No matter what point we’re at in transition, it can be difficult to work out what transition-related bits of kit are worth investing in. What appeals to you in theory might not work with your body in practice. And your body and attitudes towards it will shift if you decide to access HRT or surgery. Let’s explore some of the things you might want in your kit, and the considerations that come with choosing certain items, using the gear stocked by Sock Drawer Heroes (SDH) as examples. Who doesn’t love a trans owned business providing for the community?
For transmasculine people and others seeking to masculinize parts of their appearance:
People with breasts who seek to masculinize their appearance may find binding to be a desirable option. Binding with improper materials can do damage to the ribs and restrict breathing, so a binder or binding tape should be chosen from a reputable source! Sock Drawer Heroes has a variety of binder options and body tape available which are affordable and are made to match various skin tones, so you can select one that works for you. Whilst cheaper options do exist, they often use materials which compress too much or too little and don’t provide the desired effect or support.
For a bare-bones kit, one binder will be enough if you are willing to take breaks to wash and dry it and have a schedule that allows for that. Take a look at the different fits and lengths of binder and think about them in the context of your daily clothing choices. If you can afford to spend a bit more money, you can buy a few binders to suit different outfits you might wear!
In cases where someone doesn’t naturally have a bulge and would like to create the appearance of one, packers are perfect for the job. To test whether a packer might be right for you, you can create a make-shift one using a pair of socks! Once you’ve decided whether you like the look, you can find more durable and long-term options for packers at different price points. Beginners to using packers may want to opt for an inexpensive budgie packer or the iconic Mr. Limpy packer to start with, if their only concern is creating a realistic bulge. Some more expensive packers have additional functions, making them into STP (Stand To Pee) packers which allow the user to urinate standing up while using them. For added comfort, special packing underwear can be used to keep the packer or STP firmly in place.
For transfeminine people and others seeking to feminize parts of their appearance:
Creating the appearance of breasts, or increasing the size that the chest appears to be, can be achieved on a budget. Bra padding can be used initially, no matter the amount of breast tissue you have, to get a sense of what size works best and suits your tastes. If you are currently experiencing breast growth or intend to get breast augmentation surgery, this padding can still be used after these changes occur as a way to add more size or lift, as well as adjusting the fit of bras as your body changes.
Once you have determined your preference for breast size, upgrading to breast forms is an option which will make their appearance more realistic and further alleviate dysphoria. Bralettes are usually more forgiving than padded bras (that tend to be more rigid and have a fixed cup size) when it comes to accommodating extra padding or silicone breast forms. It can be worth investing in a good bralette because they can last through changes in your body and preferences when it comes to your chest.
Quality tucking underwear is a necessity for anyone who wants their crotch to look smooth without risking damage to the skin of their genitals. DIY gaffs will make use of underwear that is too small and supplies like tape which can irritate or even tear the skin when removed. There are safer ways to achieve enough compression to conceal a bulge. Between thongs and boyshort style underwear, there are options for all styles and desired levels of skin coverage.
Sex toys for a variety of bodies, including those changed by transition:
Not every sex toy will work for every person. Sex toys designed to be used on penises won’t work for all sensitivity levels and shapes and sizes, and those designed for vaginas and clitorises won’t fit with the structure of every vulva. People who take HRT or have accessed surgery are likely to have different genitals from those that most sex toy companies are picturing when they create their products, making it even more difficult to find the right things. That’s why it’s a great idea to look for sex toys explicitly made to be gender-inclusive or which are built intentionally for trans people.
Vibrators come in a wide array of shapes and sizes and may be suited for external or internal use. This makes them versatile and viable to be used on lots of different bodies, and decreases the likelihood that you’ll find they don’t work for you if you medically transition. External vibrators can be used on penises or clitorises alike, as well as other erogenous zones, so this makes them a safe bet for people who are new to using sex toys. Internal vibrators require a little bit more consideration, as some are created with specifically vaginal penetration in mind and this limits who can use them, however there are plenty which are multi-purpose or are designed for anal.
Strokers are a common favourite, and not only for those with penises. It’s possible to find sleeves which are designed for clitorises which are larger than average, potentially having increased in size from testosterone use, and they can be used to thrust into and stroke the clitoris in the same way someone would stroke a penis. Some of these sleeves even look like penises, so that you can also have the visual of giving yourself a handjob whilst you masturbate – which for some is an extremely gender euphoric experience! Other larger sleeves may be highly textured inside in a way that works for people with penises which require more stimulation to get hard after starting testosterone blockers and estrogen. There’s something for everyone.
Whatever your gender presentation or stage of transition, gender-affirming pieces of clothing and accessories and sex toys can bring a sense of euphoria that will improve your day-to-day life. Building your trans-focused kit won’t happen overnight, so be kind to yourself when it takes a bit of trial and error. Hopefully following the advice given here makes you more likely to find the items that work for you on the first try.
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