Gender Affirming Underwear - Definitions
Gender affirmation is a deeply personal and evolving journey, and gender-affirming underwear plays a vital role for many individuals. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of a variety of gender-affirming underwear options available on our site, their purposes, and who typically uses them. Our collection is constantly growing and evolving to meet the diverse needs and preferences of our community. As we expand our range of gender inclusive brands and styles, we will update our glossary and invite you to check back often to discover new and exciting options to help you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
Binding
What is binding? Binding is the practice of compressing breast tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour.
This can be achieved with binding tape or with specially designed compression garments (binders). Binding is widely used by transgender men, non-binary individuals, and anyone seeking to minimise the appearance of their chest.
Binder
What is a binder? A binder is a compression garment specifically designed to flatten the chest.
Binders are available in various styles, materials, and compression levels. They are often used by transgender men and non-binary individuals to achieve a more masculine silhouette.
Binding Tape
What is binding tape? Also known as kinesiology tape, KT tape, and trans tape, binding tape is an elastic adhesive used to compress and reposition chest tissue.
It is often preferred over traditional binders for activities like sports or exercise, as it allows for greater flexibility and breathability. Binding tape can be applied in various patterns to achieve different levels of compression and support.
Bra
What is a bra? A bra is a piece of underwear that supports the breasts.
In the gender affirmation space, bras can be used with or without breast forms or breast plates to simulate having a bust and create a feminine silhouette. They can be underwire or wirefree and may have pockets to hold breast prostheses.
Breast Form / Breast Prosthesis
What are breast forms? Breast forms are prosthetic devices used to simulate the appearance and feel of a female breast.
Breast forms come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from lightweight cotton to realistic silicone. They are often used by transgender women, crossdressers and those who have undergone mastectomies or other chest surgeries.
Male cross-dressers will often utilize different types and styles of breast forms, which are silicone, or foam prostheses traditionally used by women who have undergone mastectomies to recreate the visual appearance of a breast.
Breast prosthesis are available in a range of colours, sizes, shapes, and projection. The typical crossdressing breast forms are teardrop shaped however this generally doesn't provide the width and chest coverage required for a male born chest. For a realistic silhouette, expert bra fitter, Tracey from Illusions Lingerie recommends triangular shaped forms.
Breast Plate
What is a breast plate? A breast plate offers an all-in-one solution to create a bust without individual breast forms.
Often used by crossdressers and drag queens, breast plates are suspended around the neck like a bib and provide a pre-shaped, realistic bust. They are typically made of silicone or cotton-filled and are available in a range of sizes.
Gaffs
What is a gaff? Gaffs are a type of compressive underwear designed to flatten the appearance of genitalia, often used alongside tucking.
Gaffs typically feature a high-cut leg line and a reinforced front panel to offer both compression and support. They are a popular choice for transgender women, transfeminine individuals, and performers seeking a smooth silhouette.
Joey
What are Joeys? Created by the brand "Get Your Joey", a Joey is a fabric pouch designed to hold a packer securely in place.
Joeys offer a versatile and affordable alternative to traditional packing underwear. The wearer can attach a Joey to their existing underwear using safety pins or other fasteners, allowing for greater customization and flexibility in packing options.
Read our Get Your Joey Guide to find out what packing pouch is right for you.
Packer
What is a packer? A packer is a prosthetic device worn in the underwear to simulate the appearance and sometimes feel of male genitalia.
Packers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from basic stuffed fabric forms to realistic silicone prosthetics. Transgender men and masculine-presenting individuals often use packers as a way to affirm their gender identity and reduce dysphoria. Packers with the ability to urinate through are referred to as STP’s (Stand-To-Pee).
Packing
What is packing? Packing is the practice of using a prosthetic device, known as a packer or STP, to create the appearance of male genitalia.
Packers are typically worn in specifically designed packing underwear or pouches and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, ranging from soft fabric forms to realistic silicone prosthetics. Some packers, known as STP (stand-to-pee) packers, even allow the wearer to urinate while standing. Packing is commonly used by transgender men, non-binary individuals, and anyone seeking to affirm their gender identity and feel more comfortable in their bodies.
Packing Underwear
What is packing underwear? This is a type of underwear designed to securely and comfortably hold a packer or STP in place.
Packing underwear often features a built-in pouch or pocket to discreetly house the packer. They are available in various styles, from briefs to boxers and pouches or belts, catering to different preferences and needs.
Smoothing Underwear
What is smoothing underwear? Smoothing underwear provides a feminine silhouette without the need for excessive compression.
Unlike traditional tucking methods, smoothing underwear doesn't require a tight fit. They are designed to be comfortable while still creating a smooth, feminine shape. Transgender women, transfeminine individuals, and anyone desiring a more contoured figure may choose shaping underwear.
Stand-to-Pee (STP) Devices
What is an STP device? An STP device is a packer that also allows the wearer to urinate while standing.
STP devices combine the features of a packer with a funnel-like structure to facilitate urination. They are a practical solution for transgender men and non-binary individuals who have not undergone surgery but wish to urinate while standing.
Swim Form
What is a swim form? Swim forms are specialised silicone breast forms designed for use in water.
These forms have ridges or bumps that allow water to flow through, preventing suction and ensuring a comfortable swimming experience. Transgender women, non-binary individuals, and those with breast prosthetics often use swim forms for swimming or other water activities.
Tucking
What is tucking? Tucking is the practice of concealing the penis and testes to create a flat front.
Tucking involves positioning the penis and testes between the legs and securing them with specialised underwear, tape, or a combination of both. This practice is common among transgender women, transfeminine individuals, and anyone seeking to minimise the appearance of male genitalia.
Tucking Tape
What is tucking tape? This is a tape with specialised adhesive designed to secure the genitals, while binding tape is used to compress and reposition chest tissue.
Tucking tape, often made of medical-grade materials, is specifically formulated to be gentle on the skin while providing a strong hold. It is commonly used by transgender women and transfeminine individuals as part of the tucking process.
As we continue to expand our collection of gender-affirming underwear, we will strive to update this resource with the latest product definitions and information. We encourage you to share your feedback and suggestions for additional terms or topics you'd like us to cover. Your input is invaluable as we strive to create a comprehensive and inclusive resource for all individuals on their gender affirmation journey.
