Breast binding, also known as chest binding, is the flattening and hiding of breasts with constrictive materials such as cloth strips or purpose-built undergarments. Binders may also be used as alternatives to bras or for reasons of propriety.
People who bind include women, trans men, non-binary people, and cisgender men with gynecomastia.
Breast binding has been used in many historical contexts. Different time periods of history have had differing viewpoints on the female form, including the widespread use of corsets throughout western European history up to the Victorian era.
During the era of China's imperial dynasties, revealing the curves of a woman's breast was considered lewd and breasts were often bound with a moxiong or a dudou. The use of the garment was particularly popular during the Tang and Song dynasties.[1] [2] Breast binding became an exclusive aesthetic practice for women continuing until the 1930s, with more prevalence among upper-class women.[3] The long-standing custom resulted from a culture that "believed large breasts were symbols of lasciviousness."[4]
Korean women wearing the traditional hanbok concealed the female body by binding their breasts tightly with a cloth band.[5] [6]
In Japan, the traditional kimono flattens the appearance of the breasts, with breasts bound and flattened with an obi,[7] and a datemaki belt wrapped around the torso from the chest to the waist.[8] A sarashi is used by Japanese women to flatten their breasts.
In Africa, adolescent Wodaabe girls had their breasts tightly bound to induce sagging, minimize sexual desirability, and improve their ability to breastfeed. In cultures where the breasts of pubescent girls are ironed to suppress their development, wealthier classes often choose to use an elastic belt to compress and flatten the breasts.[9]
Until the early 20th century, many Catholic nuns bound their breasts under their habit to deflect the attention of male clergy and diminish sexual desire in men.[10]
Breast binding was one of the punishments inflicted upon the women inmates confined in Ireland's Magdalene asylums.[11]
Post-WWI women office workers modified their physique with bound breasts to reduce and conceal the female form, thereby minimizing sexual curiosity from males.[12]
In the 1920s, a flat-chested silhouette became the ideal look among women, with breasts bound against the chest wall with binders.[13] To present a boyish form, flappers bound their breasts.
Wearing a corset was one way that the size of breasts could be reduced.
There are many reasons for binding breasts:[14]
Women who have developed larger breasts from hormone replacement therapy or breast augmentation surgery may choose to bind.
Some adolescents begin to bind their breasts as they enter puberty. One case study has described an adolescent girl binding as a symptom of her body dysmorphic disorder,[17] but this is not the most common reason that individuals bind their breasts.
Transgender men and non-binary people may bind their breasts as an alternative to or while waiting for top surgery.[18] The appearance of a flat chest may minimize gender dysphoria[19] and cause gender euphoria.[20]
Many people who bind for gender-affirming purposes are unwilling to seek medical attention due to a perceived lack of knowledge from healthcare professionals and continue binding since they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. In case of health concerns, they tend to seek help from healthcare professionals they perceive as trans-friendly and who will not stigmatize their binding practice.[21]
Cisgender men afflicted with gynecomastia may find cause to bind as a means to control the appearance of breasts, during the wait before surgery or as an alternative to surgery. Some apparel companies (such as Underworks) make compression shirts for cisgender men that provide the same result as a breast binder.[22]
Modern binders or binding bras are purpose-built undergarments often made of spandex or other synthetic fibre. These can be more expensive than other breast-binding options and are not widely stocked, but they are generally considered less dangerous than alternatives. Other common binding materials include cloth strips or non-elastic bandages.
Elastic bandages (such as "Ace" brand bandages) are considered unsafe to use. Duct tape has also been used to bind breasts, but it is dangerous and should be avoided. It is safer to use a binder from a reputable company or a high impact sports bra.[23]
Tops layered from tight-fitting to loose can also be used to hide breasts.
Breast binding is known to create a number of health risks, including difficulty breathing, backache, skin rashes, and deformity of the ribs.
To minimise complications, some limit their binding use for no longer than eight hours. Binding for extended periods of time can lead to rashes or yeast infections under the breasts,[24] [25] back or chest pain, shortness of breath, overheating, or, rarely, fractured ribs.[26] Additionally, some unconventional binding materials, such as duct tape or athletic bandages, are known to increase an individual's risk for negative health outcomes such as shortness of breath, musculoskeletal damage, and skin damage.[27] Unsafe binding may lead to permanent deformation of the breasts,[28] scarring, and lung constriction,[29] and long-term binding may adversely affect the outcome of a future mastectomy.[30]