Gender-Affirming Items

What are Gender-Affirming Garments? 

Gender-affirming garments are worn underneath clothing to non-permanently alter the shape of someone's body. We know that gender affirming garments can help in combating gender dysphoria, support folks in feeling more comfortable and confident, as well as encourage access to gender euphoria.

Our Program 

Offering access to these garments is a form of harm reduction and care for our brilliant community. We hope that by providing these resources for free, it can reduce the need to bind and tuck through alternative methods that may be more restrictive and/or painful.

The Youth Project provides a variety of gender affirming items to youth in need throughout the province of Nova Scotia. In order to qualify, you are:

  • A Two Spirit, Trans, Non-Binary, or Gender Questioning Youth

  • 25 or under

  • Living in Nova Scotia, or a resident of Nova Scotia

  • Unable to purchase this item on your own (for any reason)

At the moment, our program currently provides the following items:

  • Chest Binders (chest compression shirts)

  • Packers (padding for the groin area)

  • Trans Tape (a versatile fabric tape used for binding, packing, tucking, and lifting)

  • Gaffs (compression and tucking underwear)

  • Breast Forms (prosthetic inserts to enhance chest tissue)

To apply to our program, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/MtTSEUKcbiav1J75A

Check it out before filling the form: 

  • Forms that are incomplete/incorrect will need to be followed up on, and therefore take longer to ship. Take your time filling in the form!

  • Orders are sent in plain manila or white postal envelopes, with no indication of what’s inside. The YP’s return address will be present on the envelope.

  • Please ensure the name you provide is safe to receive mail under.

  • If you do not know your required size, please check out the sizing information below.


Note: There is currently a lengthy waitlist for some of our gender-affirming items, with wait times of up to 3 months, depending on the size and style requested. Orders continue to be filled in the order they are received as supplies become available. If you have any questions or concerns about the wait time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to orders@youthproject.ns.ca.

Sizing Charts

Note: for all of these size charts, you will need a flexible measuring tape. If you do not have access to one, you can use a piece of string around the body part you are measuring, then compare the length of the string to a non-flexible measuring tape, ruler, or printable ruler (which can be found here).

Binders: 

Our binders come from a variety of sources, such as our in-house seamstress, GC2B, and Underworks. Due to this, we prefer measurements to be sent over what size you are, as it will vary between brands.

First, take a snug measurement around your ribcage with a tape measure. Next, take another measurement over the fullest part of your chest. These are the two measurements needed to fill out the form. For a visual guide, this website has an image that shows the measurements you need as numbers 2 and 4. Don’t size down. 

Colours: We’ll do our best to match your preferences, but specific colour choices can’t be guaranteed.

Gaffs:


Our gaffs are from Origami Customs. In order to find out your best fit, please measure yourself based on their size guide, found here. You will need to size based on your high hip and low hip measurements. 

Choose a gaff size that flattens your bits, but does not interfere with your ability to move around, and does not cause pain.

For Breast Forms: 

In order to provide the best breast form size for you, we use band size measurements. To find out your band size, please measure around your ribs directly below your chest tissue. This measurement in inches will be your band size. To get a more accurate fit/a full bra size and not just your band size, you can use this website, which has a bra size calculator and a measuring guide.


Packers: 

Unlike binders or gaffs, packers don’t need to match your exact body measurements. What matters most is how you want your packer to look and feel for you — choose the size that best fits your comfort and likes. You may experiment with socks to find a size that feels right for your body.

Most packers are categorized by size (small, medium, large) or by length (in inches):

  • Small: around 3–4 inches, offering a subtle lift.

  • Medium: approximately 4.5–5.5 inches, providing a natural and versatile look.

  • Large: 6 inches or more, with a more noticeable lift.


TransTape:

We are providing 4’’ wide (Medium) transtapes. Choosing a color that closely matches your skin can help make the tape less noticeable under clothing.

Purchasing Information

If you’re looking to buy gender-affirming garments or supplies, here are some trusted places to find what you need. While our program offers free support for youth who can’t afford these items, the following retailers are great options if you want to purchase on your own:

Locals:

If you wish to purchase a binder, packer, gaff, TransTape, or breastforms locally, you can do so at Venus Envy (online or in-store), supplied by the wonderful folks there who offer a welcoming space and great selection. You can also find binders from FGBINDED, a small, family-run project started by a grandmother who wanted to create affordable and comfortable binders for her grandson.

Online Retailers: 

For a wide range of gender-affirming gear, check out brilliant GenderGear.ca—a trans-owned and operated shop that’s been collectively run in Ontario.

For binders, you can also purchase them through online retailers such as Underworks or GC2B. 

For gaffs, you can purchase them through the online retailer Origami Customs. 

For TransTape, you can purchase it through the online retailer TransTape.

Resources on Use and Care

Please visit our Gender Affirming Items Guide for more information on how to use and care for these items.


Binder Use, Care, and Resources here

Gaff Use, Care, and Resources here

TransTape Use, Care, and Resources here

Packer Use, Care, and Resources here

Breast Forms Use, Care, and Resources here