The idea of having a massive penis may seem tempting, but the best fit is not dependent on size alone. Instead, we recommend focusing on what feels right for your body. After all, if a prosthetic is too large or too small, you’ll be less likely to feel affirmed wearing your new packer.

We recommend experimenting with different sizes at home by rolling up socks at different lengths, to get a better idea of what size suits you best.

It's also important to recognize that not one packer can fit all your wants! For example, a pack n play might be too big for daily packing (depending on your height and build) so you might want to complement it with another model for daily packing like the Plufin or the Archer.

So you’ve gotten your FtM prosthetic products, and you’re absolutely stoked to see how it’s going to look. But after a few hours, you start to see a bit of redness and maybe feel a little itchy. If this sounds like something that’s happened to you, then there may be something in your packer that’s setting off an allergic reaction – like rubber or latex.

Using your packer shouldn’t make you uncomfortable, and finding the right one is well worth the effort. That’s why many packing veterans and experienced trans folks recommend buying silicone packers. Silicone packers usually last longer than products made from other materials, and they can be boiled for sterilization.

When used and cared for properly, silicone rarely triggers allergic reactions and is less porous than other types of packing material. Silicone’s nonporous composition means no trapped bacteria and easy cleaning, so you don’t have to worry about infections.

One of the main factors that can make or break the packing experience for trans folks is the positioning of their packer.

Positioning determines bulge shape and prominence – packing too high or low may look unnatural. This is especially important to trans folks who use an STP packer because this product usually results in a more pronounced, “boner-like” appearance.

Given this, there are two primary “poses” for positioning your packer or STP:

• Packing Up: Packing up refers to the way folks might let their penises rest up against their hip flexors. However, packing in this way may reduce product visibility. Do note those who use STP packers will usually have to pack up to achieve better results.
• Packing Down: Packing down refers to the practice of letting your packer rest directly above the scrotal area. Doing this means that even smaller packers can create a sizeable bulge while still being comfortable enough for daily use.

Some trans-focused manufacturers make boxers for soft packing, while others make unobtrusive harnesses for hard packers. These undergarments and harnesses are usually constructed with firm support to keep your packer in place and stop any unwanted drifting on your body. This usually makes for a near-seamless transition between packing and play for hard packers, and a natural experience for folks that prefer to pack soft.

If you're more of a boxer person, consider something like the 2-1 Packing Boxers. The unique 2-layer design holds your soft packer or STP safely in place, with an inner pouch for easy wearing, a middle layer with an opening to accommodate the shaft and keep everything in place, and an outer pouch for easy access when you have to "go".

If, on the other hand, you feel more affirmed wearing a harness, we recommend trying something like TransStore's Easy Packing Strap, which is designed to be compatible with most packers in the market and can also be used with packer, STP or Pack-n-Play during sex.

Here’s the truth about your first few days of packing: it won’t feel great right away. Just like any significant lifestyle change, it may take a little bit of time before packing starts to feel natural. For example, some trans folks wear their packers with a jockstrap for a more "natural" feel.

This is why we recommend taking it slow and first trying your packer at home before you wear it out. While in the comfort of your home, go through the motions of your day-to-day life to get a better feel for your product. This means trying to sit and stand, run, jump, or bend over while wearing your packer.

Remember: there’s no rush. Take your packer out for a spin only when you feel comfortable enough to do so.

Some trans folks who are new to packing may think of saving some cash by re-using sex toys as a replacement for realistic packers. However, not only will it look a little weird, but it also won’t give you a realistic bulge.

If cost is an issue, there are low-cost or free alternatives to purchasing high-quality packers. The lowest-cost packer we carry is the Bulge Packer, an ultra-lightweight packer that is soft to the touch, non-chaffing, and a great alternative for folks with silicone allergies. This $13 foam packer is designed to fit into pouch underwear, underwear with built-in separation, or in a packing pouch. 

A hard “pack and play” product usually requires a bit more effort to ensure that everything’s in place and in working order. Newbie users may need a packing harness and specialized underwear to get the right fit. Otherwise, you may experience friction-based chafing and skin irritation.