Kinesiology tape for binding and tucking

Kinesiology tape is a stretchy tape designed to be worn on skin. Some people use it to bind their chest, or to hold a tuck in place, usually for a stricter result under something very close-fitting. Ours comes in 5 cm and 10 cm widths, in rolls of 5 m, and in several colours.

This is general information, not medical advice.

Only tape made for skin

Never use duct tape, packing tape, plastic wrap or anything not made for skin. Use medical or kinesiology tape designed for the body.

Before you start

Apply it to clean, dry skin.
Taping directly over hair will make removal hurt.
Never tape over skin that is irritated, broken or still recovering.
Try a small test strip first, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Cut your pieces before you start, so you are not handling sticky tape halfway.

Binding with tape

Never wrap tape all the way around your chest or ribcage. Your ribs need to expand when you breathe.
Work from the side of your chest towards your side or back, rather than straight across.
You should still be able to take a full, deep breath. If you cannot, or if it hurts, take it off.
Tape should hold your chest in place, not squeeze it. Compression can cause breathing trouble, bruised ribs and skin damage.
Treat it with the same care as a binder: never overnight, and give your skin days off.

Tucking with tape

Some people tape instead of wearing a gaff, or tape as well as wearing one. Taping carries more skin risk than a gaff: irritation, tearing, inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) and allergic reactions to the adhesive are all common. It also makes peeing awkward, which leads some people to drink less during the day. Please do not: keep drinking and do not hold your pee. If you have no strong reason to tape, use a gaff. See our tucking guide.

Taking it off

Remove tape slowly, never with a quick pull. It is easiest in the shower with warm water, or after softening the adhesive with an oil. Do not re-tape skin that is irritated, and never sleep in tape.

When to stop

Stop taping until your skin has cleared if you get a rash, sores, blisters or skin that does not recover between wears, and see a pharmacist or doctor if it does not clear. Take the tape off straight away if you feel pain or cannot breathe freely.