Lorde Opens Up About Taping Her Chest Onstage: A Conversation on Body Autonomy and Performance

In a recent interview, global pop sensation Lorde revealed her decision to tape her chest while performing—a choice that has sparked conversations about body autonomy, gender expression, and the pressures of live performance. For artists like Lorde, whose stage presence is as much a part of their artistry as their music, every detail—from choreography to wardrobe—carries intentionality. But what does chest taping entail, why do performers choose it, and what does it signify in today’s cultural landscape? This article explores the practical, personal, and political dimensions of Lorde’s revelation, offering insights into a practice that’s gaining visibility in entertainment and beyond.

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What Is Chest Taping, and Why Do Performers Use It?

Chest taping, also known as chest binding, involves using adhesive tape or specialized garments to flatten the chest. While often associated with transgender and non-binary individuals seeking gender affirmation, it’s also used by cisgender performers—like Lorde—for aesthetic, comfort, or artistic reasons. The practice isn’t new, but its discussion in mainstream media, especially by high-profile figures, brings much-needed attention to the nuances of body modification in performance.

The Mechanics of Chest Taping

Chest taping typically involves:

• Materials: Medical-grade tape (e.g., KT tape or trans tape), binders, or compression garments designed for safety and breathability.
• Application: Tape is applied in a specific pattern to flatten tissue without restricting breathing. Improper taping can cause skin irritation or difficulty breathing, so many turn to professional guidance or pre-made binders.
• Duration: Most experts recommend limiting taping to 8–12 hours to avoid health risks like rib bruising or lung compression.

For performers, the goal is often a sleek, androgynous silhouette that aligns with their artistic vision. Lorde’s use of taping, for example, complements her signature blend of ethereal and edgy aesthetics—a look that’s both otherworldly and deeply personal.

Beyond Aesthetics: Comfort and Control

Performance is physically demanding. Jumping, dancing, and singing for hours can make traditional bras or tops uncomfortable or distracting. Taping offers:

• Freedom of movement: No straps or clasps to adjust mid-performance.
• Temperature regulation: Less fabric can reduce overheating under stage lights.
• Psychological comfort: Some artists describe feeling more “in character” or aligned with their stage persona when their appearance matches their internal vision.

As Lorde shared, her choice wasn’t purely practical—it was part of a broader exploration of identity and expression. In an industry that often polices women’s bodies, her opeess challenges norms and invites fans to reflect on their own relationships with gender and presentation.

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Why Lorde’s Revelation Matters: Body Autonomy in the Spotlight

Lorde’s candid discussion about chest taping arrives at a pivotal moment. Here’s why it resonates:

1. Normalizing Body Modification for Art

From David Bowie’s androgyny to Janelle Monáe’s tuxedos, artists have long used fashion to blur gender lines. Lorde’s taping continues this tradition but adds a contemporary layer: demystifying the “how”. By talking openly about the process, she removes the taboo around altering one’s body for performance, whether temporarily or permanently.

2. Highlighting Gender Fluidity in Mainstream Music

Pop culture is increasingly embracing non-binary and gender-nonconforming identities. Artists like Sam Smith, Miley Cyrus, and Lil Nas X have publicly discussed their gender journeys, but Lorde’s approach—tying her choice to performance rather than identity—expands the conversation. It signals that body modification isn’t solely about gender; it’s also about creative autonomy.

3. Sparking Dialogue on Safety and Access

Chest taping, when done incorrectly, carries risks like skin damage or respiratory issues. Lorde’s platform brings attention to:

• Safe practices: Using breathable materials, taking breaks, and consulting professionals.
• Accessibility: Not everyone can afford high-quality binders or medical-grade tape. Advocacy groups like Point of Pride provide free binders to trans and non-binary individuals, but broader awareness is needed.

4. Pushing Back Against the Male Gaze

Women in music frequently face scrutiny over their bodies—whether they’re “too sexual” or “not sexual enough.” Lorde’s taping is a quiet rebellion: a refusal to conform to expectations. It’s a reminder that an artist’s body is first and foremost their instrument, not a product for consumption.

“I wanted to feel like a blank canvas,” Lorde told The Guardian, describing her onstage transformation. “It’s not about erasing myself—it’s about creating space for the music to live.”

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Chest Taping in Practice: A Begier’s Guide

Inspired by Lorde’s approach? Whether for performance, gender affirmation, or personal comfort, here’s how to explore chest taping safely.

Step 1: Choose Your Method

Options vary by duration, comfort, and budget:

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Trans Tape/KT Tape	Affordable, customizable fit, water-resistant	Skin irritation, learning curve for application	Short-term use (e.g., performances, photoshoots)
Binders	Safer for long-term wear, even compression	Can be expensive, less breathable	Daily wear, extended use
Sports Bras (Compression)	Easy to find, no adhesive	Less flattening, may ride up	Low-impact activities, begiers

Step 2: Safety First

Follow these guidelines to minimize risks:

• Patch test: Apply a small piece of tape to your skin 24 hours before full application to check for allergies.
• Avoid tightness: You should be able to take a deep breath without pain. If you feel lightheaded, remove the tape immediately.
• Skin care: Use alcohol wipes to clean skin before taping, and moisturize after removal to prevent dryness.
• Time limits: Never tape for more than 12 hours. Take “off days” to let your skin and muscles recover.

Step 3: Application Tips

For tape:

1. Start with clean, dry skin. Trim chest hair if needed to reduce pain during removal.
2. Apply tape in an “X” or “star” pattern, starting from the sides and moving inward. Avoid wrapping around the ribs.
3. Use a mirror or ask a friend to help ensure even coverage.
4. Seal the edges with a thin layer of tape to prevent peeling.

Pro tip: Watch tutorials from trans health organizations like FOLX Health for visual guidance.

Step 4: Removal and Aftercare

Peel tape slowly in the shower with warm water and soap to minimize discomfort. Apply aloe vera or a gentle moisturizer afterward. If using a binder, hand-wash it with mild detergent to maintain elasticity.

Alternatives to Taping

Not ready for tape? Consider:

• Layering: Wearing a tight tank top under a loose shirt for a flatter appearance.
• Shapewear: High-compression tops designed for athletes or post-surgical wear.
• Styling tricks: Loose silhouettes, strategic draping, or patterned fabrics to draw attention away from the chest.

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The Broader Impact: How Lorde’s Choice Reflects Cultural Shifts

Lorde’s decision to tape her chest isn’t just a personal or artistic one—it’s a mirror held up to society’s evolving relationship with gender, fame, and bodily autonomy. Here’s how her revelation fits into larger trends:

1. The Rise of “Ungendered” Fashion

Designers like Telfar and Harris Reed are leading a movement toward clothing that transcends binary categories. Lorde’s onstage look—often featuring oversized suits or flowing, gender-neutral garments—aligns with this shift. Her taping choice underscores a key idea: fashion is a tool for self-expression, not a rulebook.

2. Gen Z’s Rejection of Gender Norms

Studies show that 1 in 5 Gen Z adults know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns. For this generation, fluidity isn’t radical—it’s routine. Lorde, a milleial icon with a Gen Z fanbase, bridges the gap by normalizing conversations that younger audiences already embrace.

3. The Backlash and the Progress

Not all reactions to Lorde’s revelation have been positive. Some critics have questioned why a cisgender woman would “bind,” revealing deep-seated biases about who “deserves” to modify their body. This backlash highlights the need for broader education on:

• Bodily autonomy: Everyone has the right to alter their appearance for any reason.
• Intersectionality: Trans and non-binary people face systemic barriers to safe binding; cisgender allies can help by advocating for accessibility.
• Artistic license: Performers shouldn’t have to justify their creative choices.

4. The Future of Performance and Identity

Lorde’s opeess paves the way for more artists to explore gender fluidity without fear. Imagine a future where:

• Concert riders include gender-neutral dressing rooms as standard.
• Awards shows drop gendered categories entirely (as the Grammys have begun to do).
• Fans celebrate artists for their talent, not their conformity to norms.

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Expert Insights: What Health Professionals Say

To contextualize Lorde’s choice, we spoke with health experts about the physical and psychological implications of chest taping.

Dr. Jamie Reynolds, Gender Affirming Care Specialist

“Chest taping can be a powerful tool for gender euphoria or artistic expression, but it’s not without risks. The key is moderation and education. I recommend starting with a professional fitting for a binder to understand safe compression levels before experimenting with tape.”

Lila Rose, Licensed Therapist (LGBTQ+ Focus)

“For many performers, the stage is a space to embody parts of themselves they can’t in daily life. Taping can feel liberating—a way to shed societal expectations. But it’s crucial to check in with yourself: Am I doing this for me, or for an audience? The answer should always be the former.”

Alex Chen, Physical Therapist

“Repetitive taping can strain the pectoral muscles and ribs over time. If you’re taping frequently, incorporate chest-opening stretches (like doorway stretches) and core exercises to counteract compression. Listen to your body—pain is a signal, not a badge of dedication.”

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How to Support Artists Like Lorde

Lorde’s revelation is an invitation—to fans, to the industry, and to society—to rethink how we engage with art and identity. Here’s how to be part of the change:

For Fans:

• Amplify, don’t appropriate: Celebrate artists’ choices without co-opting their expressions (e.g., don’t tape your chest as a “trend” if it’s not meaningful to you).
• Educate yourself: Follow LGBTQ+ advocates and health organizations to understand the context behind practices like binding.
• Respect boundaries: Don’t ask invasive questions about an artist’s body. Let them lead the conversation.

For the Music Industry:

• Inclusive riders: Provide gender-neutral dressing rooms, binders in multiple sizes, and taping supplies on tour.
• Diverse representation: Book trans and non-binary artists, stylists, and crew members to foster inclusive spaces.
• Mental health support: Offer resources for artists navigating body image pressures.

For Allies:

• Advocate for accessibility: Donate to organizations like The Trevor Project or GLAAD, which support LGBTQ+ youth and artists.
• Challenge norms: Call out media that polices women’s or non-binary people’s bodies.
• Normalize the conversation: Talk openly about body autonomy with friends and family to reduce stigma.

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Conclusion: A Small Tape, a Big Statement

Lorde’s decision to tape her chest onstage is more than a stylistic quirk—it’s a declaration of agency in an industry that often denies it. By sharing her process, she demystifies a practice rooted in both art and identity, inviting us all to question why we cling to rigid ideas about bodies and performance.

For performers, her transparency is a gift: a reminder that the stage is a space for reinvention, not conformity. For fans, it’s a call to engage with art on deeper terms—to see the person behind the persona. And for culture at large, it’s a nudge toward a future where bodily autonomy isn’t radical; it’s routine.

The next time you watch Lorde perform, notice how her movements, her voice, and her presence fill the space. The tape isn’t the story—it’s just one tool in her arsenal of expression. The real story is what she builds with it: a world where art and identity intertwine, unbound by expectations.

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