#binding methods

Aight, so you know those tank tops that are meant to flatten your stomach? Don’t use those to bind, please don’t. I got the bright idea to do that tonight and it wasn’t very comfortable. Like one hour later, I was like “fuck this shit” and pulled it over my stomach and even then, it still didn’t feel right (probably bc I might or might not have gained like 5 pounds tonight xD). So better yet, don’t even use those bitch-ass things at all, or at least make sure you get the right size. I figured that since I’ve worn one before (properly) and it didn’t do that much to flatten my stomach, I thought, “well, what if I try this one on my not-so-big chest?” And the fabric was so stretchy and this one didn’t do much to flatten my stomach either so I thought it’d be no big deal until about after an hour of wearing it like that when it started getting overwhelmingly uncomfortable.

I know to stay tf away from ace bandages when it comes to binding, but I ain’t ever seen a post about not using those slimming tank tops to bind so I just thought I’d share my experience with having done that so y'all can learn from my mistakes.

Fuck, dysphoria is a bitch, but don’t let it get the best of you. No matter what, don’t resort to uncomfortable and unsafe means of binding. Your wellbeing comes first no matter what. Seriously, take care, my lovelies

If you’re not yet out to your parents, there’s this wonderful method I tried that ACTUALLY WORKS to bind!

If you’re an auditory/visual learner here’s a video (This video is not mine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80n-zOIigaQ

But for those of you that are cool with step by step written instructions, look here;

Now you’re going to need some leggings/tights and some scissors and that’s all you need!

Take note this method does not follow the same rules as regular binders so if the DIY binder hurts TAKE IT OFF

Step 1. Get your leggings/tights in hand

Step 2. Follow the crotch area of the leggings (ONLY A SMALL BIT- note that leggings/tights are flexible so the area where you will put your head through will most likely be smaller than you think you can fit over your head. But you are wrong. So just trust me, small hole.) and cut out that small bit. Make sure not to cut any of the leg area unless necessary.

Step 3. Cut sleeves; I personally like tank-topish binders but some people prefer them with sleeves so put the leggings/tights over your head before cutting the sleeves and then see where you want to cut it because chances are you’ll cut it too close and it’ll rip. So yes, you may look really dumb standing there with sock-arms but if you want to have a working binder you’re gonna have to suffer with your sock-arms a few seconds to calculate where you want to cut the sleeves.

For me it turned out like this (this is with a typically feminine shirt, so tighter than a masculine shirt.) (view le above image)

Book Format: The Spine

The spine is a large component of the book’s format. It is the outer material that binds and holds the pages together.

Bookbinding has been around for centuries. Whether you use a perfect bound or saddle stitch binding, having a professional spine will distinguish you from the amateurs.

RELATED ARTICLE: The Front Cover

Here are six things that are needed on a spine: 1. The title 2. The series…

i was also fortunate enough to get a hand-me-down sports bra from someone who was so well-endowed that it fits me like a tank top. i put that on over the bandeaus and wear it underneath whatever i wanted to wear that day, like an undershirt

  Pros: Gets the job done in a pinch "cheap" quick Good for small breasts 

Cons: PAINFUL Bruises Cracks ribs Causes breathing problems Can cause long term health effects Takes two people Safety pins The bandages WILL MOVE  

Overall Rating: 2

Detailed Review: 

First off, let me say that I personally do not recommend this method. I see others that do and I shake my head at them. The pros that I listed are what I got from them. This method is frowned upon by many cosplayers and FTMs that I know, mainly because it can hurt you. If you are hurting yourself, you are doing it wrong.

Also, warning. This one will be talking about breasts. I know some people are uncomfortable about that. If you want to learn more about ace bandages and binding, without hearing me talk about my boobs, please refer to this link. 

I have used the ace method before, several times. Each time was filled with regret. My cup size when I used them was a 36 C. Obviously, we had problems. I had my friend help me wrap them over my breasts (covered with only a tanktop) and safety pin them in place. The safety pin poked me. 

I didn't keep the bandages on long, as it took only an hour for them to roll down over and off my breasts. Luckily, my cosplay was baggy so I was able to quickly get to a bathroom and fix it before anyone saw my breasts jiggle. When the bandages weren't slipping off, they were tightening. At one point, I had to stop walking  because I couldn't breath. It hurt to inhale. I had to return to the hotel room and take them off. I had bruises on the sides of my upper torso, where the bandages had been layered. Bruises. 

Despite that, I uesd them again at a cosplay meetup during the summer. Again, they kept slipping. I would awkwardly readjust myself, or run to the bathroom to fix them. I missed a lot of fun like that and I ended up getting upset. It ruined the day for me, despite how amazing my friends were (I'm sorry guys, I felt like I pissed you guys off with my complaining). 

In the end, I never used the bandages for binding my chest again. They have been washed and are folded away in a drawer to use for when I hurt my ankles. 

Do not use the bandages to bind yourself. They are not made for it. They will only tighten and hurt you. Keep them nearby, in case you  need to wrap a sprain or use it as emergency gauze (I hope you never get that hurt, but accidents do happen at cons). But, please, do not use it to bind yourself.