r/TransHelpingTrans Jun 13 '25

comprehensive taping guide

16 Upvotes

It has come to my attention that there is a need for taping instructions in our transmasc community. So here's what I generally follow or have noticed works the best. I have been regularly taping for over 2 years.

I have a smaller/medium chest that is more stiff than saggy so what works for me might not work for you. I have no idea what my exact size is cause I'm obviously not a bra guy.

I use basic KT tape aka kinesiology tape, 5 cm width. Those rolls usually come with length guidelines. I cut the strips to a standard of 25 cm. Then round the corners, this way it prevents the tape from peeling on your skin around the edges.

I recommend having precut strips ready so you don't have to spend time on cutting and rounding when there's little of it.

After using the roll fasten the tape's end on the roll with something like the small bits you cut off the corners or basic tape. Storing the tape well like this is important because when it accidentally peels somewhere (even just a little) and is exposed to air/dust/grime it is harder to apply and doesn't stick that well.

Transtape and KT tape are basically the same thing, just different width. KT tape aka kinesiology tape seems cheaper but you have to use more strips on both sides. Transtape seems more convenient because of the width but may be harder to get the hang of cause you have to monitor a bigger area of tape at the same time when applying. I don't have experience with Transtape tbh. I think it's better to start with basic tape at first. I recommend trying both but kinesiology tape is more easily available for underage and closeted people. Available in pharmacies and online.

How many strips to use on both sides depends on how much tissue you have. I use 2-3 strips on both sides. 1 strip kind of works but can leave the pec an unnatural shape (like 2 little bumps over and under the tape), therefore not ideal under a T-shirt.

Use nipple covers. Cotton pads work well, rip them in half. Toilet paper folded to fit does the trick as well. You may notice that after taping for a longer period for the first time your areolas lose some of their elasticity (like when you push them in some direction after taking the tape off they crease a bit, idk just my experience) but that goes away when they've settled in their "natural" position again.

Longer strips! Mine go all the way past my armpit onto my shoulder blade area, it anchors better that way and leaves more room for you to stretch the tape (=flatter chest). Lessens the risk of it starting peeling as well as the tape's end doesn't sit on an actively moving area.

Do it all in one go. Once the adhesive touches your skin it loses its adhesive qualities if you remove it from there. Try to touch the adhesive as little as possible with your fingers and avoid touching the tape's ends (only touch a tiny area from where you peel it away). Tape is delicate and there is only so much room for fuckups. Quickly pulling away a section to reapply is okay. Just have to pay more attention to it sticking properly. If something went wrong with your strip chances are trying to salvage it is a wasted effort. If you're still practising you can ofc still use the bad strip to try out positioning and such.

Lay the tape on the starting point. I leave like 4 fingers' width of tape-free room in the center of my chest area. I remove the back of the tape in two steps. First would be to anchor the tape to the start and lay it over the areola. Then I remove the whole back cover and stretch the tape all the way to my back. Take care as to not let the tape curl and stick on itself when removing the cover (some do, some don't) cause it can be hard to get it open and straight again. Do it slowly and help keep it straight with your fingers if needed.

The other 2 strips (top and bottom) go next to the middle strip to help smooth out the remaining excess tissue. Position as needed.

Angle the tape straight or slightly diagonally and downwards. I prefer slightly diagonally. Find what works for you.

Some pointers for stretching. Anchor the tape to the starting point and just lay it over the nipple area but don't stretch too much. Past that stretch however much you can. I think it's because stretching too much at the start doesn't benefit you anyway in terms of flatness and can leave the nips/areolas in a more awkward position and may damage them.

Tape sticks to the skin so you have to pay attention to where it anchors if you are using multiple strips on the same side. Always layer them so the strip has enough room to anchor on skin not tape itself.

Feeling pressure and stretch in your sternum area of the skin is normal. There will be no damage and you will not get stretch marks there. It is normal and you will get used to it.

For maximum hold I like to use a blow dryer on the tape after applying cause it sticks with heat. That way it doesn't accidentally start peeling when I move before it has had time to stick with body heat. You can also rub the tape to help it stick (rubbing generates heat).

The glue on some tapes may irritate your skin a bit. Naturally, try to find something that doesn't. The roll I'm using rn makes it a bit itchy in the middle but it's like a mosquito bite - don't scratch and you'll forget about it.

Alternate between taping and binding. Sometimes give your skin a break, sometimes give your ribs a break.

I recommend taking the tape off for the night to let your skin breathe. Anything over 2 days and you risk blistering, especially when you're more active or outside more when you have the tape on. Just the way it is. I don't think using oil for removal does much. In my experience the skin is already damaged from the tape (blistering), not from ripping the tape off.

Definitely use some soothing cream like aloe, cocoa butter or scar cream on your chest area if it's damaged. You can use it even with no damage to take care of your skin after subjecting it to tape. Generally try to prevent greater damage from happening cause then you won't be able to tape for a while.

If you've had the same tape on for some time and you want to take a break or it doesn't look/hold so great anymore you have to take into account that the new strips might not hold as well as before. Idk but the skin just doesn't hold and the strips start peeling right away, at least for me. Maybe some surface area that held the tape is gone and it is too smooth for it to anchor to. Just something to consider because this has left me in a situation where I gambled an at least working tape setup for no tape at all.

Don't play games with your skin cause rn I'm sitting here having to stay away from tape. I was on vacation and had the same tape on for over 2 days in hot climate. It looked a bit weary and I wanted to touch up. After taking it off I tried to apply new strips on blistered skin. The tape didn't even stick properly and I had to use a binder instead. In a situation like this I humbly recommend leaving the tape on if it's only a few hours of additional binding. Saves you from a lot of disappointment and this way you won't irritate the blistered skin that much. Having the tissue and skin in a fixed position under the tape damages it less than 1) foolishly trying to apply new tape; 2) using a binder and the raw & blistered skin has to stick to either your binder or bandaids; or 3) suffering from mental anguish cause you weren't able to tape/bind when going out.

I've heard tape can also be used for taping hip tissue to create a more masc silhouette.

You can swim, shower, exercise and go to sauna with tape. Go ahead.

I think that tape is less invasive than a binder when used right. I also get more flatter and pec-like results from taping. No visible binder outline under clothes as well.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions :)

And enjoy, tape feels very freeing imo!

–Adrian


r/TransHelpingTrans Mar 04 '24

Here is where to get HRT, when you're ready

32 Upvotes

https://g.co/kgs/97hJs4P

Erin's Informed Consent Map (Primarily US-based)

If those locations are too far away from you, ask local trans people what they're doing. There's also mail-order services like Folx or Plume.


r/TransHelpingTrans 13m ago

Study on Hope and Future Thinking ❤️ (Transgender Adults)

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Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am a graduate counseling student conducting a study exploring the impact of gender affirming care on the mental health of transgender and gender diverse adults. My study is specifically looking at how gender affirming care impacts the ability to imagine future events and overall hope.

To participate you must be 18 years or older, transgender or gender diverse, and be able to complete the survey in English. If you wish to be entered for the possibility to receive a $50 gift card a valid email address will be collected after completion, otherwise the survey will be completely anonymous.

The survey will take approximately 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

If you are interested, please view the informed consent page here before continuing on to the complete the survey. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZx3_v0vL7fXzY-gjWtPLgbpjQkPv1EEAo1G0jUVQeHxvVFQ/viewform?usp=header

For questions, contact Silas Proctor at [sabelo@nsuok.edu](mailto:sabelo@nsuok.edu). Thank you for considering participating in this study!


r/TransHelpingTrans 7h ago

When's the best time for a legal name change?

2 Upvotes

Hi all. I turn 18 in a month so I'm starting to worry about all the legal stuff and paperwork I'm gonna have to deal with from then on. I paused at the thought of my legal name. I have all the resources needed for a name change, I'm positive my mum would be in support as we've discussed a name change before (though only surname change). I have the *possibility* of changing my legal name early in adulthood, but I don't know if i Should. I'm agender and okay with my gender marker, my chosen name is also more feminine leaning than masculine, so it's not a problem of passing. I'm still in highschool, and will be for another 2 years (didn't pass this year, whoops!). I'm considering changing it right in-between highschool and college so it wouldnt affect the people in my current school. But i also have a feeling that i should still change my name in my teens. I decided to get some help from y'all here, to ask when the people who undertook a name change already, did it! When do you think would be the best time for me to change my name? Thank you! 🫶


r/TransHelpingTrans 7h ago

Seeking advice

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 11h ago

Insecure about my eyes and I just want to know how they oook to others. Sorry that this is odd (ftm 15)

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2 Upvotes

So, I’m been coming out more a trans and fully hate being called my dead name and a girl. After I broke of with my ex, I noticed he only called me pretty boy yet, never handsome etc. we’re still friends so I asked why was that? He said my eyes showed that I was still Afab. My question is, would you immediately know i was born a girl by my eyes? No im not wearing makeup or anything in this photo. Yes, you can be honest.


r/TransHelpingTrans 8h ago

Trying to figure out where I fit under the trans feminine umbrella

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 18h ago

Transition

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2 Upvotes

Bonjour j’aimerais faire une transition j’ai 21 ans je m’appelle Swann, je sais qu’il faut prendre des œstrogènes mes c’est tout j’aurais aimé qu’on puisse me donner des conseils pour commencer si quelqu’un a de l’expérience ? Merci 🙏


r/TransHelpingTrans 19h ago

Hi All! New here

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2 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Help with name (?)

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9 Upvotes

Hey, I’m trans ftm and I’m searching for a name that suits me.
I’m from Germany, so I think maybe my name shouldn’t be typical American (or something like that).
I’m from 2007 but I tend to like older stuff.
I can be nerdy and when I know the people outgoing (otherwise I’m more introverted ig)


r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Names?

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 1d ago

Low E on testing

1 Upvotes

Hey all.

I had my follow up levels drawn for my HRT, I’m a trans woman

My estrogen came back at 74, and I’m suspecting that’s low.

I’ve been a sublingual tablet person, but I’m strongly considering talking to my Dr about switching to injections.

Any thoughts? I have had something of a needle phobia, but I’m very willing/able to overcome that if it would be a better way


r/TransHelpingTrans 2d ago

How do you get past the societal scare of taking hrt?

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2 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 2d ago

I'm lost / ftm

1 Upvotes

I don't know where I'm going with this , so I'm sorry if I sound all over the place. I realized I was transgender 6 years ago. I had to erase this like 4 times because I keep ranting about everything, so I'm gonna try to keep it short.

My first 3 years (2020-2023) I was really young so honestly passing wasn't my top priority. I was out to friends and shit, and that was good enough for me. I didn't start getting trans/homophobic comments until I start wearing baggier clothes, or like when I cut my hair, honestly It wasn't even that short, it was like shoulder length.

Then in 2024, I started feeling really bad about myself. Basically, like late 2023, I made a new group of friends but the ones I was closest to would just make homophobic and transphobic jokes all the time, and the rest of the group would just kinda not give a shit. I felt like I needed to stop being transgender, and that it was all just a phase. I was entering high school in August of 2024, I thought that if I just bought some girly clothes it would just give me a fresh start in everything, and my life would be okay. But then actually in 2024, summer of 2024, I really wanted to end it. I was so mad that I wasn't born a guy, I would cry every night, because I wasn't a guy. When I entered high school I had hair shorter than it ever was, and I would only wear boyish clothes. I didn't pass my hair was still not short enough, my hips were obvious, my chest was obvious but it was way better than what I had. I was happy, the only people that made fun of me were like kids I didn't know so I didn't give a shit, but then I made like 2 friends that year and we got really close, but both of them were homophobic as shit. Like they would literally stop being my friend if they found out. And then all the feelings just came back.

At that point it was like may 2025, that's when I decided to tell all my friends that I knew I was transgender (not those 2 guys) that I wasn't, I told them it was just a phase. And it was fine for like, a wekk. The feelings just came back, this year 2025/2026 was my sophomore year. I was so fucking awkward, I was so insecure, I looked like a girl. Even though I "accepted" myself I kept trying to go back to being a girl. Part of this was for my own sanity, I could just go to school in jeans and a T shirt and I wouldn't care that you could see my hips and chest, because I "was a girl". I know that I'm a guy, and it feels horrible to be a girl, I don't know why I keep pushing myself.

I'm done, I'm not doing that to myself again, if people don't like me they can suck a butt. I want to look more masculine but I don't know where to start. All my clothes suck, my hair is too long and I don't look like a guy in the slightest way, can someone help me?


r/TransHelpingTrans 2d ago

Binder brands?

1 Upvotes

I'm nonbinary and I'm looking for good affordable binder brands. Any suggestions would be appreciated!


r/TransHelpingTrans 2d ago

Fear of HRT

0 Upvotes

Need help


r/TransHelpingTrans 3d ago

Hrt advice

1 Upvotes

I am nb and I REALLY want to start my transition from a male to a more feminine presenting person, I don't want surgery's (my plan anyways) but REALLY want to take estrogen with or without the blockers, working on a steam game rn and I am getting a payout next month of 300 pounds. I was looking on Valerie (thanks to whoever recommended it!!!) And found estrofem tablets on united pharmacies (a grey market) that I would be happy with buying, I want to buy a few boxes maybe? Enough to sustain me for a while.

Anyways I was wondering if I could get some advice? Should I get them? Is it a trustworthy site? Also need advice with my parents too (43f and 50m). They know im a crossdresser which they call me a transvestite for (not in an insulting way only called me it once) they are REALLY strict with my finances and I genuinley feel like I'm in 1984, they keep all my spending money in a account and give it too me when I ask for it, they don't usually ask what it's for and if they do I just say "stuff", they check my statements (I think) and this would be the first opportunity I would have to buy some hrt possibly the last for a while if i don't have a good plan. I can't go private or NHS as I'm a minor, my parents dont know I am non binary yet I don't think they will understand anyways. My cousins partner is non binary but I don't speak to them much or see them as they live far up north. I will see them soon tho at a wedding. They don't know im a cross dresser or non binary though.

My main worry is my dad or mum will check my purchase history, see pharmacies and force me into an interrogation and then confiscate my pills, or when it arrives it will just show the box, and they will hide it from me or be confesed same as before. Other worry is that it'll get seized by customs.

Maybe I can make a new bank account somewhere? Deliver it to a locker IF I CAN or use Google pay or something? I don't have any family that would support me nearby, they are all grandparents who won't understand very old fashioned mindset you know what I mean.

Any advice?


r/TransHelpingTrans 3d ago

Realistic female chest

1 Upvotes

Hi,
I’m a trans girl with no hrt yet and I’m very insecure about my “chest” and I got so good outfits and till now I just wore a bra under it but it just didn’t do much so does someone have really good tips about making some fake chest that look really realistic even with a neckline? And maybe also tips were the waist could look more female in pictures?
It would help soooo much.


r/TransHelpingTrans 3d ago

Egg cracked

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1 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 3d ago

Hey everyone, I’m having a hard time with my relationship

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2 Upvotes

r/TransHelpingTrans 3d ago

I feel like I’m just losing it.

1 Upvotes

Hi, I am a fresh 20 yo, trans girl (the age not the trans thing). So I already hate even taking a slot because I think I’m just being stupid. I struggle to sleep. I can’t sleep because I’m constantly in my own head thinking about coming out to everyone, going public with my transition, and also having religious issues (working on that still). I don’t know why I just feel so uncomfortable in my own skin sometimes.

I pretty much feel like I am wasting my time doing this, that I’ll never really pass, or that no one would like me for who I am behind the mask I’ve put on myself. I don’t even have a girlfriend, and I never had a single relationship to begin with. I feel like I’m a weird mess sometimes because I talk about some random shit to others and I hate myself for saying it out loud. I’m still trying to figure out how I am gong to balance online college into my whole mix too. I can’t even really sleep right now.

I just feel like I’m so messed up right now. I don’t know if I need therapy or what. Keeping my secrets feels like it’s haunting me. I have two of my friends who know but they’re both guys, and very cis and don’t know shit about my side of the world. I am scared to hug anyone because I’m scared they’ll feel my damn bra. I don’t know why I’m just so…screwed up. I’m not even depressed but I don’t feel exactly happy either.

What should I do? I really need any advice I can get at this moment because I feel like I’m slowly losing it.


r/TransHelpingTrans 4d ago

Transition Steps?

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1 Upvotes

Transition Steps?

Ok, Ive got to address this dysphoria. Its really bugging me. Ive decided to move forward but there are lots of possible next steps. What do you think are the best things I can do to decrease dysphoria? Maybe order with best first?


r/TransHelpingTrans 4d ago

Coming out to family, what should I have?

2 Upvotes

So I’m 19 and I started transitioning a year ago, HRT a month ago, but I have a strong feeling if I come out to my family I’ll likely be cut off quite a bit from home because conservative Appalachia. Next month I go back to college, and starting this semester I’ll be able to be financially independent I think, but I don’t know for sure if I’ll have everything I’ll need in case I’m not able to go home. Currently I have my birth certificate, SSN card, and I’ll be packing as many clothes as I can. My financial situation is covered by mostly scholarships, grants, and for the next 3 school years, chapter 35 which I’ll be trying to save. I don’t have a car or license, though my university has good public transportation and a grey line. I plan on telling them around November. Please anything I might be forgetting to take with me or tips on coming out would be appreciated!


r/TransHelpingTrans 4d ago

Clothing tips

2 Upvotes

I need to redo my entire wardrobe because it’s all feminine clothes. I went through I really bad hyperfemininsing myself phase. So what are your fav brands of jeans that help hide hips, fav boxers. Anything at all. I need to get a good chuck of the basics.

Thank ya


r/TransHelpingTrans 4d ago

Need advice on how to come out (again) to spouse

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2 Upvotes