• Yes and no. If it's not the same length as the previous wire it will slide around in the channel. It might also just bend to the width of the original channel unless you use very hard wires, like Panache. Changing the wire also changes the depth of the bra so just be aware of that.

• The sliding around with a wire that is shorter than the channel can be addressed with a few stitches to lock the wire in place. Place the stitches at both ends of the channel where the wire ends. There is empty space but it is not impinging on sensitive areas.

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16 comments

• The cups are taller and narrower in the plunge and a bit more projected. Also, the plunge seems to fit a bit larger, so many people order a cup size smaller. If you move the straps in and reduce cup height, the bra will fit about a cup size smaller. And the plunge will have a shorter gore than the 3HC.

• Sonya A cup size smaller than their normal size, or comexim size? I wear a 70HH in Comexim 3HC.

  Thanks!

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Dec 19, 2018

I recently purchased a Dkny Superior Lace Balconette Bra (I'm new to this website but added it to the system here) and have found there is this super irritating piece where the bra strap is connected to the front of the bra. I've never altered a bra before so I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on the best way to fix it. This is the first bra that actually fits me well and it's a shame I can't wear it because of how irritating it is!

32D - Dkny Superior Lace Balconette Bra (4500) | Bratabase

The piece where the strap is sewn onto itself is really rough and scratches my skin.

http://bra.pe/IldA/

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Shared on Dec 19, 2018 Flag this

3 comments

• Hi Yoshmosh & welcome to Bratabase!
  My suggestion would be to determine what is acting as the irritant first.
  Do you feel it is the threading they used, the cut edge of the elastic, or the bend out of that elastic edge? Once you establish the true culprit, then it's easier to decide the best solution.
  That being said, one way to resolve all three potential issues would be to remove the stitching for that edge, then with a sharp pair of fabric scissors, cut the edge to be rounded, so it will be "(" instead of "l" and less likely to poke or scratch. Then resew the loop closed (with a sewing machine if possible) and stitch the edge over to insure it is smooth against the skin instead of poking out, similar to how they sew the hooks and eyeloop sections to the band covering the exposed edge with thread. That should resolve the issue. :-)

• Thank you for the advice! I don't think you can see on the photo but the edge where it was sewn is shiny and hard, so I think they may have used some kind of glue/paste as an overlay.
  I don't own a sewing machine but I have a friend that does so I'll likely ask her to help me out. :)

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• In theory, it's a simple sew. In all practicalities though, it may be more difficult.
  Removing the bottom elastic would be simple enough, and removing the 5+ hookset may be easy, depending on your skill and patience level. Where it gets tricky is getting a new 2 hookset to attach that will match the color of the bra properly, then shortening the longline to the proper height so the new hookset can be slid over the new band to create a smooth edge. Too wide/thick and it bunches, while too narrow it will poke and itch.

• Im like 99% sure I saw it on some aussie online stores.

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• I recently donated a pile of underwires I had been hoarding. ;-)

• I have a collection of bras that are too big in the band and some too small in the cup. I saved them as learning to shorten band experiments.

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• No. It just moves the attachment point of the straps on the cups in the front. This is to move the straps out of your armpit.

• but it changes the shape of the cups somewhat, doesnt it?

  if you want the cups closer together i thought you could ask for a narrower gore or crossed wires or something? i've never ordered from comexim
  

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• No. Ewa wont do custom much at all. She will sometimes make a size thats not listed, and she will sometimes make a bra in to a different model (like an S to a PL - they have to be similar models because some fabric wont work on some models). But definitely not things like moving straps in or shorter cups or deeper at the wire

• What customizations are you wanting?
  I have ordered custom sizes not listed under either the standard or the custom area at the bottom of each listing, & I got a PL in a CHP like @dbmamaz stated. I also have gotten custom colors, like the periwinkle from Nununu on the FCS Belladonna and the Green from Zielony on the PL Croptop Maskarada as well. Plus I have asked about getting the gore wires crossed, which I was told always occurs in my range.

  My theory is as long as you are not asking for too much, it doesn't hurt to ask. The worst that will happen is they say no.

  Just don't ask to have the straps moved it-she won't do it & it is a touchy subject for Ewa. :-)

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• Lol did I hook you on Harry? My Freya Kiyoko half cup does not have removeable padding, but whether or not a talented seamstress could do is something I can’t say.

• Lol. A lot of padded bras I've seen don't really require a talented seamstress to remove that padding. Just a bit of know how, a seam ripper and sewing machine/needle and thread! Since the outer fabric/fashion fabric is just sewn onto the pad you can rip out those seams, remove the padding a d reinforce the seams on the now padding-less cup. But some are more complicated and are not so easily done. Hopefully some ladies with some more know how will let me know about their construction! ^.^

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I moved in a strap

I moved in a strap for the first time, and it didn't snap off when I put it on! I decided to destroy, I mean alter, my 60N - Comexim » Talisman Half Cup (457) because it doesn't fit anyway. I moved the strap in on the left side a little over a strap width. I don't have a working sewing machine so this was all hand sewn. What can I improve for next time?

https://imgur.com/a/kKjin

Moving in straps

https://imgur.com/a/kKjin

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8 comments

• Looks good to me! Does it fit better now?

• It makes the quadboob worse but the strap feels a lot better.

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Replacing wires in a sports bra

I tried to replace the wires in my 30J - Freya Active » Underwired Sports Bra (4002) with a Porcelynne size 42 wire and it turned into a disaster. The end of the wire closest to the armpit angles in a way where the top stabs me in the ribs. I'm not sure what to do to correct this problem. Anyone have any ideas?

For kicks, check out the wire size difference: http://bra.pe/IhEW/

30J - Freya Active Underwired Sports Bra (4002) | Bratabase

http://bra.pe/IhEW/

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Shared on Dec 02, 2017 Flag this

13 comments

• Wow, what a size difference! Sorry to hear about the stabbing.

• For reference, Porcelynne 42 is 6" wide, the Freya wire is 8.5".

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6 comments

• At the top or at the bottom? You can always bend the wires away from you if it's at the top.

• go ahead and bend it if you are keeping it!
  

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Comexim customizations explained

While this isn't the complete list, it is a great video explanation of some of the customizations available (as well as other helpful info!)

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=METoV07IF6A

A Guide to Anna Pardal & Comexim Alterations

Erica of A Sophisticated Pair discusses Anna Pardal & Comexim alterations and wh

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=METoV07IF6A

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Shared on Nov 24, 2017 Flag this

4 comments

• Great video, thank you for posting this!

• Thanks for posting! I love A Sophisticated Pair and it was thanks to her sizing videos that I got into, you know, this whole..."thing." Lol!

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Porcelynne

Today, flat underwires, 1.5" + wide plush elastic, stretch lace, and iridescent plum fold over elastic arrived from Porcelynne.com. This package with standard post arrived two days after order placement. Wow. All 10 items arrived in the same package. Fantastic experience! This is a great resource for those of us who need to repair purchased bras and/or make our own.

Thank you cupandahalf for sharing your Porcelynne experience

Porcelynnes Fabric Boutique, Specializing in Lingerie and...

Porcelynne carries a wide variety of bra making and corset making supplies, from

http://porcelynne.com/

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Shared on Nov 22, 2017 Flag this

4 comments

• *squeals* Thank you!

• The color variety in fold over elastic is lovely :-) :-) Hope you find something to love :-)

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6 comments

• Although I have a sewing machine, I stitched them by hand. I just copied the original stitch and used a needle. Faster with a sewing machine, but it works well with a needle and thread, too.

• Time to butcher some old bras for practice then!

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5 comments

• I have fabric glue but never thought to use it to shorten bra bands. I would worry it might not hold because of the tension. Can you let us know how it holds up? If it works, I might give it a try too.

• That’s a great idea!

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• I think you mean Balkonetka.pl but depends on what you mean by "bratabase". Like, it doesn't have measurements which I think are a core part, or a proper organized "database" :P

  Balkonetka is a very active forum (which is used for fitting and sales as well) and has lots of user submitted pics!

• @jj I meant like a bra community like here posting a bra review and sell the bras etc.

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• The only front boning I recall seeing is on shelf bras, & they tend to not work for cups above a D.
  It might not be that difficult to add some to certain styles (like Comexim 3HC half cup bras or Ewa Michalak CHP bras). Take the side boning out of some older bras (or get some cheapies at Goodwill etc) & sew them at the existing seams on the cups......Might work?

• If you want to try shoring up an existing bra with boning as MamaPagan suggests, you can buy cushioned boning at fabric stores. I think the bra parts suppliers would have this.

  "...snapping suspenders are not just painful but loud as well."
  Echoplexic , I hope you don't mind I found this very funny. I would not have suspected the cause, had I been around to hear the painful event. Glad to know I shouldn't try this!

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5 comments

• I hope this doesn't sound stupid, but, do you want the whole bra or just the wires that are 6.1"- 6.5" in width from a bra that's wing height is 3.5" or shorter?

• I'm not picky, but it is less expensive to ship just the wires. Wires alone are fine, but I love adding data to Bratabase, too.

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10 comments

• I am in the same boat as you so I totally understand how hard it is to get tiny band sizes. I think if the band it far too large, it is worthwhile to alter it. I feel the same way about reducing the resale value, though. However, if a band is too loose on the tightest hooks, it won't be very supportive, so you probably won't reach for it much anyhow. I have a Rixie Clip that I occasionally use, but it's kind of a pain getting it off and on, and I worry that the teeth will damage the fabric.

• If a bra meets all my breast needs with only one exception that can be fixed with one sImple alteration procedure, usually a gore narrowing for me, I'll alter it. If it needs two or more procedures, I'll probably choose to sell it because I don't really love sewing unfortunately. I'm at the stage of my bra ...career where i have several that fit and I have limited drawer space so need to prune away the ones that aren't very good for me.

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