Thread: elastic in bra band

I have noticed that some dancers put elastic in their belts which I have decided that I am going to try. But what I recently have seen is elastic in the bra band. in the wide part (under arms) next to the cups. what does this do?

Allows you to breath. Ideally, it will only take up about 1/4" - 1/2" total. Much more than that and you'll have stability issues.

{{{HUGS}}}

It takes up the slack in the fabric where there are gaps.

Hi Mahira,

I do my bra bands (I don't do those three straps for I prefer more coverage at side of the breasts, so I don't know would it be called "band" -well the bra part that aren't the cups neither the straps) from slightly elastic material - I use denim with 5% elasthane. With the classical much sequined costumes, I feel like a horse tied to a cart...I mcuh prefer the light weight bras and belts which carry maybe less fringe, but are more comfortable because they are slightly flexible.

Your ribcage is elastic. Breathe in, do a chest lift or bend over and it widens. The ultimate test for proper sewn on hooks is a quick hairtoss while bending over...

I have a hanan-style bra and a costume from asi. Both have elastic ribcagestraps, very comfrotable to wear and it doesn't make the bra unstable. Then again, de decorations are lightweight, I wouldn't try it with a wall of fringe-costume.

thanks ladies. I think I will give this a try.

Sara Skinner talks about doing this in the costume portion of her "I Love Turkish Bellydance" CD

A costume bra with no stretch at all (like many readymade Egyptians) is, to me, extremely uncomfortable.

But too much stretch and the bra feels like lingerie, will not support the weight of heavy ornaments well.

When I make a costume bra from a standard (sturdy underwired) lingerie bra, I allow only a few inches to be elasticized - just enough to allow a half-inch of stretch (either center back or under the arms).

The rest of the band is stabilized with straight stitches or ribbon.

Yes, that will make the band tighter on your body, so you need to try on and adjust the overlap.

The how-tos are in my book "Cabaret Belt & Bra for Bellydancers".