Thread: 36DD/F bra...is this impossible?

I need a bra for the above size for a performance. I want to wear it under a wrap top. I cant seem to find one any where without buying a whole costume and even then, finding that size is difficult. Any tips?

Are you looking for a costume bra or regular bra? If a costume bra, what style?

It is definitely possible to get costume and regular bras in that size, but I hesitate to give any recommendations without knowing more details. :)

Does the wrap top cover the entire bra, so that you can wear a regular bra under it? That's one of the nice things about wrap tops, I think.

Regular bras that are good to convert into costume bras are Lane Bryant Balconette bras. If that is what you are asking....

It's not impossible it's just a custom job. Ready mades don't come in that size.

Let me first say I cant sew or embellish anything myself so I would need something already made. Also, its a wrap top that the ties should hang in the front. But wearing my own bra, it is visible that way. In order to cover my bra, I have to grab it tight and tie it around the back which is like a sports bra affect....everything is covered but flat. So I thought as a compromise I can just buy a black embellished bra to wear under the top so the bra would be visible and the wrap top wouldnt have to be tied so tightly and can hang in the front

Originally Posted by NefertariMerit

Let me first say I cant sew or embellish anything myself so I would need something already made. Also, its a wrap top that the ties should hang in the front. But wearing my own bra, it is visible that way. In order to cover my bra, I have to grab it tight and tie it around the back which is like a sports bra affect....everything is covered but flat. So I thought as a compromise I can just buy a black embellished bra to wear under the top so the bra would be visible and the wrap top wouldnt have to be tied so tightly and can hang in the front

One thing you might try is when you pull the wrap top to the front to tie it, loop it around the middle of your bra where the cups meet. This will tighten it down next to your bra so that it can't shift and won't show the bra.

You can also get costume bra tops here in almost any size for relatively inexpensive prices: Belly Dance Tops - Belly dancing sequined bras and tops by Isis Exchange

I think Ill go try that little trick right now to see if it works and then try out the website. Thanks!!

This may not be exactly what you're looking for, but my troupe has a new red Turkish basic costume with an F-cup bra or thereabouts (I'm not absolutely sure of the size) that we're looking to sell at a reasonable price. It comes with bra, belt, skirt, headband, and armbands. If you or anyone else is interested, send me a PM!

Originally Posted by mahsati

One thing you might try is when you pull the wrap top to the front to tie it, loop it around the middle of your bra where the cups meet. This will tighten it down next to your bra so that it can't shift and won't show the bra.

You can also get costume bra tops here in almost any size for relatively inexpensive prices: Belly Dance Tops - Belly dancing sequined bras and tops by Isis Exchange

I tried looping it through and it doesnt work. I think its the cut of the top. If I pull it tight the bottom of my bra is showing. If I loosen it up the top of the bra comes out. I cant win. I checked the website and I only see D bras there unfortunately.

I think you might have to order one. #9 is very pretty and the best parts would show above your top and the medallion could dangle over the knot if you tucked the wrap top tie ends under your bra. Wow, those prices are great!

I just had an idea....you could wrap the front of a bra you already have in a pretty scarf and safety pin the sucker down. It's something I heard a long time ago...someone had to come up with an emergency costume and they did this with a veil. It looked very nice!

You could use a coined hip scarf too!

https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?n=3

Dahlal International has this category 'Dancer Designs.' It's fun to see the unusual ways their costume pieces can be put together (plus they give great directions).

I've had good luck with isis exchange and I'm a 36DD (and believe me I feel your pain girl). When I ordered, it actually came in larger than I expected so I had to finagle it down a LOT.

Originally Posted by Benazir

I've had good luck with isis exchange and I'm a 36DD (and believe me I feel your pain girl). When I ordered, it actually came in larger than I expected so I had to finagle it down a LOT.

You found one in a DD because Im not seeing any on there. I only saw D. Maybe I overlooked it? Or maybe I can get away with a D?

Originally Posted by NefertariMerit

You found one in a DD because Im not seeing any on there. I only saw D. Maybe I overlooked it? Or maybe I can get away with a D?

You can email them to request other sizes or look at their bra and belt sets which are all custom made. Here is a quick link to one, but they have a lot of inexpensive options: CHIFFON BELLY DANCE COSTUME professional

Originally Posted by NefertariMerit

I tried looping it through and it doesnt work. I think its the cut of the top. If I pull it tight the bottom of my bra is showing. If I loosen it up the top of the bra comes out. I cant win. I checked the website and I only see D bras there unfortunately.

A stretchy wrap top with long ends to wrap and tie behind your back might work better. You can also decorate just the top of the bra cups that peep out, even using a sparkly scarf as was mentioned upthread.

Find a seamstress. Learn to bead. I know that sounds harsh, but as a fellow mega cupper, it's been my experience that this is the best solution without investing big bucks.

As Eshta said, it can be done, but chances are you will have to special order.

{{{HUGS}}}

>Lane Bryant Balconette bras

Yes! The only bra I wear. I've even covered them in silk for costumes.

Originally Posted by Annessa

>Lane Bryant Balconette bras

Yes! The only bra I wear. I've even covered them in silk for costumes.

Love them....even for costuming.

How did you all learn to bead and cover bras in silk? Sewing is not my forte.

Hey Nefertari,

I'm not a great seamstress either and usually get others to make what I need. But for a bra for under a tie top all you need is is to cover the actual cups themselves, you don't even need a machine for it.

Do a search on bhuz and you'll come up with quite a few threads discussing how to cover a bra, or you could check out the "what are you working on" threads as they often have step my step progress shots of costume construction.

Goodluck!

I tried looping the top through my bra.But when the cups are nice and covered, the bottom of the bra and under wire show :( I think Im going to return it. There just isnt enough fabric to cover everything.

By the way, Ive seen many people say they like Lane Bryant balconette bras. I checked their website and saw there are a few styles. Is one better than the other?

Well, I studies costume design, but most people I know learned by trial and error. I give a costuming workshop now and again. I know that a couple of people have blogs about how to start from scratch.

Also, check out Shira's site with notes from the Costume Goddess. Ask the Belly Dance Costume Goddess: Covering a Costume Bra with Fabric

{{{HUGS}}}

You are my size. Quick fix:
Get a black bra that fits and is flattering, with a solid satin finish.
Get some pretty, wide, sequinned/fringed/ornamented braid.
Stitch said braid to the tops of the cups, straps. You stitch by hand like you're sewing on a button, it doesn't have to be fancy.
Stick it on, wear the tie top over it. The visible bits are embellished and don't look like undies. Solved.

it is not that hard to decorate a bra from scratch and there are tons of books and online guides you can find. This is a start though, for an emergency situation!

wow, well i ordered mine like 2-3 years ago and DD was an option... i had to pay extra for. if you're closer to a DD you should be close fit to the D. Also, for Zumarrad's sequin tip, if you're like me and REALLY suck at stitching, hot glue gun works too, granted you wouldn't be able to use the bra again for much else

Here, bellydancestore has beautiful DD-costumes.....
Belly Dance Costumes | Belly Dance Store.com: gallery

This too:
Belly Dance Costumes | Belly Dance Store.com: gallery

a dress ind DD:
Belly Dance Costumes | Belly Dance Store.com: gallery

and here in green:
Belly Dance Costumes | Belly Dance Store.com: gallery