Thread: Bra Band Woes

Literally every bra that I've worn that has had no stretch has blown the hooks as soon as I either breathe or bend over (an Eshta, a Desert Swirl, and 2 Isis Exchanges). And I do go and reinforce the hooks with fishing line and/or other heavy-duty thread. I don't know if this is because of my size, or my body shape, or what, but it's extremely frustrating.

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to put a little bit of stretch into non-stretchy bra bands so that I don't have to be unnerved every time I put on a non-homemade bra.

Thanks!!!

It sounds like you may be setting them a tad too tight. You should be able to breath. A long time ago, I used to make my bra bands stretchy by using regular bra hooks with a bit of elastic added at each end, covered by the bra covering fabric. These days I prefer the non-stretchy bra bands. What I used to do was save the ends of bras when I cut them off to make costume bras. Then I'd sew a short piece of elastic on each end before attaching them to my non-stretchy bra band. I'd cover the elastic with a "tube" of bra covering fabric, sort of like a scrunchy. I don't know if that helps you, but but try safety pinning the bra band where you think you need a hook, then take a deep breath. You should be able to do this without popping the safety pin. If you can, then this is where you set your hook. If not, loosen it a bit and try again.

I agree that it's probably a bit too tight. You can sew elastic in a thread casing along the inside of the bra band to give it a bit of stretch.

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

Literally every bra that I've worn that has had no stretch has blown the hooks as soon as I either breathe or bend over (an Eshta, a Desert Swirl, and 2 Isis Exchanges). And I do go and reinforce the hooks with fishing line and/or other heavy-duty thread. I don't know if this is because of my size, or my body shape, or what, but it's extremely frustrating.

I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to put a little bit of stretch into non-stretchy bra bands so that I don't have to be unnerved every time I put on a non-homemade bra.

Thanks!!!

Cover some 1" wide elastic, and place like this, below. I make all costume bras this way. It's under the arm, not that visible,too.P3200019.jpg

P3200016.jpg red bra-2a.jpg


If you can' t change an existing costume, you can move the hooks and eyes over(only about 1" to 1+1/2' to make the band a little bigger, and stich elastic on the inside, along the inside,at the sides only.

This is fantastic!

Is the bra band that's right up next to the cup the original stretchy band or has that been replaced with non-stretch material? So what I'm trying to ask is (clear as mud!): do you remove the entire stretchy band at the cup or under the arm?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by mayaraschad

Cover some 1" wide elastic, and place like this, below. I make all costume bras this way. It's under the arm, not that visible,too.Attachment 54700

Attachment 54701 Attachment 54702


If you can' t change an existing costume, you can move the hooks and eyes over(only about 1" to 1+1/2' to make the band a little bigger, and stich elastic on the inside, along the inside,at the sides only.

Originally Posted by BoiseShan

This is fantastic!

Is the bra band that's right up next to the cup the original stretchy band or has that been replaced with non-stretch material? So what I'm trying to ask is (clear as mud!): do you remove the entire stretchy band at the cup or under the arm?

Thanks!

No, the only thing left of the original bra,is the cups. The side pieces next to the cups are replaced with stiff fabric too. (And the back, and the straps!) The elastic is sewn to that piece, then to the back piece.

red bra-1.jpg Does this pic help? It shows a bit of the denim layer I also cover the cups in (makes beading much easier with a cotton or denim layer under your nice satin or velvet top fabric)

Thanks!

This couldn't have come at a better time. I'm just getting ready to start a bra and I'm def going to copy this! GENIUS!

Originally Posted by mayaraschad

No, the only thing left of the original bra,is the cups. The side pieces next to the cups are replaced with stiff fabric too. (And the back, and the straps!) The elastic is sewn to that piece, then to the back piece.

Attachment 54729 Does this pic help? It shows a bit of the denim layer I also cover the cups in (makes beading much easier with a cotton or denim layer under your nice satin or velvet top fabric)

Thanks for the helpful replies! I will have to give them a try.

This is why I come to the experts - you guys always have ideas for me!!!