This is a bra I’ve been mulling over for a while… I had a request from a customer with a very petite band but comparability larger cup size, who wanted sometime soft and comfortable but with support. I could really empathize with her request. I have a 28″ band measurement and a 38″ bust measurement. To look at me, I am on the curvy side, but no where near Dolly Parton status (Though I did get mistaken for her once at a pharmacy in a very sketchy part of Toronto…), but bras have always been a struggle for me.
I had made a bra similar to this in jersey with stretch lace, which I liked, but found that the center sat too far away from my chest. The customer I am working with also wanted the bra entirely in a non-stretch satin, which posed even more of a challenge. Fitting in jersey is so much easier than fitting in non stretch fabrics…. I’ll be working on her bra today, and crossing my fingers that all goes well. Bras can be such a challenge to fit in new sizes!
So, after sewing probably three or four of these I think I have my pattern down pat… I wore the ones I made all weekend, and they are super comfy. I’ve lined them entirely in organic cotton jersey, which is soft and helps to add some support and body to the fabric.
The front of the bra still sits slightly away from the chest because there is no wire to hold it down flat. The one thing I am very happy with about this bra is it does not give larger chested women that “Shelf boob” effect, it really does separate and give a natural look.
When I finished my first bra and laid it out flat, I thought to myself, “congratulations, Sarah! You’ve designed a grandma bra…” But when I tried it on, it was totally flattering. Really accentuates the curves, and most importantly, is comfortable.
11 Comments
Marie
December 10, 2012 at 1:26 pmThis design is gorgeous, I can totally see how it would look sexy and flattering on! Might be my next purchase if you make it more widely available ;o)
sarah.e.norwood@gmail.com
December 11, 2012 at 12:29 pmI hope to have these in my shop for spring. Need to do some grading in different sizes… not sure how I will offer sizing yet; gets complicated with so many cup sizes! 🙂
Becky
December 10, 2012 at 7:03 pmHi Sarah, this is very much like myself. I'm a 28H so know too well the struggle for bras in a small band and large cup. I have never considered getting a bra specially made and I like the idea of it. I'd love to know how you get on with this. Your lingerie is always so cute and beautiful. 🙂
Becky x
beckysboudoir.blogspot.com
sarah.e.norwood@gmail.com
December 11, 2012 at 12:28 pmHi Becky! If you ever want anything done, please feel free to email me at sarah.e.norwood [at] gmail [dot] com, or contact me through Etsy! Would love to do something for you 🙂
Norma
December 10, 2012 at 9:04 pmWhat a fun bra!
You are so right that fitting a bra in a non stretch fabric is more challenging! It was smart to use a non stretch for this design since you are not using wires.
sarah.e.norwood@gmail.com
December 13, 2012 at 2:10 pmIt's definitely more supportive out of non-stretch!
Jos
December 11, 2012 at 4:39 pmLove the fabric used!
gingermakes
December 12, 2012 at 4:40 pmThis is gorgeous! I love it!
Lori Linton
December 16, 2012 at 6:59 pmI really like this design. I'll bet it would fit my curvy figure. Let me know how your customers feel about them…I'd be interested. Super colours.
sarah.e.norwood@gmail.com
December 17, 2012 at 1:05 pmHi Lori – I thought of you when I posted this. Hoping to hear back from my customer today, plus do a few more before I start listing this item 🙂
Amanda
January 1, 2013 at 7:15 pmI love this. I've been shopping online looking for some "long line" bras…they see so romantic to me. But, as a 32A/34A I'm not having much luck. Since I don't need that much support I guess I'm not allowed to buy that look from most retailers.