Wearing a binder

How to put on a binder

Putting on a binder is a bit of a skill, but one usually acquired very quickly.

The basic pullover binder is put on like a regular tank top, arms put through the armholes and pulled over the head and the shoulders.

The back of a binder gets rolled up easily, especially on damp skin. To avoid this, I recommend pulling the back down first after you have successfully pulled the binder over your head and shoulders to your armpits. After the back's straightened, you can pull the front down. Once it's in place, make sure there are no aches or discomfort and arrange your chest tissue.

Binder with zipper front closure are put on kind of like a vest, arms in through the arm holes first and then closed in the front. It might take a bit of practice and dexterity, but requires less arm mobility and strength and can be taken off in an instant.

Pulling the zipper closed over the chest can be difficult. If you have such an issue, try closing the zipper with the binder scrunched up under your armpits and pulling the hem down over the chest only after the zipper is closed. Once you have the binder on, take a moment to feel the fit, roll your shoulders, straighten your back, and arrange the chest tissue.

 

How to arrange the chest tissue

The best way to arrange your chest under the binder varies. A smaller chest may need little to no arranging, whereas larger chests, chests of people who have breast fed, chests that have been squished under binders for years, etc. may settle differently. Chest size and firmness both play a big role in this.

Generally:

don't pull the tissue "up and centre" like you would with a bra, because this gives you a mound in the centre of your chest, or might even give a push-up effect

do not pull and stretch the tissue forcefully towards the armpits or sides. This can harm the skin and other tissues.

a commonly preferred way to arrange your chest is to let the tissue sit in the area the breast attaches to the chest, just below armpit level, with the nipples pointing forward

 

Binder wear and safety

  • A binder in the right size does not cause pain or discomfort and allows normal breathing.

  • You should not wear the binder for extended periods of time without breaks (8 hours is an oft-repeated rule of thumb) and you should never sleep with the binder on.

  • Introduce physical exertion in stages to see how your body reacts

  • Give both your body and the binder at least one day off per week.

  • When you do wear a binder for several hours, like for a full work day, try to roll your shoulders, straighten your back and take really deep breaths every once in a while. Pay attention to how your body feels about how long you bind.

  • Take the binder off immediately if you experience dizziness, pain, shortness of breath, or other such discomfort.

 

Washing and care

  • delicate cycle, 40 celsius
  • do not bleach, tumble dry, iron, or use fabric softened (vinegar is ok!)
  • air between washes

 

Will it make my chest completely flat?

Unfortunately, binders can’t make the chest tissue disappear or sink into your chest – they can only compress and distribute the tissue across your chest. Just how flat a binder can make your chest depends on breast size and firmness, and the overall effect depends on your body type and size.

How you arrange the breast tissue under the binder makes a difference, too. 

 

Why does my chest look weird when I’m wearing it?

If you have a big mound in the middle of your chest: the tissue's probably been pulled up and centre, Try settling it at and below armpit level.

If you have a divot or concave bit at armpit level, the binder is either too tight in the underarms or the tissue sits a bit too low. Try settling it at and below armpit level.

 

Can I exercise while wearing a binder?

Maybe! Some have no issues doing heavier exercise while binding, but others get short of breath if walking at a quick pace while binding. Don't jump straight into heavy exercise without seeing how your body reacts to light and moderate exercise first.

Do also bear in mind that since Muunne binders have a loosely fitting hem, the binder can travel up or chest tissue can slip out during jogging or running or other vigorous exercise. 

 

Can I swim while wearing a binder?

Technically yes, but same cautions as with wearing it for exercising apply. If you do swim wearing a binder, rinse it out carefully right after and let it dry fully before wearing again.