My binder seems too small
Take your binder off immediately if you're experiencing pain or breathing trouble.
The binder shouldn't be too difficult to put on or take off. You should be able to wear your binder for a full day (average of 8 hours) without the binder causing breathing difficulties, pain, soreness, or discomfort.
Signs that your binder may be too small:
- Marks on your skin, rubbing, or pinching.
- Tissue "spillage" out of the top, sides, or bottom of the binder.
- Tingling or numbness.
- Pain, soreness, or extreme discomfort.
- Extreme difficulty in putting on/taking off your binder.
- Shortness of breath, or trouble taking a full breath with ease.
My binder seems too big
Your binder should fit snugly around your body.
Signs that your binder may be too big:
- You have to readjust your binder often.
- Very loose shoulder straps.
- There are large gaps around your armpits/shoulders.
- Your binder fits like a regular tank top/doesn't bind.
Can I swim or exercise in my binder?
Of course you can. We suggest that if you're going to be swimming or exercising, that you size up. We understand that you may not have a second binder, so this may not be an option for you yet, but for reference, if you ever want a second binder later on down the line, get one size up for physical activity. Water won't damage the material, but please rinse and dry it afterwards to make sure any chlorine, salt and sweat isn't trapped there to damage the material.
NOTE: do not try to put your binder on while you are wet, nor while the binder is wet. You won’t be able to get it on, and you run the risk of breaking seams.
I'm taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy), what should I keep in mind?
You may need a new size after starting HRT. We suggest re-measuring to determine if you need to change sizes, and being aware of this measurement often. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or breathing trouble, it's time to size up.
If you're taking testosterone: while you may notice a decrease in chest/breast tissue, you may also notice your shoulders become broader. Because of this, people generally end up sizing up after starting testosterone! You can always email us with your new measurements to get an exchange going for a new binder.
If you're taking estrogen: as your chest develops, it's important to listen to your body and size up as needed. Your binder should feel snug, but not so tight that it's causing discomfort. Consider sizing up.
In both cases, please let us know about this when you are filling out your request form if it is a concern for you.
Safety suggestions
These suggestions come from experience and recommendations from the binder suppliers, but please consult with a doctor if you have any concerns.
- Don't wear a size too small! We will help suggest a size and are happy to exchange it. Wearing a size too small will not give you a flatter appearance, and can put you at risk of physical harm.
- Don't bind for more than 8-10 hours a day, OR more than your body is telling you to. You shouldn’t be binding 10 hours a day on a regular basis, if possible.
- It's important to remember that a compression garment that is stressful on the body, so while they are incredibly important for many of us, they should not be worn for extremely long periods with no breaks. Take days off every once in a while if you can! This will give your body time to relax.
- Never sleep in your binder! Even if your body feels fine, you should not be binding for this long.
- Don't wear your binder if something doesn't "feel" right. Your binder should not cause pain or breathing trouble!
- Stretch! Stretching is generally good but can also help relieve stress from binding.
- Listen to your body! Make sure that you’re paying attention to what your body is telling you.
- If you experience any discomfort or pain while binding please stop binding and reach out to our team! We are happy to help you find a better fit to ensure you are binding safely and comfortably.
Here are some things to watch out for when binding:
- Pain after less than 8-12 hours of wear.
- Any kind of bruising, redness, or swelling, especially under your arms.
- Trouble breathing or chest tightness (not due to another factor such as anxiety).
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (a sign that you are not breathing deeply enough).
- Tingling in arms or fingers (a sign of cut off circulation).
- Soreness that lasts more than a couple of binder-free days.
- Dehydration, if your binder makes you sweat a lot.
Contact your doctor if you are concerned you have injured yourself. The most important thing to remember is to listen to your body. If your binder doesn’t feel right please reach out to us.
Am I too young to bind?
Binding safely doesn't depend on age, rather it depends on your size.
While your body is most likely still growing, you will need to pay close attention to how your body feels when binding, and size up as needed. binders should feel snug, not tight. If you grow out of your binder, we can work on an exchange process to accommodate your new size, so just reach out.
Another thing to keep in mind is how long you will be binding. Many young people are in school for long hours. We highly suggest binding no more than 9 hours in a day.
Double check with your doctor before binding if you have any medical condition that may conflict with binding (for example: asthma, skin allergies, scoliosis, joint pain, shoulder/chest pain).
Can I sleep in my binder?
No, do not sleep in your binder. It is important to give your body time to relax after binding. The health risks of binding through your sleep are still unknown, and we strongly recommend never sleeping in your binder.
Can I double bind?
No, we do not ever recommend double binding or wearing additional sports bras/shapewear over or under these binding products. Your safety is important and binding can be risky if not done safely and with your health and comfort in mind.
Can I exercise in my binder?
Yes, and if you're going to exercise in your binder, we suggest:
- Practice comfort and safety!
- If you are apprehensive, or if you have extenuating health conditions, we strongly recommend checking in with your doctor before binding during exercise.
- Know your limits and take it easy.
- Go slowly with exercise intensity and take baby steps if you’re worried; everybody is different.
It is important to take the binder off/cease the activity if you notice any sort of pain or discomfort. Wear a size up from your regular fit as it is important not to bind too tightly while exercising. Be sure to stretch and breathe, and follow healthy binding etiquette.