Open Chest Binding Tutorial

This is my Open Chest Binding Tutorial that many of my friends requested I make~

In case I wasn't clear enough, for Step One place the tissue/gauze over your nipple. This will really help when taking off the tape.

For Step Two, try to pull the tape to flatten your chest as much as possible WITHOUT pulling your skin uncomfortably.
The binding isn't comfy at all, but excessive pulling can cause chest pain and redness inbetween your breasts.

For Step Three, it is optional because just pulling the tape to the side can be enough for most people.
I like to reduce shadow underneath my breasts for pictures so I like to pull upwards and to the side to achieve that look.

For Step Four, I use the turned over duct tape, but double sided tape works better.
Either way, just make sure that the fabric of the shirt you are using does not crumple when you put it against the tape. This will make the shirt look weird. Smooth the fabric over the tape and make it look more natural.

When removing, there will be some pain. Watch your skin when taking off the tape SLOWLY. I pull my skin in the opposite direction to reduce pull and it also reduces pain.
I've been told that baby oil also works well with removal, though I have not tried it myself.
Keep in mind that you have tiny hairs on your skin which can be pulled out when removing tape.

......Liek mai Alois Kimono?~ |D
(it's almost done~)

I would like to point out that, yes, this does hurt when taking off. I don't suggest using this method for normal cosplays (closed shirt) since duct tape can be rather painful and tedious to work with.
Also, I have experimented with other tapes and determined that Duct tape works the best for me.
But take note that some people are allergic to it and I suggest experimenting yourself before automatically using duct tape and causing yourself unneeded pain.

This method works for many people, but depending on your cup size the results may vary.
I myself am a C-D cup and require a little more tape and pulling in certain directions to acquire the correct look.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me~

You can use heavy duty sports tape that is designed for your skin too! It allows your skin to breathe and you sweat less, so the adhesive will last longer.

This is a wonderful technique though. My twin sister used this years ago for my open-shirt Sasuke cosplay.

Um, it helps if you take a hot shower and then the adhesive on the tape will wear off. You'll still have to peel slowly but for the most part it will just come off.

NEW WARNING: DO NOT LEAVE DUCT TAPE ON FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. I have known this for a long time and the warning is because DUCT TAPE EATS SKIN.
It has also come to my attention (with the help of and my own recent personal experiences) that with the prolonged wear of duct tape you may get blisters. I accidentally forgot about how long I had been wearing my binding for while at Anime Expo this year and I suffered the consequences. Some of the skin on the edge of where the duct tape was located had ripped off skin and caused blisters to form. PLEASE be careful and make sure that you do NOT leave on the duct tape binding for long periods of time, how long that is, I don't know. I only know that when I first ripped my skin I had the duct tape on for about 11 hours, give or take a few hours. This is much too long, I've realized. Try and limit this binding to ONLY open chest cosplays and please be sure to take caution when removing!! I love you all and don't wish to see any of you going through the pain I'm going through now (no it's not severe in the slightest, but it does get uncomfortable on occasion.)