bra makers

[toria_dances]

For thous how make there costumes, what bra do you use? do you buy a belly dance bra or a regular bra? how do you stiffen it up? pic please

[gypsydanse]

You can buy a hard shell (molded bra) at WalMart or Target, and and also order them from Sugar Petals. They're already stiff because they're molded. I normally buy mine at Target. They're not too expensive.

[resullivan]

I've bought regular bras at Kmart or Kohls. Again, I go for the fairly stiff cups. And I often also put a layer of stiffer material, like denim, on the outside.

Here are a few picutres of my last one mid construction.

[cindy_]

oh, good information, i am trying to make one too. 'cept i heard you were supposed to cut it apart first, so now i am trying to figure out how to put it back together! doh!

[gypsydanse]

I cut mine apart and mark the cups left & right. Then I throw away the straps and the sides, and make new ones. I don't trust those elastic sides and straps. I make mine the old way!

[kiyaana]

This gives you an idea of how to reinforce and put back together: http://www.kawakib.com/page-16.html

Originally Posted by cindy_

oh, good information, i am trying to make one too. 'cept i heard you were supposed to cut it apart first, so now i am trying to figure out how to put it back together! doh!

[cindy_]

thank you! i am on the right track at least!

[elenya]

I got a molded bra and also reinforced it with a denim layer on the outside of the cups and because the edge is shaped I also wired the edge with floral wire. It's holding up perfectly since it started beading.

[Adishakti]

I buy molded cups, then cut off the ribcage and shoulder straps. I make new ribcage straps out of denim and the shoulder straps out of grossgrain ribbon. Cover, decorate, then line and they turn out nice and sturdy.

If you want to heavily bead it, then you may want to stiffen the bra after beading - you can buy fabric stiffener at Walmart. I usually give the cups two light layers, and the ribcage strap one layer.

Have fun!

[toria_dances]

Ok I've never heard of molded cups, what do they look like? how stiff are they? what are they made of?. Do you buy it at walmart in the bra section?

[gypsydanse]

Strapless bras are made from molded cups. That way they stay up better, they're firmer than the regular cups.

[Egyptianangel]

This thread has helped a lot. I was wondering whether to make my own costume and now I know not too. It looks too complicated for me. LOL

[mekyria]

I use molded cups too. Recently I realised that if you use a regular bra, it often look disproportional small compared to costume bra's from of the rack costumes. So now I use cups that are one size bigger or I add more coverage to the upper edge instead of cutting away material for a shaped edge.

I reinforce my cups with floral wire around the edge, and fusible interfacing on the cups. Then add outer layer of fabric, throw it into a big can with 1/3 beads and 2/3 sequins, maybe add a swarovski crystal for extra bling and finish off with fringe. Don't forget to stir.

Don't be afraid of making your own costume! It's so much fun!

[Souzan]

JC Penneys has some wonderful hardcup strapless bras. Many have extra firm top edges. They often have 2 for one sales. Particularly well constructed ones for larger sizes.

Souzan

[tahiradancer]

Yes, you go up one cup size and generally on band size. Because once you cover the bra, it somehow magically shrinks!

Making a bra is really not that hard. The biggest bug-a-boo for me is to be sure you replace the straps. The lingerie straps do not give enough support. Plus, they look cheezy! I use Gros grain ribbon, covered with something coordinating and hopefully pretty!

{{{HUGS}}}

[Marianna]

Strapless bras (Target or Walmart under $10)

cut away the elastic straps.
Make new straps out of grosgrain ribbon, cover them with your fabric.
Cover your bra cups with the fabric
sew the straps on.
Decorate everything first
Then stiffen the cups with buckram and hot glue. Make sure all the decorations are donebefore, because it is very hard to get the needle through the hardened glue.
You can add wire to the cups if you'd like.
Line with felt (and add padding if you need) and sew on the hooks.

[dancingrrrlz]

Davina's book about bras is pretty comprehensive.

She takes you step-by-step through the process. Not complicated when broken down. Lots of good illustrations.

Oh, and she gives workshops on how to make them, too.

[gypsydanse]

You can also order directly from Dawn from her website. www.davina.org

[mekyria]

Davina's book is great! Ignore her advice to keep the stretchy shoulderstraps, I think that advice is meant for showgirl costumes, not BD costumes.

[firefly5]

Why is elastic considered so evil? I don't get it!
Personally I feel more secure in a bra with straps that have a bit of stretch, solid ones feel much more restrictive if they are tight, and 'dangerous' if they are looser.
While I am not a fan of the lingerie look, I don't see what is wrong with replacing the straps with (covered) thick elastic.

[mekyria]

Elastic is evil because it deteriorates so fast. So a bra that fits snugly and securely one perfromance can become an ill fitting accident waiting to happen the next performance. Well, maybe not in a matter of days, but bras with elastic need more care and checking up then bras with sturdy straps.

Sewing elastic on the sturdy non-stretch straps also works, is easier to replace and much safer (if you realise that the elastic has died, you can quickly move the closure so it'll fit).

[tahiradancer]

One trick which I have seen in some of my vintage costumes is covering double layer elsatic with a non-stretch trim. Generally keeping the stretch ratio very low. As Mekyria says, it does deteriorate very quickly.

Some of the other issues with using elastic: it doesn't come in very many colours and if it shows weven a little bit, it is distracting. Elastic does not generally give enough support so you have a lot of bouncing which once again is distracting and over a period of time, harmful to your breast tissue.

{{{HUGS}}}

[firefly5]

So why is lycra used in costumes so much?

In my experience lycra deteriorates more quickly than normal elastic -the type used in waistbands etc.