Why We Build Our Binders Differently

At Origami Customs, we're passionate about creating gender-affirming products that prioritize comfort, and safety, and help you feel good in your body. We’ve been making binder technology for over a decade, reiterating and redesigning our binders based on your feedback and needs. And to be perfectly honest, we’re seriously proud of what we’ve accomplished. 

However, the technology we’ve developed is quite a bit different than other binders on the market. This means that, every once in a while, someone who’s used to other binders purchases our product and doesn’t get the same type of binder or compression they were expecting. The result is a whole lot of sadness, both on the client’s part and for our team.

We’re so proud of the products that we make, and we don’t want anyone to spend their hard-earned money on something that’s not right for them. Especially since all our products are made to order one by one and we can’t accept returns like other companies can. 

So we wanted to take some time to clarify how our binders are built differently, so we can help you make the best purchasing choice possible. No matter what, we want you to find the gender-affirming gear that’s right for you, even if you’re not getting it from us!

What Are Chest Binders?

Binders are compression garments designed to flatten the chest, helping individuals achieve a more masculine or flattened appearance. They are commonly used by transgender men, non-binary and gender fluid people, others who experience gender dysphoria related to their chest, or who just prefer to minimize the appearance of their chest tissue. (New to binding? Read our Binding 101 blog!)

Traditionally, most binders are made in the same way: They have a non-stretch panel in the front and a stretch panel in the back. The non-stretch panel hangs flat and compresses tightly, which can help achieve a very flat appearance of the chest tissue.

 

How Origami Customs Binders Are Different

Most binder companies are designing binders in one way- with no stretch in the front and a *lot* of stretch in the back. We looked around and saw so many people having health issues with this design, that we thought we’d do it a little differently. Instead, our binders are made entirely of two layers of our amazing stretch Powermesh on the front and the back, which gives you compression but also allows for flexibility, chest expansion, and mobility. 

We understand that many people expect binders to have a non-stretch front panel for maximum compression. And it can be surprising to put on a binder that still has the appearance of some contouring, especially if your chest is larger. We understand these concerns and want to clarify that our binders are intentionally designed with stretch mesh material to prioritize comfort and safety.

While they may not offer the same type of flattening as binders with a non-stretch front panel, they provide a safer and more comfortable experience. So if our binder design isn’t for you, that’s totally okay! But here's why we decided to design our binders that way.

Why Origami Customs Binders Are Stretchy

Comfort and Safety First

Our top priority at Origami Customs is your comfort and safety. Non-stretch panels are effective at compressing your chest tissue. However, achieving compression that way is restrictive, limiting movement and potentially causing discomfort, especially when worn for extended periods. They can pose serious health risks, such as difficulty breathing, back and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and even tissue and rib damage over time, particularly when binding with a bigger chest. 

We have too many friends who were hurt or had health problems from using flat-front panel binders. Many folks who were binding for long periods of time now live with long-term rib damage, nerve pain, sciatica, and more. The more constrictive your binder is the more masculinized your chest appearance will be, and sometimes people are willing to be unsafe because of dysphoria. We understand that you want to feel good in your body, but we also don’t want to be a company that could make you unsafe or unwell. 

We just don’t feel good about making a product that could cause you health problems, especially because we sell online and can’t guarantee that you’ll use safe binding practices. So, while our binders still compress, we’ve allowed the front panel to have some stretch to mitigate health problems. We want you to feel good, and to be safe. 

Freedom of Movement 

Wearing a flat-panel binder while being active can be dangerous because it can increase body heat and you can’t fully expand your lungs to breathe. But we know that you still want to feel affirmed while working out,, dancing, or any other activity that you regularly do. 

The stretch mesh panel in our binders allows for a greater range of motion and comfort. The stretch means that your lungs aren’t constricted, so when you’re doing something active, you can still breathe properly. And having mesh all around your chest means that your binder is that much more breathable, so you don’t have to worry about overheating when you’re wearing a binder under your clothes. 

This flexibility means you can go about your day—whether that's working out, singing, dancing, swimming, or just hanging out—without feeling constricted. Our binders are designed to move with you, not against you, so you can feel good while being comfortable. 

Swim Safety

All of our binders are safe to wear in the water as swimwear! The mesh styles are great under a rashguard or swim top, and the lycra styles are perfectly opaque to use on their own. We made sure to design our binders for swim use so that you can get more out of your purchase. If you’re investing in a custom binder, we want to make sure you can use it in a wide range of activities, and for a long time. We know you’re choosing to support the queer and trans designers and sewists in Montreal who make your piece- but we know they’re not the cheapest ones around! So like everything we make, we want to build in as many uses as possible. 

Mobility Issues

Most traditional binders are pulled over your head and shoulders and onto your chest. A binder is already made to be smaller than your measurements to aid in the compression. So when you have a front panel that doesn’t stretch, it can be hard for some people to get the garment on, especially if you have mobility issues or pain. 

Even when it’s on, a binder with a non-stretch front panel can also be harder to adjust depending on how much chest tissue you have, which can be a frustrating and uncomfortable process (if not downright dangerous when not done properly!) that can further hinder mobility and flexibility, and irritate sensitive skin.

Having a mesh front panel gives you some wiggle room to help you get the garment into place over your head and adjust it to your body. We even have a side-open binder option if you’re unable to pull it on (although it does take some strength.) We want to make sure that anyone can wear our binders. 

Longevity

While binder and fabric technology is always changing, we do find that flat-front binders don’t tend to last you as long. With a traditional binder, you have a front panel without give, and then you put it under pressure when you bind. Inevitably that means that the front panel will lose its shape over time. 

The mesh panel in our binders doesn’t experience that same pressure because it’s meant to be flexible. While our binder is meant to be tight when you receive it and will relax after a few wears, the mesh will stand up better over time. One of the benefits of using dense stretch materials is that they maintain their elasticity and shape. We want you to be able to use your garment as long as possible so you don’t have to replace it.

Custom Sizing and Fit

As always, the thing we’re the most proud of about our garments is that we offer custom sizing for FREE! We’re one of the only companies out there that’s figured out how to size our products perfectly to your unique body. If you send in your measurements our incredible team of sewers will make it to fit you perfectly. 

Having a binder that fits you perfectly is another way that we help relieve any issues that could be caused by binding. A proper fit is crucial for the effectiveness and comfort of any binder. Our stretch mesh panel, combined with custom sizing, ensures that each binder will be as comfortable as possible for your unique body. This approach helps distribute compression evenly, reducing the risk of discomfort or health issues.

Expectations For Your Binder

Our Binders Compress Differently

We want to be clear that the way we design our binders will not compress in the same way as highly-compressive flat front binders. While the power mesh will flatten out chest tissue, there is a limit to how flat it can compress the chest. Our binders will also sit snug against your rib cage, which can give the appearance of a bit of a contour. This means that, while you will be compressed, our binders may not create a perfectly flat appearance like a traditional binder. 

Our Binders Have Different Compression Levels

We also want to note that not all of our binders compress to the same level. We offer different compression levels to support the diverse needs of our community. Our binders are listed by order of compression, so you can choose which level of chest compression is right for you. 

We Promise Your Binder is Sized Correctly

Also, be aware that when you receive your binder, it may seem like it’s too small at first. This is intentional so that it will be at its maximum stretch and can compress properly. The material we use will relax slightly after a few wears, and so we factor that into the sizing. Otherwise, it would fit a lot more easily when new, but loosen to be ineffective as a binder over time.

We actually have some specific numbers about what you can expect in terms of your binder size relative to your measurements. Based on our most popular flagship Lycra Racerback Binder if your chest is, say, 36 inches, your binder will be 24 inches. The binder is about a third less than your overall chest measurement to ensure that it stretches to fit. 

Binder Safety Guidelines and Recommendations

While our binders are designed with safety in mind, it's still important to follow some basic guidelines for healthy binding. We recommend limiting binder wear to 8-12 hours a day, taking regular breaks, and staying hydrated. Avoid sleeping in your binder, and always listen to your body. If you experience any pain or discomfort, it's crucial to take a break and adjust your binder as needed.

If you’re new to binding, read the Binding 101 Blog!

Thanks for Being Here

At Origami Customs, we do our best to create products that support your journey toward self-expression and comfort. Our binders are intentionally designed with a stretch mesh front panel to offer a safer and more comfortable binding experience. We understand that this may not be the typical binder design you're used to, but we believe it's the best choice for our community's health and well-being.

It’s important to note that people with more chest tissue experience binding differently- and that’s why we’re working on some informative resources specifically related to binding with a bigger body. Look for this in the coming months! If you want to let us know what this has been like for you, please let us know! 

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns about fit and comfort. We're here to help you find the best binder for your needs. Ready to experience the comfort and safety of our custom-sized binders? Explore our range of products and find the perfect binder for you!