Binding

The practice of flattening and shaping the chest using a chest binder or other compression garment. Binding is common among transmasculine and non-binary people to reduce chest dysphoria and help the chest appear more masculine.

Safe binding is done with purpose-made chest binders (like GC2B or Underworks), worn for no more than 8 hours a day, and never during sleep or heavy exercise. Unsafe binding — using duct tape, ace bandages, or layered sports bras — can cause rib damage, breathing problems, and skin injury.

Even with a properly fitted binder, take breaks and listen to your body. Never bind while sick, and if binding causes pain or shortness of breath, remove the binder. Many people also consider top surgery as a permanent alternative.