Why is binding with an ace bandage bad

Here are some tips, tricks, and guidelines to consider when creating a masculine appearing chest. Safety first. As with any shapewear, binding should be approached with careful understanding and respect for your body and its well-being. Extreme binding can cause severe health problems both short and long-term if done incorrectly.

Ace bandages are a big no-no. The use of ace bandages to bind is probably seen the most in pop culture like movies and books, but it is definitely not a good idea. Ace bandages are not made to move with your body, and they can cause serious issues such as tearing muscle, bruising of the ribs, misshaping the spine, and serious lung damage. Tapes are typically NON-breathable and can cause serious medical problems, including ripping and scarring skin.

If you are ever in the unfortunate position of having your chest bound with tape, take a hot shower and slowly peel the bandages off your skin. You can try using lotion as well. Use deodorant, spray the binder with a scent remover like Febreeze, and consider wearing a thin and breathable shirt under your binder to reduce sweat and odor. Know what's normal for binding.

Binding can be uncomfortable, and this isn't always a reason for worry. The following things are all normal, and not a cause for concern, if you're binding: [30] X Research source You get winded after climbing the stairs, but you catch your breath quickly. Your underarms have chafing. Your arms, shoulders, or back are a bit sore. You have more chest and back acne. You're a little but not a lot worried about the tightness. Your chest begins to sag after months or years of binding.

Know what isn't normal for binding. Too much discomfort can be a sign that your binder is too small, or that you need a break from binding. Take off your binder, and consider wearing a larger size in the future, if: [31] X Research source [32] X Research source You can't catch your breath.

You feel nauseated, dizzy, or light-headed. Your arms feel numb. You have bruises, a rash, or bleeding. It hurts when you touch it. You're unable to cough or sneeze. You start feeling too tired to do ordinary things. You have pain for hours or days after binding. Know when to see a doctor. Stop binding or only use a camisole and contact a doctor if you suspect that something is seriously wrong.

Consider going to a hospital if you take off your binder and still are not okay. You can't breathe. Your lips or fingertips look blue. You faint. You're experiencing claustrophobia or panic attacks. You feel sharp pains in your chest. Your heart is skipping beats or beating too fast. Your ribcage seems to have changed shape. Something else is going on that really worries you. Play it safe. When in doubt, play it safe. If you don't feel great, it's better to take off your binder, and let yourself breathe better.

Take off your binder if you're sick, traveling on an airplane, or just not feeling great. Always keep a looser binding method in your bag such as a more relaxed sports bra so you can change if you start feeling not so great. It's also a bad sign if you are bleeding; it means you're damaging your skin. Shahpar Mirza Community Transgender Expert. Try getting to the root cause of your gender dysphoria.

Is it your voice? Is it your chest? Is it your height? Sometimes this is something that you can't change. If that's the case, remember that you have the right to love your body and that no matter what society tells you, you can associate it with whatever gender expression you want.

To work through gender dysphoria, it can also be very helpful to talk to a therapist that specializes in the transgender experience. Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful If you feel like you can't order a binder without your parents finding out, for example, try reaching out to community centers or other trans people in the community who could help you.

Many people donate binders to these organizations, and they can help you get one for yourself. A sports bra can work as a binder. You can add another sports bra on top of that to make your chest appear more flat.

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6. How do I tell my parents I want to flatten my chest without them thinking I'm trans or nonbinary? Say that you're not interested in a large chest or whatever your reason is for wanting to bind and that it's the only reason why you want to flatten your chest. Clear up any questions they have about your preferred gender. If they reject the idea, tell them it's something you actually want and it's not because it's a trend or anything.

Not Helpful 5 Helpful Is it safe to use a very long piece of fabric and wrap it around my chest to flatten it? This will compress your chest and could break your ribs. Not Helpful 6 Helpful Not Helpful 4 Helpful You can buy binders that are specifically designed for swimming, but it's not recommended for you to wear a regular binder in the water.

It could constrict your chest and restrict your breathing or movement, which is dangerous. Not Helpful 1 Helpful I know I can't double bind with professional binders, but is it safe if I use three sport bras or fold a tank top over a bind with two bras? Multiple sports bras at once and tank tops are safe. However, never bind for more than 8 hours a day.

I'm non-binary and sports bras don't work. What else can I use that I have in my house? If you haven't tried other brands of sports bras, consider giving those a try to see if those compress any better. You can also try testing out the camisole method and layering shirts to hide your chest. Unfortunately, though, most household materials aren't safe to bind with. If you need a binder but can't get one, try looking for ways that you could get one - such as through a binder donation program or having a friend receive the binder for you so they can give it to you without suspicion.

I'm 11 and a transgender male. What can I do if someone asks a question about my chest appearing flatter? First off I want to tell you to keep being you no matter what anybody says. You can question why they were noticing your chest in the first place, tell them it's none of their business, say you're wearing a different bra, etc.

You can also retort with a comment about their body rude, not recommended but sometimes needed. You can also explain you're transgender. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you're running tight on money but still need to buy a binder, see if there are any discount codes or coupons for the company that you're purchasing from. Some binding companies will offer periodic discounts on their binders. Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. If you are living under your parents' roof and are in the closet or not accepted, tell your parents it is for a Halloween costume or cosplay, or consider buying it and having it shipped to a supportive friend's house as long as this is okay with them.

If you want to wear your binder without getting caught by parents, put it on at school or in a public bathroom once you are no longer under your parents' supervision, and take it off after school or before you see your parents.

Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0. If you no longer need an old binder, whether because you grew out of it or because you got top surgery or decided to permanently stop binding, donate it or offer it on a clothing swap site if it still has some life left in it.

What may no longer fit you could be perfect for another trans or nonbinary person. There are plenty of programs that you could donate your old binder to and have it shipped out to someone who needs it. Sometimes binders roll up on themselves, so having extra length to tuck them into pants is helpful. These binders might include stomach compression too, while others have a relaxed stomach. Mid-length style: A mid-length style binder typically reaches your belly button or just to the top of your pants.

Sports-bra style: Sports-bra style binders give you chest compression and nothing else. Ideal to avoid overheating or feeling uncomfortable in a fuller-length style. Vest style: Most vest-style binders have velcro or a zipper to make putting on and taking off your binder easier. Wearing Your Chest Binder Protip: depending on your style of binder especially full-length or mid-length styles , it might be easier to put it on by stepping into it rather than pulling it on like a regular t-shirt.

You can also check out their Instagram for customer reviews, and check out the site for any sizing questions. Underworks has a number of different style binders for FTMs, the most popular being their double-front compression shirt and tri-top compression shirt.

Underworks even offers bathing suit options with build-in binding. T-Kingdom has been selling binding and compression shirts since and ship internationally. They offer several options, including pull-over, Velcro, and zippered styles.

The program supplies free binders to those in need throughout the community with any purchase. Replace the Ace seeks to donate gently-used binders to people in need to help get rid of harmful binding practices in our community.