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FTM Chest Binding

Chest Binding 101

Written by Ira

September 6, 2010

Chest binding is a way for many trans men to curb dysphoria, and is a fairly common step in FTM transition. “Binding” refers to flattening breast tissue to create a male-appearing chest using a variety of materials and methods. While binding with common household items is an inexpensive route, it can also be unsafe. Chest Binding 101 is your guide to how to bind safely, where to get a chest binder, how to choose a binder that best suits you, and how to put on your binder.

How to Chest Bind Safely

The first step in learning how to bind safely is finding about what’s not safe to do. Don’t use Ace bandages or duct tape—they aren’t meant for binding, don’t move with your body, and can cause physical harm. They can seriously restrict breathing, cause fluid build-up in your lungs and other serious injuries, such as broken ribs. There have been numerous cases of trans men who’ve acquired permanent scars and other injuries from using Ace bandages or duct tape to bind. Don’t do it.

Can chest binding affect my ability to have FTM Top Surgery? “Generally speaking, no. Binding over a long period of time can alter your skin’s natural elasticity, which may have some minor affects on your final cosmetic results.” – Dr. Scott Mosser

Even with the right binder product it’s still possible to bind unsafely. Despite what you may have been told, don’t buy a binder that’s too small for you. Wearing an ill-fitting binder puts you at risk of the same problems as those who bind with Ace bandages or duct tape. Another piece of bad advice floating around out there is to wear tape and/or another binder on top of your binder. This too can cause restricted breathing and physical injury.

Lastly, give your body a break: don’t bind 24/7. In fact, don’t bind for more than 8-12 hours at a time. Suppressing dysphoria can’t come at the expense of your health. Even high quality binders can cause bruising. Use the times that you’re not binding to wash and air dry your binder, which will help make it last longer.

Where to Get a Chest Binder

A proper chest binder should minimize pain, discomfort, sweating, and irritation. There are several places online where you can buy chest binders specifically designed for trans men:

Underworks binders are among the most popular with transgender men because of their effectiveness and affordability. Underworks is trans-friendly and has a reputation for excellent customer service. Stick to the binders that have “extreme” in the name or description as a binder without this label may not give you the compression you hoped for unless you have a very small chest already. Prices range from $25-45 USD.

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gc2b Transitional Apparel provides high quality FTM chest binders at an affordable price, $33-35. In addition to white, black and grey, as well as red, blue and green, gc2b also offers binders in five “All Nude” colors.

Design Veronique has been designing high quality compression garments since 1986 and is the choice of several US-based surgeons. However, higher prices in the $100-180 USD range, and a lack of information about if these products are durable enough for long term use call into question their suitability for daily chest binding.

Vendors Outside the USA:

Double Design, formerly Double T Collection, is a trans owned and operated company dedicated to the FTM community. Based in Taiwan, they have several binders to choose from priced at $55-75 USD.

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XBODY, based in the UK, is Europe’s top online seller of high quality compression T-shirts, vests and sportswear, designed for men with gynecomastia. £45-49, free shipping over £75.

T-Kingdom is also based in Taiwan and sells binders designed for trans men and gender benders. They have a wide variety of styles, including vest binders with Velcro. Prices range from $30-65 USD. Note: T-Kingdom doesn’t accept returns.

Love Boat Shop is another online store based in Taiwan. They feature a large selection of binder styles and colors made by Double T Collection, Esha and Juya, with prices ranging from $21-$100 USD.

Danaë is a trans guy owned and operated company from the Netherlands, offering European guys the chance to save on shipping. Prices range from €49-52, and they allow returns after an email notification and within seven days of your receiving your binder.

Peecock offers selection of FTM binders that come in different styles. $25-38.

Quick Comparison Chart

Company Location Price
 Trans Owned
Underworks USA $25-45 N
gc2b USA  $33-35 Y
Design Veronique USA $100-180 N
XBODY UK £45-49 N
T-Kingdom Taiwan $30-65 ?
Love Boat Shop Taiwan $21-100 ?
Danaë Netherlands €49-52 Y
Peecock Singapore $25-38 ?

Depending on where you live, you might also find chest binders in stock at your favorite local sex positive merchant.

Used Binders

If you can’t afford a binder, don’t despair! Used binders are often passed on by post-op trans men or those whose binders may no longer fit. There are a few programs available that help distribute donated second-hand binders:

USA

Canada

Trans Clothing Exchanges are another place where you can often find inexpensive binders. You can also try asking around for a hand-me-down binder on one of the mailing lists for trans guys or check out LiveJournal’s FTM Garage Sale and the FtM Sales, Swap, and Support group on Facebook.

How to Choose a Chest Binder

If you still remember your old bra size, you can find out your binder size by using the Bra to Chest Size Converter Tool. If you don’t know your old bra size, you can measure yourself the old-fashioned way:

  1. Take a snug measurement of the fullest part of your chest using a tape measure (best if measured while clothed) and write that number down onto a sheet of paper.
  2. Measure underneath your chest where the crease is and write that number down as well.
  3. Add those numbers together and divide the sum by 2. This number will differentiate your size not only from brand to brand but from binder to binder as well.

Selecting a binder brand and style can be difficult: there are so many options that it can be overwhelming! Plus, there aren’t very many reviews of binders other than those about Underworks’ and T-Kingdom’s more popular models. After buying your binder, help make the experience easier for guys in the future by contributing your review to one of the review sites listed below.

Essentially, there are two types of binders: short ones and long ones. The short ones end right at your waist. The down side of these is that if you carry some extra weight, short binders tend to roll up and act more like a bra. The long ones can be pulled down past your waist by several inches, however it’s inevitable that it will still roll up. To reduce the chances of this, wear a belt. Choosing between a short and long binder has more to do with your body type, specifically your abdomen, and not your chest size.

Lastly, consider the location of the company you’re buying from. Buying from a company that’s closer to you can save you a significant amount of money on shipping costs.

How to Put On a Chest Binder

It might seem silly, but you’re probably going to need some help figuring out how to put on your new binder, particularly if you purchased one of the longer styles.

  1. Put your binder inside out and upside down.
  2. Step into your binder and pull the bottom of it up, ideally to your belt line. The binder should still be inside out and upside down.
  3. Use the sleeves as handles to pull the top of the binder (the end closer to your feet) up to your shoulders.
  4. Put your arms through the sleeve holes and adjust your chest to your needs. You may need to pull the bottom of the binder out from underneath itself if you don’t want it folded under. For others, leaving it folded under may help stop the binder from rolling up.

Don’t be disappointed if you look in the mirror and it looks like you have one big boob in the middle of your chest. You just need to adjust your chest. Reach in from the neck hole and push your chesticles down and out. You’re basically pushing your nipple toward your armpit to achieve the flattest looking chest possible.

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FTM Chest Binding Tips

Very important: When binding, you should not by any means feel as though you can’t breathe or like you’re going to pass out from a lack of oxygen.

Binders aren’t the most comfortable things in the world. To make binding more comfortable, and to reduce the possibility of the binder moving around a bit, some guys wear a light shirt underneath.

Depending on the size of your chest, you may need to layer clothing on top of the binder to get optimal chest flattening. You’ll find that some of the shirts in your closet require you to layer more than shirts in your wardrobe.

You can swim in your binder. Just wear a sleeveless or sleeved T-shirt over it. Don’t worry if your binder seems less effective after a swim, this isn’t permanent. Simply wash it and it will go back to normal.

Your chest will look bigger than it really is when you look down at it. Check in the mirror for a more accurate side view.

Not all binders breathe well, and the reality is that you’re probably going to get hot. If you’ve already started testosterone, you’re definitely going to sweat. The build up of sweat can irritate your skin causing rashes and sores. Wearing a thin cotton shirt that breathes well underneath your binder may help prevent this. If you find this uncomfortable, try applying corn starch to your body before putting on your binder to help keep it from holding in moisture. If you’ve already experienced skin irritation of some sort, take care of it the same way you would an open wound. Washing the irritated area with anti-bacterial soap will keep it clean and help it heal faster.

Conclusion

Chest binding, as cumbersome as it may seem, can be very freeing for transgender men. There’s a plethora of quality FTM chest binding products available for body types of all shapes and sizes. Regardless of what you use for binding, please remember to put your health first. Now that you’re armed with all the information you need to find the right binder for you, go forth and feel more comfortable in your skin!

FTM Chest Binder Reviews

(Note: These sites are no longer updated.)

More FTM Chest Binding Resources

Do you have any tips about binding? Want to share your experience with a particular binder brand or model? Do you know of other binder manufacturers, particularly those outside of Asia and the US? Please leave your comments below.

Last updated: 12/04/20

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How to Measure For Men’s Shirts

131 thoughts on “Chest Binding 101”

  1. I’m not sure Nabay is in business anymore, their binders have been sold out since last year, at least. Maybe longer.

  3. I had a horrible experience with Underworks. After having the mastectomy I ordered a binder to help with the compression. I ordered the “male compression/binder top” with the male sizing. NOT MALE SIZING!!! I complained a lot to get a refund (terrible customer service). I said I was male and had ordered the correct size, but since they have a sister company selling the same shirt as a FTM binder I didn’t believe their sizing was right, nor their sneaky company.
    However, they kinda have the market cornered..be aware to order a size up, if it didn’t fit without breasts, it ain’t gonna fit with ’em.

  4. Isaac:
    Every binder is going to be tight. That’s the whole purpose. The sizes vary from binder to binder on Underworks’ site depending on your chest measurement. The way one measures the chest isn’t dependent upon whether or not one has breasts. There are other companies on the list in the article that don’t permit returning and/or exchanging products. So, you’re lucky in this case. Every company has its downfalls, and, for that reason, we all need to do our research and be intelligent consumer, which is what this article attempts to help with. Furthermore, many of us feel as though Underworks has the market cornered, but there are at least six other brands one can choose from. There just isn’t as much information on the web about the others.

    Percival:
    I noticed that as well, but I thought since maybe the site is still up they may just make a comeback? This is probably wishful thinking on my part.

    Adohnes:
    Thank you, I’m glad I could be of some help.

  5. Thanks for the review, I do have one tip though for longer style binders. I’ve found that using shirt stays generally keeps the binder from rolling up for moving around. I can bend and jump and lift without worrying about my binder moving around and loosening. I made a video about it on youtube which can be found here.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_3OQxb_DPE

  6. Thanks for the review. I checked out all of these sites and ordered one binder from LES LOVE BOAT. I just have to say IT’S AMAZING.

    AMAZING.

    I have had 2 binders from underworks, which are of a stiff material that chafes all over, and even considered not binding after that, and one from T-Kingdom, which looks like a big elastic waistband over the chest and doesn’t flatten that much. They were pretty uncomfortable and every time I had to put one I dreaded it.

    I just have to rave about the one from Love Boat because I didn’t think it was possible to have a binder this comfortable. It’s super soft (yes, SOFT) and I can’t even feel it – it’s more comfortable than a sports bra! And somehow it flattens the same as a medium compression one, I don’t know how, because it’s not even tight or anything. I got the short style one, but I would be tempted to get the long style one and use it as a tank top, because it looks like a regular shirt. It also arrived on time and I had problems paying online so they contacted me directly – great customer service.

  7. Thanks for the article, I’ve had passing out issues on a couple of occasions, I unfortunately have to deal with DD’s and their pretty unruly, making it impossible for me to pass. Is their any binder-making company you would recommend looking at for such a situation (I’m still ages away from affording surgery)?

    My original M.O. was duct tape…

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  12. I just wanted to thank you for posting the How-To about putting on a binder – it’s super effective! I feel so much better about myself while wearing one and having an easier time putting it on makes it that much more worthwhile.

  13. I’m so confused! Not because of this article but because I’ve heard so many different things about Underworks etc… I’m size D and need something that will put my mind at ease so I don’t have to worry about how I look anymore. Problem is I don’t exactly have any money and even the $30 Underworks binders are too much. I really need a binder that I KNOW will do the job well because I don’t have the money to go out and buy better ones every week…

  14. Nabay only answers questions and orders in japanese. If you didn’t send one in japanese thats most likely why they didn’t answer.

  15. I would definitely recommend Danaë especially if you live in the UK. Decent prices, decent styles (the ones with the zips are good) delivery is quick and more importantly they make skin coloured ones!

    I hated wearing black or white ones, the white would never stay strong enough and both colours could be seen under shirts unless they were proper thick or a t-shirt was also worn which sometimes just looked stupid. Now I can wear a skin coloured one with just a normal shirt over the top (as in smart shirt not just t-shirt) and I don’t have to worry about having to add extra layers to hide the binder. Brilliant especially in summer! Had an appointment down to the London clinic yesterday and I went in just a thin red/white/blue checked shirt (and jeans obviously!) and wasn’t dieing of heat stroke! Why more companies don’t make skin coloured binders I don’t know as this is something you want to stay invisible.

    They are also very good with returns as well and their communication is great.

    The only thing I would say is not to bother with the strapless binder, with nothing to hold it up it is pretty much useless.

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  18. I’m a HUGE fan of Nabay Shirts. I’m sad they only accept orders in Japanese and even more sad I don’t know enough Japanese to make an order. My binder is falling apart, finally, after 4 years of daily wear. I had a spare I gave to someone 🙁

    Even when I was completely broke, I still scrimped and saved to buy that second binder. The price point is equal to the quality of the product. Now if I could just find someone who knows enough Japanese to get my order through, I’d be ecstatic!

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  20. I ordered and received a binder from Underworks this weekend. I didn’t have any problems at all with them as far as swift shipping, and the order went through smoothly. I got the model that has compression on the top only, and I must say I am quite pleased with the product thus far. I’m somewhat of a small guy, but even though with my size I COULD get away with wearing a T-shirt (I get called “sir” all of the time even in regular clothes, but you can still see “lady lumps” if I’m standing up straight or wearing a tight shirt) the binder really did hide my unfortunate lumps quite nicely. I planned to buy different binders to see how they fit, but really Underworks is a good place to start. My ONLY complaint about the binder, is that it does tend to pull on the shoulders a little if you wear it for an extended period of time, which could get uncomfortable, but otherwise it wasn’t unbearable, and it was nice to feel a masculine chest. I’ll update whenever I get around to trying a different binder.

  21. Are there any stores that physically sell binders? I’m 14 and don’t have a credit card & my mom doesn’t know. I need to buy one ASAP. (I live in Ohio.) Thank you

  22. Hey Jes, if you need a credit card you can always buy a Visa gift card from a grocery store or pharmacy, like CVS. They’re used like normal credit cards that way you can order what you need online.

  23. So, I’ve been binding daily for about 6 years now. My DD’s are so saggy that they’re level with the bottom of my ribcage, and I’m able to see my pecs above (knowing I have pecs almost makes up for what’s drooping off of them). This is extremely uncomfortable, but the alternative is being almost constantly light-headed because my muscles have forgotten how to breathe properly. I don’t like leaving the house because most of my clothes don’t fit right without a binder, and I really can’t pass without one anyway. As much as I’d like to simply put everything on hold until I’ve had top surgery, I don’t this is feasible.

    Suggestions? Anything?

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  27. I bought two binders from TKingdom but they don’t work that well. My friend says that she can still see I have a woman’s chest. The binders flatten my chest only a little bit. I tried the normal bras for women and found out that I am about 34A or 32A or something like that. I am not fat. So a good binder should give me a very flattened chest. But the chest binders from TKingdom don’t work that well!! I am now going back using ace bandages. This is the most efficient method after all.

  28. Hey,
    I’ve got a Model 1300 from T-Kingdom and I’m very pleased. According to the size chart, I’d have chosen a large. I chose a medium and it fits me as supposed to. There’s velcro in on of the sides, so you can adjust if wanted. The shipping to Denmark was pretty nice. The cost was okay, and the speed was impressive.

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  31. Yes, I love Love Boat. I have a long binder w/ velcro and I’m kinda a bigger boi so it flattens the chest pretty well (size C cup) and even my bit of belly I’m trying to get rid of. Customer Service is great and once I get some more cash planning to get another one. Oh they also take Paypal Bill Me Later so if you have that through Paypal yoh can buy now and have like 6 months to pay off … Not trying to get anyone into debt but if it helps.
    🙂
    Anyway bros hope that helps later.

  32. i am looking to buy a binder for myself because i just dont feel comfortable in my own skin i cant afford to spend alot of money i have read all the comments on here and i really dont know where to go. i wanna go threw the surgery but i dont have that kind of money right now so if anyone can be of any help please let me know

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  35. So I have a question,if I get one size smaller of a binder,will it have more of a effect and flatten my chest more?…and is that bad?

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  38. I have had great experiences with Underworks over the years. I am just beginning to transition, physically anyway, but have passed as male since I was a child. I sadly have very large annoying breasts, and underworks binders (I have four different kinds from there) are GREAT. I actually do not remember what the sizes are that I have but they may well be a size down. They are very tight, as they are supposed to be! I do not have trouble breathing or any such thing, but yes they are a bit difficult to get on. Once on I feel SO much better, physically and mentally. Just wanted to say my piece. They have great customer service btw.

  39. @Mike Sorry, just saw your comment now… As the article mentions (3rd paragraph), getting a binder that’s too small is not a good idea.

    @Kim Thanks for sharing your experience with Underworks!

  40. Mike (who posted on the 19 August 2011), what size did you buy? I’m also a small guy, l also pass at times wearing regular tshirts. l’m a size 13-14 year old jeans and tshirts, at times 11-12. l also need help with buying a binder. l’m in Africa so things are tight as there isn’t anywhere you can buy a binder in my country. Please people help. l want an affordable or discounted ones for at most 30 dollars including shipping. l can’t go out, my chest shows those lady lumps.

  41. So, I had a friend that was willing to spend money on binders, but they got shipped back by my friends parents. My mom and dad aren’t to keen on binding so I have to use home materials. The ‘binder’ itself it pretty apparent and it only flattens a little, but it’s better than nothing. I constantly have to wear two to three shirts and a jacket to hide the binder. My parents won’t let me go to the LGBT youth center either so I don’t really know what to do regarding binders. I hate going outside, even though my chest is small, with a medium to small sized tshirt it’s obviously a girls chest. I’m a little depressed. I can’t run or stand up straight.