Chest Binding before Top Surgery

What is chest binding?

Chest binding is how we flatten our chests in order to give the appearance of a male’s chest. By using a chest binder, it can help a lot with passing and is usually quite common in transitioning. It can also help alleviate some of our chest dysphoria.

Some of us, me included weren’t exactly graced with small chests which can be difficult to hide by layers of clothing. So, using a chest binder helps compress our chests enough to help with presenting as male.

What chest binder options are available

There are a number of different ways in which we can hide our chests, from the very risky; tape and bandages to back supports, layers of clothing, even sports bras. The only method that works effectively and many will agree is using a chest compression garment. They are designed to compress the chest area.

The chest binders that are available have two things in common, the full length, just like a t-shirt. The other, is the half-top which leaves the stomach free. However, there are many variations on these two main styles:

The half-top which is also available with a zipper, clasp or Velcro. These are far easier to get into than the one piece, which sometimes requires a helper as they can bunch up under the armpits. To the point that you can get stuck. The clasp and Velcro style are a great idea as you can adjust the fit. These are ideal for camping or just relaxing at home.
The half-top is also available with a bottom section of material. Tuck this part into your jeans which helps to keep your binder in place and stop it from rolling up.
Both the full length, which is one full layer of compression and the half-top come in a variety of compression levels, meaning the more layers of compression strips used the flatter the chest should go.

Over time the size, style/shape, materials used, and colours have changed dramatically.

Chest binding safely

Never buy a size lower than the sizing guide suggests as this will have a negative effect on your breathing, plus you may not fit into it.
If this is your first binder try using it for just a few hours a day to start with as it will take time for you to adjust to wearing it. Once you get used to it start to increase the time you wear it.
Try not to bind for longer than 8 hours a day, if you know that this may happen try and take a break.
Don’t double bind, this may give you the flattest chest ever but it will restrict your breathing, cause bruising to your rib cage. It can also cause complications for your top surgery as the breast tissue can be pushed inwards.
Don’t sleep in your binder.
Above all else listen to your body, it will tell you when it’s had enough of wearing it.

How to care for your Binder

You can either hand wash or machine wash your binder, just remember to only use cold water. Use a gentle cycle if you decide to pop it in the washing machine. Drip dry or flat dry, do not place your binder in the dryer.