Thread: where do you buy bra cups, not already attached to bras

I'm starting to itch to make a new costume or two and I'm tired of cutting up a store bought bra to do it. Anybody just buy the cups? If so what is a good source for that? Any you'd recommend? On a quick search, all I found were these:

Sew Sassy Fabrics - Bra and Swim Cups

have any of you used these? If so, what did you think?

Sugar Petals also sells some, though I have never worked with them personally.

Sugar Petals Dance Bra & Belt Forms

I considered using some of the styles that Joanns sells (similar to several of the ones you linked), but they really seemed to be more of a pad or insert, than an actual cup. The first one on that site was not sturdy enough, the last was stiffer, and might work, but I didnt care for the shape (I have chopped those up and put them inside another cup).

There is a $10 strapless/convertable bra they sell at some wal-marts that I LOVE to hack up and use as a base though, so I stock up on those when I come across them (as not all Walmarts carry them).

Here's another source, Shems: Bra-Makers Supply

I've used the sugar petals cups before but honestly have found sturdy bras at Walmart that work better.

They may not be your size, but I have some stiff, good costume base cups from the Dritz company in a b/c cup for sale. They usually have them at craft stores.

I always buy strapless bras. If you pad your bra, buy a cup size bigger than you are (for example you are 34 B, buy 34C) if you don't pad, then the same exact size is fine.
Cut off all the side straps and the one that's between the cups, and you have your 2 cups.
I have always done it like this, only one time I bought the actual cups from Joanne's and it required so much thinking, constructing and reinforcement, that it was definitely not worth it.

If you are smaller busted most haberdashers seem to have them.

Hi Shems,
I have used Sugar Petals cups and they are ok. I thought their sizing was a little off.
Buying inexpensive yet sturdy bras and cutting them up works best for me, too.
Sandra

thanks for all your thoughts. I think the dritz cups will be a little too big for me, but I do think I'm going to give one of the other s a shot. I'm just deciding which ones. What is a haberdasher?

ok, I looked up haberdasher, thanks.

i buy them at an underwear/sock/ladies things' store, that also sells all kinds of sewing stuff and bridal wear. sorry, that's no help. anyway, for beglium and the netherlands it's a store called veritas. i also buy 'decolettee tape' there, one up from toupee tape to tape ones girls to ones costumes...

but generally; bridal wear stores?
the ones i buy are to sow into evening gowns, swim suits, that kind of stuff

i found the mother of all bra forms. This si the best quality, shape , and decent price form EVER! Hold on to your seats lades cuz i cant hold it a secret any longer. ill post the name tomorrow when im home but i just had to say something!

I have found a bit more substantial bra cups only at the store that caters to the local theater and ice skating companies and to hoidy-toidy bridal places. Not sure about what's the equivalent in your neck of the woods - maybe G-Street Fabrics in D.C. is a place to check if you're there? (I still have to check out that place myself.)

I've use Sugar Petal cups before, and what I like about just using the cups is that I don't have to waste time deconstructing a bra just to get at the cups! I would recommend ordering the side lining parts too because it makes putting the top together a lot easier.

Any advice as to the sizing on Sugar Petals? I just bought my first set, and after just holding them up, I'm not so sure if they're going to fit well. They are pointier than I expected, as well. I hope I can arrange them in a flattering shape as I construct the bra. But I did so want a firm product that won't have the lines of lingerie, and they fit the bill on both counts, so I am hopeful they will work well.

the bra cups you girls NEED to try are "sew in cups" by the company Braza. I will never use anything else again.

Originally Posted by jordonezbellydance

the bra cups you girls NEED to try are "sew in cups" by the company Braza. I will never use anything else again.

Can you tell me more about working with them? pictures?

here are the pics! What i find with these is that the bra shape is much better than other more pointier cups i have worked with and its shaped just like a normale bra. its thickest in the middle and gradually thins towards the edges which is flattering as well. There is an option as pictured on the packagng, where the bra form comes with a bit of padding on the bottom of the cups..i do not use padding so i have no clue how it is but so far as i see this is great quality with the non padded version.

Originally Posted by jordonezbellydance

here are the pics! What i find with these is that the bra shape is much better than other more pointier cups i have worked with and its shaped just like a normale bra. its thickest in the middle and gradually thins towards the edges which is flattering as well. There is an option as pictured on the packagng, where the bra form comes with a bit of padding on the bottom of the cups..i do not use padding so i have no clue how it is but so far as i see this is great quality with the non padded version.

ooh, me like. How much are they? (you have to register to see prices). Thanks.

Never used them, but I'm pretty sure Joanne's and other fabric stores have cups. I think they're more than just inserts used for padding, though I could be wrong.

For those concerned about using a cut up "real" bra because of the "lingerie" look that often results, I just wanna let you know that I'm with you! I don't want my costumes to look like I put some sparklies on the thing and thought I was good to go.

What I do to really eliminate the lingerie look (mostly the shape at the bottom of the cups, but most straps are telling, as well) is to do the following:

I make the back band go all the way around the bra in one piece (on the inside of the cups, of course), placing it so that the bottom edge of the band is below the bottoms of the curved bra cups. I line the whole length of the band with pretty hefty pellon so that it keeps it shape and actually stays put. Then, depending upon the width of the band, I either build up the center section between the cups or leave it as is.

I've done this several times now; I really like how it takes the "lingerie" out of the bra base.

Hope this is helpful.

Deborah

Originally Posted by casbahdance

I've done this several times now; I really like how it takes the "lingerie" out of the bra base.

Hope this is helpful.

Deborah

Do you have pictures?

Originally Posted by Roeska

Do you have pictures?

I'll do my best . . . I'm not very technology-astute, but I'll ask my hubby to take some with his digital camera and see if we -- what am I saying? and see if HE -- can figure out how to post them here. ,r:;

Deborah