Everything You Need To Know About Gaffs, Tucking Underwear
Gaffs: What Are They, How Do They Work, And Which One Is Right For Me?
Everything You’ve Ever Wondered About Gaffs
Gender-affirming gear is instrumental in empowering trans people since it allows folks to feel secure in their identities. When we talk about trans women and trans femme individuals, Gaffs are some of the first garments that come to mind.
Compression panties, commonly known as Gaffs, are an example of just one of these kinds of undergarments – but what exactly are they, how do they work, and are they right for you? Read on to find out everything there is to know about gaffs and how to use them.
What Is A Gaff?
Put simply, a gaff is a special type of compression underwear. The main purpose of a gaff is to help give a flatter appearance to the pelvic area, which can help some transfeminine folks feel more comfortable and confident in their day-to-day life.
Who Is It For?
Gaffs are tucking underwear that can be used by anyone looking to have a smoother appearance in their pelvic area, regardless of how they choose to identify. Many transgender women, drag queens, trans femmes, and gender non-conforming people choose to use a gaff either at home or out to get that smooth look. Having access to gender-affirming gear benefits your own sense of self, and for those who experience gender dysphoria in relation to the appearance of the body, it can help ease those feelings.
Whether you’re choosing to wear one in your day-to-day life or when you're killing it on stage, gaffs can help clothing fit in a way that is more gender-affirming and comfortable.
How Do I Use A Gaff?
Depending on your individual needs, gaffs can be worn a number of different ways. They can either be used by themselves as a simple smoothing compression or alongside “tucking” – which is an additional method of preventing a bulge from showing. Once you’re ready, just slip on your gaff just like a regular pair of underwear. Check to make sure everything is secure, and then you’re good to go!
Both ways are completely valid choices for whoever wants to use them, but while wearing them without opting for the tucking method can be more comfortable, tucking can help achieve the flattest look possible.
How Do I Tuck?
Tucking refers to the method of positioning external genitals, either by moving the penis and scrotum between the legs and buttocks, or pushing the testes up into their inguinal canals while still arranging the penis between the legs. Either method is fine, although the sliding method is generally thought to be more comfortable. In order to tuck safely, it's recommended to use a product specifically designed for this, such as Binding Tape or Tucking Kits. For easier removal, folks opt to use special removal oils.
Image taken from TransHub.
Start by wrapping the head of your penis with toilet paper or cloth (this is to avoid any spillage or infection). Then slide your testes between your legs and towards your buttocks. Carefully hold your testes in place, and then tuck your penis along the same direction. Once you’re finished, you’re ready to proceed with pulling up your gaff – making sure to keep everything nice and tight.
Check out some tips and tricks on how to make the application process go smoothly:
How Do I Measure For A Gaff?
When it comes to selecting the right size gaff for you, simply follow the same sizing conventions as when selecting underwear. Measure around the circumference of the waist, just above the hips. Next, check out the sizing chart on the product page for your desired gaff, and see what size category your measurement falls under. This should give you a good idea of the size that is most likely to fit you!
You want your gaff to fit snugly and firmly, but not too tightly. Because we’re looking for compression, some people make the mistake of choosing smaller sizes in the hopes it'll work better – avoid making this mistake! Compression gaffs will fit very tightly when you first get them, and will relax over the first few wears.
Types Of Gaffs
Gaffs can come in many different styles, so finding the right one for you can be a trial and error process!
Tucking Gaffs (Thongs, Panties)
Tucking gaffs can come in many different styles, such as thongs or the more easily controlled panties/hipster style. Both have their benefits! Some people find that the thongs make them feel more sensual and free, while others prefer the comfort that panties can give them. Since these are made to be used alongside the tucking method, they’re good for those of us who have a little additional girth. If you’re looking for a range of compression levels, try out different styles to see what works for you.
Pros
- Gives more control
- Smoother look
- Snug and secure
Cons
- Can be uncomfortable or restrictive
- Needs time to carefully tuck and untuck
- Can affect blood circulation if left for too long
Non-Tucking Gaffs Or Panties
Non-tucking gaffs are made with an additional supportive panel sewn into the front of the crotch area, made for extra tightness and contouring while avoiding the need to tuck the testes into their inguinal canals or resort to taping. This can be an easier option or those who don’t like the feeling of tucking, while still giving them that neat and tidy pelvic look! In general, these strategically placed panels offer a gentler shaping support but are not as controlled as tucking gaffs or panties.
Pros
- Can use for as long as you want to
- Comfortable and flexible
- Easy and quick to put on
Cons
- Not as supportive to the area
- Can provide a less smooth look than tucking gaffs or panties
Frequently Asked Questions About Gaffs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that people have about gaffs in everyday life. This breakdown should help you find all the answers you need!
How Long Can I Safely Wear A Gaff?
Tucking while wearing a gaff will be a different experience for everyone. Some people discover that tucking for an extended period can lead to issues with blood circulation. For others, problems stemming from too much friction can lead to skin irritations or even fungal infections. In some extreme cases of tucking over very long periods, fertility issues may be a factor.
In order to stay safe while tucking, we advise regular breaks when possible to do so. If possible, wear breathable and loose clothing during these periods to let everything relax as much as possible. Try not to wear one when sleeping, as constrictions can occur. It’s also important to make sure that your body is not feeling too restricted, and if you start feeling any discomfort, pain or numbness consider adjusting your tucking methods or wearing a gaff without tucking for a while.
Can I Sit While Wearing A Gaff Without Hurting Myself?
Trying to sit down while tucking and wearing a gaff can be an uncomfortable and even painful process. Sometimes the issue can be that the style of gaff isn’t sitting right on your body, or your tucking method needs to be adjusted. Seams are another frequent culprit – as they can dig into your tender skin uncomfortably, in which case, looking into a different style of gaff may be the best choice for you. In some cases, getting used to the feeling over time can ease discomfort, but if the pain continues to present a problem, it may be best to avoid tucking gaffs and stick to non-tucking gaffs or panties.
What Is the Best Material For A Gaff?
Gaffs can be made of many different types of material, but not all are created equally! In general, you want to look for lightweight, breathable material when choosing a gaff. Cotton is a great one to choose, as it’s nice and light, allowing for reat ventilation. Spandex, nylon or microfiber blends are also great for compression, and can offer an excellent form of control while staying snug and comfortable.
As much as possible, avoid slippery materials such as silk or satin – they have a tendency to “scrunch” or move around, which can cause chafing or lead to general discomfort.
Finding the right material for you can be tricky, so depending on the occasion and the length of time you’ll be wearing it, you’ll want to choose which material will suit your needs best.
How Do I Take Care Of My Gaff?
Depending on what kind of material your gaff is made of, and how they were made, you may have different cleaning instructions. In general though, a good rule of thumb is to wash your gaff carefully in cold water after each use. If you’re going to clean your gaff in the washing machine, make sure you wash on the gentle cycle. Washing by hand in cold water is fine – just make sure you hang it up to dry out nicely before the next use!
Alternative To Gaffs
While gaffs are a great choice for achieving a day-to-day smoothness, sometimes an occasion will call for a little extra control or support – in which case, there are many other great alternatives out there!
Shapewear
Shapewear is an undergarment designed to create a smooth silhouette and help individuals of all genders contour their figures in flattering ways. A lot of people refer to this type of sculpting underwear as ‘Spanx’, which are one of the most dominant brands around – but today, there are plenty of different styles, brands and shapes available from all kinds of retailers.
Shapewear is usually made out of a blend of spandex and nylon, and can be targeted to specific parts of the body, such as hips and the stomach, or can also be geared towards more general all-body sculpting. This flexibility of choice can help individuals feel as sexy and confident as possible wearing anything from tight bodycon dresses to cute little playsuits.
Swimwear
If you’re rushed for time and want to throw something on quickly, swimwear can be a great option! Synthetic, tight material helps keep everything tucked snugly, so you can grab a pair of bikini bottoms for a last minute gaff alternative.
Gender-affirming underwear can be super important for supporting your identity and letting you feel as onfident as possible. Now that you know all about the different types of gaffs and other gender-affirming undergarments out there, you can start investigating which one is right for you! If you're interested in gaffs and you want to get started on your journey, head on over to our product page and take a look at what we've got on offer!
Questions? We are happy to chat, write to us at info@urbasics.ca