Athletic Binding Tank Top

A tank top designed for the female-to-male transitioning consumer, who would like the freedom of wearing a tank top, without the fear of their binder becoming visible during motion.

Consumer-Centered Design:

The Athletic Binding Tank Top is a result of a consumer-centered research and design project. For this product, we sought out a consumer group that is not often targeted in everyday apparel categories. Our group of three decided to turn to a very neglected category - consumers classifying as transgender, specifically female to male transitioning or transmasculine individuals. After doing research about what is on the market now, and conducting several interviews, we realized that with hot summer months or sweaty gyms, wearing a tank top while also utilizing a binder is near impossible if you want to keep the binder hidden. Binders are also incredibly compressing, which can cause harm to the wearer for extended periods of time. Binders are not to be worn during exercise, although many do.

This is wear the group IMM comes into the picture. We decided to create a tank top that has a binder that is connected to the overlaying tank top at the neck hole as well as both of the armholes, that way there is no slipping that could accidentally show the binder. The compression layers are still in the front of the binder to give the wearer the desired shape, but the front shoulders and the entire back of the binder are constructed with a very breathable power mesh, to allow more comfort and ventilation for the wearer. A keyhole accent is included in the back with an adjustable bottom band, so the wearer can adjust the level of compression for various activities. 

Tech pack 1: 

men's canvas utility jacket

Tech pack 2:

Women's Professional Blazer

tech pack 3:

Women's Stretch Denim Jean