Behind the Seams: The Making of FLAVNT's Binders - FLAVNT

Behind the Seams: The Making of FLAVNT's Binders

Gender-affirming clothing that fits your body — and your values.

When we first started FLAVNT Streetwear, we knew we wanted to offer something more than cool designs and bold statements. We wanted to make products that actually served our community in meaningful, tangible ways. That’s why we created the Bareskin Binder — a gender-affirming compression top designed to support trans and nonbinary folks in feeling safe, seen, and comfortable in their bodies.

In this post, we’re taking you behind the seams to show you how we created one of the most beloved products in our lineup — and why it continues to be one of the most inclusive and wearable chest binders on the market.


Why We Made Our Own Binder

For years, we saw the same complaints echo across the queer and trans community: most binders were uncomfortable, overly constrictive, poorly sized, or made by brands that weren’t actually trans-owned. We tried many of them — from GC2B and Underworks to DIY ace bandage disasters (don’t do it, seriously) — and always came back to the same conclusion: we could do better.

Our community deserved a binder that wasn’t just functional, but empowering. One that:

  • Came in inclusive skin tones and neutral colors for stealth and everyday wear

  • Was made by a queer-owned business that actually understood the needs of its customers

  • Didn’t sacrifice comfort for compression

That was the goal — and after countless prototypes, fittings, and fabric tests, we launched the FLAVNT Bareskin Binder.


How We Designed the Bareskin Binder

1. Fabric That Moves With You

Many binders on the market are made with stiff, synthetic fabrics that don’t breathe — leaving wearers sweaty, overheated, and sometimes in pain. We knew we had to do better. Our Bareskin Binders are made from a custom-milled fabric blend that’s:

  • Breathable and lightweight

  • Ultra-soft on sensitive skin

  • Flexible enough to move with your body

  • Durable enough to wear daily

It’s soft like a second skin, but strong enough to help flatten your chest without crushing your ribs.

2. Compression, Not Restriction

Chest binding should never be harmful — yet we still see people getting injured from unsafe or poorly designed binders. We engineered our design to offer moderate compression, enough to help with gender dysphoria without cutting off your airflow or bruising your torso.

3. True-to-Life Skin Tones

One of our biggest goals was creating a nude binder line that actually represented real skin tones. Many "nude" binders only came in beige or off-white — which didn’t cut it. We launched with four shades and continue to evolve based on customer feedback. Representation matters, even (especially) in basics.

4. Size Inclusivity

Our binders range from XXS to 4X, with custom sizing recommendations available. Because every body deserves access to affirming gear — not just thin or straight-sized people.


Made in Small Batches, With Care

Unlike some larger binder brands that mass-produce overseas, we work with a small ethical manufacturer in the U.S. Our binders are produced in small batches, meaning we can maintain quality control and tweak the design as needed. That also allows us to restock frequently based on what our community actually wants — whether that’s a new skin tone or a seasonal limited edition.

We’re not chasing fast fashion. We’re building affirming essentials — thoughtfully, and with purpose.


What Sets FLAVNT Apart

We know there are other binder brands out there — GC2B, Spectrum Outfitters, Underworks, Origami Customs — and we’re glad more options are becoming available. But here’s what makes FLAVNT different:

  • Trans-founded and queer-owned from day one

  • Transparent about where your money goes — a portion of every purchase helps fund gender-affirming surgeries

  • Dysphoria fighting tones that go beyond basics (our Rose and Umber colorways have become community favorites!)

  • A focus on community and feedback — many of our design tweaks have come directly from you


Safety First: Binder Tips

We’ll always shout this from the rooftops — your safety matters. Here are a few must-know binder tips we share with every customer:

  • Never wear a binder for more than 8–10 hours at a time

  • Don’t sleep or do strenuous activity in your binder

  • If it hurts, take it off. Your health comes first.

  • Wash frequently and let it fully dry to extend lifespan and avoid skin irritation

Need more help? We include a care card with every binder, and our inbox is always open for fit or safety questions.


Final Stitch

The Bareskin Binder isn’t just a top — it’s a tool for euphoria, autonomy, and daily confidence. It’s something we wish we had when we were younger, and something we’re proud to offer now.

Thanks for trusting us with something this personal. We’re honored to be part of your journey — one binder at a time.

Back to blog