HOW TO BIND SAFELY!!

[@alnabulsi313]

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!! I bound incorrectly/for too long when I was younger and I've actually got a floating/ partially detached rib from the damage 😬 please NEVER use ace bandages or tape EVER to bind, even for something short like a drag performance. Love and safe binding to you all ❤

[@sophie9268]

Sorry but could you tell me what a binder is I’m dumb as hell 😂

[@Z0IVZ]

​​@@sophie9268 it's a thing that covers/flattens your boobs

[@alnabulsi313]

​@@sophie9268 Totally okay question!! Its essentially a very strong compression top, either cropped or full length, that flattens the front of the torso. The two most popular brands are Underworks and gc2b, if you want to see what some common ones look like. The reason for needing to take breaks from wearing them is because extended periods of compression can cause pain and damage. Hope this helps! 🩷🩵🤍

[@sophie9268]

@@alnabulsi313 thanks for answering

[@theinfamousTeyo]

Luckily there is things now called trans tape and that's a w I honestly would recommend that to children and non adults if they want to bind since some can be waterproof and safe to wear while exercising and you can wear it for longer as far as I know + with exercise and such

[@ShannySmi]

You can tell that you actually care for your fans and others who come across your videos

[@M0ssyC0bblest0n3]

Really important to take breaks and listen to your body. I went to the docter yesterday and she told me I bruised my ribs. Thankfully its nothing too bad, but its still semi-permanent damage

[@Ih8transideology]

Maybe take a full-time break because it's stupid, this is ridiculous we all know and we all in our heads go well that's just silliness, you'll never be a man if you're born a woman and you will never be a woman if you're born a man stop pretending, we all know, don't think you're fooling anyone you can tell right away I mean there are biological features that can tell right away you ever hear of an Adam's apple you ever tried finding that? You can and your hips, you can tell a woman and you can tell what a man is well, change that most normal people can tell the difference, and most normal people are laughing at you people

[@teritt]

@@Ih8transideology Everyone has an Adam’s Apple, it’s just more visible in people with deep voices. Cisgender women can have deep voices.

[@M0ssyC0bblest0n3]

@@Mel-wn9gb my ribs

[@rayzzz1111]

​@@Mel-wn9gbbecause they didnt take binder breaks

[@_Skulker]

​@17Lolo lolo if a binder is the only thing stopping people from taking a kitchen knife because of the dysphoria and preforming their own version of top surgery on themselves, they're going to wear a binder.

[@frank4446]

I will say, for folks who plan on top surgery: wearing a binder for extended periods of time and mess with the elasticity of your chest, which could cause complications that won’t allow you to go through with top surgery!! Never bind for more than 6 hours at a time, do not sleep in it, and don’t do extreme exercises ❤❤❤

[@charlieguy6872]

Also I just wanna say, I've been out for over a decade and I don't bind at all and everyone in my life respects it. You don't have to bind if you find it uncomfortable for any reason, and it doesn't make you any less of a man

[@constancestrawn1303]

Dudes with boobs 🤜🤛 dudes with boobs

[@misanvlogs]

😂😂😂 Sure it doesn't 🤣😂😂🤣

[@kuromistan645]

​@@misanvlogs what's so funny

[@misanvlogs]

@@kuromistan645 what isn't?🤣🤣😂😂 If you guys really mean what you do, use the bind for the entire day EVERY TIME! That's so you don't confuse the normal people and we can address you guys properly 😉

[@fabplays6559]

@@misanvlogs Uhh. You do understand that can actually kill you, right? It can cause ribs to break and even result in a collapsed lung if you wear a binder with no break for several days. It can also cause a lot of issues with getting top surgery in the future. So if you bind constantly, you may very well be stuck unable to get gender-affirming surgery. So... "if you guys really mean what you do" comes into play here because people do NOT want to ruin their ability to get top surgery.

[@BubbleB0T]

I am a cis female and bisexual but a close friend of mine is trans FTM and said my suggestion helped them when they can’t bind. They recently had heart surgery so can’t bind at all and these options worked well for them. They have a natural cup size of 36 C. I do have larger boobs and I’m a 38 E and sometimes it gets very painful if I’m wearing a bra all day. Also, sometimes I like being a bit more flat in the chest area, it makes me more comfortable and sometimes I prefer a flatter chest with certain clothes like if I’m wearing a button down it doesn’t work with a big chest. I get back pain etc. also sometimes I just like a flatter chest. I know there will be people with breasts/chests my size and won’t be able to get a flat look even with tighter binding. Hollister do bralettes that are amazing for sleep and do flatten a lot more than a typical bralette it’s a compression Bandeau like top and it just smooths everything out kind of like shape wear. They also do great high support sports bras that really flatten. I find both great for sleep as they’re so comfortable and don’t squeeze anywhere. But I’d suggest the bralette for sleep and sports bra for any activity where you’re doing a lot of activity. This is not an Ad or anything and is just my personal recommendation for how I smooth out/flatten my chest for certain outfits or just comfort. I am happy with my assigned sex but I’m sometimes not happy with my body either. It is okay and normal to feel this way regardless of if you’re comfortable with your assigned gender or not, there’s always things we wish we could change and there are ways to help ourselves be more comfortable in our body and help us love ourselves. If you bind or if you don’t bind and this helps you please let me know.

[@eli_h309]

Okay thank you I appreciate the help and advice , I’m afab and have a larger chest (36 D I think), and this really helped. Thank you so much and have a great day ❤

[@IgnorantSeeker]

Love your message at the end!

[@job5098]

Thank you a lot! Would you mind telling me which one it is you recommend? A quick research has shown they kind of sell a lot of those...

[@tea3309]

Honestly the worst thing is having big breast and being trans (FTM) :(

[@eli_h309]

@@tea3309 why is it that all FTM people have the curviest most “feminine” bodies, like whyyyy Also you’re valid no matter what, your body and what it looks like doesn’t define you’re gender

[@juiceboxerr]

compression shirts work great as replacement binders! im pretty sure they’re fine to wear while exercising, and you can find them at a lot of sports stores! hope this helps and be safe everyone

[@Noahkita7704]

⁠@@Mel-wn9gb omg why are you everywhere all up in everyone’s business 😭😭😭 literally NOBODY is asking you to spread hate through comments💀💀 if you don’t agree with and don’t like wearing binders- just click off of the video lmao😭 it might be a better use of time worrying about your OWN life🤣🤣

[@Noahkita7704]

@@Mel-wn9gb see but there’s a difference- I’m not taking the time to comment hate about a video here, I’m taking the time to call you out on this complete bs coming from you, now if this was your video or you actually made the original comment you *may* then have a slight point😁😁 For the record, I actually watched this video to better understand just how binders work and can be worn in ways that are safer than alternatives such as duct tape. In fact watching this video literally contradicts the point you seem to believe about “blindly accepting everything”. So many people bind, and with time, new and newer binders are being made specifically to be safer. I’m not saying ALL binders are the safest because that is unlikely, but with times changing and new technology being used, it IS likely to assume they are getting more and more safe as a whole. See you saying this is your business is you trying to make an excuse to somehow feel more involved. Nobody is MAKING you wear one, nor is it a legal requirement to wear one, so what rights are being infringed at all?? If anything, their lives will have less dysphoria, unhappiness and self-hatred BECAUSE of the ability to choose to wear a binder. Instead of spreading hate on a video INFORMING people to be safer whilst wearing binder, maybe channel that hate towards videos that don’t inform people of the dangers of binding unsafely instead, because then your point may make a lot more sense (Also just for the record it’s *THEIR* bodies, in fact the main reason people chest bind at all is because they were born in a body that doesn’t match the one they identify with so being a woman does not really help or hurt your point there)

[@phoenix_13]

Thank you so much for this ez!! Theres a lack of information and education when it comes to topics like these, so lots of people often go uneducated and end up damaging their bodies without even realizing. It's shows that not only do you want to express your identity, you are selfless to the point where you want to inform others of the best things to do and how to be safe! To everyone out there who is also binding, stay safe!!

[@timmmef]

I actually never took breaks (just for sleeping/ showering) and my ribs deformed because of that. So don’t be like me, Take care

[@Space_spade]

are you okay now?

[@arandomfrog9493]

I'm sorry to hear that. Are you ok?

[@Space_spade]

@@Mel-wn9gb how are we all supporting self harm? This post is just talking about their own experiences and warning people and telling them to bind safely

[@Mealwormeater45]

@@Mel-wn9gb it’s not actually! Just like how drinking to much water can be negative, but you still need it. Everything has its limits which can be dangerous! You don’t know what self harm is. Maybe cope! Lol x3 self harm is wanting to harm yourself and doing it. Accidentally over binding is not, just like if you trip over a rock. You don’t mean to but you still get hurt. It’s not dangerous as long as yr safe! Maybe think about why you have such a hatred for people expressing themselves differently than you.

[@Mealwormeater45]

@@Mel-wn9gb do you think that , let’s say bike riding is self harm? Because people have had accidents resulting in injuries? No. Duh. It’s not self harm!! Go get a life lmaoo

[@emeraldreturn7490]

also for newbies! build up your binding time, do not start wearing your binder for the first time for 8 hours straight. work your way up gradually, first day for an hour; another day 2 hours, etc. Also for my mates binding during school, bring a hoodie as a backup in case you need to change out of your binder (I did this all the time as a senior in HS).

[@charlieguy6872]

Yeah, there's no shame in having to take it off during the day

[@teritt]

@@Ih8transideology Just so you know, that is quite literally what a genocide is. You’re advocating for genocide.

[@Hihi.-.]

Whats a binder?-

[@emeraldreturn7490]

@@Hihi.-. a chest binder is an article of clothing designed to compress the breast tissue in order to have a flatter appearance, most people simplify the article to Binder because the act of wearing one is called Binding. Since these pieces do compress breast tissue (and overall add pressure to the chest area), it's important people bind safely and not accidentally damage themselves

[@Hihi.-.]

@@emeraldreturn7490 so a bra?-

[@Snowspring09]

As a nonbinary person, I am a little fearful of binding bc of the squeezing/tight feeling (it tends to trigger anxiety for me). I opt for a longer sports bra! Kind of like shapewear, it just slims down the breastses (keep in mind, this is coming from someone with an A cup)

[@MadaoAcire05]

Same, I'm uncomfortable wearing tight around my chest cause I also have difficulty in breathing. I use sports bra (genie brand cause it's Cotton)

[@khaotickitsune3980]

Then don't, mutilating yourself isn't worth it and considering you already have a small cup size I will recommend sports bras, trust me... Learn to appreciate your body, because it's yours and only yours, no one else has it and I'm so tired and sad of seeing people especially minors feel the need to alter themselves because they may not feel 100% female or male. You are you. You don't need to change for anyone, please learn to respect yourself and your body.

[@fruit.flavorerwater]

i recently broke a few of my ribs from unsafely binding without even realizing it so yes!! this is so true and very important to remember and keep track of :)

[@BozzyBOZ-lj8nz]

I am so happy that binders exist now and that there are people like you to teach people how to bind safely in an accessible way! When I was growing up, the internet was still a new thing and most people didn't have a computer. I had no idea what being trans was but I knew I wanted to flatten my chest. Enter tensor bandages and a lot of pain. I now use sports bars and baggy clothes. Thank you for educating people new to binding!

[@general.disappointment]

I love this person, they’re so helpful and sweet. Thanks for making these

[@teritt]

Ezra uses he/him btw

[@Frugal_fitchic]

I think it’s interesting that all these people who say that Ezra should accept their body as they are …is probably the same people that make fun of overweight people. There will always be judgment. Live your life in peace and let others do the same.

[@lollux3700]

No no, you're right, people should leave those morbidly obese people alone, they only dwell on earth for how long? 30-35 years? Lol

[@bubbles3253]

Being morbidly obese isn’t your natural body wtf? You should strive to be the healthiest version of yourself; not only for your own life, but for everybody around you, cutting your boobs/dick off and regretting it years later, or clogging your arteries in cholesterol is just gonna lead to further upset, being obese isn’t comparable to having gender dysphoria as obesity can be controlled with diet and exercise, unfortunately gender dysphoria is a mental illness, and cannot be fixed with exercise and diets, is that not obvious?

[@teritt]

@@bubbles3253 1. Overweight and morbidly obese are _very different_ some people are their healthiest at overweight, this is just describing that they are above the usual health marker for weight. Morbidly obese is quite literally a condition, and is far more extreme than overweight. 2. Regret rates of surgery are the lowest of any procedure, making it a near miracle.

[@bubbles3253]

@@teritt 1. when first uploaded this comment mentioned morbid obesity, since then it has been edited. People are not at their healthiest if overweight, it’s very easy when maintaining diet and exercise, the truth is some people just don’t care enough about themselves to put in the effort.

[@teritt]

@@bubbles3253 People can be their healthiest at overweight. How about I provide examples of people who are at their healthiest overweight: •people with chronic illness who have medicine that make them gain weight •People with chronic illness that would kill them without extra fat •Certain genetics that cause people to constantly borderline the overweight line despite all attempts to be healthy •Someone who was previously underweight from an eating disorder making most diets and exercise regimen extremely dangerous for them to attempt

[@quietrain8201]

Id also like to add that if your body isnt fully developed yet you should not wear a binder for more than 6 hours. (This also goes for anyone with weak bones) because your ribs are at a greater risk of doing bad.

[@maximillienrobespierre7262]

There are certain sports bras that will make your chest appear much, much flatter. But it’s a true pain to search for one.

[@kuromistan645]

Off topic but I assume you are interested in the history of French Revolution?

[@Dragon_Fire_2468]

What are they called? Do they have a special name?

[@maximillienrobespierre7262]

@@Dragon_Fire_2468 look for high impact sport tops :) that should be it. I have no experience with binders so I can’t really compare but high impact bras are usually pretty flattening.

[@GriffinCarroll-g8s]

Fellow trans guy here. I’m a student athlete, so I find taping helps me a lot, especially if I can’t bind! Still have to take breaks with taping too though cause you can get irritated from it. (But it can be worn for up to a week at a time and you can wear it while sleeping and exercising!) Just something that helps me out! Hope you are all having a wonderful day!! 💜💜💜 (Love your videos Ez! Keep being you!! 💜)

[@Teajay21]

I'm sure you are doing this but for anyone reading this if you use tape do NOT wrap your chest in tape, it is used to pull the breast tissue to the side and flatten it not constrict! Look up trans tape for tutorials on how to use it safely! Also, always use a something to remove it like baby oil

[@bella.is.better09]

this is off topic but you’re voice sounds ever so slightly deeper! i’m so proud of you and i love you ❤

[@j.c.Clemons]

We should also try to avoid binding if experiencing chesticle swelling associated with shark week

[@fwomp]

that is a sentence I've never had the pleasure of reading before

[@j.c.Clemons]

@@fwomp it's my favorite phrasing because it is humorous enough to usually make it as painless of a reminder as possible, especially for those of us with crippling dysphoria/dysmorphia

[@fwomp]

@@j.c.Clemons yeah exactly! It made me feel really good about my female hormones and body, will definitely se it in the future

[@abyss6484]

oof that is a great point which sucks 😭 that's when my dysphoria is the worst tbh 🤧 I assume it'd be fine if I sized up for when my chest is bigger?

[@yippee2738]

ezra i love you so much your videos make me so happy and are so comforting, you always remind me that things can get better for me

[@Geinky]

I dont neee this information but im boosting this for anyone who need this

[@justkidding6504]

Hey ez, KZbin deleted my comment but I really recommend using body tape. I use it all the time and my chest is pretty big. It works really well and makes me flatter and lets me breathe. I use €2 kinesiology tape from my local supermarket and it works way better than all the expensive tape I've tried. I don't take them off until usually the end of the week, so throughout the week I barely have to look at it. Showering in the dark, getting dressed with the lights off etc. I know thats really strange but the gender dysphoria is just awful. Having said that, I would like to say something to you. I used to find it really annoying that you just lived your life as happy as possible while wearing those big makeup looks and feminine clothes. Now I realize you just do whatever you want because you don't want to let your dysphoria drag you down. And I think that's extremely respectable. I wouldn't be able to. My dysphoria affects my life soooo much just because I let it get to me. But I don't see that changing in the near future and I'm going on T in 3 months anyway. Thank you for being such an inspiration and doing what you do. I hope you have a wonderful day.

[@absentmindedgenesequencing7020]

Bro (when I wasn’t out) I would wear sports bras that were tighter then the binders I wear now. 😂

[@constancestrawn1303]

I have MAJOR breast dysphoria, but for a variety of reasons can't bind - or even wear bras! - at all. A big thing to help me with the dysphoria was to make the choice to ignore my breaats. Wearing baggy clothes or avoiding activities left me still centering my breasts in my life. I hated planning outfits around how to conceal them without a binder... and at a J-Cup, that's no easy feat! Now I just wear what I want and do what I like. There are times my nipples poke out or it's like there's sandbags swinging across my body, but I just pull a "I pretend not to see". I focus on the things about myself that affirm my masculinity. I have lush leg and pit hair, my voice is husky, and my shoulders are wide and strong. Those things sticking out from my chest (Or let's be real, my dudes, at this size without any support they hang by my waist)? I don't know what you're talking about. I don't have boobs. I don't know what you're seeing. In my mind, this part of my body rarely exists but when it does I'm so detached from giving them any importance in my life that I can avoid a lot of the sting of the dysphoria. I'm an "elder queer", though, so I acknowledge this thinking took yeeeeeaaaars to develop. I hope that yall can also develop an ability to divorce yourself from an idea that your anatomy is your gender. There's lots of us dudes out here with boobs. If you're a dude with boobs too, you're in good company. Let's ignore these things together 💜

[@lemongloves]

holy shit, as a transmasc who gets big dysphoria even with a-cups, i can’t imagine that, it must be terrible ☹️ sending love !

[@constancestrawn1303]

@@lemongloves thanks so much bro 💜 It took a major change in how I think about myself to cope with it. Once that change happened, though, I am so much happier with my body and secure in my identity. There are times when the dysphoria still creeps up... I think it will in all of us for our whole lives... but the solution to that was surrounding myself with affirming friends and comrades who lift me back up. I hope you will enjoy that in your life too!

[@constancestrawn1303]

@@Mel-wn9gb I don't have a female body, but thanks. I am very healthy and rad! 🤙

[@constancestrawn1303]

@@Mel-wn9gb I literally don't have a female body to dissociate from so "like you said", yes... healthy and rad. If you can't understand the basic fact that not everyone who grows breasts is female I don't think you really have a point to be making.

[@lmcb8447]

You can use medical or binding tape on each side so that it doesn't hurt if you're anything from small to medium size. There are many guides online on how to use them,how to put them on and how to take them off

[@unholierthanthou7748]

As someone who did wear it way too long for way too often and wayyy too tight to the paint I can't even bind anymore because it's just too hard to breathe even when I'm doing it properly PLEASE bind safely!!!! I know how hard it is to feel like you have to, but it's so worth it. Your health is priority

[@mansikkapoika]

Holy shit dude, I hope you're doing okay. Take care!! ♡

[@tea3309]

when i first got my binder i really hated my female body parts and literally NEVER took it of and in PE we did hard workouts at least for me and i had a TERRIBLE time breathing i would seriously go home early a LOT, and i wore it to bed for the whole school year and never took it off except when i took shower.

[@milkcartonfrog5834]

I just got my binder like a couple days ago so this is like perfect timing tysm for the advice xx

[@clouds5465]

I used to bind for more than 8 hours a day (sometimes) and wore my binder almost every day. Now I have issues breathing when I walk fast. Please be careful everyone

[@Zatoka.]

Compression tanks are where it's at. It doesn't have the safety risks that binders do, and it works pretty well.

[@beryoung]

your voice lowkey changed comparted to few months ago

[@adahdecker1926]

!!!! I’m gender-fluid and I was wearing a binder just over a year ago on the regular, and I didn’t know that I couldn’t wear it while working out, and I’m a very active person, I ski roughly 6 days a week, and I would wear it while skiing bc of dysphoria, (I was 13), and I broke my ribs, now, just over a year later, at 15, I still occasionally have rib pain and can’t wear a binder for a full day. PLEASE BE SUPER CAREFUL ❤️

[@khaotickitsune3980]

Why can't you be happy with the body you have?

[@SummerAlleriaWindrunner]

Thank you :) my boifriend just started binding and I like to be educated

[@Demonic-Art-Skeleton]

I have a binder but I don’t wear it that much because when I do, it feels uncomfortable. Same goes with sports bras that are kinda tight. This could a sensory thing or just an everybody thing, idk

[@hhasnohope8488]

To the smaller chest havers out there highly recommend trans tape if you’re not super lazy. Unlike regular binders it could be worn for multiple days in a row (up to 4 I think) and it can be worn during exercise. It’s kinda annoying since you have to cut out the tape yourself so it can’t be put on as quick as binders. Plus if you do it wrong you can get blisters which can be painful. It’s overall a good option for some especially if you have a smaller chest and rib problems. Personally, I think I’m going to purchase a binder and alternate between the two.

[@salembezard2740]

Outplay has some great compression tops that are basically between binders and sports bras that you can wear for working out. I reccommend it!

[@bee23454]

Thanks dude, this is really useful!

[@flicsavali8975]

I heard it damages breast tissue in the long run so unless you're planning to get top surgery it's not the best for you. I'm non-binary and on the chestier side and don't plan to have surgery. Compression and sports bras can give off a bulkier look for myself and doesn't achieve what I want. For those who don't want to completely flatten their chest, this is still categorised as a sports bra but the berlei underwire sports bra works for me! I got breast definition but it looks perkier and smaller. I can wear it daily without issue either it's on the same level as a regular bra I feel like

[@Teajay21]

It depends on how frequently and long you bind, the type of binder, and your own body if it will damage tissue. I'm glad you find a way that works for you!

[@flicsavali8975]

​@@Teajay21I have a binder with the compression I've looked for from transform transwear! I still wear the same bra I mentioned on a regular basis but it's been life-changing owning a binder that works for me. I don't always wear it like I wouldn't go into work with it for example but I feel like I am more intentional with my outfit and appearance when I do wear it! I've changed my stance a little like it could affect breast tissue but I don't want anyone to feel deterred from wearing one because of how gender affirming it is. And for me I don't think top surgery is for me now but it could change in the future. My thoughts are now to be safe with binding to avoid problems you can run into the future. And sometimes it can be hard being safe when you feel gender dysphoria and push your body to the limits. I've experienced times where I felt dysphoria and it can feel like destructive force and listening to our bodies can be harder when it causes us distress

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

also its good for the blood flow to take breaks. even if there may not be any real danger with good binders. but not everyone can get good binders for reasons.

[@C4mpurr]

I was abt to fall asleep but I have my binder on rn and I saw this video and realized I couldn’t breathe

[@One_spicy_chestnut_mare]

Listen to this guys, I used to wear my binder for the entire day, like I mean shower sleeping working out EVERYTHING. My doctor banned me for wearing it for 3 weeks cuz I’ve done so much damage to my body. I used trans tape now and it’s so much better, stay safe!!

[@_Bladez_inEyez_]

Thanks this helped a lot! I'm trying to save up for a binder.

[@khaotickitsune3980]

If you're a minor, I highly recommend you don't start binding until you're 18. You will damage and mutilate your body, please try to love yourself and your body more or see a therapist.

[@bothmarioANDluigi]

if anyone sees this i need help. i desperately need a binder before school starts and i am out to my parents. they're trying hard to be accepting but aren't very nice and will probably not allow me/belittle me if i ask for one. ive thought about just buying one anyways and my therapist told me that some things i don't need permission from my parents to do, and this is one of them. (like i need to focus on what's good for me, not for my parents.) but i really get scared of making them angry or upset. they are not hitting me so idk why but I guess i just crave their happiness?? i want them to be proud of me and love me but im scared this will ruin it.

[@DannyD-lr5yg]

What if you read this comment to your therapist, and maybe your therapist can help you figure out how to talk to your parents? Or, maybe your therapist can even be WITH you when you talk to them, for support? Or even having a friend or sibling with you when you talk to them could help!

[@smallpupper]

A safer alternative to binders is trans tape, basically it flattens your chest by taping it back, and you can exercise while using it (more effective with smaller chests though)

[@mansikkapoika]

Doesn't really work with bigger chests and it gets expensive quickly :,0 do you have any specific brands you buy it from? I've been thinking about giving it another shot!

[@beansystem]

I bound my chest for 10 years before getting top surgery recently- these were my mistakes and their consequences: - Binding with ace bandage for 2-3 years before I had access to binders; my bottom right rib is permanently damaged and occasionally still aches (this happened when I was 13-14 and I'm now 23) - Binding every day for more than 12 hours at a time for several months straight without a good long break, only taking off my binder to sleep; deformed ribs, shoulder and spine damage - Binding while exercising; deformed ribs, shoulder and spine damage, odd changes to form while weightlifting that I had to unlearn later (and my upper spine sounds crunchy) - Binding at a very physical manual labor job with a heavy focus on using upper body muscles; damaged ribs, shoulders, and spine, chronic pain in damaged areas, less stamina before pain comes back during physical activity - Occasionally sleeping in a binder when staying over at someone else's house; in so much pain in the morning I could barely move, moving while in pain anyway Please listen to your body, taking binding breaks is good. Don't try to power through everything like I did. You're gonna end up crunchy and in pain like me, or worse. This video is good advice.

[@garlic_bread410]

congrats on the top surgery!!

[@Maelogacha]

⁠@@Mel-wn9gbwhat. Why? What wrong. They just said congrats

[@Maelogacha]

@@Mel-wn9gb it isn’t self harm💀

[@agentz340]

I'm only wearing my binder at schools so I'm wearing it fr about 7hours before having to take it off.

[@kenzielacosta8244]

I've seen a ton of new sports bras that are close in likeness to binders. Great alternatives!

[@BoneMeal.12]

I wish someone had enforced the importance of staying safe while binding to me when I first started. I was wearing my binder for ~12 hrs a day 5 days a week, and doing some exercise in it. Nowadays I can’t even wear a binder or a sports bra without rib pain. 👏🏻don’t👏🏻over👏🏻bind👏🏻

[@clarasundqvist6013]

Cis woman with a big chest here, the more support the sports bra has, the smaller your chest will look. I have a tight tank top that doubles as a sports bra and it goes from my waist almost all the way to my neck, and the way my boobs stay in place and don’t look nearly as gigantic with it on is quite astounding. Normal sports bras are good too but I find that they usually make your chest more noticable than the most supportive ones, both because your boobs bounce a lot more with less support and because the boobs tend to hang lower on the chest

[@NaomiCloudlee]

for anyone who doesnt have anything very big to bind, a big thing to help with taking binder breaks for me is stiffer and less shaped shirts! luckily a lot of menss tshirts and shirts are stiffer than women's which means that it dousnt stick to the body or fold in places where you dont want it to.

[@NikolaiTheJester]

I always wear a swim binder when i work out cause its made for more strenuous activities:)

[@mikevanautgaerden2894]

You can also (if you can afford it ) buy an extra binder in a larger size for "break" days. For example I wear an XXS binder, but I bought a medium binder to wear when I'm at home or exercising. It's way to big for me but it won't deform/ damage anything. They still make your nipples invisible and because of the stiff material your chest will still look flat, unlike bras that are made to accentuate curves. (you still shouldn't wear them to sleep tho, but it's a great solution during the day)

[@oliver_om0ri]

love how i get this short after i binded unsafely 😭 (i couldn't take my binder off since 8am, and could finally take it off at 3am)

[@Theron_7734]

One really good alternative is binding tape bc you can wear it for days if you wear it ⏃ certain way

[@knifemarepoko2996]

H&M has some really good sports bras that are very strong und shaped like binders and overall very covering but very much less strong than an actual binder. I really like those

[@felix_10826]

im gonna be getting a binder soon and this video does help me a lot ❤

[@snailcorn7480]

I binded poorly for YEARS, and now I have two dents in my rib cage and in constant pain, yay. Now I can no longer bind at all, and can’t wear a sports bra for more than a few hours. And since top surgery is very hard to get in my country I will have to live like this for years. Please, listen to your body and take regular breaks or there will be consequences and they will not be fun.

[@whydoiexist525]

As for something I found helpful during a binder break, I found wearing dungarees/overalls with adjustable straps are really good at hiding my E cups 'v'

[@lexwhy554]

If you have a smaller chest size a good alternative to a binder would be binding with tape! It's not as flattening and not really suited for hot weather where you sweat all the time but it doesn't affect your ribs in any way, it's cooler (temperature) and you can work out in it and wear bigger necklines without binder straps showing

[@Ghost4702]

I start binding tomorrow and this was very helpful information thank you Ezra ❤

[@ultimate_yippee]

Also never wear more than one binder! And just generally don’t do much exercise in them at all

[@elijahfergus]

careful! not all binders can be excercised in. i have a gc2b binder and i cannot excercise in it, make sure to read the info on whichever one you have :)

[@k4nd1incyb3rsp4c3]

I made my binder from the waist of a pair of tights that were too small for me. they're designed for compression in the first place, and it works way better for me than layering sports bras ever did. weirdly enough, it's very flattening but not very supportive, so I do still have to wear a sport's bra on top.

[@pastel7327]

Had a really shitty binder and wore them 9-10+ hours. Took about 2-3 years until my ribs or better said nerves recovered. I sometimes still get small pain tingles but it's really rare now. Please buy good binders, none of that zipper or hock type of shit, the pressure is not even and will hurt the area. Take care!

[@wellokthen2179]

Tbh this is prob one of the reasons i wanna get tape instead lol

[@thequeerrunner5745]

BTW - I am pretty certain the t is lowering your voice nicely. So proud

[@iistarzli]

I'm getting a binder in a few days and this was genuinely helpful! I can't imagine how badly I would damage myself 😭

[@beepboop1930]

his earringsssa 🥺🥺🥺

[@kaydencewm]

One of my friends don’t have a binder yet so he puts on 2 sports bras

[@robbie_bird_]

Im trying to wear my binder significantly less during the summer, so im only wearing it when I go out for a few hours. even though im at home right now, im still uncomfortable with my chest. im wearing 2 sports bras that are comfortable and supporting so that it flattens my chest, and would be good to exercise in:)

[@gatorfruit]

Don’t even nap in your binder if you can help it, I made that mistake and woke up in horrible pain. Also do not ever wear more than one binder at a time it is so, so damaging.

[@leechan8272]

Turning your pec snuggling sporty wear inside out can also give you a more flattening effect, at least in my experience. I'm sure it wont work for every kind of sports chest hugger, but something to try. Thanks ez

[@m00n234]

I wear a sports bra bc they are comfortable and it compresses. I’m not trans or nonbinary but if you are and need to take binder breaks I would recommend a nike sports bra that doesn’t have padding at all. It doesn’t come with any. They are really comfortable and do 3/4 the job.

[@walls3606]

Not me here only taking my binder off for when I shower and once a week to wash it, sleeping and working out in it

[@adoremycuts]

stay safe dude

[@meghansullivan6812]

Yuuuup i wear sports bras basically every day

[@GroundCTRL2MajorTom]

I purposefully got my binder a tiny bit big and asked trans people I knew which ones worked for them then I was around 12 I think. I built up the amount of time I wore a binder and obviously didn’t wearing for sleeping. I would take it off after I got home for the day and showered. I’ve always had shortness of breath so it was a little scary for me, but now I’m very happy and healthy!

[@marcberry4971]

I’m going to brighten soon and I really hope il see you there!😊

[@Pixel_Bugz]

As someone who unsafely binded not using a binder and using sports bras instead if the sports bras are to small please be careful it damaged my ribs and it sucks

[@2014Peek]

My school goes for 6 to 7 hours and I get home 2 hours after school ends, would it be a good idea to wear my binder during school or find a another way to flatten my chest?

[@Dice-the-Gh0st]

On a day tou don't have school see if you can wesr it for that long. If you feel pain take it off, if not you should be fine. I normslly wore mine for 9 hours for school

[@ihopeicanchangethisnamelat7108]

What about changing out of it in the bathroom at the end of the day? If you’re getting the bus or train back for example you’ll be sitting down and could lean forwards a bit to hide your chest

[@hadlii]

can i ask what are some safe alternatives to binding without a binder for people who dont have access to buy one? i currently wear two sports bras in place of a binder

[@pissbaby5499]

id say it depends on what you prioritize and your anatomy. some people can get away with using kt tape (not duct tape or ace bandages, kinesiology tape made specifically for skin) as an alternative. i know some people use kt tape and use a binder at the same time. i personally dont use kt tape because i have a bigger chest, and i wouldnt recommend kt tape for anyone with a large or dense chest. kt tape can also irritate and blister skin so i would recommend using it with caution. please do your own research when it comes to binding with kt tape/trans tape, there are a lot of resources out there. i dont own a binder, but i do use compression tops. its easier on the ribs but at the loss for a completely flat look. (im not sure id be completely flat in a binder anyway). the ones i have from tomboyx are more flattening than the sports bras i have AND theyre more comfortable. and its kind of different from wearing a sports bra if that makes sense. a lot of my sports bras push out my cleavage a certain way and my compression tops dont do that.

[@m.c9171]

I saw a comment that had a really good idea for people who can’t have anything that even looks like a binder :) it basically said that if there’s a Hollister near where you live, they sell some bralettes for sleep that are kinda like shape wear that flatten quite a bit. If that’s not an option for some reason, i would try using sports compression wear, or using the tights trick that you can just google. However, if you do use the tights trick, be extremely careful with how tight you make it. I know you want to be completely flat but 1. Cis guys aren’t completely flat and 2. If you make it too tight it’ll end up looking more like an afab chest because bits will poke out. Also, make sure to take breaks and only bind for 8 hours a day tops. Hope this helped at least a little!

[@acefeminist7259]

​@@pissbaby5499 I don't think it's very good for your friends to use tape while binding - most binders are designed to flatten your chest from the front, if that makes sense, so having the chest tissue pulled to one side probably isn't very good for them.

[@L3O7M]

Before I got my binder I wore a lot of tank tops over sports bras and it made my chest look flatter! Also like sports compression tops can be good. If money is the issue then there are also a lot of places where you can get binders for free!! If you're living with people who aren't accepting so you can't order one then you could probably ask a friend to get you one. My friend gave me his old binder for free but ik loads of people who just gave their friend money for them to order it and give it to them at school so that's not a weird thing to do.

[@L3O7M]

@@Mel-wn9gb They didn't even say that they hate their body??

[@MissNoechen]

For short times you can also use trans tape (!!!only the actual trans tape, not any and all tape!!!), Which I think can also be used during binder breaks

[@fwomp]

Short times? You keep trans tape on for 3 days. But after that you take a few days off. Do not use trans tape during binder binding breaks, there have to multiple days of no pressure on your ribs.

[@breeeeeaaathofthewild]

great video! safe binding can be hard because of dysphoria, but it is so very important! thank you Ez

[@CrescentPaws5000]

As someone who’s cis and bi I came here to learn for the non-binary pals in my life to help tehm

[@3xub3rant]

You can use binding tape as an alternative! I use it, and I rly prefer it. You can wear it for a few days at a time, however you don’t get quite as flat as a binder will get you. You can sleep with it, do some lighter exercises, and it doesn’t mess with your ribs! Although, you can get blisters, and there are some specific ways you have to cut and apply the tape. I also wear a sports bra over my tape to make it last a little longer, since it helps keep the ends from peeling up quickly. For ppl who want longer periods of binding that 8 hours, it’s definitely something to look into! Do your research before you commit to anything :)

[@Teajay21]

Yes but for anypne reading if you bind with trans tape it does not go around your torso like a binder! It is used to pull your chest tissue to the side & flatten, if you put it around your chest it can cause unsafe restriction!

[@Bea._.]

bro is beautiful

[@LilyRobinson2011]

In you doing things that your afraid of to show you it's ok, can you do spiders I've got aracnaphobia and its really bad

[@lithigos]

I'm not trans (still queer) but my chest is very large and heavy and I have been thinking about getting some kinda surgery for a while. I also have sensory issues and have very little tolerance for any tight clothes or anything constricting so it's really hard to wear a binder for even 8 hours a day which is sad because it really helps my anxiety working in a male dominated industry. It would be so much simpler to not have to wear a garment specifically for my chest and constantly spend money and time finding ones that fit and are comfortable.

[@sns22895]

wait some years (age 25 minimum) until you decide on surgery.

[@lithigos]

@@sns22895 I've heard this before, and thankfully I'm not in any rush, but I did just turn 24 and I've been wanting it for almost a decade so I don't think my mind is gonna change in the next few years.

[@teagannam]

also make sure to NEVER wear it while swimming!! ik it really sucks, what helps me is to wear a binder and a loose swim shirt or tank top

[@mylo1853]

Bro does not have dysphoria

[@Bandit_in_boots]

​@@mylo1853 how do u know?

[@Lily-Laura-Jane]

I love this cos my sports bra is so much tighter than any binder I've tried, fully bruised my ribs when I went for a run, bra was professionally fitted and is now in the bin

[@sage5530]

omg please take breaks! i already have slipping rib syndrome from my ehlers danlos syndrome but it made it 20x worse

[@madelinegraye1422]

Also important to do lymph massage! Even sports bras restrict lymph function!

[@juliastehle9430]

Before my breast reduction I use to plastic wrap my chest at school and while I sleep 24/7 😂😂 I would be caught dead with a binder so plastic wrap it was

[@aliciasamaniego9813]

POV: you have a cis family and you’re trans and you’re in the car with them and you tell them you need a binder break and they think you’re being dramatic and you are currently having trouble breathing 😅

[@saskialubeek2895]

i was always scared of buying a binder since im a really active person (e.g. i ride my bike to and from school every day 15km one way) just during my regular day. but there are gym binders specifically designed to wear while sporting! (they're made with a bit more stretchy material and an open back to give you more breathing space) i do make sure to always take a sports bra with me to change into just in case i find i have trouble breathing but im so happy to finally have a binder i feel comfortable moving a lot in :))

[@Rorosketches]

Hey Ez! Trans tape you can wear while exercising! Love you! Xxx

[@squibbadoodle]

Hey I'm non-binary and I was looking everywhere but- where do I find a binder? And are they reasonable priced?

[@Bored_r]

Probably Amazon

[@_.-Verl4ine-._]

​@@Bored_r please don't recommend Amazon binders, they're known to mostly be unsafe

[@angelsspace1002]

Most binders are around £30-£50 as a whole for me personally I use spectrum outfitters which is around £38 for the tanks (which is what I use) and £45 for the full and since I'm in the UK it's free shipping so roughly £30-£50

[@squibbadoodle]

Thank you so much! That helps a lot

[@squibbadoodle]

​@@angelsspace1002 Spectrum Outfitters is perfect! Thank u

[@Dinor.Nuggies]

I slept with my binder and now whenever I try to sleep I can’t breath so I’ve been staying awake I hope I get better in the morning

[@qkr1ss_]

A few weeks ago I had a terrible time trying to breathe because I wore it for a few days straight, I can breathe now as I haven’t been wearing it for about a week,but I’m working on wearing it for only a few hours at a time. Please be careful when you bind!!

[@xaviorshideout]

Binding is uncomfortable for prolonged periods of time. I only wear mine on days when I know I've got time to rest. I wear a sports bra that helps with keeping things comfy and relatively shapeless (depends on your cup size) between wearing one. Please do NOT bind with tape, bandages, or anything that is NOT A REAL BINDER! It is incredibly risky and can cause permanent damage to your body and health.