Too big width -
If the bra has a width that is too big, can you replace it with an underwire with smaller width? Would that work?
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Bra adventures » Bra alterations
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Comexim Shape and Alteration Questions
So I've finally narrowed down my size in Comexim but I'm still a little unsure of the best style. I'm full on top, with average projection. My biggest concern is cups that are too tall and digging into the front of my armpits. I have a 3HC but I was looking at the plunges too. Can someone tell me what ... the difference between a 3HC and a plunge? And what shapes go best with each.
As far as alterations, since I'm concerned about cup height I was thinking of moving the straps in, lowering the gore and reducing the cup height; are these going to be redundant? Should I look at scaling up for the alterations?
Thanks!!
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16 comments
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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.
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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/
Filed under Bra alterations
3 comments
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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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where are you, Fantasie Francesca vertical seam noir?
I've been waiting for this bra to show up on ebay for aaaaaages, and it... never did beyond a few listings with retail pricing.
I see the strawberry colorway, and I see the noir balcony, but the vertical seam is only available in a longline. Whyyyyy?
To be fair, the longline is lined and the regular vertical seam is not, so the ... longline would almost certainly fit better, but it's a longline! I'm flexible and dexterous and I still have issues with two bra hooks some mornings. There's no way I'm going to be able to do up a longline in the morning when I'm rushing to work.
...how hard would it be to convert a longline into a regular bra? Easy peasy? Because dagnabit, I want that bra!
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6 comments
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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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frankenstein's branster
I have a drawer of bra parts that ONE DAY may be stitched up and reanimated into the perfect bra. Does anyone else have such a collection of bra spare parts, too?
Custom bra goals: a small-band, large cup bra with a front clasp. (These are so hard to find.)
Have you had any luck with your projects? Any colossal mistakes?Filed under Bra alterations
7 comments
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I recently donated a pile of underwires I had been hoarding. ;-)
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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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Effect of straps moved in on cups
Hi guys.
If I ask the straps to be moved in for Comexim bras, will it affect the placement of the cups? will the cups be "closer" together?Filed under Bra alterations
7 comments
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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.
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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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Ewa Michalak
What can I ask in custom bra? Can I ask like I asked to comexim?
Filed under Bra alterations
6 comments
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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
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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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Freya half cup
I'm not sure why freya seems to only make padded half cup bras these day as their half cup bras that are not padded ARE THE BEST! But I was wondering , for all you ladies whom own a Freya half cup bra, how easy would it be to remove the padding from it? And why doesn't Cleo make more vertical seam bras!?!?!? Their Harry was beautiful!
Filed under Bra alterations
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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.
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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
Filed under Bra alterations
8 comments
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Looks good to me! Does it fit better now?
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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/
Filed under Bra alterations
13 comments
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Wow, what a size difference! Sorry to hear about the stabbing.
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For reference, Porcelynne 42 is 6" wide, the Freya wire is 8.5".
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Nov 28, 2017
Just a quick question, but I can post pictures/go into more detail later if need be. I just got in a new bra and everything seems fine except the gore digs in. Like my cups are full but not to bursting, the band is snug but not suffocating, the straps are fine, etc. Just the gore. Would it be okay to just bend it out or is there anything I should worry about before doing that?
Filed under Bra alterations
6 comments
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At the top or at the bottom? You can always bend the wires away from you if it's at the top.
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go ahead and bend it if you are keeping it!
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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/
Filed under Bra alterations
4 comments
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*squeals* Thank you!
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The color variety in fold over elastic is lovely :-) :-) Hope you find something to love :-)
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Moving in straps
Do you need a sewing machine in order to reattach bra straps? If not, is there a stitch that I should use? I think my CHPs might not gape at the top if I could move the straps in...
Filed under Bra alterations
6 comments
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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.
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Time to butcher some old bras for practice then!
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fabric glue is my new friend
i just got some and used it to shorten a band and wow, so much easier and faster than sewing, for me. lifesaver!! here's hoping it sticks through several washes. the kind i got is called speed sew. does anyone else use it for bra alterations??
Filed under Bra alterations
5 comments
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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.
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That’s a great idea!
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Oct 26, 2017
I heard there is a bratabase in Polish version
Can you tell me the website?Filed under Bra alterations
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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!
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@jj I meant like a bra community like here posting a bra review and sell the bras etc.
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Oct 17, 2017
So you know how bras have side boning ..... Is there such a thing as front boning to keep my the weight of my boobs from folding the cups down. Also quick update on suspenders that connect the back of your band to the top of your pants idea to keep bra band from riding up in the back is a bad idea resulted in major camel toe and wedgies all day . turns out my boobs out weigh more than i anticipated.sidenote snapping suspenders are not just painful but loud as well.
Filed under Bra alterations
8 comments
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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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Looking for an OLD bra with a 6.1" -6.5" wire width
Bonus points if the wings are 3.5" or shorter : -) PM me if you have an old bra with a wide wire you think no one else will want. I'm your girl
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5 comments
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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?
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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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To alter, or not to alter?
Every time I receive a bra, almost always second-hand at this point, I ask myself this question: "To alter, or not to alter?". For example, I've received a few bras in the last couple months where the bands are far too big. I also have some bras that I've owned for several years whose bands have stretched out at this ... point. For reference, my snug UB is 25.5", and I'm most happy in bands that stretch to between 26-27". I would love to have every one of my bras fit perfectly in the band. However, I'm always thinking about the future potential of the bra, and whether or not I will be able to resell it someday when it no longer fits me, or I no longer want it. So I have yet to alter any of my bras myself because I'm afraid if I do, I won't be able to resell them in the future. Case in point: I have one bra, a Freya Deco, which I had professionally altered to a 26 when I bought it new in a boutique. I wore it twice and then immediately grew out of it and replaced it with another, one cup size up, which I also had professionally altered to a 26 because I bought the replacement from the same boutique. I've been trying to sell the too-small one for months now, and I don't have any takers, and I can't help but think it's because the band is so small. We all know that our demographic pool becomes so much smaller when we're sized into proper fitting bras, and the pool of active participants and swappers on social media in our size range is even smaller.
So, what do you think? Do you freely alter your bras with no regrets to fit you now, or are you too scared of squandering the bra's potential resale value? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
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10 comments
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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.
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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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Juki Sewing Machines
Anyone have experience with Juki and sewing knits like cotton t-shirts?
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Porcelynne vertical wires
In case anyone else is thinking of ordering them, a review of Porcelynne's heavy gauge vertical wires:
I ordered these because while Comexims work best for my shape (close set, center full, immediately projected, narrow root,) their underwires are not strong enough to adequately support the weight of my breasts even when requesting stronger wires, especially when it comes to containing ... my center fullness.
Porcelynne's website has a lot of different kinds of underwires. I chose the heavy gauge vertical wires because I was looking for Panache-like strength and it seemed like these would fit the bill as well as being a good shape for my imf. They did not have a list of underwire sizes, though they did have a printout where you can compare underwires you already own to various sizes on the printed page. I chose to google the various underwire sizes so I could order based on stated width and length. I chose a size 48 based on that, and the underwires I received are true to size. It took five days from order to my front door.
Unfortunately, these are not as strong as Panache wires. They are very similar in size, shape, and strength to my Comexim underwires, though the Porcelynne underwires are a little bit stiffer. When tried alone, they were not strong enough, so I ended up combining them with my Comexim wires and put two in each cup. I found it easiest to insert them together, and while it's a tight fit and not always easy to get them in, the doubled up wires provide the strength and support I need.
Bottom line: I will probably order again as doubled up underwires don't bother me and it makes everything fit so much better. Plus, if I only have to perform one tiny alteration to get a comfortable, supportive fit, I'm a pretty happy camper!
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3 comments
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This is excellent info, ennakym . Thanks!
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Awesome! I'm going to get two pair of their vertical flats and test them out as my imf is super flat.
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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.