Frequently asked questions about binders
First the basics: i.e. what exactly is a binder, and how does it work?
Binder (or chest binder, or flattening vest) is a specially made compression or undershirt, the purpose of which is to modify the chest to make it look flatter. Binder works in such a way that the compression panel on the front shapes the breast tissue and, as it were, "averages" the circumference of the chest, creating the impression of a flatter silhouette. The end result is a flat, less round chest shape.
Binders are often used especially by trans men and transgender people to strengthen the sexual experience and relieve dysphoria related to the chest, but cis men and women can also use binders for aesthetic or health reasons, such as in the treatment of gynecomastia or simply according to their own preference.
Using or not using a binder does not define anyone's gender - everyone can use or not use a binder!
See all our binders here!
Can a teenager use a binder, and what should be taken into account?
First of all, we want to remind you that a professionally made and high-quality binder is always a safer choice than secretly binding with homemade alternatives! For example, attempts to flatten the chest with ideal bandages or other unsuitable accessories can cause accentuated health symptoms. That's why getting a high-quality Binder for a young person is always a safer option.
Binder is a garment similar to other bras, for example bras and sports bras. As with other vests, binders also have a selection in terms of, for example, support, formability and mobility. Binder can therefore be used safely even in adolescence, just like other bras. The binders in our selection are made by professionals and are of high quality, and they also take into account comfort of use.
You should go over the basics of using Binder with the young person: Binder should not be used while sleeping and never for more than 12 hours at a time. It would be good to take days in between the binding and the binder should be washed regularly. Regular body care and stretching is important to remember to avoid muscle stiffness.
The binder should never be so tight that it causes shortness of breath or restricted range of motion. Signs of a size that is too small include difficulty putting on a binder, unraveling of seams, a feeling of compression and breast tissue escaping from the armpits. A binder that is too small may not flatten any better either, because the tissue to be bound cannot be made to disappear with compression, but the function of compression is to shape the chest tissue more evenly. An appropriately sized binder flattens the chest without pain or compression, while still being easy to put on and take off.
When the young person is growing, it is also good to check the young person's measurements regularly. If the youngster has grown out of his old binder, it is important to change to a larger size. Old binders can be donated to those in need or sold, for example, in rainbow-themed flea groups on social media.
Can I exercise or swim with Binder?
There are binders specially designed for swimming and sports. The most important thing is to think about your own needs and listen to your body. Fortunately, the body often lets you know if everything is not well.
In binders designed for swimming, a different fabric is often used, which is more resistant to the salinity of seawater and the chemicals of swimming pool water. In addition, the flattening front panel can be made of fabric that dries faster, so that the wet binder does not squish against the skin.
If swimming is occasional, an old and already stretched binder can also be a suitable choice. In this case, the wear of the fabric won't bother you so much, and the binder has probably also stretched in use, giving your lungs and hands more room to move. However, a swimming binder designed specifically for regular swimming is a recommended purchase.
Other sports also have their own special binders. The suitable model depends on the sport, the body and your own expectations and needs. It is recommended to first try lighter movement with the Binder, and then increase the intensity of the training if moving in the binder feels good and does not cause unpleasant symptoms.
Can a binder be worn over a sauna?
We do not recommend saunas in a binder. Sauna is a very extreme experience for the body, so breathing and blood circulation should be allowed to flow completely without restriction. Sauna bathing in Binder can cause dizziness and malaise. In addition, the metal parts of the zipper Binder can heat up and hurt the skin.
Can Binder be ordered online? What if it's not the right size?
Yes you can! You should measure your size carefully and check your size from the measurement table separately for each brand and model. The M size of the two manufacturers may not be the same at all!
The dimensions of the binder are taken with a soft measuring tape, firmly but without squeezing. The most important measurements are the chest circumference at the height of the armpits and the height of the nipples. In addition, the size can be estimated more precisely based on shoulder width (not circumference) and waist circumference.
If you are at all unsure about the right size, feel free to contact us and ask for advice on the matter. Our customer service is always happy to help you choose the right size and model by e-mail at info@sateenkaarikauppa.fi. Customers who have contacted us are very often satisfied with the size they ordered, so we encourage every customer who is even a little unsure to check their size with our customer service. This way you avoid the unnecessary exchange and return drum.
If the binder turns out to be the wrong size despite everything, we comply with the 14-day right of return in our store according to the Consumer Protection Act. So you can easily fit the product at home (taking care of its cleanliness and condition, of course) and, if necessary, return the product or exchange it for a different size or model. Our warehouse is located in Finland, so returning is easy and safe.
I can't find a size small/large enough for me in the store, can you help?
Of course! We always try to stock as wide a range of sizes as possible, but sometimes manufacturers place restrictions on sizes or we can't ensure that a certain model works in all sizes. However, we are always able to obtain at least part of the products in our selection in the size that the customer wishes, even if it is not currently found in the ready-made size tables.
So feel free to send us a message and we'll be happy to help!
Can banding affect subsequent mastectomy?
There are a lot of rumors about this matter, but at least we have not come across any confirmed information that a mastectomy, i.e. chest masculinization surgery, would have been prevented due to previous use of Binder.
Old fashioned binders are sometimes made of rough inelastic fabric, and in principle it is possible that they would cause damage to the skin, which could make it somewhat difficult to get the desired result in a mastectomy. However, we do not have binders of this style in our selection, as we want to ensure the safety of all the products we sell. All the binders in our selection are so-called new type of binders that are either elastic on the back or all over, and whose cut takes comfort and safety into account.
How should the binder be washed, and how to prevent the fabric from loosening?
Binder should always be washed either at a low temperature (30°C) with a gentle washing program or by hand.
We recommend that you do not use fabric softener when washing the binder. The particles contained in the fabric softener can get stuck between the fibers of the fabric, which causes the fabric of the elastic back part to sag. The fabric softener can be replaced with laundry vinegar or a fully biodegradable eco-fabric fabric softener.
Binder should never be dried in a tumble dryer, as tumble drying easily breaks the elastic fibers and also causes the fabric to sag. So dry the binder in room air by hanging it, preferably also protected from direct sunlight, if you want to protect the colors from fading.
What should be done if the binder causes unpleasant symptoms?
First, it would be important to assess how serious the symptoms are. If the symptoms are severe or strong, it may be worth talking to a doctor about it. For example, severe dizziness, pain or nausea should always be treated with the seriousness it requires. In such a case, it is therefore a good idea to stop binding and see a doctor.
Normally, however, the unpleasant symptoms caused by using Binder are mild and more annoying than harmful. Stiffness in the shoulder area is a common problem, and heartburn can also occur.
Heartburn can tell from a binder that is too tight around the waist. If the waist squeezes the stomach, it can cause stomach acids to rise into the esophagus. Would it then be appropriate to think about changing to another model, for example?
Stiffness and pain in the shoulder area is often caused by a limited range of motion or shallow breathing, when the auxiliary muscles of breathing become sore. Many people breathe shallowly at the top of their lungs, and with Binder it can be especially taxing on the muscles. Learning the diaphragm or deep breathing techniques is useful for everyone, but especially for those using a binder! It would also be good to stretch the area of the back, arms and shoulders in the mornings and evenings to avoid unpleasant muscle pains.
If the binder is not washed regularly, it can also cause skin symptoms, especially for people with sensitive skin. A binder is an undergarment that is in contact with the skin for long periods at a time. Therefore, taking care of cleanliness is important, so that dead skin cells, sweat and sebum are washed away from the fabric. Infections caused by dirty Binder are of course rare, but by no means unheard of.