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.
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
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
- Carefully read this page, especially our Frequently Asked Questions section.
- Measure yourself using the guide on this page.
- 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.
- 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!)
- 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.) - 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?"
"What does packaging look like?"
Packaging for our mailed garments is extremely discreet. 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.
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?"
"Can I have my binder shipped to a trusted friend or relative?"
"Can I have my binder shipped to a post office?"
"I've submitted my request. Can I edit it?"
"I already have a binder that no longer fits and I need a different size. Do you offer exchanges?"
"I have a medical condition. Is it safe for me to use a binder?"
"I don't need a binder anymore. How can I cancel my request?"
"Is there an age requirement?"
"Is shipping free?"
"Do you ship internationally?"
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.
Read the full guide
Binding can help to reduce dysphoria and make you feel more comfortable with your body. Explore our full guide for how to bind your chest safely, tips to make binding more comfortable, and more.