Binding

Binding is the practice of flattening chest tissue to create a flatter, more masculine or androgynous appearance. It is commonly used by trans men, non-binary people, and other gender-diverse folks for whom a fuller chest is a source of gender dysphoria. The safest method is a purpose-made compression garment called a binder; unsafe improvised methods like Ace bandages, duct tape, or plastic wrap can restrict breathing and damage tissue. Binding can meaningfully reduce dysphoria and improve mental well-being, but health guides advise starting with lower compression, taking breaks, and not sleeping in a binder. Groups like Point of Pride and gc2b provide free or low-cost binders to people who cannot afford them.