If you read "First Time User: Before You Apply," you should be ready to apply for the first time! Since you're ready to apply now, we're going to go over a few basics for tucking with TransTape. And after this post, there will soon be a detailed how-to for how to tuck, but you can't skip the basics!
Hey friends!
We're friends, right?
I know it may come as a shock to some of you but, we're gonna talk about TransTape.
Specifically, we're going to talk about tucking with TransTape!
This isn't something I've talked to much about in the past, so I'm very happy to finally feel educated and aware enough to talk about it with you guys.
There's no shame in needing to educate yourself about something. Especially when there are so many ways to get information! Taking time to learn about new things and educating yourself is a great form of self-love and it's also a great way to show support and ally-ship.
There are two main ways that you can tuck using TransTape, and I will touch on them both very briefly.
Like I said, detailed how-to is on its way! In 2 weeks to be specific!
But of course, as some of you may know by now, there are some things we need to go over.
Alright, TransTape vets, you know the drill.
You've probably heard it a million times, but we're going to talk about what exactly TransTape is for all of the new users here.
I know, I know. I do this to you every time and all you want to do is read all the cool things I write about. I understand, I do.
That's why you're more than welcome to skip ahead, I won't hold it against you guys.
I might cry, though. I work really hard on these.
Jokes aside, skip the recap if you must and I'll meet you in the next section.
Now, we persevere!
TransTape is theeeeee original body-transformation system!
It's a backless, strapless and waterproof alternative to binders, bras, gaffes and other self-affirming products.
If you're someone who packs or tucks, TransTape can also replace expensive pairs of packing and tucking underwear!
The fabric to this amazing stuff is made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, making it comfortable and flexible.
And to keep this fabric attached to our delicate skin, TransTape uses a hypoallergenic medical grade acrylic adhesive that is latex free and non-medicated.
Phew, that last part is always a lot.
TransTape is made with the user in mind.
And what I mean by that is, it's made with everyone in mind.
Everyone can use TransTape, whether you use it to ease gender dysphoria or replace an overpriced bra that isn't even comfortable.
TransTape is for everybody, and don't forget it!
Regardless of your lifestyle, from an adventure craving daredevil to a relaxed homebody, TransTape has you covered.
Workout in the gym, float in the ocean, read a book in your favorite chair or do all three this week with the same application!
That's right, TransTape can last up to a week!
Sometimes even more, depending on your application.
So go ahead and enjoy the best things in life as your authentic self.
Find your freedom.
Alright, now that the recap is out of the way, let's talk about tucking.
If you're not sure what tucking is, you're in the right place!
And don't feel bad if you don't know what it is!
We're only human and there isn't an expectation to know absolutely everything about everything.
Tucking is when someone who was assigned male at birth (AMAB) tucks their penis and scrotum between their legs in order to have a smoother and more "feminine" appearance in the pubic area.
This technique is used by many trans women and also drag performers.
When tucking, some people opt to tuck their testicles up into their lower abdomen, through the inguinal canal, while others tuck all the goods back together.
The way you decide to do it depends entirely on your personal preference and comfort level.
I'm not here to tell you which way is best, I'm only here to share some knowledge with you so that you feel more comfortable taking the next step and making these decisions for yourself.
With that said, there isn't a wrong way to tuck, as long as you do it safely.
So no duct tape on the skin, okay?
First, we gotta gather the materials.
Can't tape without some tape!
What you will need:
Optional:
Another important thing to consider before tucking, or binding or packing or anything to be honest, is to check in with yourself.
What I mean by that is, what type of mood are you in? How are you feeling?
This is important because when we are using TransTape, there's a good possibility that we're handling a part of our body that might make us uncomfortable.
It might make us frustrated or sad sometimes, and that's okay. We're allowed to feel those feelings too!
If you've gathered your basic materials, you're ready to start preparing your strips.
I always suggest cutting your strips prior to taping because it makes for a much easier and smooth experience. That way, you won't have to stop in between steps to cut a new strip and that makes it a lot less stressful.
But like I said, there's no wrong way to tuck. Do what works best for you!
Let's get to cutting!
I mentioned before that there are mainly two techniques when it comes to tucking with TransTape.
The first method only uses one strip of tape.
Piece of tape with the corners rounded, to be specific.
Before I move on, rounding your corners is highly recommended. This is because it lays down smoother, is less likely to start peeling up and in my opinion, it just looks nicer when you round the corners.
Also, you did your test strip right? If not, do it.
Moving on.
If you decide to do the one strip method, you guessed it, you only need to cut one long strip.
With rounded corners.
Depending on your anatomy and comfort level, you may have to adjust the length of your strip.
You want the strip to be long enough to start at the front of your pubic bone and end on or just above your butt cheeks.
But like I said before, it depends on your anatomy, but I would start with around 6 sections and adjust from there.
And reminder, have gauze or some other type of material separating the TransTape from your skin. It doesn't matter if you have sensitive skin or not, this is something you shouldn't skip.
And if you don't want to take my word for it, because I'm not a doctor, chat with the help desk about it!
You probably guessed it, but for this technique you're going to have 3 strips of TransTape.
Once again, length of the strips depend on your anatomy and preference.
Now, you can either cut one strip and split it into 3 or you can cut 3 separate strips.
Either way, you will end up with 3 strips.
3 rounded strips.
All 3 strips should be long enough to reach from your pubic bone to above your butt cheeks.
The first two strips are applied to keep the testicles in place and the third strip goes right down the middle to hold the shaft in place.
Everybody is different, so try both methods and see what works best for you!
Do you see the happiness?
Because I sure do.
One common mistake that most people make while using TransTape, in any way, is that they overstretch it.
I know that we all want the flattest application to ever be applied, but more often than not, our expectations can cause us to pull the tape too tight.
Your application being too tight could lead to discomfort, itching or even blisters.
And we don't want that! All that stuff sucks.
I'm not sure if "support" is the right word for it, but let me explain.
Whichever method you choose, you may want an extra level of security.
Similar to binding and packing, adding an additional strip can provide more security but also help you feel a little more at ease.
You can apply an additional strip, it doesn't have to be big, to where your strips meet at your pubic bone or above your butt cheeks.
Or both, you're running the show here, not me!
Drop it like it's hot.
No, really.
It's almost a requirement and not a tip, actually.
Regardless of your technique, a good squat will help you get a good tuck.
When applying your strips, squat down while holding everything in place and apply your strips without overstretching.
This makes it easier to lay the tape down and place it where it needs to go with minimum wrinkles.
For right now, that's about all I have on tucking tips.
And if I think of any more tips, you will find them in the next tucking post!
And on that note.
I'll see you in two weeks with the detailed how-to!
And don't forget, liberation is in the direction of joy.
Find your freedom.
Until next time,
Stay awesome,
Stay beautiful,
Stay you.
You are loved and it gets better.
Talk to you soon,
Jamie
My name is Jamie and I'm a young (ish) transman born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York state. I started my transition in May of 2017 and since then, I've made it my mission to live unapologetically as myself and spread awareness through my pursuit of happiness. I am the creator and writer of Spilling T blog, a proud affiliate of TransTape and when I'm not outside with the best dog ever or hanging out with my two cats, I make and sell my own beard care products through Buckaroo's Beard Care. I'm always looking for my next adventure and have been skydiving, road-tripping, hiking in the mountains and even served for a short time in the United States Marine Corps. My life has had its fair share of twists and turns and I hope to use those experiences to create helpful and relatable content that may help someone else navigate a difficult time in life.
Beards, Socials, Tape and Writing
Use code FINALLYME10 for 10% off your TransTape!
https://linktr.ee/jamieakajames