Breast binding is the act of flattening breasts by the use of constrictive materials. The term also refers to the material used in this act. Common binding materials include cloth strips, elastic or non-elastic bandages, purpose-built undergarments and shirts layered from tight to loose. The act of breast binding is common for trans men, but is also done by androgynous and non-binary people, as well as crossdressers, cosplayers, and performers. In a general sense, women may also use binders as alternatives to bras or as a practice of propriety. Breast binding by use of cloth strip or tape may result in bodily damage such as permanent deformation of the breast.
Motivation
There are many reasons people would bind their breasts:
For accelerated recovery by reducing movement after an injury or surgery.
Some adolescent girls bind their breasts as they enterpuberty. This is done usually for reasons of modesty, embarrassment, or desire to be as they previously were. This has potential risks, as the developing tissue may conform to the restricted shape, resulting in permanent deformity. Breast binding in adolescent girls may be a symptom of body dysmorphic disorder. Transgender men, or people with gender dysphoria, as well as women who have developed larger breasts from hormone replacement therapy or breast augmentation surgery, may have motivation to bind their breasts. Transgender men and people with other gender identities may bind their breasts as an alternative to or while waiting for a "top surgery" in order to be recognized as masculine presenting. Men may also find cause to bind if afflicted with gynecomastia as a means to control appearance in place of surgery or during the wait before surgery.
Methods
Purpose-built undergarments known as binders or binding bras exist, and are commonly used for breast binding. These can be more expensive than other options and are not widely stocked, but are generally considered less dangerous than alternatives. Other common binding materials include cloth strips, elastic or non-elastic bandages, and shirts layered from tight to loose. Duct tape has been used as well, but is dangerous and should be avoided. Elastic bandages such as ace bandages are also unsafe to use. It is best to use a binder from a reputable company, or perhaps a high impactsports bra.
Complications
To minimise complications, it is often advised that a binding device/method should always be as loose as is practicable and should not be worn for longer than 8 hours. Binding for extended periods of time can lead to rashes or yeast infections under the breasts, back or chest pain, shortness of breath, overheating, or fractured ribs. Unsafe binding may lead to permanent deformation of the breasts, scarring, and lung constriction and long-term binding may adversely affect the outcome of a future mastectomy. In one study, 97.2% of those surveyed had some sort of health problem caused by binding. Despite this, many are unwilling to seek medical attention due to a perceived lack of knowledge from healthcare professionals, and continue binding anyway since they believe the benefits out-weigh the risks. In case of health concerns, binding wearers tend to seek help from healthcare professionals they perceive as trans-friendly and who will not stigmatize their binding practice.
History
Breast binding has been used in many historical contexts. Wearing a corset was one way that the size of breasts could be reduced. Different time periods of history have had differing viewpoints on the female form, including widespread use of corsets throughout western European history up to the Victorian era. The Japanesekimono can be considered a very elaborate form of binding, although the obi goes around the lower torso, while the chest is bound by the sarashi. In the 1920s, flappers bound their chests to achieve a less traditional look.
