We are trying to compile as many useful resources as we can for your convenience.
How to measure yourself
How do you measure your size?
- When taking your measurements, be sure to wear thin/tight clothing to ensure accurate measurements.
- Take measurements in front of a mirror; looking down at the measurement can cause the tape to slip, giving an inaccurate reading.
Chest/Bust Measurement
- Place the measuring tape under your arms and wrap it around your back and chest. Ideally, the tape should be just above the beginning of your breast tissue and just below your arm pits.
- For the most accurate measurement, guide the tape measure across the largest part of your chest that doesn’t include much breast tissue; this is usually above the nipples.
Waist Measurement
- Start at the top of your hip bone, then bring the tape measure all the way around your body, level with your belly button.
- Make sure it’s not too tight and that it’s straight, even at the back.
- Don’t hold your breath while measuring.
- Check the number on the tape measure right after you exhale
Hip Measurement
- Start at one hip and wrap the tape measure around your rear, then around the other hip, and back to where you started.
- Make sure the tape is over the largest part of your buttocks.
- Because making sure the tape is level back there can be difficult, we recommend you take your measurements in front of a mirror.
Shoulder Width
- Place the measuring tape at the point of one of your shoulders, then stretch the tape to the point of your other shoulder.
- Don’t wrap the measuring tape all the way around your shoulders for this measurement, just point to point.
Using binders safely
You should build up wearing a binder.
To start with, wear it only for about 2 hours. After a few days, extend the time to 4 hours then 6 hours.
Do not wear a binder longer than 8 hours in a row.
You should never wear your binder to sleep. Your body needs to be able to rest and move freely during your sleep.
If the top pinches or you get painful or red stretch marks over time, you may have the wrong size.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us on folx@folx-emporium.com.au for personal advice.
How to wash your chest binder
- If your binder has any fastening, such as hooks, velcro or a zipper, close them before washing to ensure nothing is damaged.
- Flip your binder inside-out to wash it, since the inside is the part that touches your skin the most and is most likely to be sweaty.
- Preferably choose a mild detergent to wash your binder (normal will also work if you don’t have any mild one). If you don’t have any laundry detergent, bar soap will work in a pinch.
Avoid using strong detergent, bleach, or softeners. - The best way to wash your binder is hand washing it:
- Fill a sink, plastic tub or bucket with cool water (hot water can damage the material and cause it to shrink) and place your binder in the water. Don’t soak it for too long to avoid damaging the fabric.
- If you notice any stains, you can gently scrub them with your hands or with soap, but be careful not to be too rough.
- Thoroughly rinse your binder with clean water, until all traces of bubbles or detergent have disappeared from the fabric.
- Gently squeeze the extra water out (do not wring your binder as that would damage it)
- If you want or need to use a washing machine:
- Put your binder in a lingerie bag if possible (a pillow case can do if you don’t have a lingerie bag)
- Use cold water and set the cycle on the “Delicates” or “Gentle” setting. If your washing machine doesn’t have that option, a normal cycle might do as long as it’s not too rough.
- Hang your binder on a clothes line or a hanger to dry it. It is recommended to keep your binder in the shade to dry if possible.
Do not use a dryer, as this can damage the binder, cause it to shrink, and shorten its lifespan.