Bachelor Thesis ยท 2017
Binder
A binder is a gender-affirming apparel, mainly used in the trans community. It helps people to achieve the bodyshape they feel most comfortable with. Although the shape is similar to a sports-bra, the purpose is completely different: instead of supporting the breast, a binder flattens the chest. It has a high level of compression, which can be negative for inner organs, when choosing the wrong size. The compression makes it also difficult to put the binder on and take it off. This design of a binder is more user-friendly, adaptable, comfortable and almost invisible.
Hooks, velcro and an elastic band are used to make the binder adaptable and offer an easier way to put it on and to take it off. The first step (1) is to close the hooks on the elastic band. There are two rows, so the users can adapt it to their body. The upper hook (2) holds the binder in place when the user needs both hands to close the velcro on the side (3). The compression is slightly adaptable, depending on how tight the user closes the velcro. With the last step (4), the breats can be additionally pressed downwards, to reach an even better result without making the user feel uncomfortable.
Check out the whole process of putting the binder (functional prototype) on in the image gallery bellow:
The model in the picture normally has the cup size 32D and wears a lightly padded bra in comparsion to the prototype of the binder. Due to it's shape, it is not visible although the pullover has a wide neckline.
Images: Alina Schnizler
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