Binding with Pride
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
The history of binding is long-drawn, and one that many who use chest binders take pride in. Extensive reports on how to safely bind, companies providing opportunities to give to those in need of them, and the overall technological advances of modern binders, allowed those that choose to bind to find their voice and share it with the world.
For those who are not aware, a binder is a clothing item used for the contouring of one’s chest into a flat image by compressing and reducing the appearance of breasts. Although binders are mainly marketed toward transmasculine individuals, they are used by many, including those who identify as non-binary, transfeminine, or cis-gendered.
Companies such as gc2b and FLAVNT are working toward creating a product made by and designed for the LGBTQ+ community. FLAVNT, in particular, began a business model built around the pride one should have in themselves, and for many that feeling begins in looking good in their clothes.
“Started with the goal of creating clothes that promote confidence and pride, FLAVNT is all about being comfortable with who you are and flaunting that to the world,” says Courtney and Chris Rhodes, co-owners and designers of FLAVNT.
With safety advancements and queer/trans focus on binding, the technology has advanced to include both comfort and fashion. They feature colorful designs, inclusive nude tones, and social media has recently encouraged wearing your ‘binder as a shirt’ or even ‘as a crop top’. Twitter posts include a colorful assortment of users who wear their binders proudly. Some even use it as a way to feel trendy and fashionable, especially in the summer heat.
Image Courtesy: g2cb
The binder has features as a solo fashion statement, working as a croptop when paired with jeans and chunky boots. Others pair it with an open button-up shirt tucked into pants. With that said, many are finding the paths to incorporate binders in a way that allows them to feel true to who they are while staying up to date with seasonal fashion trends. Many who wear binders in their everyday fashion love that those who know what it is will know what they represent, while those who don’t know about binders just think it is a cute crop.
Cate AriMelo Wood, a marketing associate and project leader for g2cb, describes their work in producing binders as something considerably important when alleviating the pain of gender-dysphoria.
“I believe our customer’s goals range greatly, from quieting chest dysphoria to finally being able to wear a button-down shirt to aiding in ‘passing’ to feel safer in the world,” says Woods from Mel Magazine.
Companies similar to g2cb and FLAVNT provide continuous comfort to a community in need of being prideful in their identity, allowing them to bring their voices into a world that has silenced them for far too long. By providing accurate sizing guides, safety tips, and a product that is tried and true, many will be able to continue living their lives with an illuminate self-love.
Strike Out,
Writer: Cali Robins
Editor: Lexi Fernandez
Graphics: Abbey Flemming
Tallahassee