Bra Making Fabrics for Large / Heavy Breasts
Let's talk about bra making fabrics for underwired bras - specifically the need for something a bit for substantial when large, heavy busts are involved.
👉Did you know that for someone who is a 32K (UK) 32O (US), the total weight of the breasts is nearly 11 lbs (4.8kg)?
👉Keeping in mind that cup sizes are not static, a K cup could weigh 8.2 lbs (4.7kg) on a 28 band and up to 20 lbs (9.1kg) on a 44 band!
When put into this perspective, fabric choice (and by extension, support) SHOULD differ for larger cups. Some of my favorite fabrics like sheer cup lining and bra tulle doesn't quite do the trick when substantial support is needed.
For the GG-KK size set, we often recommend BONDED or Laminated fabrics for a few different reasons.
✅ Ease - a single layer will do the trick!
✅ Less Drape - a desirable trait when corralling and shaping soft or pendulous tissue
✅ Lift - thinner, lighter, softer fabrics don't have the same holding/shaping power. Think a well fitting dress in super soft modal vs ponte de roma.
What happens if the bra fabric used isn't up to the task? The result is often less lift, less shaping, less support and more wrinkles. This, of course, assumes everything else (size, wire, pattern, etc) remain the same.
To aid your bra making journey, we now offer CURVY Bra Making Kits! These kits are designed with large/heavy breasts in mind. Featuring:
⭐️NON-STRETCH Laminated Fabric for cups and cradle
⭐️FIRM Plush Elastics - Band elastic is 3/4" (19mm) in width
⭐️Minimum 200 gsm medium powernet (firm whenever possible)
⭐️Minimum 3x3 hook and eye
***If bonded bra making fabrics isn't readily available where you are, you can use Duoplex and/or make your own! Two common methods include the spray & sandwich (spray adhesive) or iron & sandwich (iron on fabric adhesive).
One of the most innovative methods we came across was developed by a pattern tester (thanks Helena!) - they used a combination of sheer cup lining and bra foam. Pin foam pieces to cup lining, then overlap the seam allowance of the lining so the foam edges line up. Zig zag through all layers as usual.
What are your favorite bra making fabrics?
#bramakingfabric #bramaker
Proper Tools for the Job….
That old adage of using proper tools for the job also apply to materials. Check out our same model in the same bra pattern in the same size but different fabric.
