Safe binding guide.
Wear the right size.
The goal is to only bind the soft tissue and not the ribs. It’s unhealthy to put a lot of pressure on your ribs. Avoid wearing a size too small. If, after consulting our size chart, you’re still not sure which size you should get. Ask or get the bigger size. If it doesn’t fit right, you can return it and order a different size. A binder is supposed to be tight but not restrict your breathing or movement.
Exercise & physical labour.
We don't advise to bind while exercising, it's uncomfortable and can cause injuries. But we know a lot of you will do it anyway, so here's how to stay safe.
If you plan to exercise in a binder, get a size bigger than usual. Unfortunately, our binders are not suitable for swimming because they’re made out of cotton. It’s best to not wear a binder if you're going to do a lot of heavy lifting, you could wear a sports bra or one of our sports tops instead.
Don’t wear it for too long.
It’s recommended to not wear your binder for more than 8 hours. If you have to wear it for longer than that, find a bathroom or another private place and take it off to stretch for 10 minutes before putting it back on. If you feel any discomfort you need to take it off as well, it’s most important to listen to your body. We advise you bring something else, like a sports bra, with you to wear in case you need to take off your binder while you're out.
Measure again when you order a new binder.
Your body may change and so may your size. Don’t assume it will still fit, an old binder might not be as tight as a new one. It’s also recommended to take your measurements every once in a while to check if you still fit into your current binder. Especially if you're still growing or are on HRT.
Illnesses.
If you have any health condition and are not sure if wearing a binder will worsen it, speak to your doctor before getting a binder. We cannot answer that question for you, and it's best to consult a medical professional. If you get the flu, covid or another illness that might make it harder to breathe, it’s best to not bind.
If you suspect your binder is causing problems with breathing, pain, light-headedness, or any other kind of health issues. Stop wearing it immediately. Talk to a medical professional and remeasure to check if you’re wearing the right size.
Be aware of the risks.
Even when binding safely, binding comes with health risks. That's why it's really important to listen to your body and stop when it hurts. Binding is never supposed to be painful. Be aware of the risks that come with binding, and take good care of yourself. Do stretches when you take it off, take breaks, and bring something else to wear with you in case you need to take it off.