How to Make a Binder

Co-authored by Shahpar Mirza

Last Updated: February 26, 2023 References Approved

If you want to flatten your chest with a binder, you're definitely not alone! In fact, there are products you can buy online just for this purpose which are safe and easy to use. However, if you want to make your own, you do have options. Try converting a pair of tights into a chest binder, for instance. When wearing a binder, take a few precautions; if it's too tight or you're using the wrong material, it could damage your tissue.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Turning Tights into a Chest Binder

1
Buy or find a pair of tights or control-top pantyhose. You can use any tights for this purpose. If you're about the same size at your waist as your chest, you can just purchase your normal size.^{[1]
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Research source} Otherwise, use a soft tape measure to measure your chest. Start with 1 end at the front and go around your back until you reach the front with the other end. Pull it slightly tight over your chest and then take the measurement where the end overlaps the rest of the tape measure.
- You can use this measurement to find the size of tights you need. Check size charts on the back of packages or online when buying your tights.
2
Cut the legs off the tights. Leaving about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of the legs on both sides, use sharp scissors to cut straight across each leg. You should have tights that look like shorts now.^{[2]
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3
Create a hole for your head by slicing into the crotch. Start by finding the crotch in the tights. Then, smooth the tights out so they look like a flat pair of shorts. Using a pair of scissors, cut a hole out of the crotch that's big enough for your head to fit through.^{[3]
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- If the hole isn't big enough for your head to fit through, use your scissors to open it up more.
4
Put the tights on like a small t-shirt. Stick your head through the hole you made in the crotch and your arms through the "legs" that are left on the tights. Pull the waist part of the tights over your chest to help flatten it out.^{[4]
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- This works best over a sports bra

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Other Garments for Binders

1
Layer sports bras without cups for a relatively smooth chest. Choose sports bras that are flat rather than having cups, as that will help smooth out your chest. If you have a larger chest, layering one on top of the other can help flatten it out. Aim for ones that fit a little tighter, though not so tight that it cuts off your breathing.^{[5]
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- There are also companies that manufacture vest-like binders that go halfway up your torso and compress your chest.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Shahpar Mirza
  Community Transgender Expert
  Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.}
2
Wrap a neoprene back brace around your chest for an option that's easy to put on. These usually attach with Velcro. Place the Velcro part under your arm so it doesn't show as much, tightening up the brace as needed. It will help flatten out your chest.^{[7]
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- You can find these anywhere that sells back braces, such as big box stores and drug stores.
- Don't make it so tight that you can't breathe.
- This works best under loose clothing because of the Velcro.
3
Pick up a compression shirt to wear for a simple solution. Compression shirts, like compression leggings or socks, hug the body tightly. When you wear it around your chest, it tends to flatten it out. Then you can wear whatever you want on top. You can find these in most athletic stores.^{[8]
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- If you only have compression shorts available, you can cut turn them into a shirt by cutting a hole in the crotch that's large enough for your head.
- You can turn one old shirt into a binder as well. To do this, cut the sleeves off, then cut the seams on both sides of the shirt. you now have two binders. To put this binder on, wrap it around your chest as tightly as you can without causing pain or discomfort. then, tie it in the front and tuck that piece into the binder between your breasts.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Practicing Safe Binding

1
Leave your binder off while you're sleeping. Binding 24 hours a day can cause skin problems and other medical issues. You need to leave it off for at least several hours a day to give your body a chance to rest.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- If possible, only wear your binder 8 hours at a time.
- Tight binding can lead to breathing problems and even broken ribs. Over time, compressing your chest in this way can even change your skeletal structure.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Shahpar Mirza
  Community Transgender Expert
  Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.}
- Experiment with what makes you feel happiest in regards to binding, there's no need to feel obligated to do so.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Shahpar Mirza
  Community Transgender Expert
  Expert Interview. 3 March 2020.}
2
Skip the binder when you work out if possible. A sports bra is fine to exercise in, but binders like back braces and even tights might be too restrictive. They don't allow you to move enough and you won't be able to breathe as well as you should.^{[12]
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3
Put body powder under your binder to help prevent chafing. If you're having trouble with your binder rubbing your skin and causing redness, a layer of body powder may help, such as baby powder. Just add a light dusting before putting your binder on.^{[13]
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- You can also wear a tight undershirt below your binder.
- Another option is to use an anti-chafing stick like Body Glide, which goes on like deodorant and protects your skin. You can find anti-chafing sticks online or at athletic stores.
4
Avoid using tape or ace bandages to bind your skin. These do not move properly, and they can cause serious issues. Tape can harm your skin and doesn't bind evenly. Ace bandages will keep getting tighter as you wear them, which is what they're designed to do for an injury. However, that can make breathing difficult.^{[14]
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- These types of bindings are more likely to lead to broken ribs.

Community Q&A

Question

Would I be able to use old leggings instead of tights?

S A T O B A B E

Community Answer

Leggings can be used, just be aware that legging material is a little more thicker and may be harder to stretch or move.
Question

Why am I using wikiHow for this? I could just use a site that is dedicated to giving safe advice on binding.

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

wikiHow is here to help anyone on the planet learn how to do anything. You know what would be great? If you read some other sites, did some research, then came back to improve this article with your knowledge. It really does help.
Question

How do you hide that your binding your chest from a transphobic family?

Nico

Top Answerer

Wear baggy clothing, hoodies/sweaters, or layers to cover up the fact you're binding. Or, just wear regular clothes, and if one of your family members ask why your chest is so flat, tell them you're wearing a (fancy) sports bra.

Warnings

Improper binding can do permanent damage and even make top surgery impossible if you harm your body too much. When in doubt, play it safe.

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