Thread: "Up-sizing" a bra

So I was contemplating on taking apart my Desert Swirl bra, so that I could make the bands wider along the sides. In looking at everything, I realized that I needed to make the cup size a little bigger, too. I remembered that andalee had added extentions to her airport rehab, so I went out and bought some EZFelt, but I can't figure out how to cut it and/or attach it so that it makes the correct "cup cuff," and how to not disturb the current decorative beading that goes along the edge of the original cup.

I was also thinking about just mounting it onto a correctly sized bra, like Eshta did in a thread a few months ago, but I don't know if that will work, or even a clue where to start with that.

Anyone have any suggestions?

I'm a really, REALLY bad procrastinator, and I would like to be able to wear it by next week Wednesday for my troupe's dress rehearsal.

I'm not really worried about decorating, as I just added crystals to the original cup, and I'm probably just going to sprinkle them and some pre-strung matching sequins onto the addition.

Thanks muchly!

ETA: I should mention that I did end up taking the whole thing apart. Straps and center piece are off of the cups. I was not able to take the bands off of the cups, because of beaded decoration.

How much do you need to upsize? Do you just need an inch more coverage all the way across the top and sides? If so, you could just attach a row of ready made trim from end to end, I did that for a costume I made, because I didn't realize I had bought the wrong size bra. I used large pineapple fringe. I only needed to attach extra to the cups, but there isn't any reason why you couldn't go further with it. I attached two rows of overlapping trim to a piece of buckram, I then sewed the buckram to the bra. I needed two rows worth of vertical height on the bra, and the buckram made for a nice, moderately stiffened shape to the edge. I think it took me a day or two to do. I've attached a pic so you can see what I'm talking about.

I love what you did with your bra, JoLynn!
For my bra, I'm talking like 2.5 inches along the front diagonal of the bra that needs to be increased. They are "football" shaped cups, which are very similar to the "plunge" bras that Lane Bryant sells. If I match up the edge of the cup and wire closest to the band with that of my plunge bra, that's where I'm coming up with the additional inches for coverage. Does that make sense?

What's buckram? Can I get it at my local craft and/or fabric store?

Here's a picture of the Lane Bryant Plunge bra that the cup is similar to:

And now here's a picture showing how the cups fall on me. The black lines indicate where the edge of the costume cups come to.

ETA: I just wanted to make sure to note that this is not me - just the model from Lane Bryant. :)

You know, you might contemplate a fabric drape, a chiffon for example, that would extend from each strap down toward the center of the bra. It could be lightly pleated or ruched and taper toward the middle of the bra.

Does this make sense? It's sort of hard to convey the idea in words but I think you can probably visualize it - the color could match or harmonize with the costume.

This might be easier to deal with than trying to attach a stiff fabric. Then you could put some trim on the edges etc which would reinforce it a bit as well as making it more elaborate. Also you could add some interfacing to the lighter fabric to give it more stiffness and body.

The other idea of course you already mentioned, which is to mount the bra onto one that fits.

Then you could drape the part that doesn't match, as above.

I think what you do will depend partly on how well it supports you. If you need more support then putting it onto an existing bra is probably the best idea. You might have to cut it in the center to do this.

I've extended the cup height of a number of my bras by adding thick elastic to the edges. Get non-twist waist-band elastic about an inch thick, firm enough that it doesn't flop. While you have the bra on you, pin the elastic along the top of the cup so that it's just sitting inside the original bra edge. Tack to the bra. You can cover the elastic with material first, then bling it up once it's attached. Otherwise, you might be able to find some thick decorative ribbon or braid that you can cover the elastic with.

You can see how I've done this in my online article 'How to cover a bra': http://www.jewelbellydance.com.au/ar...ance%20Bra.pdf

You may also be able to use elastic in a similar way to build up the side straps near the arms.

Hope it works!

Originally Posted by Elibelinde

You know, you might contemplate a fabric drape, a chiffon for example, that would extend from each strap down toward the center of the bra. It could be lightly pleated or ruched and taper toward the middle of the bra.

Does this make sense? It's sort of hard to convey the idea in words but I think you can probably visualize it - the color could match or harmonize with the costume.

This might be easier to deal with than trying to attach a stiff fabric. Then you could put some trim on the edges etc which would reinforce it a bit as well as making it more elaborate. Also you could add some interfacing to the lighter fabric to give it more stiffness and body.

The other idea of course you already mentioned, which is to mount the bra onto one that fits.

Then you could drape the part that doesn't match, as above.

I think what you do will depend partly on how well it supports you. If you need more support then putting it onto an existing bra is probably the best idea. You might have to cut it in the center to do this.

I was thinking about a fabric drape, but I didn't know how to do it without having something to mount it on. I'll have to play around with that...

When you refert to cutting the bra in the center for mounting, are you talking about the costume bra, or the regular bra?

Originally Posted by jewelbellydance

I've extended the cup height of a number of my bras by adding thick elastic to the edges. Get non-twist waist-band elastic about an inch thick, firm enough that it doesn't flop. While you have the bra on you, pin the elastic along the top of the cup so that it's just sitting inside the original bra edge. Tack to the bra. You can cover the elastic with material first, then bling it up once it's attached. Otherwise, you might be able to find some thick decorative ribbon or braid that you can cover the elastic with.

You can see how I've done this in my online article 'How to cover a bra': http://www.jewelbellydance.com.au/ar...ance%20Bra.pdf

You may also be able to use elastic in a similar way to build up the side straps near the arms.

Hope it works!

Elastic... I didn't think about that. Do you think I could use a couple of rows of elastic to make up the full amount of coverage I need?

Elastic sounds like a good idea too, it might be easier for you to work with than buckram (both of which are available at Joann's, and most fabric & sewing related stores) and it will give you some retention effect, so boob isn't just out of sight, it's held back. You could use a couple of rows, or you could use wider elastic, it does come in a variety of widths, check at Joanns, they usually have a nice selection.

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

I was thinking about a fabric drape, but I didn't know how to do it without having something to mount it on. I'll have to play around with that...

When you refert to cutting the bra in the center for mounting, are you talking about the costume bra, or the regular bra?

Actually, I meant the costume bra, cutting-wise. I don't know how else you would mount the cups onto another bra and have it really fit properly and lie well on top of the other bra; maybe one of the other ladies has done it successfully though without that.

?

And, I think in any case you might need somebody to help you.

A drape or even an elastic support as mentioned in the other posts might well require you to be wearing the bra while somebody else helps you design/pin/baste.

It probably wouldn't take very long but you're right, unless you have a form, preferably yourself, it isn't going to fit as well and might not even be possible to do properly.

Once your drape or other extension is cut, shaped and tacked into place you can go from there with decorations etc.

I just wanted to thank you all for your input. I ended up cutting the cup out of the fabric, and mounting the fabric on another bra. Pictures coming in the "What are you working on" thread!

:)
Stephanie

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

Elastic... I didn't think about that. Do you think I could use a couple of rows of elastic to make up the full amount of coverage I need?

The good thing about using one thick piece of elastic is it will stand up by itself, so offer a firm base to decorate. Attaching two pieces together might work, as long as it doesn't bend at the join. Overlapping might help prevent that, but then you'll have a ridge.

The other good things about elastic are that he flexibility makes it easier to shape to match your boobs, plus you can stitch through it when decorating.

Originally Posted by jewelbellydance

The good thing about using one thick piece of elastic is it will stand up by itself, so offer a firm base to decorate. Attaching two pieces together might work, as long as it doesn't bend at the join. Overlapping might help prevent that, but then you'll have a ridge.

The other good things about elastic are that he flexibility makes it easier to shape to match your boobs, plus you can stitch through it when decorating.

Does the elastic have a tendency to squish in the boobs at all or does it mold?

Also, have you ever wired a bra top for fit?

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

I just wanted to thank you all for your input. I ended up cutting the cup out of the fabric, and mounting the fabric on another bra. Pictures coming in the "What are you working on" thread!

:)
Stephanie

Awesome!..g.:

Originally Posted by Elibelinde

Does the elastic have a tendency to squish in the boobs at all or does it mold?

Also, have you ever wired a bra top for fit?

No it doesn't squish. I use heavy elastic that could stand up by itself , and I don't stretch it at all. Just place it. Along the top if the cup, it sits in a nice curve without any squishage.

I haven't tried wiring.