A chest binder is a tight-fitting compression vest used to hold breast tissue flat to the body. Chest binders are generally used by trans* masculine, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming individuals, but can be used by anyone who wants to disguise the form of breast tissue. Binders are generally made from cotton and spandex.
Chest binders can be found mostly online, and sometimes at specialty stores and LGBTQ-aware adult shops. Some websites and stores have binder exchange programs where people can exchange their old, lightly used binders for a new binder or for a gift card to the website/store they donate their binder to. The used binders are resold for a discounted price. Chest binders are a safe alternative to binding breast tissue with ace bandages or duct tape, which can cause muscle and tissue damage.
