Binding: Tape Methods - Script LGBT - Tumblr

Table of Contents

READ FIRST: Writing Considerations and Health Information

Methods of Binding

• 1920s bandeau
• Addition methods
• Bandages (ace/tensor), Back braces
• Cling wrap
• Commercial binders
• Compression bras
• Compression shirts
• Corset
• DIY binders (elastic, neoprene, tights)
• Sarashi
• Tape (Trans tape, kinesiology tape, duct/packing tape)
• Wrapped cloth

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Trans Tape

This is a relatively new business and seems to be a somewhat similar method to kinesiology tape. We have insufficient info or reviews yet, but it’s worth checking out!

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Kinesiology Tape

What it is: KT tape, kin tape, kinesiology tape, other names. It is commonly used by athletes (and average people who exercise), disabled folks, injured folks, pregnant folks, people with general aches and pains, all sorts. It’s essentially an adhesive strip (or other shape) of fabric that you apply to your skin to help alleviate muscle strain. Or, in this context, bind your chest. They come in many different shapes and colours. You can generally wear it for 5-7 days in a row without having to change it.

Availability (historically): Very recently popularized and thought of as a binding method (maybe 2015 or so as being more of a reasonable time for the average trans person out and community connected at the time to have been exposed to this method). This would be a great idea for a current or future setting.

Availability (for impoverished and/or disconnected persons): The KT tape brand itself pretty much only ships to the USA at current (please check this out because time will have passed when you read this). But there are alternative brands available in other areas and at drug stores. They can be rather expensive over time, but price per wear may be more or less worth it for different folks. Up front, it costs less than half the price of a commercial binder and more than the cost of food for a few days to a week for those who are severely impoverished. Prices for the on-brand KT tape can be seen here. You can also get KT tape on Amazon.

How it binds (mechanism): Most people bind by pulling the breasts to the outer side, towards the armpits. One or two pieces go horizontally, sometimes some go vertically over that to help hold it in place. This does not work for all shapes, and some people bind with two pieces forming an X shape, with the base of it being pulled upwards and inwards. Different people may find different amounts of tape work better for them, different shapes, different patterns.

How it binds (on a scale): I have only heard this reviewed by people whose chests are somewhat small to begin with, but those reviews are excellent. A lot of people comment that they feel free and open and that they can feel confident going topless with this method. That it is comfortable and either similar or more effective than their binders.

Concerns: It’s very sticky and can be difficult to do on your own in the beginning. Upon first try you will probably waste some pieces of tape because they’ve stuck to themselves or been applied in a way that may not work. Some people may be allergic to the adhesive. May make some people with sensitive skin have acne breakouts.

Other notes: N/A

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Duct or Packing Tape

What it is: A strong, inflexible type of tape that is either wrapped around the chest in a similar manner to wrapped fabric methods of binding, or taped in a way which pulls and/or pushes the chest into a different shape. Sometimes fabric or plastic wrap (or some other barrier) is placed beneath it so that the adhesive part of the tape is not directly on the skin.

Availability (historically): Duct tape was invented during WWII (for uses in WWII). Transparent waterproof tape was invented in 1930.

Availability (for impoverished and/or disconnected persons): These items are typically widely available where there are corner stores, box stores, grocery stores, post offices, dollar stores, etc to a similar level to plastic wrap. They would also be available in workshops and the like if a character were to use things they had at their workplace.

How it binds (mechanism):This method pulls and pushes skin into a different shape if on bare skin. If worn over top of gauze or some other fabric, it is more like wearing a tight tube around the chest that is not porous (does not let the skin ‘breathe’). There are strategies where only some of the adhesive touches the skin in certain locations so you can get the best effect for both comfort and result.

How it binds (on a scale): Variable based on size/shape of chest, technique.

Concerns: If directly on skin, adhesive is an irritant. It also is designed for non-skin surfaces, which do not produce any oil or have any hair. Taking it off when necessary is extremely painful, if applied without a barrier in between. It has no give or stretch, and thus is more painful and difficult to breathe in if wrapped all the way around. Not breathable. Sweat, dirt, oil collects similar to how bandaids do but worse. Enables more acne issues and risk of cystic acne. Having a barrier in place alleviates some issues brought on by adhesive, but not issues with airway or constriction. Fabric barrier in between may soak up sweat and retain it and be very uncomfortable.

Other notes:N/A

Note: Bondage tape is a type of tape which also may be used for binding. It looks like a thinner duct tape sticks to itself and not skin. It can also come in a wide variety of colours. Its effectiveness is similar to other tape and wrapping methods only it can be very fickle to hold in place for the first wrap around. (Be aware when looking it up that it is something the majority of its purchasers use for sex.)