Ask The Binding Coach
Answers to your questions about healthy chest binding and trans health from Frances Reed, author of Healthy Chest Binding for Trans & Non-Binary People.
Are binders with clasps or hook-and-eye closures really unsafe?
Q: What is the reason that binders with clasps/hook-and-eyes are considered unsafe?
A: Binders with clasps are not inherently unsafe and have some healthy advantages, especially for people who need to be able to take binder breaks throughout the day or have difficulty pulling a binder over their head.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind about binders with clasps.
Often binders with clasp/hook-and-eye closure, especially down the center of the chest, are post-surgical binders. These should never be worn for daily binding because they are designed to prevent swelling with extreme compression. It is dangerous to wear post-surgical binders with activity levels that exceed post-surgery recovery periods.
Binders with clasp/hook-and-eye closures should not allow for much variability in the tightness of your binder. The safest option is a binder with only 1 row of hook-and-eye clasps because you will always be wearing a consistent, correctly-sized binder.
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Looking for binders with clasps, velcro, or zippers? Our Binder Finder tool can show you which companies offer easy entry methods.
Frances Reed, The Binding Coach
About The Binding Coach
I’m Frances Reed (they/them). I’m the author of Healthy Chest Binding for Trans & Non-Binary People: A Practical Guide, and the creator of HealthyBinding.com.
I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since 2011, and I support people at all stages of gender transition. I’m here to answer your questions about binding, no matter how big, small, silly, or serious.
Frequent topics include healthy chest binding, finding or wearing a chest binder, self-massage for people who bind, self-care for trans folks, or other topics on trans health.
More Healthy Binding Resources
Buy The Book
The book Healthy Chest Binding for Trans and Non-Binary People: A Practical Guide contains best practices for binding and 23 exercises that you can do on your own to reduce and prevent pain.
Find The Perfect Binder
Our Binder Finder search tool helps trans and non-binary people discover the ideal chest binder to fit their unique body and budget. Explore diverse styles, prioritize safety, and express your authentic self with this essential search tool.
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