A Beginner’s Guide to Tucking

Bottom dysphoria, a common experience among transgender and gender-diverse individuals, refers to the distress or discomfort one might be feeling towards one’s genitalia or lower body. 

One of the ways that has helped trans and gender diverse people relieve this bottom dysphoria is – Tucking.

Tucking is a technique used to reduce or conceal the bulge of the genitals (penis and testicles), resulting in a flatter/aesthetically pleasant appearance between the legs for the individual.

It allows them to wear clothes that are more affirming to their gender, feel more comfortable in their body and alleviate their bottom/gender dysphoria.

Tucking may be used by people who identify as trans women, trans femme, gender non conforming, nonbinary and agender. Tucking is also widely used in drag shows. For some individuals, tucking helps them navigate public spaces without putting them at risk for harassment and violence while for some tucking has resulted in improved mental health. 

Tucking, however, is not required for gender affirmation and is entirely up to the individual. Tucking does not mean that you identify in a particular way, and it is not the only method to access femininity. To tuck or not is a purely personal decision; some individuals tuck every day, while others only tuck on rare occasions or not at all; all of these are valid.

Supplies : 

Tucking can be practiced with many different types of approaches, including body tape, specialized supportive undergarments known as gaffs, DIY gaffs using stockings or tight underwear, or a combination of these. Although there is no research as to which method is more safe or secure, general consensus is that tape feels more secure while underwear is more comfortable.  

• Tape : Use medical tape, one that can be purchased through pharmacy, or vinyl/kinesio tape.Make sure to not use duct or packing tape. 
• Comfortable pair of underwear or shapewear 
• Gaff : These are specialised supportive underwear made for tucking and can be purchased online. Some people also make DIY ones from pantyhose.
• Toilet paper or Tissues
• Shaving materials
• Scissors 

How to Tuck :

Tucking simply is a way to position genitals in a way that it creates a flat appearance. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide :

Preparation : 

Trim or shave down there first and foremost. You also have to make sure the penis is flaccid before you begin. A cold shower sometimes helps! 

If you are using tape, precut 3-4 pieces of it a little shorter than the length of your forearm and can drape them off carefully in a nearby surface for later use. It will take you a few tries to get the length right that is suitable for you.

If you are using gaff, put them on and pull them up to your knees

Tucking the testes : 

There are inguinal canals between the spaces in your pelvis. Use two or three fingers to gently guide the testes upwards towards the respective canals. Make sure to go slowly and trust your body. This shouldn’t be painful but might feel new/different – if you feel pain, stop immediately and try again.

Some people also choose to not tuck it in canals but to push the testes to the back or the side. 

Tucking the penis : 

Using a few pieces of tissue and fold it over the top of the penis. After that pull it backwards between your legs. Don’t force or pull hard and remember to keep breathing during this. This would help the testes stay tucked securely if you tried that method.

If you’re using tape, place your first pre-cut pieces of tape on your lower stomach, just where you wear your underwear and onto your pubic bone, and then bring it back between your legs. This is the main tape that holds everything down together. 

After that, take the next two pre-cut pieces of tape – with the same starting position as the first tape,  create a V shape , one piece slightly to right and the other slightly to left to secure it further in place. If you are still unsure and not feeling confident, you can add more pieces and put it wherever you need it the most.

If you’re using underwear, shapewear or gaff, just pull it up from your knees, to keep everything in place and that’s it! Flatness can be better provided with underwear made especially for tucking, such as gaff, which typically has a firm front piece to keep everything in place. 

For added seal or layer, some individuals use both tape and underwear.

Things to keep in mind : 

1. If you’re trying tucking for the first time, tuck in and out back slowly and better to try it at home or in a place where you can take constant breaks comfortably. It’s okay if things feel weird at first, it happens! Tucking shouldn’t feel painful so if you feel faint, nausea or pain, take a break or try a different method of tucking altogether. If you find out tucking isn’t for you that is also completely okay! 
2. When tucking, the crotch area becomes moist and sweaty, increasing the likelihood of sweating, itching, or chafing. To minimize this, wear looser fitting clothing that allows for better air circulation and take breaks from tucking. 
3. Try not to remain taped for more than 4-8 hours or full day. Don’t sleep while tucked.  
4. You’ll have to untuck every time you need to pee, so if you use tape, be very careful. To safely remove the tape, use coconut oil or any other oil as the oil breaks away the adhesive, making the removal easier.
5. Some individuals drink less to limit trips to the bathroom during tucking, but this raises the risk of dehydration. Stay hydrated.
6. If you get aroused while being tucked, the tucking will not come undone if properly secured, but you may experience little discomfort or pain. You may need to rearrange yourself.
7. Tucking may affect your fertility so speak to your healthcare provider about steps you can take before practicing. 
8. You should also speak to your healthcare provider if you experience itching, rash, testicular pain, penile pain, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

Where to get Gaffs? 

You can buy gaffs online. Unfortunately, the Indian market lacks a local brand, but there are many international brands to choose from. Always choose a gaff based on the sizing chart of the specific store, as sizes may differ.

Here are some global brands that ship to India : 

1. LeoLines:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeoLines 
2. TomboyX Tucking Underwear:  https://tomboyx.com/collections/gender-euphoria 
3. Fit4USolutions : https://fit4usolutions.com/ 
4. Sock Drawer Heroes : https://sockdrawerheroes.com/ 
5. Tuck Buddies : https://www.tuckbuddies.com/ 
6. Origami Customs : https://origamicustoms.com /
7. Carmen Liu Lingerie :  https://www.carmenliulingerie.co.uk/ 
8. Urbody : https://urbody.co/collections/bottoms 

You can also do DIY Gaffs –  refer to the video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vtYXgf8-nw

Remember, tucking is a personal choice and it’s perfectly okay if it’s not for you.

Take care, stay safe, and only do what makes you feel most comfortable and confident.

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References : 

https://www.prideinpractice.org/articles/transgender-genital-tucking-guide

https://www.folxhealth.com/library/how-to-tuck-tips-tricks-and-safety-when-tucking