学分：GC2B
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People don’t get to choose the bodies they're born with, but there's always options to make themselves feel more comfortable in their own skin. Chest binders—articles of clothing that gently compress breast tissue to reduce its appearance—are essential garments for those whose chest area is more prominent than they wish. They allow folks withchest dysphoria—discomfort and distress from unwanted breast development—to do something about it without opting for more permanent measures like surgery.
Whether you or someone in your life is interested in buying a binder, we’ve got you covered. Read on.
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What is a binder?
Binders come in a variety of different colors, including "nude colors" to match different skin tones.
To achieve its compressive purpose, most binders are made of some kind of spandex blend in the main construction as well as a cotton panel for comfort. Binders are typically worn beneath other clothing, but can also be worn on their own or as a swim top, provided the material is water-friendly.
“[Binders] often look similar to a tank top or undershirt that can be tucked into your pants (described as a ‘full-length binder’) or end close to the bottom of the ribs (‘half-length binder’),” says Noah Glick, trans health program patient advocate atFenway Healthin Boston, Massachusetts. Binders may be designed to be pulled overhead, stepped into, or they could have zippers, clasps, velcro, or hooks that keep it closed once it’s secured in place. Most cost between $35 to $55, and you can also getsingle-use binding tapethat costs less that $20 a roll.
Some people find that a compression shirt or运动胸罩provides adequate constriction to feel at home in their body. But binders, sports bras, and compression shirts are not interchangeable. “Binders are specifically designed to create the feeling and appearance of a flat chest,” says Glick. Sports bras “are designed to support a person’s chest and back during athletic activity.”
Binders are more than just a simple means of compression, too. They’re a form of gender expression, an easy way for trans men, gender-nonconforming folks, and any individuals who are self-conscious about their chests to feel more confident. Binders can be used as an alternative to getting顶级手术（一种去除乳腺组织的手术程序），这对于跨性别者来说可能非常昂贵且难以获得批准。粘合剂也可以由不明身份为跨性别者，跨性质或非二进制的人使用。非二进制和性别不合格的人，那些在衣服下经历了大量体重减轻的人，或者只想出现胸部平坦的胸部的任何人，也可以使用它们。
Finally, no matter your reason for getting a binder, it's good to be realistic about the outcome. Unless you have a very small chest to start with, binders won’t make all of your breast tissue disappear. They will, however, help redistribute your breasts more evenly so your chest appears flatter.
How to safely wear a binder
不要戴超过8-12个小时，在磨损之间休息，在睡觉或运动时不要佩戴，并确保其合适。
Binders should not be worn for longer thaneight to 12 hours at a timeor while sleeping. “It’s important to take small breaks here and there,” says Glick. “It can also be helpful to take deep breaths and stretch your back, arms, and chest during a binder break to help loosen up those muscles.”
如果感觉不舒服，应该避免戴粘合剂，尤其是如果感冒像上呼吸道疾病。如果可能的话，也不要在运动时穿。格里克说：“粘合剂会压缩胸部（不仅仅是运动胸罩），并且在锻炼时可能会更难呼吸。”如果您在锻炼时必须穿一件衣服，Glick说：“要格外关注您的身体并慢慢走 - 确保您仍然可以深入呼吸，并充分发挥手臂。”如果您的活页夹不允许这样做，则压缩衬衫和运动胸罩是运动的好选择。
Those with certain illnesses or disabilities might need to be more careful than others, too. Glick advises that people with medical conditions "including but not limited to" asthma, lupus, fibromyalgia, and scoliosis "might consider talking to an affirming medical provider about some other options or try a product likeTransTape而不是粘合剂，”格里克说。如果您的关节松动或容易受到脱位（尤其是在肩膀上），请不要获得越过头部的粘合剂 - 目的是，寻找具有拉链，扣子，扣子，魔术贴或类似打开和关闭方法的粘合剂。
Most importantly, if you experience persistent issues when you wear a binder—such as chest pain, shoulder pain, shortness of breath, back pain, overheating, tenderness, itching, orbody acne- 与您的医生联系，并从绑定中休息一下，直到他们批准继续磨损为止。粘合剂应该感觉自己安全和压缩，但不能像无法呼吸，移动或令人窒息。如果您继续遭受痛苦，它可能会对呼吸道或肌肉骨骼系统造成持久损害，如果您希望有一天能够进行最佳手术，这可能会对长期健康和 /或结果产生负面影响。
如何选择合适的粘合剂
Different retailers have different measurement guides that you should follow before buying, like Shapeshifters (shown here).
To find the right size, you’ll need ameasuring tape。所有出售粘合剂的公司都应在其网站上具有自己的尺寸图表和测量指南（如果不这样做，那是一个危险信号）。各品牌的选项各不相同，但大多数粘合剂的尺寸从XS到5XL不等。一些品牌也提供定制尺寸的粘合剂。如果您是一家公司的一个尺寸，请不要仅仅以为您会在另一个公司上相同，因此在购买前始终进行新的测量。
In addition to being too small and causing the aforementioned discomfort or ailments, binders can be too large, too. Reasons you should size down: if you notice you're readjusting your binder regularly, or that the shoulder straps feel loose, or there are gaps around the armpits, or it fits more like a tank top, or it just does not bind well.
How to care for your binder
Many binders are made of materials that can also be worn in the water!
大多数绑定是日常穿,所以他们很多of sweat. Every binder requires different care, so it’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Because the most important attribute in a binder is for it to retain its elasticity, it's best if they're washed afterevery usewith a mild detergent and cold water, and air-dried. The heat of a dryer can warp or even melt elastic fibers. If you feel youmustuse machines, place your binder in a garment bag, wash on the cold, delicate setting, and put in the dryer on the lowest setting for no more than 15 minutes.
当需要获得新的活页夹时，您可能已经知道：它将失去其形状，开始磨损，出现气泡或间隙，或者只是像以前那样无法正常工作。这可以从六个月到几年之间发生，具体取决于粘合剂的使用频率以及如何护理。
What if you don’t want to wear a binder but want the same effects?
TransTape and KT Tape, both medical grade adhesives, are great alternate methods of binding.
First and foremost, don’t use any at-home DIY methods you can find online, as those are more likely to cause long-term damage. “Ace bandages and duct tape should be avoided whenever possible,” says Glick. "Ace bandages are designed to constrict and can be dangerous to wear. Duct tape, and any tape that isn’t medical grade, should also be avoided as this can damage the skin.”
If you want to try binding with tape, try TransTape orKT tape。Both use medical-grade adhesives that are safe for skin. KT tape is an accessible option in particular, as it can be found at many grocery stores and pharmacies.
To use it, you first need to cover your nipples with some fabric scraps or even a folded up piece of paper towel, as you never want to tape directly over them. Then, you can操纵胶带in such a way that your breasts are taped down by your armpits. There’s a learning curve to figure out how to get the optimal shape and amount of flatness you desire, but practicing makes perfect. This method has been said to work best for people with smaller chests, but it’s a relatively low-stakes way to test out binding. No matter your chest size, it can’t hurt to try—but if it does, take it off (carefully) and don’t do it again.
You can also minimize the appearance of breasts without any binding. Glick recommends layering shirts, especially ones that are structured and made of heavier material. “Start with a tight-fitting shirt or sports bra as a bottom layer and add successive layers over it with each layer looser than the one underneath,” they say. “Shirts with patterns as the top layer can also help hide the appearance of a chest. Some people also find unbuttoned or unzipped shirts or jackets to be helpful in creating the appearance of a flatter chest.” Just remember to be mindful of the temperature and stay hydrated.
Where to buy a binder
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to get yourself a binder. We’ve picked out some of the best places to buy binders online. Just remember to measure before buying, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the company’s customer service if you have any questions about fit or sizing.
1. GC2B
Binders can be a variety of colors and styles, worn on their own or under clothes, and most importantly, are a way to express one's gender identity.
Marylan GC2B trans-owned公司的基础d. Founder Marli Washington created the first binders that were designed and patented specifically for gender-affirming chest binding. For this, GC2B is known in the LGBTQ community astheplace to buy a binder.
The brand’s binders vary in material. Its original tank and half binders are 80% nylon and 20% spandex. The inner binding panel, made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, is designed for comfortable compression without sweat retention or breath restriction. Meanwhile, the racerback binder is 80% nylon and 20% spandex, with an added elastic in the shoulder straps of 65% nylon and 35% polyester.
GC2B适合swimmi最初的绑定ng as well as daily wear. The binders come in 11 colors and sizes XS to 5XL, ensuring there’s an option for just about everybody.
Shop GC2B binders starting at $32
2. Flavnt Streetwear
Flavnt的粘合剂采用多种颜色制成，以匹配各种肤色，以缓解烦躁不安。
共同所有人考特尼（Courtney）和克里斯·罗德斯（Chris Rhodes）创立了酷儿服装品牌Flavnt Streetwear，并相信每个人都应该能够拥有使他们对自己的皮肤感到舒适和自信的衣服。其产品的重要组成部分：其Bareskin Binders。
These garments come in seven flesh-toned and neutral colors and are made of 82% nylon and 18% spandex, with a 100% cotton non-stretch inner liner for compression and fast drying. Ranging in sizes from XXS to XXL, these binders are also water-friendly and suitable for swimming. Each binder is hand-sewn and a percentage of every purchase is donated to acharitable cause，通常是跨性别者的手术费用，一旦满足筹款需求，这种伙伴关系就会发生变化。该品牌上有整个页面binder safety, tips and tricks, and sizingso check that out before purchasing.
3.变形器
Shapeshifters sells binders that are fantastical designs and patterns, alongside your typical solid-colored binders.
Shapeshifters’ binders are unlike many other retailers in that they're custom-made (albeit more expensive than some ready-made options). The website provides a guide on how to适当地衡量自己, then you send in your chest, under-chest, stomach, hip, and length measurements to receive a bespoke binder. You can also get extra add-ons for an additional fee, such as making it a racerback, adding zippers, and more. The binders’ base layers are made of a proprietary material called Powernet, a nylon/lycra blend mesh that's “very breathable," according to Eli K. Coughlin-Galbraith, co-owner of Shapeshifters. The outer layer is made out of 100% spandex.
但是有了原始的设计，您可能会担心回报。幸运的是，如果您收到活页夹并体验合适的问题，Shapeshifters提供了one free refittingwithin 45 days of purchase. The brand’s website also provides educational material about binding and has a whole page devoted tobinder tips and tricks。
4. Origami Customs
Orgami海关出售各种粘合剂和其他性别肯定的服装。
Origami Customs binders are made with “an interior compression mesh layer, and most have an external Lycra layer which allows you to choose a broader range of colours and prints,” according to founder Rae Hill—and all of its binders are swim safe. Withsizes ranging from XXS to 5XLand custom sizing also offered with almost every item, Origami Customs is accommodating to literally every body.
Not only does Origami Customs sell binders of all varieties (includingstrapless options), it also sells other gender-affirming apparel, including胸罩插入,compression gaffs， 和包装底部。
Shop Origami Customs binders starting at $37
5.GenderBender
With sizes ranging from XXS to 4XL, Gender Bender has a binder for almost every body.
This retailer has a plethora of binder varieties to choose among. You’ve got yourstrapless compression top, yourzip front binders, your standardfull length binder, your standardhalf length binder,tank tops with built in binders。You can evengo swimmingin some of these. Sizes range from XXS to 4XL, and thousands of reviewers rave over these binders' effectiveness, style, and comfort.
6. GenderGear
If you're on a budget, you can buy a "slightly used" binder from GenderGear in your size for just $5.
This trans-owned Canadian co-op prides itself on providing affordable, accessible goods for gender-nonconforming individuals. It sells an entire spectrum of products—includingchildren’s educational books- 但我们喜欢一种特定产品的性别智能：其新的和预先喜爱的粘合剂，尺寸Xs至3X。您可以以$ 41或A的价格购买新产品gently used binderfor just $5.
另一方面，如果您的粘合剂状况良好不再使用，则可以将它们捐赠给Gendergearbinder recycling program。对于每笔捐款，该品牌还购买了一个新的活页夹来捐赠，并为捐赠者提供10美元的礼品卡向GenderGear商店提供。
Shop GenderGear binders starting at $5
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