Thread: Back bra strap is too short....

Ok, so I got my costume today and even though I told them the exact bra size (34/70 jpn), it's way too short to fit around my ribcage. (Skirt actually fits great!)

NOW.... my question is, does anyone have advice on how to make the back strap longer to fit. I just need to add about 2-3.5 inches :( I figure it's pretty easy.

Also, anyone have any advice on super securing a bra??

I have done this to all my costumes. My ribcage is really wide and even providing the exact measurements and stressing that I do have a wide ribcage, isn't enough to make designers understand

I have just taken a piece of non stretchy fabric. Folded it to three layers or something. Sewn through it, covered with matching fabric. Opened the seam at the end of the costume strap, pushed the new bit in there and sewn together VERY WELL. Then moved hooks etc.

Arm/wrist/head bands can be helpful too. Depending on the color and decorations, some extensions are easily covered as they sell sequined trim in gold, silver, black, red that is 1" wide for a quick match. Having long hair also makes it not so noticable.

Originally Posted by LizzyDancer

Arm/wrist/head bands can be helpful too.

This, works wonderfully. I've attached the wrist bands and then placed the hooks where I wanted them.

Ive done this numerous times with costumes. Here's the way to make this look flawless and super sturdy.

1. Find the end of the bra that you are going to add on to (easier to do on 1 as opposed to both but this depends on how much you need to add) and remove the hook/eye there.
2. cut open the seam on the inside of that section for about 2-3 inches.
3. remove the beading for that portion.
4. cut a piece of pellon/interface (thick) into the extension shape you want to add.
5. sew this on to the inside of the piece you have opened (which likely also has pellon or possible grossgrain ribbon inside the fabric). I would do this using machine stitches... this joinder needs to be sturdy.
6. using same fabric (I would check local stores and as a last situation cut up a headband or arm band or other accessory), cover the extension piece. I will either machine or handsew the fabric pieces together, depending on the design. This part may or may not be visible depending on beading and hair length but I try to keep this as professional looking as possible, by covering the stitches with beads.
7. Rebead over it as part of the design
8. add your hooks and go!


This process takes a few hours I must admit but is virtually undetectable to any eye!


One note, if you have the old school style costume with the "Y" straps on the side, you may be able to lift the bra cup lining and see how much extra is inside the cup. Sometimes you have 1-2", which if this is all you need, is easy to reposition/add onto since you can be as clumsy as you want with the stitching as no one will see it inside the cup, under the lining!

About making the bra more sturdy: Sew down anything that doesn't need a hook. So on my halters, I sew them down (that's one less hook that can pop!) at the neck. I usually sew down my belts at one side. So essentially when I perform, I have a hook at my spine and 2-4 (depending on the style) at 1 hip. Not a whole lot you can do with the accessories unless you want to tack elastic or liquid silicone inside, which is so marginal I'd skip it... not worth the work!

Good luck and if you have any questions, email me at nuriyadance@gmail.com

This could be the meet-up excuse we need.

Did it come with a headband so you have a matching fabric source?

Originally Posted by jaded928

Ive done this numerous times with costumes. Here's the way to make this look flawless and super sturdy.

1. Find the end of the bra that you are going to add on to (easier to do on 1 as opposed to both but this depends on how much you need to add) and remove the hook/eye there.
2. cut open the seam on the inside of that section for about 2-3 inches.
3. remove the beading for that portion.
4. cut a piece of pellon/interface (thick) into the extension shape you want to add.
5. sew this on to the inside of the piece you have opened (which likely also has pellon or possible grossgrain ribbon inside the fabric). I would do this using machine stitches... this joinder needs to be sturdy.
6. using same fabric (I would check local stores and as a last situation cut up a headband or arm band or other accessory), cover the extension piece. I will either machine or handsew the fabric pieces together, depending on the design. This part may or may not be visible depending on beading and hair length but I try to keep this as professional looking as possible, by covering the stitches with beads.
7. Rebead over it as part of the design
8. add your hooks and go!


This process takes a few hours I must admit but is virtually undetectable to any eye!


One note, if you have the old school style costume with the "Y" straps on the side, you may be able to lift the bra cup lining and see how much extra is inside the cup. Sometimes you have 1-2", which if this is all you need, is easy to reposition/add onto since you can be as clumsy as you want with the stitching as no one will see it inside the cup, under the lining!

About making the bra more sturdy: Sew down anything that doesn't need a hook. So on my halters, I sew them down (that's one less hook that can pop!) at the neck. I usually sew down my belts at one side. So essentially when I perform, I have a hook at my spine and 2-4 (depending on the style) at 1 hip. Not a whole lot you can do with the accessories unless you want to tack elastic or liquid silicone inside, which is so marginal I'd skip it... not worth the work!

Good luck and if you have any questions, email me at nuriyadance@gmail.com

Oh wow! This is great! I`ll definitely be mailing you soon! Thank you so much!

Originally Posted by ozma

This could be the meet-up excuse we need.

Did it come with a headband so you have a matching fabric source?

Yes! It did come with a headband so I`ll use the fabric for that.

This is a good excuse haha