participants report that their doctor knows they bind their breasts, but among those less than half have actually discussed their binding practices with their provider. People who felt safe and comfortable starting a conversation about attachment were more likely to seek help with negative attachment side effects (3). This underscores the gap between the healthcare transgender people need and the healthcare they can access or feel safe with. Almost everyone, regardless of gender, manipulates their body to feel comfortable, whether it’s tying up, smoking, applying makeup, or waxing pubic hair — we all change in some way to feel like our “true selves.”

Sometimes these activities come with risks that require medical attention (for example, smoking can cause lung cancer and many other health problems, or growing your pubic hair can lead to ingrown hairs or infected follicles). There’s no shame in talking to your doctor if you experience any side effects. It’s your body and your life – you deserve safe and unbiased healthcare.

People should consider both the mental health benefits and the potential negative physical symptoms when making commitment decisions (2).

Tips for a healthier breast binding

Everyone ties differently, the trick is to find out what is safest and best for you.

1. Limit the time you commit.

Do not wear binders for more than 8-12 hours and do not sleep while wearing your binder. It’s also important to schedule binding breaks daily and make sure you’re not binding every day. People who bind their breasts more often, e.g. B. every day, are more likely to have negative side effects (2,4).

2. Avoid binding during exercise.

While exercise can make some people’s dysphoria worse, exercise is important when you need to breathe deeply, move freely, and are more likely to sweat. If you still want to keep your chest flat when exercising, look for a sports bra that has this effect.

3. Get the right fit.

If you plan to wear a commercial tie, take the time to make sure you’re buying the right size and that it fits you properly. When shopping for a commercial binder, do your research to find the perfect binder for you and read customer reviews to get a feel for sizing accuracy. Try not to buy one that’s too tight – if it causes pain, cuts/trauma, or restricts your breathing, then go a size or two up. A binder should allow normal breathing and airflow (look for breathable fabrics). Wet, clammy, sweaty skin conditions provide the perfect environment for rashes and yeast infections (4).

4. Do not tie with plastic wrap, tape, or bandages.

These are associated with increased negative symptoms. Tape can damage your skin, and bandages can tighten with movement. Maybe you’re in a hurry to start tying or you don’t have the resources to buy a commercial binder, but it’s not worth risking your health. Sports bras, layered shirts, or wearing athletic or neoprene compression gear are the options associated with the fewest negative side effects (2).

5. Bind less when planning top surgery.

If you’re planning on having top surgery (a procedure to reduce or remove breast tissue), it’s best not to bind as often as it can affect your skin’s elasticity and have surgical implications (4,5). Some FtM (female-to-male transgender) mastectomy researchers believe that long-term commitment can lead to a decrease in skin quality, particularly elasticity, which can actually make performing a mastectomy more complex (5).

6. Listen to your body.

If you feel pain or have difficulty breathing, remove your pad (or other restrictive garment). Maybe what you wore was too tight, or you tied up non-stop for too long. You might be tempted to bond all the time if it’s having a positive impact on your dysphoria or mental health, but it’s important to take care of your body while doing it.

Much more research is needed on the health and needs of transgender men, non-binary and gender biased people. These populations have different health needs, and everyone deserves access to appropriate and personalized health care.

If you have any negative symptoms related to bonding, we recommend that you see a doctor.

Check out our guide on how to find a trans friendly gynecologist. We’ve also written about gender dysphoria, how testosterone affects your period, and trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer people’s experiences with birth control.

Some people find that tracking their periods can help reduce dysphoria. Check out our tips on using Clue if you’re trans. Download Clue to know when your period is coming.

This article was updated on May 20, 2020.

Hi! How do I wash your pads after swimming?

Hey there! Thanks for asking a great question – for anyone who wants to wash their pad (after swimming or otherwise) here is a guide to washing your pad. We have outlined both options (hand wash and machine wash). Each is followed by drying instructions.

I soap, that’s all the information you were looking for 🧼😉

Notes on Secure Binding

The most important part of tying securely is wearing the ties of the correct size and execution. Wearing it incorrectly or squeezing your soft tissues to a certain point can damage your ribs and rib cage. The intent of the binding is to safely compress the soft tissue without directly compressing the ribs. Wearing a tie that is too small for you causes discomfort, you cannot wear it for a long time, and it can cause damage. Finding the right size for your binder is important – here’s a helpful guide and video on how to measure your binder.

Tips for wearing a binder

How long can you wear it? You should avoid wearing a binder for more than 8 hours. For those under the age of 18, we recommend taking it off after 6 hours. If you need to wear it for a long time, we recommend that you go to the toilet or other private place and remove your pad for 5-10 minutes to stretch your muscles and chest.

You should avoid wearing a binder for more than 8 hours. If you need to wear it for a long time, we recommend that you go to the toilet or other private place and remove your pad for 5-10 minutes to stretch your muscles and chest. Buy from reputable companies – Buy your binder from a specialty store or apply for the binder fund. Please do not double tie or use duct/gaffa or bandages. These items are not suitable for this practice, band-aids or sticky items may cause pain or irritation on the skin.

– Buy your folder from a specialist dealer or apply for the folder fund. Please do not double tie or use duct/gaffa or bandages. These items are not suitable for this practice, band-aids or sticky items may cause pain or irritation on the skin. Can I wear it in summer? – Binders create more heat around your body and in the warmer months – it can get hot and sweaty! Remember to wear breathable fabrics over the binding – check your hydration and comfort level regularly.

– Binders create more heat around your body and in the warmer months – it can get hot and sweaty! Remember to wear breathable fabrics over the binding – check your hydration and comfort level regularly. Can I wear a binder while playing sports? If you exercise while wearing a binder, we recommend wearing one size larger than usual. This applies to swimming and other cardio exercises. When you lift weights, it is better to wear a sports bra or something similar because your body is under more physical pressure.

If you exercise while wearing a binder, we recommend wearing one size larger than usual. This applies to swimming and other cardio exercises. When you lift weights, it is better to wear a sports bra or something similar because your body is under more physical pressure. Skin Irritation and Breast Appearance – Long periods of tying can change the overall appearance of your breasts, it can cause the tissue to be flattered, and the influence of hormones can also affect it. Also, wearing a binder can cause irritation or you may get rubbed or chafed in some places, so it’s important to take care of your skin and wear an extra layer of protection when needed. If you develop irritation or soreness, we recommend removing the binder to allow the skin to recover.

Any pad-wearing problems such as chest, shoulder, back abdominal pain, or periods of lightheadedness, heartburn, or shortness of breath. Then we recommend stopping wearing the binder immediately and allowing the body to stretch and relax without it. If you have persistent problems, make sure you have the right size in a folder or talk to a doctor.

For more information on binder safety or where to buy it, visit these websites:

Visit the Zendesk website

Visit Spectrumoutfitters website

What is packing and how is it done?

Packers are penis-shaped products designed to help trans men and non-gendered people “fill out” their crotch area when wearing clothing. Some transsexuals make their own packers by stuffing their underwear with socks or foam, while others use high-quality, commercially available realistic penile prostheses.

Most people who are new to packing don’t buy a packer right away, instead opting for DIY options like socks or gel-filled condoms. For some guys this might be enough. If not, there are a number of options to consider, including:

Soft Packers – These are silicone and have the look/feel of a penis. They are often a bit more expensive and could be an investment in getting the right item and size you want. They can be easily cleaned and stored. With proper care, these packers can last a lifetime. Some soft packers have the function of allowing you to pee, these are known as stand-to-pee (STP) devices. These packers are hollow inside and have a bowl at the bottom for you to pee in. Some packers also have the ability to allow the wearer to engage in sexual activity without having to remove the item.

Other people will not enjoy wearing prosthetics and would prefer the freedom or comfort while having a visible backpack. There are companies that offer all-in-one boxer shorts. These boxers contain a sturdy foam packer that is secured in a pocket inside the boxers, so it stays in place no matter what you’re doing. You can go dancing, jogging or even take a dip in the water. You can easily take out the foam insert and hand wash or throw it in the washing machine.

Packers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors depending on the packaging purpose and your personal needs and preferences. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find what works for you!

When you wear a chest binder for the first time, you are probably wondering how tight a binder should feel. Well, it should feel like a hug. The bandage should fit comfortably and not obstruct your breathing.

When the binder is new it’s common for it to be a bit tight, but as long as you can breathe comfortably and are happy with the amount it smoothes, you don’t need to worry as it will increase in size over time.

While this is the case, if the binder is too tight that you can barely breathe, it is definitely too small and you are endangering yourself if you continue to wear it. Other signs that the folder is too small include:

marks on your skin

pinching or rubbing

Tissue is squirting out of the top, sides, or bottom of the binder

Aches, pains, or extreme discomfort

Extreme difficulty putting on the tie

Shortness of breath when putting on the binder

As mentioned, it’s common for a new tie to be a little tight and you may have trouble putting it on, but if the discomfort doesn’t go away after a week, get another one that’s a size larger.

What if the folder is too big?

Most people often buy binders that are too small because they want to keep their breasts as flat as possible, but it is not uncommon to buy a binder that is too large. Signs your folder is too big to hold:

Extremely loose shoulder straps

They often readjust the binder

The binder does not bind and fits like a regular tank top

The binder leaves enormous gaps around your armpits or shoulders.

If your binder is too small, you have a few options: resize it yourself, buy a smaller binder, or return it if your store allows it.

If you are crafty and know how to sew, you can easily make the binder smaller by bringing in the side seams.

Do not try to shrink the binder in a hot dryer as you will damage it. Made of spandex, binders are elastic and can melt, weakening the fabric. While you’ll have a smaller and better-fitting tie, your confident body attire won’t have any stretch; Therefore, you won’t get the compression you’re looking for.

The heat will also weaken the seams and your binder will wear out quickly.

How to buy the right binder size

The key to buying the right size binder is to measure your breasts before heading to the stores. Luckily, many providers have instructions on how to measure chest with tape or rope.

Studies show that most transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are unaware of their breast size. If you belong to this category, using fruits is one of the easiest ways to determine breast size.

One cup = medium to large strawberry

B cup = small clementines

C cup = grapefruit

D cup = honeydew melon

Folders come in a variety of styles, including:

Long Shirt Style: These are the most popular as they compress the chest without feeling or looking like a bra. They’re also easy to tuck into your pants. Some binders have gastric compression while others have a relaxed stomach.

Mid-Length Style: As their name suggests, these ties reach down to the belly button area or at the top of the pants.

SPORTS BRA STYLE: These binders only provide chest compression and are ideal for those who don’t want to overheat or who don’t like full length styles.

Vest style: They usually have a zipper or Velcro for easy on and off.

How to create a folder

How you put on the binder depends on your type. If you have a long or medium-length binder, it’s best to dress it up by stepping into it, rather than putting it on like a t-shirt. Put your feet between the shoulder straps, pull them to your chest, and then put your arms through the holes.

It’s often difficult to create a folder, especially the first time. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources like this that can help you learn how to do it right.

After wearing the binder, make the necessary adjustments so you don’t end up with the dreaded “uni-boob” down the middle of your bust. You should also make sure the tie isn’t too tight or too loose that it doesn’t provide the compression you need.

If your binder is rolled up or down, tuck it in and you’re good to go.

At the end of the day, take off the binder and check how your skin looks and feels. Pay close attention to even minor changes, as this can be a sign that your tie is too tight or you’re wearing it too long.

How often to wash the breastplate

There is no clear answer to this as many factors play a role. The frequency of cleaning the binder depends, among other things, on the material of the binder, how often you wear it, how long you wear it, what climate you live in, how much you sweat.

A good rule of thumb is to clean the folder whenever you find it necessary. If you live in a cold, dry place and don’t sweat, the binder won’t stink as quickly, so you can wash it once a week.

But if you live in a hot area and sweat a lot, it’ll be gross even if you wear the tie two days in a row, so you’ll have to wash it every day if you don’t have an extra one.

When it comes to cleaning, treat the binder delicately and hand wash. Avoid machine washing, but if you must, use the delicates setting. Once clean, air dry by hanging or laying overnight.

It is not advisable to machine dry it, but if you must, do it for 7-15 minutes. Remember to put it in a delicates bag so it doesn’t get damaged or get caught on other clothes.

Comments

Comments

Wearing the correct size cravat

The most important part of tying securely is wearing the right size ties.

When we bind, the intention is to compress the soft tissue without compressing the ribs. People often make the mistake of thinking that a smaller tie will make them look flatter, this is rarely the case and only causes discomfort and makes it more difficult to wear for long periods of time.

Once you’ve compressed your soft breast tissue to a certain point, you’re only compressing your ribs from there, which can cause damage.

Wearing a binder for too long (more than 8 hours)

You should avoid wearing a binder for more than 8 hours. For those under the age of 18, we recommend taking it off after 6 hours. If you need to wear it longer than the recommended time, we recommend that you go to the toilet or other private place and remove your pad for 5-10 minutes to stretch (see below for more information on stretching) .

binding during training

If you exercise while wearing a binder, we recommend wearing one size larger than usual. This applies to swimming and other cardio exercises. When you lift weights, it is better to wear a sports bra or something similar because your body is under more physical pressure.

Unsafe binding methods

Never use tape, bandages, or KT tape. These items are non-stretchable and could cause you to injure your ribs!

The stickiness of the tape can also pull on your skin causing stretch marks and irritation and damage the soft breast tissue.

There are also cheap binders or binder-like garments that you can find online. These have and will damage the ribs. Please only buy from a binder dealer.

Double tying or wearing more than one tie or compression method is also an unsafe tying method. Never tie twice. A binder is designed to function on its own. Extra compression puts too much stress on your body and causes pain.

overheating

Wearing a tie makes you warmer because you’re wearing another layer. In summer it can get pretty hot and sweaty. You need to watch out for lightheadedness and dehydration. Try wearing thin, breathable fabrics over your tie during the summer months.

breast changes

It’s possible that tying will change the overall look of your chest over time. Because the binder keeps your chest flat against your body, it can cause the weave to flatten out. The extent depends on a combination of things including: how often you tie, your breast size, your genetics, and whether you take hormones.

Taking testosterone can increase these breast changes. If you don’t tie very often, you probably won’t notice a difference. Changes like these usually take years of regular binding to become noticeable.

skincare

Chest binders are close-fitting and made from strong fabrics, so it’s important to take care of your skin as it can get rubbed or chafed. Your binder will soften to varying degrees over time and washing with fabric softener can help. However, if you have sensitive skin, you can wear a thin layer underneath to prevent the binder from rubbing.

body changes

You can gain or lose weight over time without realizing it, especially if you are taking testosterone. Jack (our founder) went from a small to a large within a year of starting hormone replacement therapy. It’s important to measure yourself regularly to check if your tie will still fit.

side effects

If you experience chest pain, shoulder pain, back pain, stomach pain, lightheadedness, heartburn, or shortness of breath, stop wearing the binder immediately. Talk to your doctor and make sure you are accurately sized in your folder. Email us, we don’t mind!

dysphoria

Remember to take care of your body even if you struggle with your feelings about it. Dysphoria can leave people feeling very down and self-defeating, especially when waiting long times for treatment and feeling unable to be themselves.

Talk to someone you can trust when you’re feeling this way. It helps not to fight alone and maybe he can help you.

Diseases

IF YOU HAVE A DISEASE SUCH AS ASTHMA, CONSULT A DOCTOR BEFORE BINDING.

COVID-19

If you start showing symptoms of COVID-19, you must stop wearing your chest strap. Symptoms include:

a high temperature

a high temperature a persistent cough

a persistent cough loss of taste

Wearing a binder, even if it’s the right size, can put unnecessary strain on your lungs and ribs when you’re sick.

stretch

Stretching is important to prevent bad posture and discomfort. You can do any/all of the following 5 stretches when you take your pad off or when you take a break from padding during the day.

We encourage you to do your research and find what works for you and your body.

1. Standing stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your back straight. Interlace your fingers behind you. Push your arms up and away from your body until you feel the stretch and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat again.

2. Doorway Stretch: Stand in a doorway with one foot in front of the other. As you stretch your left pec, your right leg should be in front of you and slightly bent. As you stretch your right pectoral muscle, place your left leg in front of you. Bend one arm at a 90° angle and place your palm on the door frame. Gently lean forward on the side you are stretching. You should feel your chest open and expand. If you feel you want to increase it, turn your head in the opposite direction of the stretch and straighten your neck. Hold for 15-30 seconds.

3. Corner Stretch: Stand 1 foot from a corner with your dominant leg in front of you with your legs slightly bent. Your dominant foot should be closer to the corner than the rest of your body. Your back should be straight and your shoulders should be square. Your dominant foot is on the same side as the hand you are writing with. 4. Shoulder Rolls: Maintain good posture while standing or sitting. Roll your shoulders up, back, and down. Do this move 10 times. Then roll your shoulders up, forward, and down 10 times.

4. Shoulder Rolls: Maintain good posture while standing or sitting. Roll your shoulders up, back, and down. Do this movement 10 times. Then reverse the movement 10 more times.

5. Cat/Cow Stretch: This is a yoga pose, a yoga class/YouTube yoga routine would be excellent to help with mandatory aftercare. Place your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. As you inhale, fill your belly with air and let it sink down while looking up. Exhale while tightening your abs, tuck your chin into your chest and round your spine. Continue this movement for a few minutes, paying special attention to your shoulders.

anonymous asked:

How long do binders typically last before they wear out or stop compressing as much? My half tank is about a year old now and after wearing it comes loose a lot more than it used to, so I have to put it in the dryer more often now to tighten it up

This article is also available in: português, español, Deutsch, français

The most important things to know:

Breast binding (compressing breast tissue to give the appearance of a flat chest) is common for those who don’t want their breasts to look feminine.

DO NOT bind your chest with tape or plastic wrap. The most popular safe methods are using commercial binders, sports bras, strategic layers and bandages, or elastic materials.

If you tie frequently, take breaks throughout the day and take days off, as continuous tying can have negative side effects (2,4).

If you’re hoping for top surgery (a procedure to reduce or remove breast tissue), frequent binding can affect skin elasticity and the results of the surgery (4,5).

Chest binding (compressing breast tissue to give the appearance of a flat chest) is a common practice among people who don’t want their breasts to appear feminine, such as women. B. Transgender males and male presenting AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth) subjects.

Clue uses gender-neutral language to help you track your cycle and health on the App Store Play Store

For some trans and non-binary people, breasts are a source of gender dysphoria as they are a visual reminder of a person’s birth-assigned gender (1). Bonding can reduce gender dysphoria and improve mental health, but it can also cause negative physical health symptoms (2).

How do people bind their chests?

People bind in many different ways: some people wrap their chest with elastic bandages, some wear a sports bra, neoprene or athletic compression garments, or layer multiple sports bras or shirts. Others wear commercial ties specifically designed for this purpose (2).

Everyone binds differently. Some people only tie on special occasions, others every day. A study surveying people who do binders reported that the average person binds their chest about 10 hours a day, with the most popular methods being commercial chest binders, followed by sports bras, shirt or bra layers, and bandages or elastic materials (2).

Risks and side effects of binding

Like many things people do to change their physical appearance (wearing high heels or shaving facial hair), breast tying comes with some risks.

Binding can affect skin, muscles, and movement, especially over long periods of time. Tightly covering the skin and chest with materials that don’t allow free-flowing air can create a warm, humid environment in which bacterial and fungal infections can develop. Wearing restraints that are too tight can damage underlying tissue and muscles, prevent range of motion and even limit a person’s ability to breathe.

There aren’t many studies on the health effects of attachment, so it’s important to listen to the experiences of others and talk to your doctor. (Here’s a guide to finding a trans-friendly doctor and getting better treatment from those who have you.)

Two studies have been completed that specifically focus on people who attach. They were cross-sectional studies observing a specific population (people with breast tenderness) at a specific point in time and were published in 2017 and 2018. Both studies are based on data from 1,800 participants in an online survey.

In both studies, the majority of people (89-97%) reported experiencing at least one negative symptom from chest tenderness (2,3).

Common side effects of breast binding

76-78% of study participants reported skin/tissue issues such as tenderness, scarring, swelling, itching, infection

74-75% of people reported pain in their chest, shoulders, back or abdomen

51-52% of people reported respiratory problems (like shortness of breath)

47-49% of people reported musculoskeletal symptoms such as postural changes, muscle wasting or broken ribs (2,3)

However, many people feel better mentally and emotionally when they commit. According to these studies, breast tying helps people reduce their gender dysphoria and anxiety or suicidality while boosting public trust and self-esteem (2).

Risk factors for binding side effects

People who bind their chest more frequently (every day) are more likely to have negative symptoms. For this reason, taking days off between bonding can help reduce this risk. Long-term commitment (over years) was also more likely to be associated with negative symptoms, particularly skin, tissue, and musculoskeletal problems (2). Skin and soft tissue problems were more common in people with larger breasts (2).

What people choose to tie their chests with is a very personal choice, and it’s unclear to find a standard “best type of tie” for everyone. One study showed that people who used commercial ties had an increased risk of most of the negative symptoms from tying, followed by those who used bandages and plastic wrap or duct tape ( 2Trusted Source ).

The high number of negative effects of commercial ties found in this study came as a surprise to the researchers, as blogs and other informal resources dedicated to trans men and healthy tying often recommend commercial ties (2,4). This can be due to people wearing ties that are too small, wearing them for long periods of time, or wearing more than one at a time. More research is needed, but if you decide to wear a commercial tie, do your research, read online reviews, and make sure it’s the right size for you.

Healthcare and chest binding

The 2017 study found that nearly 9 in 10 people experienced at least one negative effect from attachment, and 8 in 10 felt it was important to discuss attachment with a healthcare provider. But only 3 in 20 (15%) sought medical help for attachment-related health problems (3).

Over half of the participants report that their doctor knows they bind their breasts, but among those less than half have actually discussed their binding practices with their provider. People who felt safe and comfortable starting a conversation about attachment were more likely to seek help with negative attachment side effects (3). This underscores the gap between the healthcare transgender people need and the healthcare they can access or feel safe with. Almost everyone, regardless of gender, manipulates their body to feel comfortable, whether it’s tying up, smoking, applying makeup, or waxing pubic hair — we all change in some way to feel like our “true selves.”

Sometimes these activities come with risks that require medical attention (for example, smoking can cause lung cancer and many other health problems, or growing your pubic hair can lead to ingrown hairs or infected follicles). There’s no shame in talking to your doctor if you experience any side effects. It’s your body and your life – you deserve safe and unbiased healthcare.

People should consider both the mental health benefits and the potential negative physical symptoms when making commitment decisions (2).

Tips for a healthier breast binding

Everyone ties differently, the trick is to find out what is safest and best for you.

1. Limit the time you commit.

Do not wear binders for more than 8-12 hours and do not sleep while wearing your binder. It’s also important to schedule binding breaks daily and make sure you’re not binding every day. People who bind their breasts more often, e.g. B. every day, are more likely to have negative side effects (2,4).

2. Avoid binding during exercise.

While exercise can make some people’s dysphoria worse, exercise is important when you need to breathe deeply, move freely, and are more likely to sweat. If you still want to keep your chest flat when exercising, look for a sports bra that has this effect.

3. Get the right fit.

If you plan to wear a commercial tie, take the time to make sure you’re buying the right size and that it fits you properly. When shopping for a commercial binder, do your research to find the perfect binder for you and read customer reviews to get a feel for sizing accuracy. Try not to buy one that’s too tight – if it causes pain, cuts/trauma, or restricts your breathing, then go a size or two up. A binder should allow normal breathing and airflow (look for breathable fabrics). Wet, clammy, sweaty skin conditions provide the perfect environment for rashes and yeast infections (4).

4. Do not tie with plastic wrap, tape, or bandages.

These are associated with increased negative symptoms. Tape can damage your skin, and bandages can tighten with movement. Maybe you’re in a hurry to start tying or you don’t have the resources to buy a commercial binder, but it’s not worth risking your health. Sports bras, layered shirts, or wearing athletic or neoprene compression gear are the options associated with the fewest negative side effects (2).

5. Bind less when planning top surgery.

If you’re planning on having top surgery (a procedure to reduce or remove breast tissue), it’s best not to bind as often as it can affect your skin’s elasticity and have surgical implications (4,5). Some FtM (female-to-male transgender) mastectomy researchers believe that long-term commitment can lead to a decrease in skin quality, particularly elasticity, which can actually make performing a mastectomy more complex (5).

6. Listen to your body.

If you feel pain or have difficulty breathing, remove your pad (or other restrictive garment). Maybe what you wore was too tight, or you tied up non-stop for too long. You might be tempted to bond all the time if it’s having a positive impact on your dysphoria or mental health, but it’s important to take care of your body while doing it.

Much more research is needed on the health and needs of transgender men, non-binary and gender biased people. These populations have different health needs, and everyone deserves access to appropriate and personalized health care.

If you have any negative symptoms related to bonding, we recommend that you see a doctor.

Check out our guide on how to find a trans friendly gynecologist. We’ve also written about gender dysphoria, how testosterone affects your period, and trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer people’s experiences with birth control.

Some people find that tracking their periods can help reduce dysphoria. Check out our tips on using Clue if you’re trans. Download Clue to know when your period is coming.

This article was updated on May 20, 2020.

Notes on Secure Binding

The most important part of tying securely is wearing the ties of the correct size and execution. Wearing it incorrectly or squeezing your soft tissues to a certain point can damage your ribs and rib cage. The intent of the binding is to safely compress the soft tissue without directly compressing the ribs. Wearing a tie that is too small for you causes discomfort, you cannot wear it for a long time, and it can cause damage. Finding the right size for your binder is important – here’s a helpful guide and video on how to measure your binder.

Tips for wearing a binder

How long can you wear it? You should avoid wearing a binder for more than 8 hours. For those under the age of 18, we recommend taking it off after 6 hours. If you need to wear it for a long time, we recommend that you go to the toilet or other private place and remove your pad for 5-10 minutes to stretch your muscles and chest.

You should avoid wearing a binder for more than 8 hours. If you need to wear it for a long time, we recommend that you go to the toilet or other private place and remove your pad for 5-10 minutes to stretch your muscles and chest. Buy from reputable companies – Buy your binder from a specialty store or apply for the binder fund. Please do not double tie or use duct/gaffa or bandages. These items are not suitable for this practice, band-aids or sticky items may cause pain or irritation on the skin.

– Buy your folder from a specialist dealer or apply for the folder fund. Please do not double tie or use duct/gaffa or bandages. These items are not suitable for this practice, band-aids or sticky items may cause pain or irritation on the skin. Can I wear it in summer? – Binders create more heat around your body and in the warmer months – it can get hot and sweaty! Remember to wear breathable fabrics over the binding – check your hydration and comfort level regularly.

– Binders create more heat around your body and in the warmer months – it can get hot and sweaty! Remember to wear breathable fabrics over the binding – check your hydration and comfort level regularly. Can I wear a binder while playing sports? If you exercise while wearing a binder, we recommend wearing one size larger than usual. This applies to swimming and other cardio exercises. When you lift weights, it is better to wear a sports bra or something similar because your body is under more physical pressure.

If you exercise while wearing a binder, we recommend wearing one size larger than usual. This applies to swimming and other cardio exercises. When you lift weights, it is better to wear a sports bra or something similar because your body is under more physical pressure. Skin Irritation and Breast Appearance – Long periods of tying can change the overall appearance of your breasts, it can cause the tissue to be flattered, and the influence of hormones can also affect it. Also, wearing a binder can cause irritation or you may get rubbed or chafed in some places, so it’s important to take care of your skin and wear an extra layer of protection when needed. If you develop irritation or soreness, we recommend removing the binder to allow the skin to recover.

Any pad-wearing problems such as chest, shoulder, back abdominal pain, or periods of lightheadedness, heartburn, or shortness of breath. Then we recommend stopping wearing the binder immediately and allowing the body to stretch and relax without it. If you have persistent problems, make sure you have the right size in a folder or talk to a doctor.

For more information on binder safety or where to buy it, visit these websites:

Visit the Zendesk website

Visit Spectrumoutfitters website

What is packing and how is it done?

Packers are penis-shaped products designed to help trans men and non-gendered people “fill out” their crotch area when wearing clothing. Some transsexuals make their own packers by stuffing their underwear with socks or foam, while others use high-quality, commercially available realistic penile prostheses.

Most people who are new to packing don’t buy a packer right away, instead opting for DIY options like socks or gel-filled condoms. For some guys this might be enough. If not, there are a number of options to consider, including:

Soft Packers – These are silicone and have the look/feel of a penis. They are often a bit more expensive and could be an investment in getting the right item and size you want. They can be easily cleaned and stored. With proper care, these packers can last a lifetime. Some soft packers have the function of allowing you to pee, these are known as stand-to-pee (STP) devices. These packers are hollow inside and have a bowl at the bottom for you to pee in. Some packers also have the ability to allow the wearer to engage in sexual activity without having to remove the item.

Other people will not enjoy wearing prosthetics and would prefer the freedom or comfort while having a visible backpack. There are companies that offer all-in-one boxer shorts. These boxers contain a sturdy foam packer that is secured in a pocket inside the boxers, so it stays in place no matter what you’re doing. You can go dancing, jogging or even take a dip in the water. You can easily take out the foam insert and hand wash or throw it in the washing machine.

Packers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors depending on the packaging purpose and your personal needs and preferences. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to find what works for you!