How To Trans™ (a survival guide)

Binding

This is probably the thing most transmascs ask about the most.

First, there are multiple ways to bind. If you buy a proper binders, there are 988, or tank, binders, which are kind of like a vest or a tank top. The actual binding part stops about mid-rib, and have cloth going over all of it that continues to your hips. There are also tri-top, or half, binders, which stop around mid-rib. Both are safe; which one you pick is just about personal preference. If you live somewhere hot, a half binder would probably be better and vise versa. If you can't afford a binder, there's also cami binding and binding with a sports bra, which I'll talk about in a later chapter.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, USE ACE BANDAGES OR DUCT TAPE! I don't care who you are or how little options you have, DO NOT DO IT. Proper binders are designed to expand with your chest as you breathe and move around, while ace bandages and tape contract and get tighter. They can deform your ribs and chest to the point that you won't be able to get too surgery because it wouldn't be safe. Worst case scenario, you break a rib and puncture a lung, effectively drowning yourself in your own blood. It's graphic, I know, but knowing this is important. STAY SAFE!!

Buying a binder is the best way to bind, period. However, make sure you get it from the right place! Do not buy binders from Amazon; they are cheaper, but are generally not safe. Better places to get binders include:

Gc2b- $33-35; black, white, nude
Underworks- $18-35; white and black

The following haven't been thoroughly vetted by our community, so I can't guarentee that they're safe.
T-Kingdom- $43-75; includes velcro and zipper binders
Danaë- €50-53 ($60-63); black; also has packers, harnesses, and gel pads to make you look taller; has mtf products
Peecock- $30-60; black, white, grey; has packers, harnesses, and STPs
Shapeshifter- $45-75; patterns, black, white, nude; do custom designs

If you're poor like me, here are some places to get free binders.
In-A-Bind- USA
MORF- UK
FTME- USA, 24 and younger
Replace The Ace- USA
Big Brothers- donation required, 18 and older or parental permission
Come as you are- Canada
Point5CC- free binder with purchase of a t-shirt
The Binder Project

If you know of any other places, please let my know in the comments!

Another way to bind is to use k-tape, but I have heard mixed reviews on that, so please do research on it becore using!