Free Chest Binder Programs For Transgender Individuals A Guide To Access And Eligibility

Jan. 16, 2026, 3:36 p.m.

Tags: ftm

Free chest binder programs provide essential gender-affirming resources to transgender, non-binary, genderfluid, and other gender-diverse individuals who face financial or safety barriers to obtaining compression garments. These programs, run by non-profit organizations and community-focused initiatives, offer binders at no cost to support individuals in their identity presentation and reduce gender dysphoria. The available sources detail several specific programs, their eligibility criteria, application processes, and geographic availability, primarily focusing on initiatives in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

Overview of Available Programs

Multiple organizations operate free binder programs, each with distinct eligibility requirements, application methods, and distribution models. These programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, often prioritizing individuals who cannot afford binders or face safety concerns when purchasing them.

Point of Pride Free Chest Binder Program

Point of Pride offers free chest binders to any transgender person who needs one and cannot afford or safely obtain one. The program has two main requirements: - The applicant must identify as transgender, including FTM, genderqueer, non-binary, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, and all other non-cis identities under the trans umbrella. - The applicant cannot afford to purchase a binder or cannot safely obtain one.

Applications are open year-round, and once submitted, requests are added to a waitlist. Shipping is discrete and free to over 90 countries worldwide. To apply, individuals must carefully read the program page, measure themselves, and submit an application via a Google Form. Applicants will receive an email from an "@pointofpride.org" address when their garment is ready to ship.

Trans Essentials Free Gender Affirming Gear Program

This program is available to individuals aged 24 and under with shipping addresses in the United States. Selected recipients receive one free item via lottery, including: - A Cotton Lined Tri Top Binder - Rodeoh Compression Top - A Pair of Rubies Shaping Underwear - A Set of Bra Buds Inserts Underworks

Applicants must explain their financial or situational need. Recipients are typically selected quarterly in January, April, July, and October. If an applicant does not hear back within 90 days, they may reapply. The program reserves the right to alter or end at any time. Donations of binders are also accepted.

Morebinders Program

Based in Sudbury, Ontario, Morebinders distributes free chest binders to transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, and genderfluid youth in Canada and the USA who cannot afford them. Founded in June 2021 by Nathan, an Indigenous trans man, the program has distributed over 500 binders in three years. It prioritizes BIPOC individuals, ensuring up to 50% of recipients each month are from these communities.

Binders are donated in new or excellent condition and include brands such as gc2b, Origami Customs, Underworks, and TransTape. All items are shipped discreetly from Morebinders to ensure quality. To request a binder, individuals must fill out a form on the "Sign up for a binder" page. Wait times may be several weeks, and applicants can contact the organization for updates.

TOMSCOUT The Freedom Binder Initiative

TOMSCOUT offers free chest binders to trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals who share their stories. Each month, stories reflecting courage, identity, and lived experience are selected. Priority is given to applicants facing financial or safety barriers, including minors and young adults. Individuals under 21 may qualify with parental or guardian consent, depending on country-specific rules.

The application process involves three steps: 1. Share a story through a short form, only disclosing what is comfortable. 2. Help spread the word about the program. 3. The organization reviews stories and sends binders discreetly to selected applicants.

No income check is required, and there is no judgment in the selection process. Applicants are currently being reviewed for the February 2025 batch.

Genderbands Binder Program

Genderbands provides binding resources and information on safe binding practices. Currently, their binder shipping program is not accepting new applications due to high demand and limited resources. They are still processing and shipping binders to those who previously applied.

Locals in Orem, Utah, can acquire binders by visiting the organization's headquarters or Pride event booths. Appointments can be set up via email. Additionally, Genderbands hosts periodic binder giveaways open to anyone on the trans or non-binary spectrum worldwide, with specific rules posted for each giveaway. The organization also accepts donations of gently used binders.

Application Processes and Requirements

Application processes vary by program but generally involve self-identification as transgender or gender-diverse, proof of financial need, and sometimes specific measurements.

Measurement Requirements

Some programs require applicants to provide accurate measurements. For example, TOMSCOUT automatically disqualifies applicants who answer "I don't know" or "I can't measure," even if their story is strong. Point of Pride also instructs applicants to measure themselves before submitting a form.

Financial and Safety Needs

Most programs prioritize individuals who cannot afford binders or face safety issues when obtaining them. Trans Essentials requires an explanation of financial or situational need in the application. Point of Pride and TOMSCOUT explicitly mention safety concerns as a qualifying factor.

Geographic and Age Restrictions

Trans Essentials is limited to U.S. residents aged 24 and under. Morebinders ships to Canada and the USA. Point of Pride ships internationally to over 90 countries. TOMSCOUT may have parental consent requirements for applicants under 21, depending on local laws. Genderbands' shipping program is currently paused, but local pickup and giveaways remain options.

Selection Methods

Selection processes differ: Point of Pride uses a waitlist system, Trans Essentials uses a quarterly lottery, TOMSCOUT selects based on story submissions, and Morebinders operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a focus on BIPOC representation.

Additional Resources and Considerations

Beyond direct binder programs, sources list other resources for binding products and information.

TransParent Resource List

TransParent provides a list of binder brands and retailers, including AndyCoreByEmmet (Etsy), BinderMe (Etsy), UNTAG (EU), Flavnt, FTM Essentials, FTM Smalls (Etsy), gc2b, Gender Bender LLC (Etsy), Gendergear (CA), MyDouble Design, Origami Customs, Paxsies (EU), PeeCock Products, Shapeshifters, Sock Drawer Heroes, TomScout, TransgenderWare (Etsy), TransGuys, TransGuy Supply, Underneath the Rainbow (Etsy), Underworks, Venus Envy (CA), Vest Binder, and Your Open Closet (CA). TransParent does not endorse these resources and advises users to verify appropriateness.

Safety and Usage Information

Genderbands emphasizes safe binding practices to reduce health risks. They note that binding is not required for valid gender expression and provide guidance on safe usage. Point of Pride and other programs include self-assessment sections to help applicants consider their need and access.

Conclusion

Free chest binder programs play a crucial role in supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals by providing accessible, no-cost gender-affirming garments. Programs like those from Point of Pride, Trans Essentials, Morebinders, TOMSCOUT, and Genderbands offer varied approaches, from waitlists and lotteries to story-based selections, with geographic and age-specific restrictions. Applicants should carefully review eligibility criteria, measurement requirements, and application steps for each program. Additionally, resource lists from organizations like TransParent can help individuals explore commercial options, while safety information from groups like Genderbands promotes responsible binding practices. These initiatives collectively address financial and safety barriers, ensuring more individuals can access the resources they need for their gender journey.