How to Wear a Packer: A Comprehensive Guide for FTM Individuals

Individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) who identify as male face a lot of challenges in society. One of them is finding and understanding how to wear a packer. FTM individuals have the right to feel endowed in the groin region. The good news is that packers are there to save the day.

Packers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Design and functionality are also some of the options to pick from. Hence, knowing how to wear a packer is based on the above factors. Do you choose underwear briefs with pouches for comfort? Or do you want more security through an extra harness? Can DIY measures such as using tapes to hold packers tickle your fancy? The thing is, wearing Packers may seem simple. But knowing how to wear them for a perfect fit and comfort is key.

Ready to know the various ways to wear your packer? Read on for more information on how to wear packers that align with your gender-affirming needs.

Understanding What a Packer Is

A packer is a prosthetic device that you wear to mimic a penis. When you pack, you use anything that can bulge to create the illusion of a bulge down there. Packers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs.

Why Pack?

Why would anyone want to ‘bulge’ themselves down there, anyone might ask? Well, you would be surprised to know that for FTM individuals, packing can be part of the care that you need for gender identity.

Hence, you pack for;

• For a Masculine Appearance

The role of a packer for an FTM individual lies in the masculine appearance it gives you. You will feel less anxiety about your gender identity even if you have not had bottom surgery.

• For a Bodily Confidence Boost

You will also get a confidence boost from using a packer. The bulge makes you fit the male crowd, which many FTM love. You can be confident when wearing male clothing with your packer.

• Gender Identity and Authenticity

You will feel more secure in your gender identity while using a packer. You will stay aligned with your authenticity and gender identity.

Choosing the Right Packer

When choosing the right packer for yourself, consider the following factors.

A) Material

You will find packers made from the following materials.

• Silicone

You will find most packers made of medical-grade silicone. This is because silicone causes flexible-yet-firm packers.

The advantages of silicone-made packers include;

1. It has a realistic look and feel for a penis.
2. Silicone is a dense material by nature. It is durable and lasts up to a year when maintained properly.
3. It is flexible and stable as a chemical. This means it does not degrade to release harmful chemicals to your and your partner’s bodies.
4. Other forms, such as silicone gels, can create the feel of floating testicles inside a scrotum.

Demerit

1. Silicone-made packers can be more expensive than packers made from different materials. They require a multi-step silicone production process, expensive material blends, and a lot of labor.

• Non-Silicone

The opposite of silicone-made packers are the non-silicone packers. They include materials such as thermoplastic rubber.

Advantages

1. You can squeeze these into your pants. Non-silicone packers made of elastomers, rubbers, or polymer/oil blends have the squeezability factor.
2. They are light. You will not feel heaviness in your pants.
3. They are affordable.

Demerit

1. They can be unsafe. Since they are porous, they can harbor dirt and dust when they are out of the wrapper.
2. Soft, non-silicone packers will get dirty and wear out more quickly. Additionally, they are hard to sanitize.
3. Depending on the company that makes the product, chemicals such as phthalates could leach from the packer onto your or your partner’s skin, causing potential irritation or other health issues.

B) Size and Shape

Consider the packer size and shape for an optimum packing experience. Banabuddy’s bulge rating system will help you choose the right packer size.

• Small Pack

The small pack is small enough to fit most FTMs and is also hidden. As a beginner in packing, you will find small packers convenient. They come in handy for FTMs who are 5 feet and under and are adolescents.

• Medium to Large Pack

These look fuller compared to the small packers. They are comfortable for most FTM. They work handy for FTM, who are 5’4 and 6 feet tall. The significant kind works best for people over 6 feet and those who want attention to their bulge.

• Shape Options

The Packers have different shape options. Finding a packer with the correct anatomy is key. The shape of the head and the shape also vary.

C) Style

Packer style will depend on how you want your packer to feel or function. In this case, you will find the following options on the market:

• Soft Packers

These are flexible, thus giving you a life-like appearance of a real penis. They are made from medical-grade silicone.

• Stiff packers

These feel hard compared to soft packers. They are more structured. They come with more functionality.

• Dual-Purpose Pack

You may want a packer that allows you to pack while offering other functionalities, such as peeing. A good example is the STP Packer, which is designed for packing while also peeing while standing.

D) Budget

You will want to know the different packer prices, which depend on packer styles and the materials used.

For instance, non-silicone packers are less expensive. Adding color and detailing to non-silicone packers is also cheaper compared to silicone packers.

How to Wear a Packer

You can pick the following wearing options for your packer;

A. Packing Underwear (with Pouch)

Some underwear comes in handy with an inbuilt inner pouch. This pouch or pocket will hold your packer.

Check out the 2-1 Packing boxers, for instance. They have two-layer designs to accommodate your shaft. Everything now falls into place.

You will find the following merits with this type of packing underwear;

• They are comfortable.
• It is discreet, as no one will know you’re wearing a packer.
• It is also convenient as all you have to do is place the packer in its position.

One disadvantage of this type of Packer is that you have little control over how you position it.

B. Harnesses

You can also find packers that have harnesses. This strap system will allow you to secure the packer around your waist or hips. They can be made of leather. Check out the Aslan Jock Packing Strap.

Advantages include;

• Extra security, as seen with two straps.
• You will also find different types of harnesses. They come in various colors, shapes, and sizes.
• This type of packer is credited for its comfort when you wear it for a long time.

The bad news is that it is less discreet.

C. Adhesive Systems

You can wear your packer using skin-safe glue. This allows you to stick your packer directly to your body.

A good example is the self-adhesive packer sheets. It is made of a long, water-based adhesive.

Advantages

• Your packing experience will feel more natural with adhesive systems.
• This type of packing design is easy to hide.

Disadvantages

• Some FTM experience skin irritation from adhesives.
• The number of times this packer can be used is limited.

D. Packing with Boxer Shorts or Briefs

Some regular underwear, such as boxer briefs, can hold your packer in place, so there is no need for a pouch system.

Advantages

• They are affordable.
• They are easy to buy as there is a variety.
• They are comfortable and snug and offer support.

Disadvantage

• They are less secure. The packer may move out of place as you go about your day.

E. DIY Options such as the Tape Or Elastic Bands

You may wear a packer using tape or elastic bands. These are considered temporary solutions if you want to secure your packer.

Advantages

• These include low cost. You can do them yourselves, making them less costly.
• Customizable as you can make a tape of your preference.

Disadvantages

• These can be uncomfortable. As a result, you will not wear the packer for long.

Tips for Comfortable Packing

For better comfort while packing, consider the following options

Wear the Right Size of Clothing

You do not want to wear pants that are too loose and fail to give extra support to your packer, and you do not want to wear tight-fitting clothes that squeeze your pack.

Instead, well-fitting clothes will provide you with comfort. It will also secure your packer from slipping.

Use Skin-Friendly Materials

In this case, when using adhesives, ensure that they are skin-friendly. For instance, the Adapt Medical adhesive spray is one of many FTMs’ favorites. It is made of natural rubber latex and does not contain carbon or fluorine, which can cause harm.

When using a harness, choose materials that are gentle on your skin, such as leather.

Experiment with Positions

Knowing which position feels good for you and your partner is key to comfort. It also promotes authenticity. Packing too high may make your bulge look unreal.

This goes for STP packers because they are always too noticeable because of their boner-like appearance.

Practice Good Hygiene

Clean your packer regularly to avoid dirt, sweat, and oil build-up. Regular cleaning will help you avoid skin irritation.

Always remember that each product is made differently. The best way to maintain your packer is to know the material it is made from.

Conclusion

Knowing the packer material, shape, and size is key to gender-affirming your needs. But more importantly, learning how to wear your packer is the key ingredient to a satisfying gender affirmation process for many FTM.

Take your sweet time and experiment with what works until your bulge feels natural and authentic to you.