BINDER SAFETY

Wearing chest binders is a crucial part of many trans, non-binary, and gender non- conforming persons lives, helping them achieve a flatter chest and affirm their gender identity. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety when using chest binders to avoid potential health risks.

Firstly, choosing the right size is paramount. Ill-fitting binders can cause discomfort, restricted breathing, and even long-term health issues. Ensure the binder isn’t too tight by allowing for comfortable movement while effectively compressing the chest. 

Limit wearing a binder to 8 hours a day. Prolonged use can lead to breathing difficulties, rib or back pain, skin irritation, and posture problems. Always give your body breaks and allow it to breathe without compression.

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. Clean your binder regularly to prevent bacterial growth and skin irritations. Opt for breathable materials and avoid wearing binders when sweating excessively or during sleep to mitigate skin-related problems. 

Be extra careful of binding in hot weather as you can easily overheat. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and consider wearing your binder for shorter time periods while binding during the summer or in hotter environments. 

Listen to your body. If you experience any pain, discomfort, shortness of breath, or notice skin issues, remove the binder immediately. Your health should always take precedence over anything else.

Stay informed about potential risks and seek advice from healthcare professionals experienced in transgender healthcare. Regular check-ups and open communication about your binder use can help identify any emerging issues early.

At home binding techniques such as binding with bandages or tape (especially duct tape) are not recommended. Tape binding with physio tape is a large part of drag king / drag thing culture that is highly normalised but is not as safe as a properly fitted binder. If you do tape bind please be aware of the risks involved, it can cause damage to the skin very easily during removal and should only be undertaken for small amounts of time. It is not 

suitable for daily binding. 

Lastly, consider alternatives. While many are waiting for surgical options like top surgery to achieve a more permanent chest alteration this is not necessarily the goal of every person who binds. 

Consider looser clothing or layering techniques to minimize dysphoria without the risks associated with binders, or using soft binders, or binders 

which are well worn in or a size too large if binding is an absolute necessity.

Remember, wearing a chest binder safely involves finding a balance between achieving the desired appearance and prioritizing your health. Always consult with medical professionals for personalized guidance and support.

All binding is undertaken at your own risk. We do our utmost to ensure our binders are made to be as comfortable and effective while prioritising safety but ultimately we cannot control how they are used once they have been shipped and therefore Dead Name Assassin are not responsible or liable for any injury or damage caused by binding.