Thread: Tribally inclined? I need your bra help pls

So I want to make a tribal style bra. I've got kuchi coins, a kuchi center piece and some cowrie shells. I also have a bra which I got on sale for 4$, and it happens to be a convertible bra with fully detachable shoulder straps.

My first question is: what is the best material to cover the bra? I have black velvet and black lycra. I see a lot of lycra in tribal performances but I'm thinking that velvet is easier to work with and would look lush with the cowries. (I'm also debating whether or not to make it black, but then again, black goes with everything and I don't plan on making a ton of those bras *g*)

Second question: since this is a convertible bra, there is no "shape" at the top of the cup, it is rounded across. Now I'm planning to make this bra X backed. Should I modify the top line of the cup to make it more into an inverted V merging into a strap or would it be ok to just have the straight, rectangular strap join the cup?

Third question: I happen to be "blessed" in terms of boobage (D cup). I don't want to have the cups entirely covered in coins bc it will be very expensive and i'll look like I have two bloated metal fish on my chest. What would be a flattering way to arrange the coins? I'm thinking 3 lines in a rounded diagonal starting at the top outer corner of the cup and sloping down to the middle, joining with the top of the kuchi center piece.

If you have pics of your tribal bra, please post. I'm looking for a starting point to make a OOAK bra, I don't want to duplicate anything already made.

Thanks so much!

Originally Posted by kemintiri

My first question is: what is the best material to cover the bra? I have black velvet and black lycra. I see a lot of lycra in tribal performances but I'm thinking that velvet is easier to work with and would look lush with the cowries.

Regular velvet or stretch velvet? If you have non-stretch velvet, that will require seaming or darting to get it to round to the cup shape, and that can be tricky. Stretch velvet would be about the same degree of difficulty as Lycra. Depending on how your design flows, my only concern about Lycra is that if you don't decorate the sides, it can look underwear-y. Velvet is dressier, though.

(I'm also debating whether or not to make it black, but then again, black goes with everything and I don't plan on making a ton of those bras *g*)

A lot of non-tribal dancers don't like to wear black because it isn't as dynamic looking on stage, but black is the tribal "uniform." If you want to get the most bang for your buck in the OOAK department, the easy choice is to go with any color but black.

Second question: since this is a convertible bra, there is no "shape" at the top of the cup, it is rounded across. Now I'm planning to make this bra X backed. Should I modify the top line of the cup to make it more into an inverted V merging into a strap or would it be ok to just have the straight, rectangular strap join the cup?

To me, the secret is integrating the straps into the design, not the shape. I don't think it is a problem to keep the existing profile, just make the straps blend into the overall motif so it doesn't look like they were slapped on as an afterthought.

Third question: I happen to be "blessed" in terms of boobage (D cup). I don't want to have the cups entirely covered in coins bc it will be very expensive and i'll look like I have two bloated metal fish on my chest.

A lot of coins are going to add weight to the cup and make it more difficult to keep your chest light and lifted looking.

What would be a flattering way to arrange the coins? I'm thinking 3 lines in a rounded diagonal starting at the top outer corner of the cup and sloping down to the middle, joining with the top of the kuchi center piece.

If you're just putting a few coins on, then following the upper trim line is usually the best design. You don't want to follow the lower line (makes the cups look saggy), or the bull's-eye look (just icky). If you are concerned about the straps, maybe a small V-shape centered under each strap, with a longer V in the center to incorporate the focal piece would work? Depends on the size and number of coins you are using.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

What is the best material to cover the bra? ...
If you have pics of your tribal bra, please post. I'm looking for a starting point to make a OOAK bra, I don't want to duplicate anything already made.

I posted my black & silver tribal bra in April's "What are you working on" The comments that follow show what I did wrong, which was to cover it in a too-plain fabric, because it still looked/s like a bra.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

I happen to be "blessed" in terms of boobage. I don't want to have the cups entirely covered in coins bc it will be very expensive and i'll look like I have two bloated metal fish on my chest. What would be a flattering way to arrange the coins? I'm thinking 3 lines in a rounded diagonal starting at the top outer corner of the cup and sloping down to the middle, joining with the top of the kuchi center piece.

I'm in the "blessed" department, as well. You could do a single row of coins, overlapped like fish scales, too. Either the big M or a V. I do big M's but I think V's are actually nicer. I get too caught up in technicalities sometimes, to see the overall view.

I googled "tribal bras" and found some pics, but they are under-represented online, it seems like. Good success!

Originally Posted by kemintiri

My first question is: what is the best material to cover the bra? I have black velvet and black lycra. I see a lot of lycra in tribal performances but I'm thinking that velvet is easier to work with and would look lush with the cowries. (I'm also debating whether or not to make it black, but then again, black goes with everything and I don't plan on making a ton of those bras *g*)

I think it will depend on the look you are going for. Either will look lush, it will also depend on how heavy your decorations are. And you can also use all kinds of other fabrics: brocade, upholstery, satin. Once again, it depends on the look you are going for.

Second question: since this is a convertible bra, there is no "shape" at the top of the cup, it is rounded across. Now I'm planning to make this bra X backed. Should I modify the top line of the cup to make it more into an inverted V merging into a strap or would it be ok to just have the straight, rectangular strap join the cup?

My knee jerk reaction as a G cup is to suggest that you might want to find a different shaped bra from the get go. Because of the straight line, it will broaden the line of vision and make you look like all chest. I do own a couple of vintage cab bras which are made this way, but they are single coloured and not terribly embellished.

Third question: I happen to be "blessed" in terms of boobage (D cup). I don't want to have the cups entirely covered in coins bc it will be very expensive and i'll look like I have two bloated metal fish on my chest.

I laughed and winched at this at the same time. I have two heavily coined vintage costumes. A Costless and a no name. I hope no one thinks I look as though I have two metal fish on my chest, bloated or otherwise.

My suggestion is to take the supplies you have and lay them out. Look at what feels pleasing to you and your eye. What else are you planning on using for trim? How can you integrate it into the design? One of my favorite looks for a tribal bra is at the edge of the cups, place a narrow strip of sari trim. Attach a length of silk trim with little tassels. Embellish the sari trim with the cowries, and put coins in between each tassel. The Kuchi piece can then hang from the center of the bra. How high you attach it will depend on how long your waist is. Simple, clean and easy.

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

I posted my black & silver tribal bra in April's "What are you working on" The comments that follow show what I did wrong, which was to cover it in a too-plain fabric, because it still looked/s like a bra.

That's a very good point. No lycra then. I have another kind of velvet, which is sort of multi colored... I'll try to post a pic.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

My knee jerk reaction as a G cup is to suggest that you might want to find a different shaped bra from the get go. Because of the straight line, it will broaden the line of vision and make you look like all chest. I do own a couple of vintage cab bras which are made this way, but they are single coloured and not terribly embellished.

well, it is kinda rounded at the top. I don't know... I'll try to post a pic to give you an idea. I thought about this too, but it looks fine on with the original straps as they are set closer towards the arm pits.

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

I laughed and winched at this at the same time. I have two heavily coined vintage costumes. A Costless and a no name. I hope no one thinks I look as though I have two metal fish on my chest, bloated or otherwise.

LOL Sorry about that. It's just that I purchased this "coin" bra a while back and the picture literally "did not do it justice" *sarcasm*. It was one of those poorly made cotton bras with lots of small, really REALLY shiny foil stamped coins and it made my chest look like a battle implement. Hubby, trying to cheer me up, said: "oh no, not war implements, more like two fish, with the scales and all"... ..c::

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

One of my favorite looks for a tribal bra is at the edge of the cups, place a narrow strip of sari trim. Attach a length of silk trim with little tassels. Embellish the sari trim with the cowries, and put coins in between each tassel. The Kuchi piece can then hang from the center of the bra. How high you attach it will depend on how long your waist is. Simple, clean and easy.

Yeah, I like that look too minus the tassels. Maybe I'm too self conscious but I hate the idea of tassels anywhere near my boobs. LOL

Let me try to get some pics on. Thanks ladies!

trying to put up pics...

black or colored velvet? I can't decide.

I think black is more traditional/conservative, but I'm kinda digging on the multi-colored fabric!

Lots of good advice being given here! For the record, I like the colored fabric too. It's different and stands out and being multi-colored, will go with lots of different looks, so it's almost as versatile as black.

As a fellow "blessed" tribal dancer, I'm going to answer a question you didn't ask because I've tried a new way of attaching straps to decorated bras that has revolutionized my "girls" in terms of comfort and security.

Make the criss-cross straps you're planning on, but don't attach them directly to the back band. Instead, after removing most of the back band, sew each end around a circular or d-ring (that's two rings.. one for each side of the back). When putting the bra on, you string the right neck strap through the left ring and the left strap through the right ring. Pull the straps snug and tie them in the middle.

This method pulls the bra in around your ribcage, at the same time pulling your "gifts" upwards. Basically you get the lift that a halter style would achieve without all the neck pain that gravity provides.

Great tip, Mihri!!! I saw this design a couple days ago and have been wondering about it and you answered all of my questions. It seems SO much easier than doing a regular back/straps, too!

Originally Posted by mihri

As a fellow "blessed" tribal dancer, I'm going to answer a question you didn't ask because I've tried a new way of attaching straps to decorated bras that has revolutionized my "girls" in terms of comfort and security.

Make the criss-cross straps you're planning on, but don't attach them directly to the back band. Instead, after removing most of the back band, sew each end around a circular or d-ring (that's two rings.. one for each side of the back). When putting the bra on, you string the right neck strap through the left ring and the left strap through the right ring. Pull the straps snug and tie them in the middle.

This method pulls the bra in around your ribcage, at the same time pulling your "gifts" upwards. Basically you get the lift that a halter style would achieve without all the neck pain that gravity provides.

I love a crisscross, but my experience with "blessings" and crisscross straps is that if the straps are not hefty enough, they turn into icky ropes. I'm sure you can overcome that.

I've also tried a new thing: criss-crossing straps, but sewing them down at the back, and using pants hooks at the cup top. I left a bit where I can put on a snap inside there so it doesn't move about. Will be giving it the acid test very soon, lol.

Originally Posted by Nathara

I'm kinda digging on the multi-colored fabric!

me too... that's why I'm so torn.

Originally Posted by mihri

Make the criss-cross straps you're planning on, but don't attach them directly to the back band. Instead, after removing most of the back band, sew each end around a circular or d-ring (that's two rings.. one for each side of the back). When putting the bra on, you string the right neck strap through the left ring and the left strap through the right ring. Pull the straps snug and tie them in the middle.

This method pulls the bra in around your ribcage, at the same time pulling your "gifts" upwards. Basically you get the lift that a halter style would achieve without all the neck pain that gravity provides.

Yes! I saw something like that on Mira Betz, but I think her shoulder straps were attached to the chest band. Chest band has rings and one adjustable strap in between, which I thought was genius. That way you can gain or lose a few pounds before you need to actually get the needles out again. Glad to hear that this strap scheme actually enhances the "gifts"

Thanks!

Originally Posted by nadyasidhe

I've also tried a new thing: criss-crossing straps, but sewing them down at the back, and using pants hooks at the cup top. I left a bit where I can put on a snap inside there so it doesn't move about. Will be giving it the acid test very soon, lol.

If you don't mind nadya, please let me know how it goes. I've been considering doing this too (in the name of being able to dress myself alone) and would love to know how it actually feels.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

If you don't mind nadya, please let me know how it goes. I've been considering doing this too (in the name of being able to dress myself alone) and would love to know how it actually feels.

It rode up in the back allowing the straps to loosen, and the slack allowed the pants hooks to unhook. So make sure to get the chest band snug enough. I shortened the strap length and wore it to class last night.

I think I have crappy pants hooks, and one strap did come completely loose, but I have room for a pants hook AND a giant snap at the end of the strap that is attached to the cup. And I finally tightened the chest band.

Thankfully, putting it on is easy, as the pants hooks are at the back, you put it on like a conventional bra. Grabbing the straps attached at the back and hooking them up is pretty easy. I think the addition of snaps at the cups and tightening my chest band will fool-proof it.

Am wearing it to a ren fest tomorrow, so I should know more then!

oops, good thing you caught that right away *g*

How did it go at the Ren faire?

No straps came loose at the ren faire. I had the giant snaps in by then. The bad bit is that the chest strap, although snug, did still ride up. ... Not quite sure which way to go now.

That being said, I still like it.

I usually just wear a dance bra for a max of 2 hours for a gig, tops; Saturday, I wore the bra for the 2-hour drive and then 4 hours at the faire. (My instincts were right; I did not want to put on a bra in front of the guys on horses, parking faire-goers.) It was not really UNcomfortable, but the back chest band did ride up a bit.

What was uncomfortable was the 90 degrees. And the scorched girls, lol. I enjoyed going to a garage sale and a Burger King in a 25-yard skirt. The wind was 35 mph and it was floofing ALL over in a very enjoyable way. Fun!

i did something very similar that might interest you. I made a coin bedlah a couple years back that was tribaret. When you are well endowed I find sewing the coins down so they dont move is super flattering. Heres a pic for yoou to see what i mean. I used a strapless brazilian style bra you can find for 20 buckss atthose latin stores and covered it in coins and sewed a kuchi pendant in the middle to add that tribal element. I would stick away from black as it is soo ypical. Maybe a deep purple or if you want black put a superbright accent color aqua or electric blue to make it hott and match your head dress with it...i can go on and on...i love tribal :)

(sorry for the not so classy pic. that was the pic that made me realize i had to sell the set cuz the girls just stuck out too much.)