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submitted 1 week ago by nonBInary@thelemmy.club to c/ftm

how do i safely bind without a binder? i'm too scared to outwardly buy a binder because my transphobic family will find out and they most likely know what binders are and what they're used for. they will then probably call me a girl and say there's nothing wrong with my chest, but what can i use at home to flatten my chest? i don't have any sports bras that are smaller sized or anything, but i could probably borrow one from a friend or family member.

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[-] cephalopodfan@beehaw.org 1 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

I had good luck finding smaller unpadded sports bras at Academy. TomboyX sells compression tops that won't get you flat as a binder but I like them because they are safe to work out in. They look more on the sports bra end of the spectrum IMO. I also use kinesology (sp?) tape on occasions like swimming.

(Edit: I'm naturally smaller chested)

[-] Arkhive@piefed.blahaj.zone 5 points 1 week ago

MTF here, so I don’t have full context/wisdom. I’ll try to articulate what I’ve gathered from my trans masc friends that aren’t on this platform.

I think it depends a bit on your chest size? If you’re on the smaller side and need something incognito you could probably get away with KT tape or other skin/body safe tape. Generally be a bit careful with tape. Pulling at skin too hard can cause irritation and even tears/splits. Skin can react to adhesives if left on for too long, things like that. A quick web search can go a long way here for checking out what works well.

For bigger chest sizes my understanding is that a good full coverage sports bra is the best option. Maybe shop a size down if you can stand it. Please do be careful though, too tight and you can hurt yourself. I know someone who would sometimes tape and use a sports bra to help position things so the sports bra did more flattening than holding up.

In my own itty bitty titty experience I have a bra from girlfriend collective that is fairly low stretch and I bought a size down in case I feel the need to be REALLY stealth mode.

Sorry to invade y’all’s space a bit, just an area I happen to have a bit of knowledge in! Best of luck! Stay safe! 💜 🏳️‍⚧️ ✊

[-] atheqtpie 4 points 1 week ago

I actually don't wear bras or binders. Ever since I encountered a trans guy who didn't wear binders but not bras either, just a shirt (optional) underneath and a hoodie and I came out as unlabeled but definitely trans and not cis, I didn't wear bras. Plus, I heard that binders can be uncomfortable, and I value comfort.

[-] spacelogic 4 points 1 week ago

When I started binding I used a backwards bra, though it's not the most comfortable or aesthetic option. There are binders that can pass as sports bras, if you want something you can sneak under the radar.

[-] jahtnamas@slrpnk.net 3 points 1 week ago

consider compression tops, or a sports bra you can wear backwards

this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2025
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