Beating The Heat and Gender Dysphoria: A Queer Masc Fashion Guide
Masc Swimwear by Outplay
Summer sucks when you feel like you have to hide your body. The season plagued by humidity, harsh heat, and a demand for belittled clothing leave those struggling with gender dysphoria overheated and at a loss for comfort without the help of added layers. So for all my fellow rash guard enthusiasts, here are some ways to beat the heat and stay comfortable in your own skin !
Chest binders in the summer can feel insufferable! The sweat accumulation mixed with the accustomed baggy shirt combo usually don’t mix well and leave you with puddles of sweat and chafed skin. Luckily, baby powder and half binders are the way to go! Half binders allow for less coverage and more breathability, and the powder can help serve as an anti-chafing miracle! Brands like GC2B are currently having a sale on pride half binders where a portion of every purchase of the pride collection goes to the Trans Lifeline, a grassroots and trans-led organization advocating for community and resources! Other great companies for underwear include TomboyX, FLAVNT Streetwear, GenderBender, and Outplay which feature items such as stylish rash guards, Unisuits, swim skirts, and nude binders! These queer friendly suits come in a variety of different styles and variations that allow for gender euphoria during summer!
However, these items can be costly so great alternatives for rash guards, bathing suits, tanks, and binders can be found at thrift stores as well as through initiatives like the Point of Pride Free Binder Program that provides chest binders to members of the community who cannot obtain one. Sports bras can also double as binders and are commonly found at nearly every second hand store for cheap, as well as the plentiful rash guards often hidden in the kids section for those smaller bodied. If you’re comfortable, try switching out the oversized tee for a tank or mesh top that could allow for more breathability. Tanks can be hand cut from shirts to cater to your comfortability and even in a way that could hide your binder if that style is desired (How to Cut a T-shirt into a Tank video). It's important to find layers that feel comfortable and don’t suffocate you, and these top wear alternatives could save you from the heat and sunburns!
It may sound funny, but zip off pants are the way to go! Commonly worn by Eagle Scouts and baseball enthusiasts, this dual short/pant combo can alleviate the uncomfortable feeling of being stuck in shorts yet give you the option to wear them if you’re feeling up to it. There’s been too many times when I’ve left the house and either: regretted wearing heavy pants or been stuck and uncomfortable in exposing shorts, the duality of this item can be a lifesaver. These can also be found at thrift stores, hiking surplus stores, and for a new pair, brands like Columbia, Patagonia, and Dicks Sporting Goods sell them unused. Cargo shorts in general as well as jean shorts (jorts) and cutoffs can be great alternatives to exposing shorts. One of my favorite brands is Dickies because their wide array offers lengths from below the knee to almost ankle level and can be easily cut shorter if preferred for a distressed look. Cutting off old pairs of jeans and pants as well can help get a comfortable length and gives you a unique item true to you and your body. Adding patches or even painting on your shorts can also help create one of a kind pieces that also allow for you to love wearing your own unique shorts.
Hopefully these tips can help this summer feel a little less confining and always remember that your body does not define your gender, so wear what makes you comfortable and confident. Last but certainly not least, remember to wear sunscreen!