Sizing and fitting
Finding the right fit can make choosing a chest binder or tucking pants feel much less daunting. Whether this is your first garment or you’re exploring a different style, we’re here for friendly, judgement-free help.
Use the guidance and charts below as a starting point. If your measurements fall across different sizes, or you’re simply not sure, get in touch before ordering and we’ll help you work through the options.
Taking your measurements
Use a soft tape measure and check that you’re reading centimetres, as that is the unit used in the charts below. UNTAG recommends measuring over close-fitting clothing and avoiding padded bras or tight garments that could affect your measurements (UNTAG sizing guidance).
- Chest or bust: Around your chest at nipple level.
- Underbust: Around your ribcage directly below your chest.
- Waist: Around the narrowest part of your torso.
- Hips: Around the widest part of your hips.
You don’t need to send measurements in your first email. Tell us which product you’re interested in, and we can explain which measurements will help.
Choosing a chest binder
Start with your chest and underbust measurements, and check the other measurements relevant to your chosen style against the chart. UNTAG’s guide also considers factors such as height and body proportions, so one measurement alone may not tell the whole story (UNTAG binder guide).
If your measurements sit in different size columns, ask us before choosing. We can help you compare the measurements and style, and check with UNTAG when needed.
Do not choose a smaller size to try to get stronger compression (UNTAG binder guide). A good starting point is a size suited to your measurements, not a particular clothing-size label or a promise of a completely flat result.
Binder size chart
All measurements are body measurements in centimetres, not garment measurements. The adult ranges below are reproduced from UNTAG’s binder size chart.
| Size | Chest / bust | Underbust | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 80–84 | 65–69 | 64–68 | 84–88 |
| S | 85–89 | 70–74 | 69–72 | 89–91 |
| M | 90–94 | 75–79 | 73–76 | 92–96 |
| L | 95–99 | 80–84 | 77–80 | 97–102 |
| XL | 100–104 | 85–89 | 81–84 | 103–106 |
| 2XL | 105–108 | 90–94 | 85–88 | 107–110 |
| 3XL | 109–113 | 95–99 | 89–92 | 111–116 |
| 4XL | 114–119 | 100–104 | 93–96 | 117–122 |
| 5XL | 120–127 | 105–109 | 97–101 | 123–127 |
| 6XL | 128–135 | 110–114 | 102–109 | 128–135 |
| 7XL | 136–141 | 115–119 | 110–117 | 136–141 |
| 8XL | 142–150 | 120–124 | 118–126 | 142–150 |
If your measurements fall outside this chart, please contact us. We can check the sizing and product options with you rather than asking you to choose the closest size.
Fit and comfort
A binder should feel snug while allowing comfortable breathing and movement, without the fabric cutting into your skin (UNTAG sizing guidance). If you experience pain, discomfort or difficulty breathing, remove it rather than trying to push through (UNTAG binder guide).
Fit concerns are a reason to pause and ask for help, not automatically move to a smaller size. We can help with product and sizing questions, but cannot assess medical symptoms.
Wearing your binder
Follow the instructions for your particular garment. These key precautions are drawn from UNTAG’s chest binder guide:
- Start gradually: Short periods at first, with breaks and attention to how your body feels.
- Limit wear: A maximum of eight hours per day, with at least one binder-free day each week; eight hours is an upper limit, not a target.
- Avoid sleeping and layering: No sleeping in a binder or wearing two binders together.
- Choose appropriately for exercise: A binder specifically designed for exercise, rather than assuming every style is suitable.
- Stop for discomfort: Remove the binder for pain, tightness, discomfort or breathing difficulty; seek advice from a qualified health professional if symptoms persist or you are unsure whether binding is suitable for you.
Choosing tucking pants
For tucking pants, start with your waist and hip measurements and compare them with the chart for the product you’re considering (UNTAG tucking guide). You do not need a chest measurement to choose tucking pants; the chest column below is included for bra tops and other applicable garments that use this chart.
If your waist and hips fall into different size columns, contact us before choosing. We can help you compare standard and extra-strong tucking pants and check any sizing questions with UNTAG.
Do not size down to try to get a flatter result (UNTAG tucking guide). If you’re unsure about the size or style, we’d much rather help you choose than have you feel you need to guess.
Tucking pants size chart
All measurements are body measurements in centimetres, not garment measurements. The adult ranges below are reproduced from UNTAG’s tucking underwear, bra tops and swimwear size chart.
| Size | Waist | Hips | Chest / bust, for applicable tops |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 68–73 | 84–89 | 80–85 |
| S | 74–81 | 90–95 | 86–91 |
| M | 82–87 | 96–101 | 92–97 |
| L | 88–93 | 102–105 | 98–103 |
| XL | 94–97 | 106–109 | 104–109 |
| 2XL | 98–101 | 110–113 | 110–113 |
| 3XL | 102–109 | 114–119 | 114–119 |
| 4XL | 110–117 | 120–127 | 120–127 |
| 5XL | 118–125 | 128–135 | 128–135 |
| 6XL | 126–133 | 136–143 | 136–143 |
| 7XL | 134–141 | 144–151 | 144–151 |
| 8XL | 142–150 | 152–160 | 152–160 |
If your measurements fall outside this chart, please contact us. We can check the sizing and product options with you rather than asking you to choose the closest size.
Fit and comfort
Tucking pants should fit snugly while allowing comfortable movement, without pinching or seams digging into your skin (UNTAG tucking guide). Stop tucking and remove the garment if you experience pain, numbness or significant discomfort (UNTAG tucking guide).
You’re welcome to ask us about the products without explaining your gender, medical history or personal circumstances. We can help with product and sizing questions, but cannot assess medical symptoms.
Wearing your tucking pants
Follow the instructions for your particular garment. These key precautions are drawn from UNTAG’s tucking guide:
- Take breaks: Regular breaks from tucking and time to rest.
- Limit wear: No more than eight hours of tucking per day, with at least one day without tucking each week; eight hours is an upper limit, not a target.
- Avoid sleeping and layering: No sleeping or napping while tucked, or wearing multiple tucking garments over one another.
- Put comfort first: No continuing through pain, numbness or significant discomfort.
- Ask for health advice when needed: A qualified health professional if symptoms persist or you are unsure whether tucking is suitable for you.
Private appointments for binders and tucking pants
We’re getting our Chrysalis space in Onehunga, Auckland ready to welcome you. When we open, free fitting and sizing support will be available by appointment only, in a private, judgement-free setting.
Our try-on range includes:
- Chest binders: Basic Binder Zipper and Tank Binder.
- Tucking pants: Standard tucking pants and extra-strong tucking pants.
Both binders and tucking pants in this range can be tried on during your appointment. Other products can still be ordered, and we can help with their sizing even where a try-on sample is not available.
Visit our private appointments page to enquire about an upcoming appointment. An enquiry is not a confirmed booking; we’ll confirm the arrangements with you and share the address privately.
Availability and delivery
We’re in our early days, and our stock will grow with us. Availability varies by style and size, so some products may need to be ordered in and shipped to you rather than taken home on the day.
We’ll confirm availability and expected timing before you place your order. For ordered-in products, please allow time for them to reach Chrysalis from our supplier first.
Once the items for your order are available at Chrysalis, please allow 7–10 business days for processing, or up to 15 business days during busy periods. Courier delivery time is additional. We’ll email your tracking details once your order is dispatched.
Standard NZ shipping is free on orders of NZ$100 and above, or NZ$10 for orders below NZ$100. If timing matters, please contact us before ordering. Please see our shipping policy for further details.
Need a hand?
Email hello@chrysalisnz.co.nz with the product you’re interested in and any questions you have. You don’t need to include measurements or personal information in your first message; we’ll take it from there.
We’ll reply within two business days. Whether you’re choosing a binder or tucking pants, you’re welcome to ask.