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Free Chest Binders

Point of Pride provides free chest binders (specially-designed chest compression garments) to any trans person who needs one and cannot afford or safely obtain one.

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Requirements

We have only two requirements in an effort to be as inclusive as possible:

  • You identify as transgender (FTM, genderqueer, non-binary, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and every other non-cis identity within the trans umbrella.)
  • You cannot afford to purchase a binder, or you cannot safely obtain a binder.

We accept all requests for support. Once you complete your application, your request will be added to our waitlist. Shipping is discrete and 100% free, and we ship internationally to 90+ countries and counting.

Two trans youth smile as one person receives their free chest binder

Two trans youth smile as one person receives their free chest binder

Self-Assessment

This program is intended to help trans folks who otherwise can not afford or access a binder. We ask that you consider your access before applying. 

  • Are you able to pay for a binder? (If yes, we recommend our sponsor and partner gc2b, a manufacturer of high-quality, affordably priced chest binders.)

How It Works

  1. Carefully read this page, especially our Frequently Asked Questions section.
  2. Measure yourself using the guide on this page.
  3. Submit your request via the Google form at the bottom of this page. Once you submit, you’ll automatically be added to our waiting list.
  4. Wait until your binder is ready. (We know the waiting list is very long, and we are working as hard as we can to meet the demand from our community. Thanks for your patience!)
  5. You will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" account when your garment is ready to be shipped. At that time, you can review how your name should appear on the label, what mailing address we should use, and what size garment you need. You can make updates or changes at this time.

    (Because our team will contact you via email, please check your spam folder and the quota limit on your inbox to make sure it hasn’t been filtered or bounced back. You may need to search for email accounts that end in “@pointofpride.org” or update your settings to allow emails from “@pointofpride.org” accounts. Please note that in most instances of applicants missing status updates, the result is due to spam filters. To help us focus on supporting our community, we strongly encourage checking your account for any missed messages before reaching out. From all of us at Point of Pride, we are deeply appreciative of your patience and understanding.)
  6. We mail out your binder! You will receive two emails: one from us with the subject “Your Package Has Shipped!” and one from “No-Reply@stamps.com” with your tracking number. You can enter the tracking number via USPS and set up text or email alerts for your package. (Tracking numbers can take up to 24 hours to fully activate and the USPS site may list the package as “pre-shipment” until it activates.)

How to Measure Yourself

Before you request a free binder, you’ll need to know your size.

Grab a measuring tape and place it under your arms, around your back and chest. The tape should be just below your armpits. We use gc2b’s sizing guide as our model. Because all binder manufacturers are slightly different, if you’re in between two sizes, please round up to the larger size. (For more details and a video demonstration, please refer to gc2b’s guide.)

SIZE CHEST
XXS 27-30″
XS 30-32″
Small 32-34″
Medium 34-36″
Large 36-38″
X-Large 38-40″
2XL 40-42″
3XL 42-44″
4XL 44-47″
5XL 47-52″

FAQs

"What kind of binder will I receive?"

95% of the binders we mail out are brand-new, white, full-length gc2b binders. Occasionally, our binders may be sourced from Underworks or other manufacturers, but we ensure all binders are sorted against gc2b’s sizing chart. We guarantee you’ll receive a binder in the size you need, but we can’t always guarantee the style or color at this time.

"What does packaging look like?"

Packaging for our mailed garments is extremely discrete. Your items will be shipped in a plain white mailing envelope. The sender’s name is “Point of Pride.” Nothing with the words “LGBT” or “trans” appear on the packaging.

PointOfPride_Packaging_FreeChestBinder

The package is flexible and will fit inside of most PO Boxes. For street address deliveries, it is usually left inside the mailbox (or on the porch/inside the door in the rare event that the mailbox is too small). Signature is not required.

If international, the customs form will list the contents as “underwear” and will have the item marked as a gift, but you’ll still want to check with your country’s customs office for how the customs process may affect you. Many of the provided tracking numbers stop working once the package leaves the US, so you may want to check with your local postal service to determine the best method for tracking your package once it’s left the US.

The package will contain your binder, an informational card on safer binding techniques, 1-2 stickers, and a note of support meant to brighten your day (written by other trans people, volunteers, and community members.)

"How do I wash or care for my garment?"

We recommend you hand wash and hang to dry by air. You can use cold or warm water to wash your binder. Lather it with some dish soap or laundry detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If you wash it in the evening and leave it out to dry, it should ready to wear by morning. If you need to dry it using a machine, use a delicates bag to ensure your binder doesn’t get damaged or caught on other clothes.

"Can I have my binder shipped to a trusted friend or relative?"

Yes. We can ship your binder to a friend, family member, or another trusted person if you cannot receive it at your house. Please complete the application with your friend’s mailing address, but put your information (such as your email address) for all other fields on the form.

"Can I have my binder shipped to a post office?"

Yes. We can ship to any valid mailing address. However, it is your responsibility to contact your local postal service and determine exactly how they need the address to be listed on your envelope in order for it to arrive successfully and be available for you to pick it up. Be sure to ask if they have any requirements such as needing to show ID when picking up your package, so that the name on your package matches the name on your ID.

"I've submitted my request. Can I edit it?"

No. If you need to change your mailing information or garment size, you will have the opportunity to do so when your garment is almost ready to ship. (If you need to change the email account associated with your request, please email us at info@pointofpride.org for assistance.)

"I already have a binder that no longer fits and I need a different size. Do you offer exchanges?"

Unfortunately, no. We do not have the ability to exchange your binder for a different sized one. We recommend reaching out to your local LGBTQ+ center, if possible, to see if they are aware of binder swaps in your area.

"I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a binder?"

We are not, nor do we claim to be, healthcare providers or medical experts in any capacity. We also recognize that there is appallingly little research done that recognizes our community and that for many of our applicants, there are significant barriers to accessing knowledgable and affirming care. As much as we empathize with the challenges faced by so many in our community, we are unable to make any recommendations whatsoever for individuals with pre-existing conditions, as that would be outside the scope of our ability to support. We simply do not have the resources to provide any recommendations specific to your unique situation and we firmly believe that your health is too important to entrust to someone who does not have the knowledge and experience required to support you. If possible, we encourage you to speak directly with your healthcare provider.

"I don't need a binder anymore. How can I cancel my request?"

If you no longer need a binder, you may cancel your request here.

"Is there an age requirement?"

No. Anyone of any age may submit a request. However, in order to comply with U.S. state and federal regulations, if you are 13 years of age or younger, we can only accept your request with the consent of your parent or legal guardian. Please note that you have consent in the written responses of your application.

"Is shipping free?"

Yes, Point of Pride pays for all shipping and processing fees. (For international recipients, your country may assess additional/separate fees, tariffs, or taxes; these expenses cannot be paid for or reimbursed by Point of Pride. We'll remind you to double-check your country's customs policy when you request your garment.)

"Do you ship internationally?"

Yes. We are fully international and can ship anywhere USPS will deliver.

Wait Time

We are currently processing requests submitted in July–December 2019. View our Program Status Dashboard

Although we mail out hundreds of garments every month, we receive 60 new requests every single day. We know our waiting times are extraordinarily long, and we are working as hard as we can to meet the demand. Thank you for your patience!

Binding Safely

Binding can help to reduce chest dysphoria and help you be more comfortable with your body. The most important thing is that you do it safely.

ALWAYS

...use only a specially-designed chest binder or compression garment.

...bind for less than 8 hours a day (the more breaks and time you can go without, the better!)

...take it off before you sleep or before you exercise to give your body a rest. Sports bras are designed to move with you as you workout, while a binder can make movement and even breathing more difficult.

NEVER

...use duct tape or Ace bandages as a replacement for a chest binder. Binding with these materials can restrict your ability to breathe and move properly. Ace bandages are designed to constrict, so as you breathe, they get tighter and tighter and can really hurt you.

...wear a binder that’s too small. Tightness ≠ better binding. A binder should create a masculine torso, not crush your ribcage or make it hard to breathe.

...wear a binder if you feel pain. Binding may be a little uncomfortable, but it should not hurt. Try out a larger compression shirt, find binding alternatives that work for you, or try different ways to hide your chest without binding. Pain is always an indicator that something is wrong.

Other Tips:

  • Depending on your style of binder (especially full-length or mid-length styles), it might be easier to put it on by stepping into it rather than pulling it on like a regular t-shirt. Stick your feet in between the shoulder straps and pull it up your body to your chest, then stick your arms through the holes.
  • To make binding more comfortable, some folks wear a light shirt underneath or apply baby powder to their skin.

Other Resources: