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Post by Katie on May 2, 2025 12:00:31 GMT
I am having a bra crisis and I have a question about altering a bra.
I am plus sized, but I have no boobs - I am a 48A cup. Finding a bra is virtually impossible. I usually do bralettes, but I want something with more structure, and I also NEED a racerback style because otherwise the straps constantly fall down, particularly on my left side.
Anyway, my question is: is it possible to take a bra that is too large in the cups and make them smaller? I don’t know if you can do something like when you take a pair of pants to tuck in that extra material and sew it?? I am sure it’s not going to work, but I figure if someone is an experienced seamstress you would know if it’s even possible.
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Post by Linda on May 2, 2025 12:36:17 GMT
no idea on the alterations but I do wonder if you've been measured correctly and honestly that's where I would start. I suspect you need a smaller band and larger cup size than you think - many women do. And that might make finding something easier.
Is there a speciality bra store in your area? They can do a good job measuring you AND if needed, might be able to steer you towards someone who might be able to customise and/or alter for you
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Post by crazy4scraps on May 2, 2025 13:31:21 GMT
Ditto everything that Linda said. If you have a Nordstrom’s in your area, I believe most of those stores also have certified bra fitters. Some Macy’s stores might also have a bra fitting service.
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Post by ntsf on May 2, 2025 14:51:00 GMT
a back issue of threads magazine (last 5 yrs) had an article on sewing your own bras.. there are patterns.
if nothing else helps, if you don't sew, you might find a tailor or someone to help.
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Post by AngieJoy on May 2, 2025 15:24:06 GMT
Have you tried finding a cup fit and using an extension for the band?
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Post by gillyp on May 2, 2025 17:05:09 GMT
Another vote for using a professional fitter, if you can find one. If not, put an existing bra on inside out and carefully pin or tack the fabric where you want to remove the excess then put it on the correct way and adjust if necessary. Once you are happy(ish) with the fit, sew along the new lines you have created and trim the excess fabric, then hand stitch along the seam with a blanket stitch to stop the fabric fraying. Or, if you have a machine, overlock them. I don't think doing this will be very comfy and might not give you the best look under garments. The trouble with bra cups is that they are usually made of at least 3 pieces of fabric and cut at an angle to the grain to allow for stretching and molding to the boobs. For the back you might find clips like these to be useful. |
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Post by bratkar on May 2, 2025 17:12:13 GMT
Anyway, my question is: is it possible to take a bra that is too large in the cups and make them smaller? I don’t know if you can do something like when you take a pair of pants to tuck in that extra material and sew it?? I am sure it’s not going to work, but I figure if someone is an experienced seamstress you would know if it’s even possible. as someone who is very close in size to you I completely understand your frustration. I do what someone else mentioned and pin the cups, right near the under arm and pin tuck sew right there and they fit perfectly. (its usually right near where the strap is, so it helps keep the strap in place as well... I dont understand why they think every plus size person has huge cups. some of us dont have much  |
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Post by Katie on May 2, 2025 17:49:15 GMT
Have you tried finding a cup fit and using an extension for the band? Yes I did try that but it’s been a couple of years, I can try again. |
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Post by Katie on May 2, 2025 17:51:43 GMT
no idea on the alterations but I do wonder if you've been measured correctly and honestly that's where I would start. I suspect you need a smaller band and larger cup size than you think - many women do. And that might make finding something easier. Is there a speciality bra store in your area? They can do a good job measuring you AND if needed, might be able to steer you towards someone who might be able to customise and/or alter for you I did the Nordstrom’s fitting a few years ago and they did not have any bras that fit me. And no resources of where to find any. Womp womp… |
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Post by Katie on May 2, 2025 17:52:20 GMT
Another vote for using a professional fitter, if you can find one. If not, put an existing bra on inside out and carefully pin or tack the fabric where you want to remove the excess then put it on the correct way and adjust if necessary. Once you are happy(ish) with the fit, sew along the new lines you have created and trim the excess fabric, then hand stitch along the seam with a blanket stitch to stop the fabric fraying. Or, if you have a machine, overlock them. I don't think doing this will be very comfy and might not give you the best look under garments. The trouble with bra cups is that they are usually made of at least 3 pieces of fabric and cut at an angle to the grain to allow for stretching and molding to the boobs. For the back you might find clips like these to be useful. Am going to try this - thank you! 😊 |
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Post by Linda on May 2, 2025 20:14:28 GMT
no idea on the alterations but I do wonder if you've been measured correctly and honestly that's where I would start. I suspect you need a smaller band and larger cup size than you think - many women do. And that might make finding something easier. Is there a speciality bra store in your area? They can do a good job measuring you AND if needed, might be able to steer you towards someone who might be able to customise and/or alter for you I did the Nordstrom’s fitting a few years ago and they did not have any bras that fit me. And no resources of where to find any. Womp womp… I'm not sure where you live but try searching for an actual bra/lingerie store that offers custom fittings - their bras will be $$$ but you're paying for quality and expertise. There isn't one in my area (rural Florida) but my bestie in MA swears by hers. |
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Post by Basket1lady on May 2, 2025 20:21:19 GMT
It wouldn't hurt to try. However, I think you would have better luck and more comfort if you bought an extension to make the band larger. But then, the challenge would be to find a racerback bra with a back closure.
I wonder if you could contact a seamstress on Etsy who makes custom bras? They may be willing to help.
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Post by mom on May 2, 2025 21:11:32 GMT
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on May 2, 2025 22:02:58 GMT
I would try merging two bras.
Replace big cups with small cups.
Remove the cups off the correct size band. Then remove small cups from a too small band. The sew the small cups onto the bigger band.
In my mind, it works.
Maybe you could experiment sewing with some cheap clearance bras to see if this theory works.....before you cut up some more expensive quality bras.
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Post by caspad on May 5, 2025 15:11:25 GMT
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Post by jill8909 on May 5, 2025 17:18:17 GMT
I have been measured at 3 different stores and it does help.
However, I cannot find a bra that fits but not one that supports AND is comfortable so I feel you. I need underwires to lift and after a couple of hours I am done.
If anyone is a 38G and has a recommendation, I'm all eyes. and sorry to highjack this. If this isn't ok, just ignore!!
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Post by caspad on May 5, 2025 20:36:32 GMT
I have been measured at 3 different stores and it does help. However, I cannot find a bra that fits but not one that supports AND is comfortable so I feel you. I need underwires to lift and after a couple of hours I am done. If anyone is a 38G and has a recommendation, I'm all eyes. and sorry to highjack this. If this isn't ok, just ignore!! Bare Necessities and Her Room are good places to look for sales. |
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on May 6, 2025 0:22:08 GMT
I have been measured at 3 different stores and it does help. However, I cannot find a bra that fits but not one that supports AND is comfortable so I feel you. I need underwires to lift and after a couple of hours I am done. If anyone is a 38G and has a recommendation, I'm all eyes. and sorry to highjack this. If this isn't ok, just ignore!! I’m a 32g (who has gained weight and is probably closer to a 36g 😂) and I swear by Natori yogi convertible sports bras. They’re my daily wear bras! |
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Gennifer
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,444 
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Post by Gennifer on May 6, 2025 3:41:07 GMT
Go to Reddit’s sub called r/abrathatfits and follow their measuring guideline. It’s something like 6 different measurements and some are taken standing, plus also leaning forward and laying down.
You’ll input your measurements into their calculator and it will give you your size, so you can shop online for whatever you need.
Posters there will also help you shop for certain brands or styles that work for your breast shape… if you’re more projected or if you have shallower breasts, wide or narrow, etc.
Stores ALWAYS measure me wrong, because they’re trying to fit you into sizes they carry in stock. I’m a 32G (US) or 32F (UK) and was measured as a 34DDD (Nordstrom) and 36DD (VS).
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Post by jill8909 on May 6, 2025 12:29:53 GMT
thanks for the recommendations!!!
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peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 4,209
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Post by peppermintpatty on May 6, 2025 12:49:05 GMT
Everything I read said when you go up in a band size, you have to go down in cup size. Being an A will make is very difficult to find anything. What about buying a smaller band and then adding one of those band extenders?
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Post by twistedscissors on May 7, 2025 2:44:04 GMT
I have been measured at 3 different stores and it does help. However, I cannot find a bra that fits but not one that supports AND is comfortable so I feel you. I need underwires to lift and after a couple of hours I am done. If anyone is a 38G and has a recommendation, I'm all eyes. and sorry to highjack this. If this isn't ok, just ignore!! Try Paramour by Felina brand. I order from Amazon. I am a 36 G and they have great lift and support. I like the racerback style to be more comfortable to me. |
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Post by twistedscissors on May 7, 2025 2:55:21 GMT
I am having a bra crisis and I have a question about altering a bra. I am plus sized, but I have no boobs - I am a 48A cup. Finding a bra is virtually impossible. I usually do bralettes, but I want something with more structure, and I also NEED a racerback style because otherwise the straps constantly fall down, particularly on my left side. Anyway, my question is: is it possible to take a bra that is too large in the cups and make them smaller? I don’t know if you can do something like when you take a pair of pants to tuck in that extra material and sew it?? I am sure it’s not going to work, but I figure if someone is an experienced seamstress you would know if it’s even possible. I definitely suggest getting remeasured or even measure yourself with a cloth measuring tape. I agree with an above post that most stores just measure you to fit what they have. And most women are not wearing the correct size. On Amazon you can search by band/cup size. I’ve never had a problem sending them back if they don’t fit. |
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