A chest bandage can help you hide your breasts and feel more relieved. You may decide to bandage your chest because you are transwoman, genderqueer, nonbinary, or playing the role of a man. Even if the use of a professional binder can give the best results, this is sometimes not possible. Don't despair because you have several other options for safely tying the chest. However, make sure you really do it safely so as not to injure the body.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Wearing a Sports Bra
Step 1. Choose a sports bra one size smaller than your normal size
You need to make sure the bra is tight enough, but not so tight that it hurts. Usually, a bra one size smaller than your normal size is the best fit. If you can, try several bras and choose the one that fits best.
You can buy a sports bra at a sports supply store or in a shopping center
Step 2. Make sure the selected bra is labeled “no bounce”
Sports bras come with different levels of hold so you should look for the product with the highest level of hold. Usually, “no bounce” bras give the most flat results. Look for the label on the bra to make sure the product prevents the breasts from swaying.
Variation:
Some companies label bras according to their activity level. If there is a label like this, look for products marked "high impact" so that it fits on the body.
Step 3. Put on a second sports bra if you have a large chest
Wearing 2 sports bras at a time can help you get the look you want. This is not considered a double splint so it is safe to do so. However, make sure you can still move freely when wearing two bras.
- If you feel uncomfortable, remove one or both of the bras.
- The use of a second bra may be effective for flattening your chest. Try this method to make sure it works for you.
Method 2 of 5: Using Long Stockings
Step 1. Wear a pair of control-top pantyhose as a temporary solution
Control-top stockings have a tighter top that can be used as a binder. Usually, this is a safe way to wear it once in a while.
We recommend using a product that is still new because it feels tighter. However, you can also wear old stockings if that's all you have
Warning:
Binder from stockings can only be used for a maximum of 6 hours. This method is safe to do once in a while, but not too often.
Step 2. Use scissors to cut the legs of the stockings
You will wear the stockings upside down and insert them from the head so the legs have to be cut off. Trim the base of the torso area or around the mid-thigh area, depending on how you wear the stocking binder.
Throw out the stockings because you don't need them
Step 3. Make a hole in the crotch of the stockings to insert into the neck
Your head will go through the crotch of the stocking so there should be a hole there. Use scissors to cut the part. This will turn the stockings into a tank-top or short-sleeved t-shirt.
Make sure you cut all the cotton at the crotch. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time getting your head into it
Step 4. Pull the stockings over your head with your waist down
Insert your head through the hole in the groin. After that, insert your arm into the hole where the legs are. Finally, pull the top of the stockings up to the chest area. Adjust the position of the breast so that it looks even.
You may sweat more when wearing binder stockings because the material used generally absorbs sweat
Method 3 of 5: Wearing a Camisole Top
Step 1. Choose a camis with a bra
This type of camisole has an extra panel in the upper half of the shirt which is equipped with thick rubber for support. This inner panel provides extra support to the chest for a more even appearance.
- You can buy camisoles at places that sell women's clothing.
- The use of camis is very suitable for those of you who have small breasts.
Step 2. Turn the top of the camisole so that the elastic of the bra is on the chest
The back panel is tighter than the front panel so it's looser to wrap around the bust. Position the top upside down so that the tight section provides better support. After that, pull the inner panel to cover the bust.
If necessary, use a plastic adjuster on the camisole strap so that it is higher on your chest
Step 3. Fold the bottom of the camis to cover the chest
Smooth the fabric and fold a third of the camisole up. After that, fold it again. If necessary, fold again so that your breasts are fully covered.
This layer will help flatten your breasts
Tip:
You can wear 2 camis if you still feel comfortable. Make sure the camis is equipped with a bra.
Method 4 of 5: Hiding Chest with Clothes
Step 1. Wear several layers of clothing to hide the bust
Wearing more than one shirt is an effective strategy to hide your breasts. Try wearing a double shirt or wearing a shirt underneath a button-down shirt.
- If you have large breasts, you can wear 2 undershirts before wearing a button-up shirt to hide it.
- Wearing thick T-shirts and sweaters is a great way to hide your breasts in cold weather. When the weather is hot, wear lighter clothing (such as an undershirt or a regular t-shirt) to avoid overheating.
Tip:
Wear several layers of clothing to cover the binder if you don't get the bust you want.
Step 2. Wear a button-up shirt with a chest pocket to make your breasts appear smaller
Even if you think breast bags can draw people's attention to your breasts, this feature is in fact quite effective at hiding breast curves. These pockets can fool people into thinking that your chest looks bigger because there are pockets on your shirt. Look for button-down shirts with 1 or 2 chest pockets.
You can also wear tight undershirts to make your chest more even
Step 3. Wear compression sweatshirts for sports under everyday clothes
Compression shirts are made of stretchy material that fits tightly to your body. This makes it suitable as a tool to flatten the breast. Just wear the t-shirt or add another layer of clothing to even out the shape of your breasts.
You can buy compression jerseys at stores that sell exercise equipment. You can also buy them at stores that sell men's clothes
Method 5 of 5: Secure Chest Bandage
Step 1. Wear the binder for a maximum of 8 hours at a time
It's perfectly normal to want to have a chest bandage all the time, but it's not safe for your body. You'll need to remove the binder every now and then so that the tissue, muscle, and bone are not injured. Do not use the binder for more than 6 to 8 hours at a time.
- When not wearing a binder, wearing layers of clothing and a camis can help hide the shape of your bust.
- Pay attention to the condition of your body. If you feel discomfort, pain, or have difficulty breathing, stop the chest splint, even if it has not lasted 8 hours.
Tip:
If you're just learning chest wraps, try to do it for 8 hours. Doing this slowly can help you get used to it, as well as get your body used to breathing while wearing the binder.
Step 2. Remove the binder while sleeping
Wearing a binder to sleep can interfere with your breathing and quality of sleep. In addition, it can damage the body permanently. Never wear a binder while sleeping.
Wear a t-shirt before wearing a camis to make your breasts appear more even
Step 3. Use loose powder or anti-scald cream to prevent skin irritation
Binders are usually wet with sweat and rub against the skin, causing blisters and itching. To prevent this problem, apply loose powder or anti-scald cream to the skin before applying the binder.
You can find these products at your nearest pharmacy or online store
Step 4. Never use a bandage or duct tape to bandage the chest
These things look like good bandages, but they can actually hurt the body. Neither of them provide good support when you move. Thus, you can experience muscle, rib, and lung damage. To prevent this problem, use a secure binder.
You may see these products used as bandages in films. However, this does not guarantee its safety
Do you know?
Ace's bandage is designed to be tighter when the user moves, so this object is very dangerous when worn around the chest. Don't take the risk of endangering your health by bandaging your chest with an Ace bandage.
Step 5. Use only 1 method to bandage the chest at a time
If you feel that the splinting method used is not working, try other methods to find the one that fits best. However, never use both methods at once as this practice can injure your body.
Keep trying different methods until you find the one that works best. You may need some time to get satisfactory results. So don't give up
Step 6. Wear a sports bra if you do a lot of activity
When exercising, your body should be able to move freely. In addition, it is very important to make sure you can breathe easily. Most binders are too tight for exercise, but you can wear a sports bra.
It's a good idea to wear only one sports bra when you work out. If you're worried about showing your breasts, wear loose-fitting clothing to cover your sports bra
Step 7. See a doctor if you have pain or difficulty breathing
Unfortunately, a binder that is too tight or worn for too long can cause back pain and chest pain, as well as difficulty breathing. You may be reluctant to discuss this issue with your doctor, which is normal. However, it is very important to get yourself checked and make sure your condition is okay. Come to the doctor you trust or visit the nearest health clinic to find out if you need medical attention.
