Packing is one of those things that can make an enormous difference to how you feel in your body on a daily basis — and yet it rarely gets talked about with the same level of detail as chest binding. This guide covers everything: what packing is, how it works, the different approaches, and how to find what's right for you.
Packing refers to wearing a prosthetic inside your underwear to create a natural-looking bulge under clothing. For many trans masculine and nonbinary people, packing is an important part of gender expression — it can help clothing fit more comfortably, reduce dysphoria in changing rooms or swimwear situations, and create a sense of physical alignment that makes a real difference to daily wellbeing.
Packing is always a personal choice. Some people pack every day as a natural part of getting dressed. Others pack only in specific situations — at the beach, at the gym, or on days when dysphoria feels more present. There's no right or wrong frequency, and you don't need to identify in any particular way to pack.
A packer is a soft prosthetic designed to sit in your underwear and create a natural bulge. Packers come in a range of types:
Soft packers are designed purely for everyday appearance — creating a natural silhouette under clothing without any other functionality. They're typically made from foam or soft silicone and are the most common choice for everyday packing. The packer included with Transform's Packing Boxers is a soft foam packer designed for everyday comfort.
More detailed and realistic in appearance, these are usually made from medical-grade silicone or TPE. They're heavier than foam options and typically more expensive, but offer a more realistic look and feel.
STPs are designed to allow urination while standing. They require more practice to use correctly and need to be worn with compatible underwear or harnesses.
There are several approaches to packing, each with different trade-offs around convenience, realism and cost:
This is the simplest and most accessible approach — underwear with a built-in pouch and an included packer. You buy one product, put it on, and you're done. No separate packer to source, no compatibility questions, no additional purchases.
Transform's Packing Boxers with Packer take this approach. The foam packer is included, sits securely in the built-in pouch, and can be removed for washing or trimmed to customise the size and shape. At $38, this is the lowest-effort, most affordable entry point for everyday packing in Australia.
This approach involves buying a packer and a pouch or harness separately, then combining them. It offers more customisation — you can choose your preferred packer and your preferred pouch style independently — but requires more research, more purchases, and careful attention to compatibility between products.
Underwear with a built-in pouch designed to hold a packer you already own. This is a good option if you've already purchased a separate packer and want a more secure and comfortable way to wear it.
If you're new to packing or looking for the simplest everyday solution, all-in-one packing underwear removes most of the friction from getting started:
For people who are new to packing and want to try it without a significant investment or research rabbit hole, this is the most practical starting point.
Our Packing Boxers with Packer are designed for trans masculine and nonbinary people who want comfortable, affirming everyday underwear without the complexity of sourcing separate components.
Our packing boxers come in a range of sizes. Measure around your waist and refer to the size guide on the product page to find the right fit. The underwear should feel comfortable and supportive without being tight.
Remove the packer before washing. The packing boxers can be machine washed as normal. Use a laundry bag if you prefer extra care.
The foam packer can be washed inside a laundry wash bag in the washing machine. Allow it to air dry completely before reinserting.
If the packer feels too large or you want to adjust the shape, it can be carefully trimmed with scissors. Take small amounts off at a time and test the fit before cutting more.
Most people who pack find that it becomes a natural part of getting dressed, with no more thought than any other piece of clothing. Well-designed packing underwear keeps everything securely in place through a normal day without adjustment.
The secure internal pouch in our packing boxers is designed to keep the packer in place during movement, including exercise. If you find any movement or discomfort during high-intensity activity, the packer can be removed.
Change rooms and beach situations can be among the most dysphoria-triggering environments for trans and nonbinary people. Having a packer in place can make a significant difference in these settings.
Packing is the practice of wearing a prosthetic inside underwear to create a natural-looking bulge. It's a form of gender expression commonly used by trans masculine and nonbinary people.
A packer is a soft prosthetic designed to sit in underwear and create a natural appearance under clothing. Packers range from simple foam options to detailed silicone prosthetics.
Specialised packing underwear — with a built-in pouch or pocket — makes packing significantly more comfortable and secure by keeping the packer correctly positioned without shifting. You can also use a separate packing pouch with regular underwear.
All-in-one packing underwear with an included packer — like Transform's Packing Boxers with Packer — is the most accessible starting point. One purchase, no compatibility questions, ready to wear.
Yes — our packing boxers are designed for everyday comfort. Breathable 100% cotton fabric and a secure pouch make them practical for all-day wear.
Yes — Transform Transwear is an Australian-owned brand based in Melbourne. Our Packing Boxers with Packer ship Australia-wide and are available to try at our Melbourne store by appointment.
The foam packer included with our packing boxers is not designed for swimming. Remove the packer before entering water. The underwear itself can be worn swimming, but the pouch is designed for dry use.
Remove the packer, then machine wash the underwear as normal. The foam packer can be washed separately in a laundry wash bag and air dried.
