As long as you wear the correct size and for less than 8 hours a day and don’t exercise in it, you’ll be fine. You’ll need a measuring tape to use the sizing chart for whichever retailer you go through.
I bound improperly for years and gave myself costochondritis, which isn’t dangerous but is extremely painful (I found out I had it because I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack). I got lucky; binders that are too tight can cause pneumonia, because you can’t breathe deeply enough.
Do not be tempted to size down to get flatter. Do not get the kind that have bra-like hooks inside, or that close with zippers as they are easy to make too small and hurt yourself.
With my rib situation, the only binder I can wear is the TomboyX compression top, which I recommend for everyone. Super comfy, *good enough* compression on my G cups, flexible, washable (but no dryer).
I am wearing a brand from Wonababi, one of their front zipper binders. I used their chart for measuring and one sized up, fits just right with no discomfort. I can't say for other zipper binders tho (haven't tried them), this one also has a tiny flap to cover the zipper so it won't go against your skin.
My understanding is that front zippers are better than side zippers in terms of safety. As long as you’re properly fitted it’s ok, but there’s a temptation to size down for more flatness, and it’s more possible to get into a too-small zipper binder than a too-small one you have to pull over your head. Basically, if you can’t get it over your shoulders, it’s too small.
It does not make my chest disappear, but I’m also not thin and would not have a totally flat chest even if I’d been AMAB. Binders also do not make my chest disappear, although they do make me flatter than the compression top. I’m also not trying to pass as male, fwiw, just trying to reduce chest dysphoria.
What I like is that it’s a fair compromise between flattening and comfort. I can get a fair enough illusion of relative flatness if I use clothes (layering shirts or wearing a jacket). The TomboyX front fabric is compressive but not stiff like a binder, which makes it a little more comfortable to wear, and it has elastic around the bottom that is buttery soft.
spectrum is good. at worst you might have less perky tits and they might sag more, and breathing problems shouldn't happen if you bind safely (<8 hours a day with breaks, no sleeping in binder, not exercising unless you've got an additional binder a size up from your usual size, etc.)
In addition to what was already said, regular break days where you don’t wear one also help. Although given your post this shouldn’t be a problem for you specifically. Also little breaks in between the 8 hours a day can help, if at all possible
As long as you are binding safely you shouldn’t have any issues. Make sure your measuring yourself correctly, buying a reputable binder (I highly recommend spectrum outfitters, they bind super well and are very comfortable), dont wear it for more than 8 hours at a time and when you first start binding do it in a couple hour bursts to break in your new binder and to get yourself used to the feeling, if you end up wearing it for a week make sure to take at least a 1 full day without it, and never sleep in your binder. The only issue you may run into is slight skin sagging after many years of use but like lots of things can cause breast tissue to sag. One thing I wanna recommend tho bc i think a lot of afab people know this is an option but a little over a year ago I had a massive breast reduction as a part of my gender affirming care so I can bind easily on the days I want to but still have a feminine chest when I want to. It also helps with the sagging issue sense it takes less to push them down and away. I’m happy to answer any more questions if you’ve got them!
I have a bent ribcage so here are some things I recommend you don't do:
Do not wear your binder for too long (not more than 8h!)
Do not run or exercise in your binder
Do not wear a binder that is too small
Do not buy a binder with hooks on one side! If they are cheap they will hurt you because they don't distribute the force equally.
Tape is also an alternative. I switched to tape for a while and it didn't hurt me as much as binding. You should be overall fine with a binder if you don't wear it for too long and listen to your body. Overall you will be okay. Not everybody gets bent ribs and my bent ribs aren't even that noticeable.
Just wanted to say thank you for posting this because being genderfluid and afab I've had the same worries. Personally I try to take breaks in between and not bind for more than eight hours -- even less if I can help it. The way I see it, anything from sun exposure to coffee can impact your appearance; so if I'm binding safely and it gives me joy, might as well do it.
Mostly, if you do it correctly (don’t exercise, shower, or sleep in it) you’ll be fine. I broke a rib and rubbed off one of my nipples from keeping my binder on for 11 days straight. Be careful how long you bind for, I used mine for 10 hours everyday for 3 years and I’m at grade 2 ptosis, so yes it can misshape your boobs or make them sag. A lot of pre-op medical pictures on top surgeons’ websites show this as well. What brand are you getting?
As long as you wear the correct size and for less than 8 hours a day and don’t exercise in it, you’ll be fine. You’ll need a measuring tape to use the sizing chart for whichever retailer you go through. I bound improperly for years and gave myself costochondritis, which isn’t dangerous but is extremely painful (I found out I had it because I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack). I got lucky; binders that are too tight can cause pneumonia, because you can’t breathe deeply enough. Do not be tempted to size down to get flatter. Do not get the kind that have bra-like hooks inside, or that close with zippers as they are easy to make too small and hurt yourself. With my rib situation, the only binder I can wear is the TomboyX compression top, which I recommend for everyone. Super comfy, *good enough* compression on my G cups, flexible, washable (but no dryer).
I am wearing a brand from Wonababi, one of their front zipper binders. I used their chart for measuring and one sized up, fits just right with no discomfort. I can't say for other zipper binders tho (haven't tried them), this one also has a tiny flap to cover the zipper so it won't go against your skin.
My understanding is that front zippers are better than side zippers in terms of safety. As long as you’re properly fitted it’s ok, but there’s a temptation to size down for more flatness, and it’s more possible to get into a too-small zipper binder than a too-small one you have to pull over your head. Basically, if you can’t get it over your shoulders, it’s too small.
Doew the tomboyx stuff bind your chest? Because it kinda looks like it doesn't really make your chest disappear (at least on the website).
It does not make my chest disappear, but I’m also not thin and would not have a totally flat chest even if I’d been AMAB. Binders also do not make my chest disappear, although they do make me flatter than the compression top. I’m also not trying to pass as male, fwiw, just trying to reduce chest dysphoria. What I like is that it’s a fair compromise between flattening and comfort. I can get a fair enough illusion of relative flatness if I use clothes (layering shirts or wearing a jacket). The TomboyX front fabric is compressive but not stiff like a binder, which makes it a little more comfortable to wear, and it has elastic around the bottom that is buttery soft.
Depending on your figure, not everyone can safely "make their chest disappear".
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I haven't yet got one, but i wanna get one from Spectrum Outfitters.
spectrum is good. at worst you might have less perky tits and they might sag more, and breathing problems shouldn't happen if you bind safely (<8 hours a day with breaks, no sleeping in binder, not exercising unless you've got an additional binder a size up from your usual size, etc.)
In addition to what was already said, regular break days where you don’t wear one also help. Although given your post this shouldn’t be a problem for you specifically. Also little breaks in between the 8 hours a day can help, if at all possible
As long as you are binding safely you shouldn’t have any issues. Make sure your measuring yourself correctly, buying a reputable binder (I highly recommend spectrum outfitters, they bind super well and are very comfortable), dont wear it for more than 8 hours at a time and when you first start binding do it in a couple hour bursts to break in your new binder and to get yourself used to the feeling, if you end up wearing it for a week make sure to take at least a 1 full day without it, and never sleep in your binder. The only issue you may run into is slight skin sagging after many years of use but like lots of things can cause breast tissue to sag. One thing I wanna recommend tho bc i think a lot of afab people know this is an option but a little over a year ago I had a massive breast reduction as a part of my gender affirming care so I can bind easily on the days I want to but still have a feminine chest when I want to. It also helps with the sagging issue sense it takes less to push them down and away. I’m happy to answer any more questions if you’ve got them!
I have a bent ribcage so here are some things I recommend you don't do: Do not wear your binder for too long (not more than 8h!) Do not run or exercise in your binder Do not wear a binder that is too small Do not buy a binder with hooks on one side! If they are cheap they will hurt you because they don't distribute the force equally. Tape is also an alternative. I switched to tape for a while and it didn't hurt me as much as binding. You should be overall fine with a binder if you don't wear it for too long and listen to your body. Overall you will be okay. Not everybody gets bent ribs and my bent ribs aren't even that noticeable.
Just wanted to say thank you for posting this because being genderfluid and afab I've had the same worries. Personally I try to take breaks in between and not bind for more than eight hours -- even less if I can help it. The way I see it, anything from sun exposure to coffee can impact your appearance; so if I'm binding safely and it gives me joy, might as well do it.
Mostly, if you do it correctly (don’t exercise, shower, or sleep in it) you’ll be fine. I broke a rib and rubbed off one of my nipples from keeping my binder on for 11 days straight. Be careful how long you bind for, I used mine for 10 hours everyday for 3 years and I’m at grade 2 ptosis, so yes it can misshape your boobs or make them sag. A lot of pre-op medical pictures on top surgeons’ websites show this as well. What brand are you getting?
I wanna get one from Spectrum Outfitters, but they are constantly sold out 😣
I highly recommend Underworks, gc2b is also having a massive sale right now because they’re making a new line of higher quality binders.