Hard Shelled Bra Cups

Azeeza · 11-27-2007, 10:04 AM

Does anyone know where I can purchase pre made hard shelled black bra cups like the ones Sugar Petals has?

Sugar Petals only has white ones and Artemis Imports stopped making the black ones.

I'm not looking for the swim variety that the sewing shops carry.

Thanks,

Azeeza

sabrinabellydancer · 11-27-2007, 11:39 AM

good luck!
i can't find them either.
i've resorted to cutting up hard cup bikini tops from the clearance rack and covering them.
please do post if you find a source.

Marianna · 11-27-2007, 11:47 AM

It's not that hard to make them. I always used strapless bras (these ones don't collapse onto themselves), cut the cups out, cover them and grosgrain ribbons with your fabric. You need to fit them and sew them on, but this way you'll have bras that fit you perfectly.
You need to use hot glue gun and buckram to reinforce the cups and voila!
(Only use the hot glue and buckram AFTER you did all the decorations on the cups)

gwyncara · 11-27-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marianna

(Only use the hot glue and buckram AFTER you did all the decorations on the cups)

Thank you for mentioning that!!! I've made that mistake before and

UGH!!!

Can we say DUMB?!?

gypsydanse · 11-27-2007, 12:24 PM

Target and Walmart both carry hard shell bras. I've found other colors besides white and black there, too.

zamora · 11-27-2007, 01:29 PM

you can find hard shell bras at asian shops
but, "stiffin quick", makes any bra very very hard

Azeeza · 11-27-2007, 06:09 PM

Any hard shells in D cups or larger? I'm somewhere in between and the strapless variety just doesn't exist or just isn't quite stiff enough.

Ditto on the regular bras, plus I'm looking to spend about 8 -14 dollars on the cups (at least that is what they are/were selling for on SP and AI). I've not seen a whole lot of hard shelled bras in that price range in a D + sized cups (I'm talking 36 and larger).

Azeeza

zamora · 11-27-2007, 06:19 PM

we just get a good push up bra,( big lots) cut the cups out spray with stiffin quick.then sew whatever on the cup, then spray the inside till you can rap it on a table!

Azeeza · 11-27-2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zamora

we just get a good push up bra,( big lots) cut the cups out spray with stiffin quick.then sew whatever on the cup, then spray the inside till you can rap it on a table!

Big Lots for BIG LOTS??? LOL !

I don't know if you meant it as a pun, but I love it!

Will check out Big Lots!

Thanks,

Azeeza

fayega · 11-27-2007, 10:51 PM

Years ago I purchased bra cups from the following CA merchant. She made them in both black and white. Sturdy cups, underwire, instructions for the proper 'tilt' of the cups, etc. I remembered her name and used a search engine to find the following info:

Arlene's Classic Cups
USA 209-733-1448
From medance list, a seller of bra cups for belly dancers' costuming, "strap instruction included".

I'm not certain how current that info is, though. But she developed a terrific product. I met her at Rakkasah many many years ago. Nice lady and she definitely created bra cups worth purchasing. She extended the underwire so that it ended where most dancers connect the shoulder straps - better support and that fit created a nice look. I don't know if anyone in CA would have further info but it might be worth further research.

zamora · 11-28-2007, 11:04 AM

Arlene's Classic Cups
USA 209-733-1448
...the area code is now 559, she is a past student of mine.she is in visalia, 40 min south of me.
yes, the cups were good for some, but they were modeled over her silicone implant breasts, so forget about a true, A, or B cup...they run large, .....

Azeeza · 11-28-2007, 11:14 AM

Oooh, thank you!

Azeeza

Marianna · 11-28-2007, 12:20 PM

If you can't find your size (for example DD or bigger, or extremely small or in between) then it's definitely beneficial to make your own. At Target the strapless cups are normally $7-11. The bra itself does not have to be sturdy, because you will reinforce it. You just ned to make sure it's not the satin type lingerie. If you lay it down, the cups should still be sticking up, that's all.
Fitting can be a bit complex, and having someone with experience definitely helps, but it is doable alone.

Once you have a bra that is just perfect, make sure you keep it. I still have my very first gold bra/belt that my teacher helped me make (oh, almost 5 years ago) and it fits so well. I don't wear it much because I'm not into that much fringe anymore, but it fits like a dream.
The cups are extremely tilted towards to inside and that's what makes it look and feel great. After a long while I started to mirror the look with the new bras I made and it was such a big difference. Until then I was wondering why the bras weren't perfect. When I lined them up next to each other I saw that I have to tilt them muchmore and that's what gves it the cleavage and the comfort.

Azeeza · 11-28-2007, 06:51 PM

Thanks for the tip, Marianna!

Azeeza

najla86 · 11-30-2007, 10:22 AM

I bought a hardshell backless strapless number (the kind that goes on with adhesive on the sides) from Victoria's Secret a few years ago. That could definitely cut down on the need to deconstruct all the straps, etc. Try any store that sells special occasion dresses, they all seem to have the more unusual styles of bras