We Stand United: An Lgbt Guide

Binding

What is binding?

Binding is the act of compressing the chest to make it appear flatter. This is done by FtM, genderfluid, Nonbinary, and even cis people.

Binding can be done by anybody! It is simply the act of making one more comfortable with their appearance.

General rules to follow:

i. Do not bind for more than 8 hours a day!

ii. Avoid exercising in them!

iii. Try the binder out for a 1-2 hours before fully commiting and wearing it for up to 8. This is so you can get a feel for it and grasp the idea. :)

iv. If it hurts, stop!

v. After removing the binder, put your hands above your head and cough! This releases mucus from the lungs and helps prevent infection.

vi. Take breaks as often as possible!

vii. Do not bind while sick.

viii. Swim in a size larger than you would normally wear, or swim in one specifically made for swimming

ix. Wear loose clothes while binding! Wearing tight ones will defeat the purpose of the binder and decrease it's effectiveness

x. Do not bind while sleeping

xi. Do be sure you can easily take deep breaths while binding!

xii. Do not double bind!

xiii. Nipples should not be pointed down while binding!

Here is an example:

Advantages of binding:

i. Helps curb chest/top dysphoria!

ii. Decreases chance of bad posture! (people will typically lean forward to hide their chest, so binding can help prevent that!)

iii. Saves people from undergoing mental negativity and depression!

iv. Makes people feel more comfortable in their own body!

Disadvantages of binding:

i. Could be painful or harmful. (If it hurts, cuts your skins, and/or makes it hard to breath, it's too tight! Take it off)

ii. Could harm/damage your lungs/ribs if its too tight

iii. Reduces skin elasticity

iv. Sags the breasts

Different types of binders:

i. Long binders - These go typically to about your waist - maybe even lower - much like a tank top