Breast binding, also known aschest binding, is the flattening and hiding ofbreasts with constrictive materials such as cloth strips or purpose-builtundergarments. Binders may also be used as alternatives tobras or for reasons of propriety.
People who bind include women,trans men,non-binary people, andcisgender men withgynecomastia.
Breast binding has been used in many historical contexts. Different time periods of history have had differing viewpoints on thefemale form, including the widespread use of corsets throughout westernEuropean history up to theVictorian era.[1]
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 amoxiong or adudou. The use of the garment was particularly popular during theTang andSong dynasties.[2][3] Breast binding became an exclusive aesthetic practice for women continuing until the 1930s, with more prevalence among upper-class women.[4] The long-standing custom resulted from a culture that "believed large breasts were symbols of lasciviousness."[5]
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Korean women wearing the traditionalhanbok concealed the female body by binding their breasts tightly with a cloth band.[6][7]
In Japan, the traditionalkimono flattens the appearance of the breasts, with breasts bound and flattened with anobi,[8] and a datemaki belt wrapped around the torso from the chest to the waist.[9] Asarashi is used by Japanese women to flatten their breasts.[citation needed]
In Africa, adolescentWodaabe girls had their breasts tightly bound to induce sagging, minimize sexual desirability, and improve their ability to breastfeed.[9] In cultures where the breasts ofpubescent girls areironed to suppress their development, wealthier classes often choose to use an elastic belt to compress and flatten the breasts.[10]
Until the early 20th century, many Catholic nuns bound their breasts under theirhabit to deflect the attention of male clergy and diminish sexual desire in men.[1][9]
Breast binding was one of the punishments inflicted upon the women inmates confined in Ireland'sMagdalene 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.[13]
Wearing acorset was one way that the size of breasts could be reduced.[1]
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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 theyenterpuberty.[further explanation needed] Some people associate binding with body dissatisfaction orbody dysmorphic disorder.[17]
Transgender men and non-binary people may bind their breasts as an alternative to or while waiting fortop surgery.[18] The appearance of a flat chest may minimizegender dysphoria[19] and causegender 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.[21] 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.[22]
Cisgender men afflicted withgynecomastia 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.[14] Some apparel companies (such as Underworks) make compression shirts for cisgender men that provide the same result as a breast binder.[23]
Modern binders or binding bras are purpose-builtundergarments often made ofspandex or othersynthetic 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.[citation needed] Other common binding materials include cloth strips or non-elasticbandages.
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.[24]
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.[1]
To minimise complications, some limit their binding use for no longer than eight hours.[21] Binding for extended periods of time can lead torashes oryeast infections under the breasts,[25][26]back orchest pain,shortness of breath, overheating, or, rarely,fractured ribs.[21] Additionally, some unconventional binding materials, such as duct tape, body tape, binding 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 futuremastectomy.[30]
Media related toBinders (clothing) at Wikimedia Commons
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