Chest Binding Recommendations

Based on currently available research and clinical guidelines, it is recommended by WHEN to adopt the following safe binding practices for harm reduction.  

Binding should be comfortable, and breathing should not be restricted.

• Chest binding that is tight enough to affect breathing ability may impact on the function of the respiratory system.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020)

Limit binding to no more than 8-12 hours a day.

• Allows time for skin to breathe. 

• Allows full range of motion of ribs and thoracic spine. 

• May assist preventing pain.

  (Callen-Lorde, 2018; The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020; The Rainbow Project, 2022)

People Under 18 years of age are recommended to not bind for more than six hours. If binding for longer durations, take 5-10 minute breaks out of the binder during the day.

• Young people may be at risk of negatively impacting their growth and development if binding for long periods of time.

  (The Rainbow Project, n.d.)

Try to take regular days off from binding and practice deep breathing and upper body/chest stretching exercises.

• Allows time for skin to breathe. 

• Allows full range of motion of ribs and thoracic spine. 

• May assist preventing pain.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020)

Never sleep with a binder or compression garment on.

• Allows time for skin to breathe. 

• Allows full range of motion of ribs and thoracic spine. 

• May assist preventing pain.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020; Callen-Lorde, 2018) 

Avoid binding with duct tape, plastic wrap, or elastic (e.g., crepe) bandages (flexible kinesiology tape can be used if not wrapped around whole chest).

• Duct tape, plastic wrap or elastic bandages can cause skin irritation and/or breakdown.  

• Elastic compression bandages may cause too much compression or uneven compression.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020)

If possible, buy binders from reputable companies.

• Reduced likelihood of binder being made from non-recommended materials or fitting incorrectly.

  (TransHub, 2022)

Avoid using specialized compression garments (binders or compression vests) that are too small. Sizing guides can usually be found on online stores.

• Binders or compression garments that are too small will cause trouble with breathing and irritate the skin around the ribs and breast tissue.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020)   (TransHub, 2022)

When exercising, try to use a binding method that is less constrictive than what one would wear on a day-to-day basis to allow for optimal breathing and to avoid overheating.

• Physical activity will cause an increased breathing rate and affect the amount of air you are able to inhale.

• A binder that is too tight to allow for breathing changes during exercise may lead to you not being able to breathe effectively during exercise.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020).

Make sure skin is completely dry before putting on a binder to avoid skin infections and other dermatological issues (try to use a binder or compression garment that is made of breathable fabric).

• Wearing a damp binder or using a binder with moist skin may increase risk of skin infections or other dermatological issues. 

• Drying the skin and binder thoroughly reduces this risk.

  (The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020).

Regularly wash and dry binding garments.

• Wearing a damp or unwashed binder or using a binder with moist skin may increase risk of skin infections or other dermatological issues. 

• Washing and drying the skin and binder thoroughly reduces this risk.

  (Callen-Lorde, 2018; The Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2020). 

If pain occurs anywhere at or near the site of binding (for example in the abdomen, chest or breast tissue, ribs or skin) remove binder to take a break and reduce the amount of time the binder is worn.

• Pain may indicate a binder is too tight or incorrectly fitted or has been worn for too long.   

  (TransHub, 2022).