Thread: How to Choose Costumes When Regular Bras Aren't Found in Your Size

Ok,

So I've been blessed with having a bra size that I can't get in any regular departments stores. So quite naturally I can't find bedlahs in my size either (32 F breasts, 40 in hips, dress size 6). So far I only see plus-sized costumes that have the numbers that would fit but I'm not a plus-sized girl.

How do you slender but big busted ladies go about selecting costumes? Measuring the bust at the fullest point isn't the right way of determining bras sizes so I don't know how to go about getting a bra that doesn't have back straps are too large and cups that are too small.

Any suggestions? What is a good alternate size for say a 32/34 DD/DDD?

First off, you find your Bhuz body double and stalk them!

Second off, Pharaonics has numbered cup sizes. You may have to be brave and custom order via Dahlal or The Belly Dance Store.

Third, learn to make your costumes. I am a charter member of Vintage Bedlah Freaks International. (TM) Because not only do I get something unique, but chances are I also get something which is pretty easily adaptable. Even the few I have gotten which took time and effort, were still better than going through the frustration of buying 10 costumes in order to have one fit!

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm a 36DD/34E and otherwise you and I have nearly the exact same measurements. So far I've had reasonable luck with a cup size 5 from Pharonics, but it's not perfect. I've just placed an order with Bella, from what I understand she is the best at big cup sizes for small frames. I bet Eshta could work with you too.

I haven't ever really found an off the rack costume that is going to fit me the way I want it to. I've more or less resigned myself to custom ordering.

Custom-mades just aren't in my budget. I'm also reconciling with the fact that I'd have to spend $50-$100 on a base bra (the cheapest regular bras in my size are $50 that I've seen so far) in which to cover. Hopefully I can figure something out.

Talk to Arlene of Arlene's Classic cups. She makes costume cups suitable for covering for $25 a pair in a variety of sizes. If you search for her on the forum she should come up.

Also, if you're going to use bras for bra bases, you'll probably want to cut the elastic straps off so the band size may not matter as much. Lane Bryant makes bras that would be suitable for costume bases (with some reinforcement) and while their bands start at 36" maybe you could find something to fit you cup wise and build your own straps.

I don't know what your costume budget/tastes are like, but Bella does offer some costumes on her website that are definitely more affordable. They aren't as unique or quite as sparkly, but they are nice.

If you can find a costume that has the right cup size, the rest can be altered. The back strap of bras overlaps, more often than not. Its never actually your size ;)

If the matching belt is too large, overlap it or cut it down. If its a skirt, it can likely be altered. Most pro costumes need massive alterations and fittings before they are wearable.

Originally Posted by saheli

Custom-mades just aren't in my budget. I'm also reconciling with the fact that I'd have to spend $50-$100 on a base bra (the cheapest regular bras in my size are $50 that I've seen so far) in which to cover. Hopefully I can figure something out.

Send me a PM and I'll give you links to several rally good sources for bras our size at deep discounts. Like $80 Le Mystere's for $20.

(I wear between an F and a G. I literally feel your pain!)

{{{HUGS}}}

Bella bras are generally very generous and she puts a TON of padding in them. Sellers on the swap meet usually give you the internal measurements of the bras and you can see if they would fit you.
I am certain that the Bellas I have would fit you (not that I am selling) and I bought them all on the swap meet.

I usually call & ask for the inside cup measurements for the bra, like a lot of the bhuz swap & shop descriptions include- but yeah, most costumes need mega alteration. Even if they are "custom made" I don't know if they just don't believe me when I send my measurements or what. If at all possible, try stuff on in person- you might be surprised at what is out there that can work.

Kingofthenile.com has some reasonably priced custom made costumes. I wear 36DD and they are working with me.

Originally Posted by Jungleflowers

Kingofthenile.com has some reasonably priced custom made costumes. I wear 36DD and they are working with me.

Let me know if the cup size ends up being big enough for you. I'm interested in placing an order with them at some point.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Let me know if the cup size ends up being big enough for you. I'm interested in placing an order with them at some point.

I received the costume and the cups were too small, but I talked to Yaz and he is exchanging the bra right away.

Originally Posted by saheli

Ok,

So I've been blessed with having a bra size that I can't get in any regular departments stores. So quite naturally I can't find bedlahs in my size either (32 F breasts, 40 in hips, dress size 6). So far I only see plus-sized costumes that have the numbers that would fit but I'm not a plus-sized girl.

How do you slender but big busted ladies go about selecting costumes? Measuring the bust at the fullest point isn't the right way of determining bras sizes so I don't know how to go about getting a bra that doesn't have back straps are too large and cups that are too small.

Any suggestions? What is a good alternate size for say a 32/34 DD/DDD?

I'm a 32F and a size 6 as well! I managed to find a good costume on bellydancestore.com. See, the cup sizes they list are actually based on a 36 band. So, the DD/DDD cup bra I bought fits me just fine (even with a tiny bit of room to spare!) The band was listed as being adjustable over a wide range of sizes (something like 30-38 inches), so I just moved the hooks to the right place for it to fit snugly at my ribcage. Also, the skirt was small enough to fit my 36" hips. You can search by size there. I generally search by DD cup and my ribcage measurement, then look at what's on there that also fits my hips.

EDIT: I should warn you that the range of available costumes in this size on that site isn't huge. Also, not all of them are affordable. Mine was a Nile Flower, and cost $250. By the way, sounds like we're almost body doubles! :)

Originally Posted by saheli

Custom-mades just aren't in my budget. I'm also reconciling with the fact that I'd have to spend $50-$100 on a base bra (the cheapest regular bras in my size are $50 that I've seen so far) in which to cover. Hopefully I can figure something out.

it might be worth while to talk to eshta and some other customing bhuzzers about what a very simply costume would cost you, maybe even just an unembellished bra/belt base. you can always bling it up yourself. i know that eshta will work within a budget, and i'm sure others will too. good luck!

Hi Saheli,

I recently purchased a Desert Swirl from bellydancestore.com for $195, and had great success in literally cutting the bra fabric off of the cup (being very careful around the knots of all the beading), and resewing it onto a base bra that I purchased from Lane Bryant that I'd covered in matching fabric. I don't have any pictures yet from our performance this past weekend, but I'll see if I can take some tonight and post them for you to look at.

It was a lot of work, but it was worth it for me to be able to feel comfortable and not worry about having a costume malfunction.

Originally Posted by saheli

Custom-mades just aren't in my budget. I'm also reconciling with the fact that I'd have to spend $50-$100 on a base bra (the cheapest regular bras in my size are $50 that I've seen so far) in which to cover. Hopefully I can figure something out.

If you are making your own costume, check eBay for bras. I wear a 30D or 30DD for costume bras. The bras I buy for costume bases would $50+ if I were to buy them in a store, but I've found them on eBay for as little as $8. (I like the "Inferno" style by Panache; it's made to be convertible to it works great as a halter, and the sides are reinforced with powermesh so it's very sturdy.)

My solution involved making my own (which meant covering a bra I had bought and loved) and saving every gift penny for a year and having Eshta make me one exactly to my measurements.