Binding is the process of compressing chest tissue to create a flatter appearance.
It is most commonly done by transgender men and trans masculine people, but can also be done by many other people of a wide variety of gender identities and expressions.
A chest binder is a garment designed to allow people to bind safely, simply and effectively. They are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, materials and colours.
Some trusted UK retailers:
– Spectrum outfitters
– GC2B
– Trans shop UK
Other ways to create a flatter chest:
- Kinesiology/binding tape
- See the Useful Links section at the bottom of this page for a tutorial on how to bind with tape.
- We are sometimes able to provide this as part of our binder scheme. We will share on our page if and when this is available. We recommend buying it from Trans Tape.
- High impact sports bra (compression style).
- Please note that layering sports bras or using too small a size can negatively impact your health.
- Baggy clothing, or multiple layers of clothing to disguise body shape.
Harm reduction
Attempting to bind with unsafe methods such as duct tape, compression bandages or a binder that is too small will negatively impact your health.
This can cause serious long term consequences including
- Damage to your skin
- Damage to your chest and lungs
- Difficulty breathing
- Rib fractures
- Subsequent heart attacks due to decreased blood flow to the heart.
- It can also impact surgery options in the future.
It is good to take binding breaks throughout the day and only bind for 8 hours where possible. For those under 18, it is recommended to bind for 6 hours a day or less.
It is dangerous to sleep in a binder.
You can exercise in Spectrum’s Light binder range as these are less compressive. You are encouraged to wear a size up when exercising in their standard binders (the crop and tank styles).
You can find a link in the Useful Links section to some exercises you can do to alleviate pain and stiffness associated with binding. We can also email these to you.
Oxfordshire Binder Scheme
Abingdon Queer Action works alongside Spectrum Outfitters to provide binders to our local community free of charge.
These binders are available all year round to anyone who wants one, no questions asked. We can provide a range of sizes from XXS to 7XL.
Spectrum donates its old stock in all styles – including crop, tank and their light design. Sometimes we are also donated binders from other companies.
Find out more here. Or email oxon_binder_scheme@protonmail.com
Useful Links
Binding using kinesiology tape: https://transguysupply.com/blogs/news/how-to-bind-with-tape
How to measure your size for GC2B binders (sizing may differ between brands): https://gc2b.co/pages/sizing
How to measure your size for Spectrum binders (sizing may differ between brands): https://spectrumoutfitters.co.uk/pages/size-guide
Binder care: https://spectrumoutfitters.co.uk/pages/binder-care
Binding safely and exercises: https://spectrumoutfitters.co.uk/pages/binding-safely