LGBTQA+

Great question! For this post, I'll refer to non-binary, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, genderfluid, etc identities as "GNC". Anything that compresses/flattens the chest (for purposes of mitigating gender dysphoria, or simply out of preference) counts as a binder. These include chest binders, compression shirts, sports bras, sarashi wrapping, and trans tape. Breast cup size definitely contributes to the cautions GNC individuals have to take when chest-binding*. The larger the chest, the harder it is, because swells of the breast can still be made out by others and jeopardize the GNC person's chances of passing (i.e. being perceived by others as the gender identity the person identifies with). This is a big deal because, for many GNC individuals, being able to pass ranges from simply feeling good and confident about themselves to keeping themselves physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe. Failure to pass can result (but not always) in experiencing the depression and anxiety associated with gender dysphoria, as well as tipping other people off who may threaten the GNC person out of prejudice, sexism, and/or transphobia. These threats could manifest as microaggressions, discrimination, mistreatment or, unfortunately, aggressive behaviors such as sexual assault and murder. Commercial Binders Like bras, looking for the right binder can be a huge hit-and-miss with the wearer. The bigger the chest size, the more hit-and-miss it gets. I have around around a 38DD cup size and have purchased six to seven binders of different sizes, styles, and material. Some binders out there are simply more snug sports bras. Others have layered material (spandex and nylon) that are secured by metal clasps which can bend out over time, scratch and redden and poke the skin, and get damaged in the washing machine. They also can shrink and virtually turn into an uncomfortable sports bra. To avoid this, instead of machine washing, binder wearers can take care of their binders by doing the following:

• Hand washing

• Setting the washing machine to the delicates setting

• Once washed, hanging up the binder to dry

• Restricting the amount of time the binder is worn

• Wearing a thin, lightweight cotton shirt underneath the binder (to lessen trapped odor and discoloration)

Knowing one's breast cup size is important. If the binder is too big, the chest won't be compressed enough. If the binder is too small, the binder fabric will stretch and tear. The larger a GNC person's chest size, the more imperative it is for them to get their measurements done. This can be done by someone in a clothing store or at home with one other person assisting. After that, the wearer might have to do some converting, since there isn't just one standard sizing chart. They'll have to keep their own measurements in mind, then do their best to get the closest fitting binder according to the manufacturer's and/or retailer's bust sizes (especially if purchasing online). It's also important to research sizing charts from the country the wearer may be ordering. To ensure comfort and safety, the wearer should keep the following in mind:

• Always remove your binding before you sleep

• Do not wear binding while exercising

• Remove binding before showering

• Never wear binding for more than eight hours at a time

• Take days off from wearing binding when possible

• Never layer commercial binders

• Do not wear too-small commercial binders

While the wearer may be tempted to do things such as wear their binder all day or layer commercial binders (especially if they have a large test), this should never be done. I would recommend a wearer to let their breasts "breathe" for a while and wear the biggest oversized shirt they can find (XXL, 3XL, 4XL, and so on). Failure to not be safe while wearing binders can result in dizziness and lightheadedness, skin damage, breast tissue damage, back misalignment, bruising or scarring, and just general fatigue, aches and pains. Also, under no circumstances should plastic wrap, duct tape, or ace nor elastic bandages be used. This damages the skin, can cause an allergic reaction, makes it difficult to breathe, and provides an overall uncomfortable and painful experience. Body powder and anti-chaffing cream can be applied to reduce skin irritation. It's additionally important for the wearer to remain mindful of how they're feeling while binding, no matter the binding method. If they're starting to have difficulty breathing, overheat, feel pain, the binding should be removed as soon as possible and not worn again. It's debatable whether a wearer should exercise in a chest binder, and it is up to the wearer's discretion. It is, however, recommended to exercise in a size larger chest binder so as not to constrict breathing. It's also debatable whether a wearer should put on more than two binding methods at a time. This is also up to the wearer's discretion, but it's even more important in this scenario to keep safety and self-care tips in mind. Commercial binders can be bought online at gc2b.co, Origami Customs, Underworks, T-Kingdom, Shapeshifters, and Gynecomastia Solutions. There are also chest binder donation programs to provide for those who cannot afford a new binder sold by a retailer. Length options are short (covering only the chest and underchest), medium (covering all of the chest and the stomach), and large (covering all of the chest, stomach, and hips). Sports bras One or multiple sports bras can be worn to help flatten the wearer's chest. But the safety tips provided above should be adhered to also.

The wearer can choose a sports bra 1 size smaller than their bust size. There are also "no bounce" sports bras. These can be purchased at an athletic store or a department store.

Layering Clothes can also be layered in a way to obscure the chest "bump" from view. A fitting shirt can be worn underneath a large oversized shirt, with or without a commercial binder, sports bra, and/or trans tape. Please always keep the safety tips above in mind! Wearing camisole shirts with built-in bras can also work for layering. The trick is to wear the shirt backwards, as it's tighter in the back for support and looser in the front to accomodate breast size. The hem of the shirt can then be folded under the top part to provide extra layering (most effective with smaller bust sizes). Neoprene & Pantyhouse I uncovered this while I was researching - the waist portion of pantyhouse can be cut and used for chest binding. This is only recommended for emergencies and should not be the wearer's sole go-to for a binder. It also shouldn't be worn for more than 6 hours. Neoprene is a breathable rubber material that's used for orthopaedic braces (e.g. back, neck, arm, knee) that can be used for chest binding also. I combined these options because both sound iffy to me. Commercial binders, sports bras, and even trans tape is more of the way to go. Kinesiology tape (KT) ("Trans tape") Unlike plastic wrap, duct tape, ace and elastic bandages, trans tape use medical-grade adhesives that's safe and gentler on the skin. Tape comes in different sizes also, or widths I should say. The bigger a wearer's chest, the wider KT tape they'll need. This will enable the wearer to get the most out of wearing the tape, as it can only be worn once before getting disposed of. Trans tape can be found online above from the businesses who sell commercial binders. And since KT tape is mainly used for orthopaedic support, it can even be found at grocery stores and pharmacies.

Although some resources say trans tape works best on smaller chests (as do all binding methods), I also think trans tape works well with larger chests. It takes practice with how to use the tape (how much to cut, wear to put it, how to tuck away the breasts enough to give a "flat" look), but when done right provides a rewarding experience. Sarashi wrapping fiber Sarashi, or "bleached cloth" in English, is a binding method rooted in Japanese tradition. It's white cloth, usually cotton (sometimes linen, but less likely) that's wrapped tightly around midriff up to the chest.

It's been used for various purposes around the world, including chest binding. Edit(s): * Some cisgendered women also bind their chests!

Sources

1. https://www.sharp.com/health-news/chest-binding-tips-and-risks.cfm

2. https://www.pointofpride.org/blog/binding-101-tips-to-bind-your-chest-safely

3. https://www.bustle.com/wellness/6-things-you-may-not-realize-are-getting-in-the-way-of-a-good-nights-sleep

4. https://www.wikihow.com/Safely-Bind-Your-Chest-Without-a-Binder

5. https://www.etainunderthings.com/fittings/binders/

6. https://www.reviewed.com/health/features/what-is-chest-binder-how-does-it-work

7. https://sarashi-binding.net/about-sarashi/

8. https://thesewcialists.com/2020/07/31/all-chests-welcome-the-history-of-covering-chests-is-a-history-of-changing-them/

9. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Sarashi