Binding safely
Binding can make a big difference to how you feel. Doing it carefully protects your ribs, lungs and skin.
Use something made for it
- Use a binder designed for chest binding, or kinesiology tape sold for binding (often called trans tape).
- Never use elastic bandages, plastic wrap or duct tape. They tighten as you move and can restrict breathing, bruise ribs and damage skin.
- Don’t wear two binders at once, or a binder over tape.
Get the right size
- Measure yourself and follow the brand’s size chart. If you’re between sizes, go with the larger one.
- A smaller binder doesn’t flatten more; it just squeezes harder. You should be able to take a deep breath.
Give your body breaks
- Aim for no more than about 8 hours a day, and take it off when you can, even for a few minutes.
- Never sleep in a binder.
- Take days off when you’re at home or somewhere you feel comfortable.
- For sport or hard exercise, take it off or switch to a looser option like a well-fitting sports top.
If you use tape
- Do a small patch test on your skin 24 hours before taping your chest.
- Don’t tape over broken, sunburnt or irritated skin, and cover your nipples with a small pad so tape doesn’t stick to them.
- Take it off slowly with oil (baby oil or coconut oil), never by ripping. Follow the brand’s limit on how many days to wear it.
Take it off right away if you notice
Pain, trouble breathing, a racing heart, numbness or tingling, or skin that’s broken, blistered or very itchy. If symptoms don’t go away after you stop, see a doctor and tell them you bind; it helps them understand what’s going on.