MELISSA WHITLER | NBCU Fellow
Melissa@DallasVoice.com
While summer is a great time to make a splash at the pool, there are specific concerns for trans and gender non-conforming people when it comes to safety and support in swimwear.
Mainstream swimwear is often not made with transgender people in mind. For those who typically chest bind when going out, a normal binder is not fit to go in the pool. The water can add to the compression and make it too tight, which makes it hard for the individual to swim.
In addition, the chlorine can do damage to the material.
Many brands now offer swim-specific binders, designed to be used in the water and during physical activity. Options include WIVOV, Tomboy X and Untag.
Origami Customs sells swim binders in addition to other gender-inclusive swimwear, and the items can be custom-made for the customer’s body.
There are also options for swim tops with more coverage that aren’t as restricting as a swim binder. Tomboy X, in addition to having swim binders, also has many options for swim tanks that don’t have as much compression but offer more coverage.
Brands like Beefcake also have options for one-piece swimsuits for any body type. Their suits provide more coverage than traditional swimsuits, with the tops more like a tank and the bottom more like shorts. This is a great option for anyone who wants a comfortable swimsuit with more security.
For those looking for swim bottoms specifically for tucking, we got you covered. En Femme has both one-piece suits and swim bottoms designed to be used when tucking. Rebirth Garments has options for swim bottoms for tucking, and Gender Bender sells tucking bikini bottoms.
Chromat also has a swim collection that is size-inclusive and has options for trans femmes who don’t tuck. They offer swim bottoms of different styles, including a skirt that affords more coverage. You won’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
Another option for both binding and tucking is Trans Tape. Trans Tape is waterproof so it can be used when swimming. Users just have to make sure they follow the instructions when applying and removing to make sure there is no damage to the skin.
Trans tape can also assist in packing while swimming for trans masculine people. The brand Both& offers swim-friendly packers and swim trunks specifically designed for trans mascs. And Gender Bender also has options for those looking to pack while swimming.
The most important thing when choosing swimwear is to find what you feel most comfortable in. There are many ways to express yourself this summer, and plenty of options for trans and gender non-conforming supportive swimwear.