This is why you need to bind safely. The damage in the first picture is not the result of binding over numerous years with a simple binder. It’s the result of unsafe and irresponsible binding. Bind safely.
OH MY GOD I’M SHRIEKING THIS CAN’T FUCKING HAPPEN
It most certainly can.
In stead of just saying BIND SAFELY you should explain the safe and in safe ways to bind.
1. Bind using only an actual binder (make sure you measure and get the proper size), or tight-ish sports bra in a pinch. You want something that compresses while still having give so that your lungs can expand.
2. Never use ace bandages/belts/tape/etc to bind.
3. Do not sleep in your binder.
4. Do not wear your binder for long periods of time. I’ve seen 8 hours mentioned as the max amount of time. Learn to read your body. Some people cannot handle binding for even 8 hours but ignore the signs and injure themselves.
5. Whenever you take your binder off give a few big coughs, this well help to break up any fluid that may have settled in your lungs.
That’s all I can think of atm, but I think I’ve covered the basics.
I’m not tagging this for followers I just want all of you that bind hard to be careful.
FUCKING REBLOG THE SHIT OUT OF THIS
when i was young and stupid, I used duct tape to bind. NEVER EVER DO THIS CHILDREN. i couldn’t breathe, i could barely move, it cut into me so hard that sometimes i bled, it was so hot i got blisters, i would sometimes cry because of how much pain i was in, and it left my breasts numb in some places because of how tight it was. It killed nerve endings in my chest.
PLEASE. PLEEEEEAAAAAASE SPREAD THE WORD. PRACTICE SAFE BINDING METHODS.
//bind safely my fellow non-cis tumblers
When it comes to actual binders, not every binder is safe either. Some are too tight, made from the wrong material, etc. In other words: also dangerous.
If you don’t know which binder is safe to use, I would personally recommend this thing from Underworks, and I’ve seen others recommend it too. It binds really well, is fairly comfortable and you can breathe properly in it.
ghoulfriendo
Old post but I wanted to remind everyone to bind safely
GC2B is pretty standard nowadays, they’re breathable and they go on and come off so much easier than Underworks ever did
Transtape is another option, this does NOT go all the way around your ribcage!!! It may be difficult to use if you have sensitive skin because it is an adhesive, to protect your nipples you fold a square of toilet paper and that on with a little piece. To put it on you lean forward, swoop ‘em to the side and stick (use more as needed) this can be used to go swimming and shower and is sleep safe*
DONT buy cheap binders off of amazon!!!! The materials will not move with you, they will restrict your ribs (and the sizing charts often suck ass) which means you can get hurt and will have to take a break from binding to heal!!
You don’t want to take a break from binding because it gives you the relief and comfort you need to function??? THEN PLEASE BE SAFE!!! The safer you are the more often you will be able to do it.
For those of you who can’t afford or cannot safely get a binder at this time:
sports bras are your friends, the ones without padding. Double up, one forward one back.
We all know hoodies help, but it gets hot as fuck in the summer
Compression shirt, they’ve got them for swimming and working out
Thick stripes > thin stripes and while I’m at it Board shorts > basket ball shorts, trust me lol
