What is Chest Binding?
Chest Binding is a way for some folks to function normally and feel comfortable in a variety of situations. It involves wearing a compression garment called a “chest binder” that allows for taking care of certain daily needs. This may be for reducing stress and anxiety, minimizing movement, reducing chest appearance, fitting certain garments or accessories, altering outward appearance, smoothing out edges, wearing costumes, doing exercises, etc. Binding is your choice; you may try it and find that it’s not for you, or that it is. However you feel about it is okay. It’s your body and your choice, but the option exists if you need it.
How to choose a binder?
Decide what type of binder you want, and what works for you. There are many styles, sizes, and colors, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs, tastes, body, and size. Don’t guess your size. You will need accurate measurements. Sizing can change depending on brand, style, country of origin, manufacturing, and material. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. Look at reviews for the product if they’re available. If you are unsure or between sizes start with the larger, as smaller sizes can impact your breathing, as well as chest and back comfort.
How do I wear my binder correctly?
That will depend on the type of binder you are using. You may put it on over your head if it’s a pullover, or step into it if that is too difficult. You may put it on like a vest if it fastens on the side, front, or back. It’s a good idea to have someone you trust with you the first time you try on a binder. They may assist you if it’s confusing or difficult. They can also advise you on fit, appearance, and ask about comfort, discomfort, movement, ability to breath well, etc. Whatever way is best, your binder needs to be comfortable on your chest, back and shoulders. You may need to make personal adjustments, so it is comfortable. Listen to and feel your body, your lungs, your joints when putting it on. Don’t overdo it, causing yourself pain, injury, or future injury.
How long can I safely wear my binder?
The first time you wear it, take it off after a couple of hours to let your body get used to it. If even that is uncomfortable remove it and try to find out what you need to make it more comfortable, or acquire a more fitting option. Let your body rest a couple hours before putting it or any other binder back on. Once you are used to it, it’s best to limit wearing it to no more than 8 hours per day. Do not sleep or swim in a regular binder. There are special options for swimming, but binding is not good for you while sleeping, because you need to be able to breathe freely, with your lungs unencumbered.
How should I care for my binder?
Wash in warm soapy water after the day’s use. Rinse well, and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not ring it out or stretch it, just gently squeeze excess water from material a little at a time. I usually start at the top, or at one side, work my way down, or to the other side, trying not to drip water on the part I have already squeezed. Hang your binder and let it dry naturally. I sometimes hang it off a handle, or faucet that won’t be used for a while, on a towel bar, or off the side of the shower wall or door. Do not use the dryer, or other heat source; that can damage the integrity of the material, it may shrink and can reduce elasticity faster.
What else should I know?
- As stated earlier don’t sleep in your binder. Your body needs to rest and laying down with a binder on can affect your breathing.
- Unless it is made for exercise don’t exercise in your binder; your body is working harder when exercising and needs your lungs at full capacity. This means that providing moderate constriction to keep the chest from moving around or bouncing around is okay, but constricting it to a point that breathing or talking is labored while exercising is not okay.
- Don’t bind if you are unwell with a cold, flu, or injury, for example. Your body needs to recover first.
- Don’t wear your binder if it causes any shoulder or back pain or difficulty breathing.
- Don’t substitute your binder for wearing tape, ace bandages or other types of bandages; this can be unsafe if done improperly, too tight, too long, or with the wrong kind of binding.
- Pay attention to your posture, as binders can pull at your neck and shoulders, and can constrict your rib cage. It’s important to pay attention and observe as time goes by. Are you having any trouble with this, is your posture changing, are you getting aches in your back, shoulders, neck, or ribs?
- When you are not wearing your binder, look after your body by doing some gentle exercise, specifically for your core, sides, back, neck, and shoulders. Do stretches as a relief from the compression, and concentrate on improving your lung capacity with some deep breathing.
- You might need to think outside the box in hot and humid weather. This can cause skin irritation, difficulty breathing, and be very uncomfortable. Perhaps you could use talcum powder, wear a t-shirt, take longer and more frequent breaks.
- Don’t swim or get wet in a regular binder; there are special binders for swimming and other wet activities. The most important thing is to take care of yourself, pay attention to your body and the messages it’s sending, stay hydrated, find ways to replace electrolytes lost from sweating, and drink plenty of water.
