How to Choose a Gender-Affirming Prosthetic (FTM Packer GUIDE)

What You Should Know Before You Buy

Packing can be an affirming part of daily life. This guide helps you understand the different prosthetic options and how to choose what works best for you.

If you've never shopped for a gender-affirming prosthetic, also known as a packer, you're not alone, and you might not have even known it was an option. Even if you've bought one before, you may still be figuring out what actually works for you.

Choosing a prosthetic can feel overwhelming. There are different styles, materials, and price points to weigh, and terms like gender-affirming prosthetic, FTM packer, STP, and 3-in-1 may be unfamiliar at first. Don't worry, we'll walk through all of it.

This guide is here to help you understand your options, ask the right questions, and land on a choice that feels right for you.

What is a packer, and why do people use one?

For many people it's made a real difference in how comfortable and affirmed they feel in their bodies.

People wear packers for a range of reasons: some to reduce dysphoria, some to feel more aligned with their identity, others simply for the confidence of having the option to present their body the way that feels right for them. Some people wear a prosthetic every day; others only occasionally; some try one and decide it's not for them. None of that is more “right” than the rest. What feels affirming is different for everyone.

Start with what you actually want it for

Before you start comparing products, it helps to get clear on what matters most to you. Think about how realistic you want it to look, what size feels right, and the texture or softness you're drawn to.

Consider what you need it to do: are you after natural everyday packing, the ability to stand to pee, or both? And think about when you'll actually be wearing it, since daily use, travel, the gym, swimming, or intimacy all call for different materials and weights.

Sizing is worth thinking through here too. Most brands offer a size guide or measurements, and it's better to size based on what feels comfortable and natural for your body than to guess or go by what looks best in a photo.

Understanding your options

Packers

Designed primarily for everyday wear and creating a natural appearance under clothing. Packers vary in size, weight, softness, realism, and materials, so personal preference plays a big role in finding the right fit. StealthMade's Mr. Stealth Soft Packer is one example, hand-painted medical-grade silicone designed to be lighter than most packers at its size.

STP (Stand-to-Pee) Devices

Designed to allow many users to urinate while standing. STP devices can be affirming, but they often require practice and may work differently depending on each person's body.

3-in-1 Prosthetics

Designed to combine multiple functions, such as packing, STP use, and intimate use. Combining functions can be convenient, but there may be trade-offs compared to a product designed specifically for one purpose.

Foam-based or Fabric Packers

Lightweight, breathable, and budget-friendly options. They can be a good choice for someone looking for a simple packing solution, though they typically do not offer STP functionality and may provide a different level of realism compared to silicone prosthetics.

Materials and safety

Not all prosthetics on the market are made the same way, and material affects more than just how it feels:

• Softness and weight: Softer, lighter materials tend to feel more comfortable for daily wear; some people prefer more natural heft or firmness.
• Body safety: Medical-grade or platinum-cure silicone is commonly preferred for skin contact and holds up well over time. Cheaper vinyl or unlabeled “silicone blends” may contain fillers or formulations that are not intended for extended wear.
• TPE/TPR (thermoplastic rubber): A common material in lower-cost packers. It is more porous than silicone, meaning it requires careful cleaning and maintenance and may not be the preferred option for people looking for long-term, regular wear.
• Allergy risk: If you have sensitive skin, ask the seller about their specific formulation rather than assuming “silicone” means the same thing everywhere.
• Maintenance: Materials vary in cleaning needs, so it's worth knowing what you're signing up for before purchasing.

How you'll hold it in place

For step‑by‑step packing instructions, you can read our How to Pack Guide on our support page.

A prosthetic doesn't work in isolation. Most people pair it with packing underwear, a harness, a jockstrap, body-safe adhesive, or some combination, depending on what fits their needs and comfort.

Finding the right setup can take some trial and error, but the goal is simple: something secure, comfortable, and built around your lifestyle.

Budget considerations

Cost is one of the biggest barriers for a lot of folks. Prices vary widely depending on company size, materials, craftsmanship, functionality, and design. As you compare options, stay focused on what you actually want out of the experience rather than chasing the lowest price alone.

Where to shop

When choosing where to buy an FTM prosthetic or packer, look for companies that are transparent about their materials, sizing, care instructions, and customer support. Trans-owned and community-built brands can offer a more informed and comfortable shopping experience because they understand the needs of trans and gender-diverse customers.

Most options are available online, and many companies share more about their products, values, and customer experiences through social media. If privacy is important, check whether the company offers discreet packaging and billing. A trustworthy brand should make it easy to understand what you're buying, how to care for it, and where to get support if you have questions.

If you want to see what a trans‑owned, community‑built option looks like in practice, you can explore StealthMade.co for packers designed with comfort, realism, accessibility, and affordability in mind.

If you're still not sure

It's completely normal to feel unsure when choosing a prosthetic. Many people don't know exactly what they want until they've tried one and learned what actually feels comfortable. Preferences change over time, and that's okay. Your first prosthetic doesn't have to be your forever prosthetic. It can just be the start of figuring out what feels most affirming for you.

You deserve information that helps you make a choice that supports your confidence, comfort, and identity. If you'd like to see what a trans-owned option looks like in practice, you can browse StealthMade's packers here.

About the author: Ray is a trans man, social media influencer, and the founder of StealthMade.co, where he designs gender-affirming prosthetics to make them more accessible for trans and transmasculine people. You can connect with him at @MrStealthRay.