How to survive summer in a binder: tips for comfort and free breathing

Summer is in full swing, and your wardrobe has changed because the sun is blazing or it's simply warm. You want to wear fewer layers to avoid overheating, but... what if you're chest binding? Here's a guide on how to stay comfortable even with a binder.

People don't naturally flatten their chests, so we have to be somewhat creative if we want to avoid gender dysphoria. Binders help us do this by compressing the chest. However, it's also another piece of clothing that will make us sweat or pant in the summer. So, what to do about it?

1. We use baby powder.

What happens in summer when it's hot? We sweat. Is that a problem? When we wear tight clothing, like a binder, yes, we can even get an nasty rash. Can we limit it at least a little? Yes. One option is to use baby powder, which has the great property of reducing sweating and absorbing secreted fluids. So, before you put on your binder, apply some powder to keep your skin as soft as a baby's 🙂

2. We choose a binder made of breathable material.

It's the same as with any other clothing or footwear: with breathable, ideally cotton, clothing material, our skin will breathe better. So, when you're getting a binder, check what it's made of. This doesn't mean less breathable binders are bad; they just aren't suitable for scorching summer.

3. We prefer to take one size larger.

It's not just about the fabric, but also the size. Even if you wear a cotton binder, if it's too tight, it won't help much, and you'll feel like you're in an oven. So, to be safe, put on a slightly larger binder, maybe just one size up, so it doesn't flap around and still serves its purpose (a too-loose binder won't flatten your chest).

4. We don't wear a binder for more than six hours at a time.

Any binder should be removed after a maximum of six hours, regardless of the season. It can cause breathing difficulties.