#underworks
Store coming soon……
transForms! is a newly born retailer of chest binding compression shirts designed for transmen, ftm, genderqueer, transmasculine, & gender variant people who need to find quality chest binders at an affordable cost.
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We are in the process of manufacturing new prototypes for our trans-inspired shape wear and our goal is to offer the best quality compression fabrics available on the market. We are dedicated to creating comfortable compression garments that will give results.
Based in Western MA, transForms! is a trans-inspired initiative.
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There’s something I found out that I think is important for trans men, trans mascs, and anyone who’s considering or is regularly binding to know. You know those binder safety guidelines? There is no science backing them whatsoever. They are essentially arbitrary, best guesses of what constitutes as safe use. The actual length of use and how long of breaks need to be taken, etc could actually require shorter durations of use and longer breaks.
When people have bad experiences with binding and speak out against their use, it’s often just dismissed as they weren’t following the safety protocols. However, we have no evidence that religiously following these protocols will guarantee someone will not experience a serious binder injury or permanent damage. I think we need to start noting that these aren’t safety guidelines and you’ll be safe when following them. These are guesses at how someone may reduce the risk of harm from regular binding.
I’m saying this as a trans man. I’m not someone with an agenda who’s using dishonest scare tactics. It’s important people are aware of the risks to make a truly informed decision on various aspects of transition. Especially when you consider how few people actually moderately follow these guidelines let alone religiously follow them.
[Image Description: a one-page document formatted so both sides are visible as two pages. It is titled “DypsohiAid Chest Binder Sheet v1.0″ and is all black text on a white background. The full text can be read under the readmore of this post.]
Chest Binding Guide v1.0
This is a guide I created for a project I am working on outside of Queer Condensed - DysphoriAid. This sheet is just one part of it. This is a collection of information on chest binding gathered from all over the internet and condensed into a single two-sided page. There’s a lot of good information on chest binding, but a lot of it is scattered across multiple websites and blogs. Here it is all packaged together.
There will hopefully be more of these, each focusing on a different dysphoria-easing item (packers, stand-to-pees, breast forms, etc) but as I don’t use any of those items I have to rely more on outside research to help make those.
The original Publisher files may be requested through the ask box if you want to modify them. If you download or enjoy, please reblog!
The text can be read below the readmore, formatted in the intended reading order.
First / Front Page
DysphoriAid Chest Binder Sheet Online v1.0
Trusted Companies - Make Your Own - Do’s and Don’ts - Further Info
The Basics and Where to Buy
Chest binders are articles of clothing that use compression on the breast tissue and creates the look of a more “masculine” chest. They are used by Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) transgender / nonbinary people who wish to have that effect for dysphoria, presentation, or aesthetic reasons.
Every body reacts to binding differently, but there are some things that are common. New binders always feel tight, sometimes a little uncomfortably so. They take time to break in. However, they should not cause pain or make it impossible to take deep breaths even on the first wear. You should be able to move freely in a properly-fitting binder and it should be loose enough to be able to easily adjust your breast tissue while wearing the binder. It’s normal to be winded in a binder after running or climbing several flights of stairs, but not after regular walking or relaxing. Chest, ribs, or back pain means your body is tired or strained from binding and you need to take a break or remove the binder for the day. If your binder bruises you or pain in your body continues after binding for several hours or days, you should check that you’re binding with a correct size and go to the doctor if possible. Look at the “Do’s and Don’ts” section for more guidelines on safe binding.
There are many different companies that sell chest binders, but not all of them are safe. The company GC2B (gc2b.co) is a trans-owned business that sells safe binders at a reasonable price, with options for multiple skin tones at no extra cost. Another trans-owned company at a slightly higher cost is Flavnt (flavnt.com/bareskin) Though their binders are not explicitly made for trans people and have mixed reviews, many people who bind recommend Underworks (underworks.com) as well, especially the Tri-Top binder. You should always do your research when buying a new binder, even from these companies. Never purchase a binder from a website you can’t read the language of or trust cheap binders off of Amazon, Ebay, and other stores who don’t make binders.
No matter where you buy from, the proper size should always be purchased. Most companies, including GC2B and Underworks, have their own sizing charts to follow to get the best fit. A good rule of thumb is to go for a bigger size if you find yourself in-between sizes on a chart. Non-metal tape measures and having a friend to help gets the most accurate results. Do not, under any circumstances, willfully purchase a binder smaller than what’s recommended or wear two or more binders. Too-tight binders can cause serious injuries.
Make Your Own / Binding without a Binder
Sometimes, purchasing a binder is not feasible for any number of reasons. So, here are some alternatives! All the rules to regular binding - found in the “Do’s and Don’ts” section - should be followed even when not wearing an official binder. Most methods only work on smaller chests, but it never hurts to try! For the first two, C9 sports bras are recommended, as are Target and other store apps that give coupons and discounts.
NOTE: Never, ever wear ace bandages to bind your chest. This will hurt you. Avoid methods that involve any non-breathable material as well or items not meant to be in contact with skin, such as duct tape.
Option #1: Get two proper-fitting sports bras, at least one with a strong elastic band at the bottom. Wear one in a regular manner. Then take the one with a strong elastic band and position it so the band runs across the widest or middle part of your chest. Adjust breasts to get best binding effect.
Option #2: Again, find two proper-fitting sports bras, at least one with a low back. Wear the first one regularly, then wear the second one backwards. Adjust breasts so your chest looks as flat as possible.
Second / Back Page
Option #3: Get a plain camisole / undershirt with adjustable shoulder straps and a built-in bra. Put it on backwards and tighten the sliding straps as much as possible. Adjust the elastic in the built-in bra to run across the widest or middle part of your chest. Then, roll up the camisole / undershirt several times to keep it close to your chest and add just a little extra binding power.
Additionally, layers always help. Wearing thicker shirts and sweaters can help minimize the prominence of your chest. It’s not perfect, but it can help when you don’t have a binder or need a break.
Do’s and Don’ts of Binding
Do’s
Wash your binder regularly - either by hand in warm water with dish soap or small amount of laundry detergent or in a laundry machine on delicate cold wash
Break in your binder / get your body used to binding by binding for a half hour the first time, then an hour, then two hours, up to eight to ten hours
Take deep breaths regularly when binding and cough when taking off a binder to clear excess fluid buildup
Experiment with different ways your chest sits. Some people like to push their breast tissue down and to their armpits in a binder, others feel best when they push their breast tissue up
Find cool, clean places to hide your binder if that’s necessary, such as in the back of your closet, under a mattress, or in the back of a drawer
Keep a sports bra or regular bra with you when binding for emergency unbinding
Experiment with ways to make your chest appear smaller without a binder so you don’t have to bind daily
Stop binding for several days if you feel major pain or discomfort and visit a doctor if it doesn’t go away
Don’ts
Put your binder in the dryer, this causes shrinkage that can eventually hurt you. Hang dry only
Bind for more than eight to ten hours daily, or more hours than your body can handle regularly
Forget to take breaks, even if you’re not feeling particularly uncomfortable
Expect your chest to be completely flat. Even cisgender men’s chests have shape and contour
Ignore pain or major discomfort when binding, as these are signs that something is wrong
Place binding before health and safety - binding improperly or for too long can hurt you, even to a point where you cannot bind at all
Believe that you have to bind to be transgender. Sometimes passing as a cisgender man is vital to your safety, but it’s never required of you just to be transgender
Sleep or exercise in a binder
Wear ace bandages or duct tape to bind
Bind when it’s especially hot, since binders can make it hard to breathe and your body to regulate heat
Additional Information
“Socket Reviews Binders: T-Kingdom 801, gc2b Tank-Top, and Ancient Fish King strapless binder” YouTube video - compares many kinds of binders, good place to start looking for video reviews (youtube.com/watch?v=YR7cPlImg2A&t=592s)
“Binding 101: Tips to Bind Your Chest Safely” article by Point 5cc (point5cc.com/binding-101-tips-to-bind-your-chest-safely)
“Inside the Landmark, Long Overdue Study on Chest Binding” article by Broadly - details a 2016 study on chest binding in a more accessible way than the language in the study itself (broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/chest-binding-health-project-inside-landmark-overdue-transgender-study)
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DysphoriAid
Updated as of April 24th, 2017
Queer Condensed (QueerCondensed.tumblr.com)
Free for non-commercial use. For editing, contact Queer Condensed for original word document
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[Image Description: a one-page document formatted so both sides are visible as two pages. It is titled “DypsohiAid Chest Binder Sheet v1.0″ and is all black text on a white background. The full text can be read under the readmore of this post.]
Chest Binding Guide v1.0
This is a guide I created for a project I am working on outside of Queer Condensed - DysphoriAid. This sheet is just one part of it. This is a collection of information on chest binding gathered from all over the internet and condensed into a single two-sided page. There’s a lot of good information on chest binding, but a lot of it is scattered across multiple websites and blogs. Here it is all packaged together.
There will hopefully be more of these, each focusing on a different dysphoria-easing item (packers, stand-to-pees, breast forms, etc) but as I don’t use any of those items I have to rely more on outside research to help make those.
The original Publisher files may be requested through the ask box if you want to modify them. If you download or enjoy, please reblog!
The text can be read below the readmore, formatted in the intended reading order.
Update for the Chest Binder guide (clearly). Added an image description, full text, and also bolded and fixed to title because it was weird.
Post link
