What Are Packing Straps, STP Straps, Harnesses, and Pouches?
Packing straps, STP straps, harnesses, and pouches are supportive items that can be worn for the purpose of securing a packer, also called a ‘prosthetic’, to the body, or to a piece of clothing. This allows anyone of any gender to ‘sport a package’!
Packers can be tucked into ‘tighty whitey’ underwear or boxer briefs – you can also even pop a packer into a sock and safety-pin that to your underwear to try out packing without spending money on packing-specific clothing.
We offer packing straps, harnesses, and pouches in a variety of different styles. They all work a little bit differently, and, have different benefits and drawbacks. If you choose to pack, and are looking for garments to help support your journey (and package!), read on!
How to Choose a Strap, Harness, or Pouch
We offer a selection of different products – each unique in it’s own way! When choosing a packing harness, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost would be sizing. Use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your waist, just above the hip bones.
Next, compare your measurement to the sizing dimensions listed on the product page. The sizing chart on the product page should give you a range of measurements for each size, allowing you to choose the size that is likely to fit you best.
Another thing to consider is the functionality of the product. Every garment we offer is very functional when it comes to holding a packer in place, however, using an inexpensive product that can be pinned to any of your fave undies is a very different story than choosing a pair of underwear that can be specifically used for packing, and may feel more secure, but, doesn’t come in fun colours or fabrics that speak to you.
Get Your Joey:
These inexpensive pouches are extremely versatile, by allowing you to pin your package to the inside waistband of any pants, swimwear, or underwear. the Get Your Joey pouches come in a variety of charming patterns, are machine washable, and, are handmade (by trans folks!) in Canada!
Form Function Slingshot Harness / Spareparts Pete Commando / Aslan Leather Packing Strap:
These packing straps are usually worn against the skin, underneath a base layer such as pants or underwear. Packing straps help to discreetly and safely secure your package to your body. Do note that the Slingshot has been designed to specifically only work with Form Function STP products, however, it can work for non STP packers too! Learn more about the Slingshot, Pete Commando, or Aslan Packing Strap!
Spareparts Tomboi / Tomboii / Pete Trunks:
Underwear-style harnesses like the Tomboi, Tomboii or Pete Trunks have a snug fit, just like regular briefs and boxer briefs. Many also have the added benefit of a special strap inside the front panel that helps keep your piece in place. Styles like the Tomboii have two panels inside the front, which means that you have the option of keeping your packer securely in place, without having it rub up against your skin. The Tomboi or Tomboii are also compatible with the NYTC Sam STP, which is a huge bonus!
How to Wear a Strap, Harness, or Pouch
If you’re new to packing, it’s a good idea to get used to your package in a safe and comfortable location, before venturing out into public. Consider the length of time you plan on packing over the course of a day, and try it out in private! Stand, sit, bend down, jump around, lie on the couch, and see how everything moves and feels.
If you’re packing with a pair of ‘tighty whitey’ underwear or boxer briefs, simply place the packer inside your underwear and adjust it so that the base rests comfortably against your genitals. The material of the underwear should help keep your packer from shifting around too much, but if you find that this becomes an issue, you may want to consider investing in a product that will help avoid excess shifting, or, a dreaded wardrobe malfunction.
If you decide to pack with a packing strap or harness, simply secure your packer inside the product, confirm it’s secure, and you’re ready to put on your packing strap or harness! Alternatively, if you’re packing with a packing pouch, simply place the packer inside the pouch, confirm it’s secure, and, pin to the clothing of your choice!
Care and Cleaning
Follow the cleaning instructions that come with your particular gear. If in doubt, the following guidelines can be safely applied to nylon, spandex, cotton, polyester, vinyl, and elastic materials.
Machine-wash or hand-wash your garment – preferably on the cold & gentle setting on your machine. The only product that can’t be cared for this way is the Aslan Packing Strap. In that case, simply wipe down the surface of the leather with a damp cloth and mild soap, and pat with a towel to dry. Once dry, if you’d like, you can treat your leather items with a leather conditioner to help prevent the material from drying out and cracking.
Hang your garment or lay it flat to dry. Unless otherwise noted on the instructions for your garment, we don’t recommend putting your gear in the dryer, as heat can damage and shrink some materials.
Have questions?
Have questions? Need help? Write us at info@gendergear.ca and we’d be happy to chat!