FTM Transition – 5 Chest Binding Methods

1. Chest Binders

The chest binder is by far the safest and most efficient binding method. They are made of compressing material and come in varying sizes, designs, colors and were specifically designed to flatten out the female chest.

bras-vs-binder FTM Chest Binding

You might want to check out this video on chest binding, and this article on chest binders (including compression vests).

Pros:

  1. Very efficient
  2. Won’t move out of place or fall off even when exercising (although I recommend using a sports bra for intense workouts)
  3. They are relatively quick and easy to put on and take off
  4. Used correctly they won’t damage your skin.

Cons:

  1. They can be expensive ($40~$80 + shipping)
  2. Might be uncomforable for individuals with particularly large chest.

DIY Chest Binding Methods (cheaper)

Check out this quick video to follow along :-)

2. The “TransInnovated Epic Compression Shorts” DIY Chest Binding Method

Thanks to Nekoboi17 (youtube) for sharing this method. 

Skills required:

  • Knowing how to use scissors
  • Know how to sew a very small patch of fabric.

spandex-shorts-chest-binding-method

  1. Get some compressing shorts. Adjust for your chest size.
  2. Cut the shorts using scissors along the dotted red lines (see illustration).
  3. Sew the part together along the green lines (see illustration).

 

… And Voila, you can put it on
(PS: you might have to try out different short sizes at first until you get the one that provides you with the amount of compression you like).

Pros:

  1. Cheaper ($15 ~ $ 40)
  2. You can adapt it to fit your size (also works for larger breasts).

Cons:

  1. Might not last too long
  2. Might not bind as well as chest binders.

3. The “FTM Hacked T-shirt – version 1.0” DIY Chest Binding Method

Whatever binding method you use, I think everyone who wants to pass on a regular basis should have heard of this method. It’s so simple that it can be used anywhere in the world no matter what country you happen to be in.

Thanks to Vynnie (youtube) for sharing this method.

Skills required:

  • Cutting with scissors
  • Some arm acrobatics

Tshirt-chest-binding-method-ftm-transition

 

  1. Get a Large T-shirt (larger than your regular size).
  2. Cut off the lower part of the T-shirt along the red dotted line (see illustration).
  3. Wrap the newly created “shirt ring” around your chest (there should be extra fabric hanging on the side).
  4. Then, twist the T-shirt around at the side (creating 2 “rings:” one around your chest and one hanging on your side)
  5. Try to fit that second ring aver your arms until it lands on top of your breasts (where the first ring already is).

(PS: you might have to try out different short sizes at first until you get the one that provides you with the amount of compression you like).

… and voila. Nothing else is required.

Pros:

  1. Cheaper (all you need is a large T-shirt)
  2. Can do it anywhere in the world, even if you’re on vacation at the most remote place on earth.
  3. Can be adjusted to your specific size.

Cons:

  1. Might not bind too well
  2. May fall out of place

4. The Neoprene Waist Trimmers Binding Method

Neoprene is the kind of material used in diving suits and neoprene waist trimmers are relatively easy to find.

  • While they are virtually useless as a slimming method, they work quite well as a chest binding method :-)

Pros:

  1. Cheaper ($ 7 ~ $ 40)
  2. Binds pretty well

Cons:

  1. Will make you sweat
  2. Will quickly damage your skin if you wear them for too long.
  3. Pretty thick and more difficult to “hide” under T-shirts.

Tips:
Use a thin tank top in between your skin and the neoprene (See illustration).
Attach the velcro part of the waist trimmer on your side, (under your arm pit).

5. Tape and Ace bandages

I will not cover these methods as I do not recommend them. They are dangerous and can damage your lungs, ribs, spine and breast tissue.

 

Extra Tip For Individuals with Larger Breasts

When binding, try to move each breast to the side (towards the arm pits) rather than towards the middle. This will make you look “larger” on the sides, and “flatter” on the front (similar to most bio males).

That’s it guys,

Here are a few additional links you might want to check out:

Amazon links (I’m an affiliate):

If you found these methods helpful, feel free to share them with your friends, and write about your experience in the comment section below!

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