How To Wash Your Binder? All Answers

How do you properly wash a binder in the shower? I’m not outside so I have to be discreet

Just take some detergent or dish soap with you, lather it up and gently rinse it clean in the water (you should get all the soap out before drying it; you can squeeze it gently). 😀 Easy hand wash.

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

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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.

ayyydrien asked:

Uhh how often should I wash my tie (I wear it 4/7 days a week). atm I wash it every 1-2 weeks depending on when I have the house to myself. So yes, how often should I wash it? and I’ve had this folder for almost a year now, should I try to buy a new one (I think it’s worn out) or should I be fine for a few more months?

T

09/17/2020

The Art of Chest Binding

by Alexia James

Let’s talk about the art of chest tying. Our team has gathered information from the internet and the personal experiences of trans men, nonbinary, trans masculine, gender biased and other gender biased people to give you the best possible start. We’re here to answer all your questions, battle your worries, and most importantly, help you feel safe and comfortable about being yourself.

Starting with the basics, binding is when you take a restrictive material and constrain your breasts in a way that flattens your chest. Before we dive deeper into things, there are some very important things to do with your safety and well-being.

security

– It should NEVER hurt

– Never go down a size

– Never push yourself

– DO NOT use ACE bandages

DO NOT use tape

Phew, that’s out of the way. However, it’s no laughing matter. The things listed are only the most important security aspects. You should never overexert yourself and it should never hurt. It’s about becoming you!

binder

The binder is a device used to flatten a person’s chest. There are many different ways you can tie securely. The easiest to acquire that you may already have is a sports bra. Not one of those cheap 5 pack sports bras, but a good one with high compression/support levels. This helps compress a person’s chest. Sometimes one isn’t enough, so you can double up on sports bras.

There is a binder called Tri-Tops that feels like a sports bra as it stops below the breasts and looks more like a crop top. Both options are good for flattening your chest. However, they can still feel like a bra and remind you of what to get away from. Well, there’s good news. There is another possibility. The final tie type is a full length tie. This goes like a tank top to the upper body. It’s a tank top that hugs you tight. It can take trial and error to find the binder type and brand that you are most comfortable with.

See the bottom of this article for more information, websites, and online resources on reputable places to find various new and used folders.

sizing

The most important thing to know about binders is that they must be the right size. This is very important and leads back to some of those security concerns. You should always get the right size binder. Trusted websites have some good measurement tips and charts.

A folder that is too small can cause some pretty serious problems. First is breathing. Not being able to breathe is scary. The feeling of suffocation is not good. And if your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, you can pass out.

Wearing a tie that is too tight can also cause redness and irritation of the skin around the edges. This may not sound too terrible, but it can be very uncomfortable and people become even more irritated if they are uncomfortable (see people stuck in a stuffy, hot room). But more importantly, this irritation can cause open sores that just present a whole different world of problems.

A tie that’s too tight can also bruise your ribs, crack or even fracture and lead to fluid buildup and things like pneumonia.

Being yourself doesn’t have to be painful. Injuring yourself will only cause more frustration, fear, and pain in the long run. We are our own worst critic. It’s hard to love yourself when you’re depressed, anxious, and hurt.

Create binder

Alright, alright, enough with the creepy warning label stuff. It’s about being able to help you love yourself, so let’s move on to what’s next after you get your folder.

First, don’t get too excited, rip open the package and fling your arms as you try to get into your new folder. It’s okay that you’re very excited. But believe it or not, there’s a trick to getting into that folder… You gotta flip it! Okay, it’s a little more verbose, but that’s the premise. You turn it inside out and upside down. Then you step into the binder and pull it up from the bottom until you reach your waistline. Now use the straps and pull it up by flipping it. Lastly, slide your arms through the holes and BAM, the chest binder is in place.

1. Turn it upside down and inside out

2. Climb into your folder. Then pull up. Stopping at the waistline

3. Using the case, pull up the top part of the binder (turn it over so it isn’t facing inside out)

4. Tuck your arms into your sleeves

5. Adjust your chest

The binder should feel snug, but you should be able to take a deep breath. Take that deep breath when you feel more like yourself! But if it hurts or you can’t take a really deep breath, then your binder is too small.

avoid injuries

Remember, it should never hurt! If you start to hurt or have trouble breathing, take it off. Take a break. Leave it out for an hour. If you are in a place where this may not be comfortable, try taking a long break in the bathroom and just take it off for a few minutes and slowly take deep breaths. You never want the binder to hurt you.

Be aware from the start that you may not be able to wear the binder for long at first as it takes time to get used to. After all, you can wear them much longer. The maximum time you should wear a tie is about eight hours and NEVER sleep with the tie on. Some recommend finding time in your schedule to take breaks a day or two each week during downtime. Try to stretch your upper body daily and exercise when you can to prevent muscles from weakening or shrinking. Some recommend not wearing them to the gym or going up a size if you do.

Binder Hygiene

Did you know you can swim in your pad? But it’s not waterproof like a swimsuit. Make sure you have time after your swim to allow your binder to dry. This can mean removing your binder for up to 12 hours. If you don’t let it dry completely, you could irritate your skin, and nobody wants that. Keep this in mind if your shoes get wet and your feet will itch later. you feel miserable Remember, you are doing this to feel who you are and to be safe and happy. Don’t be insecure and miserable.

Binder hygiene is important to maintain your health when worn regularly. Washing well and at the right frequency can help keep bacteria from building up in the fabric, which is often tight against the skin. If necessary, you can obtain information on the care of your binder from the manufacturer. Some recommend keeping a dirt binder separate from your typical dirty laundry pile or bucket, hand washing in cold water, and air drying.

Once the binder is on, you need to proceed with the clothing. You may need to adjust some elements of your wardrobe to give you more coverage if you don’t want the binder to show (i.e. less plunging necklines or tank tops). A great help for the binder are layers. You can layer your clothing to hide areas that may be causing your discomfort. Some prefer not to wear tight or form-fitting clothing. Loose and baggy with layers can be the way to go.

That sums up binders. Remember it shouldn’t hurt. Don’t rush. Measure yourself and get the right size. Now go ahead and be safe and happy yourself!

Find the right binder

As mentioned above, choosing the right binder is very important. While most people think of Wal-Mart Online and Amazon first, many websites sell them new and used. There are also many transmen/nonbinary groups on Facebook and Reddit where you can sometimes find people giving away binders for various reasons.

Here are some links provided by trans men and nonbinary people to purchase binders (new and used) along with some other online resources.

Always check the websites sizing charts and measure yourself to make sure you get the correct size pad!

New binders

gc2b.co has been recommended by many people and they are trans owners.

underworks.com has clothing for all types.

aidenaizumi.com/the-binder-project.html gives away two new gc2b folders every month.

Used binders

thetransitionalmale.com/BBUB.html Big Brothers Used Binder Program.

pointofpride.org offers used folders as well as other trans resources.

Binders for Bros: An FTM Facebook group for collecting and donating used binders.

references

www.genderconfirmation.com/breast-binding/

Chest Binding 101

https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/chest-binding-tips-and-tricks-for-trans-men-nonbinary-and-genderfluid

https://www.buzzfeed.com/skarlan/xx-easy-ways-to-take-care-of-yourself-while-wearing-a-chest

https://gc2b.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115015783067-Can-I-put-exercises-in-my-folder-

A recent Times article on breast bindings sparked discussion among readers about the practice some transgender and gender nonconforming people use to compress their breasts and treat body dysphoria, and how we’ve reported it.

We wanted to hear more from people who have used chest ties, so we asked readers to tell us why they wore them and what impact the tying has had on their lives. We received more than 200 replies, mostly from teenagers and young adults.

Below is a selection of the answers that have been edited and condensed.

If you have used chest binders, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

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

What are mild detergents?

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dusk

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What not to use

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Environmentally friendly

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Thanks for the question. Ties can be cleaned in the washing machine and in the dryer. If they’re too worn or dirty, it’s not a bad idea to buy a new one. If your surgeon has his own surgery center, he can provide you with another one for free or at an additional cost. Most pharmacies also sell them. I’m sure Amazon and other online companies carry them too. As for wearing – you can wear them for as long as you like. After the first few weeks of surgery, most patients are comfortable wearing it for most of the day. That’s OK. It’s also okay to take a break for an hour or two when you lie down. What is interesting is that most patients are happy to wear them for a few months after surgery. They make you feel safer. Much luck!

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.

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