What is a Chest Binder?
Chest binding, also known as binding, refers to the process of compressing or minimizing your chest tissue in order to create the appearance of a flatter chest.
While chest binding might be more commonly practiced among transgender, nonbinary, or gender-noncomforming people, the decision to bind one’s chest doesn’t actually indicate or determine identity.
Chest binding is for anyone who wants to flatten or minimize the appearance of their chest, either occasionally or regularly.
Chest binding enables many people – especially those with gender dysphoria – to express themselves more authentically, allowing for an increased sense of gender or body congruence and confidence in one’s appearance.
Are there different ways to bind?
The most common products and strategies people use to bind include:
- shirt layering
- commercial binders or compression tops
- sports tops or bras, which are sometimes layered for additional support or compression
- kinetic tapes designed for skin adhesion and tissue support
Commercial chest binders and compression tops come in a wide variety of designs and colours. At Black Eagle Binders we strive to offer comfortable, stylish options with freedom of movement in the following three categories:
- Minimizing compression tops similar to sports bras
- Short or half-length binders cropped above belly button (available in 2 designs: Pull Over and with Zip)
- Long, full-length binders that cover the waist
A binder that fits properly shouldn’t cause skin irritation, physical pain, or excess discomfort when worn appropriately.
Wearing a binder that’s too small can cause:
- discomfort and pain
- breathing issues
- skin, rib, or lung damage
Please read our measuring instructions and see our size guide to ensure you’re ordering a binder that achieves your goals while causing the least amount of health issues.
Even with extensive research, finding the right binder can take a bit of experimentation and likely a couple of returns, so make sure to check out our returns and exchange policy before you hit purchase.
Do your best to be patient with yourself and kind to your body throughout this process.
Euphoria awaits!