posted
Does anyone here have experience making bras? Also, while I'm at it, what are the side-effects of not wearing bras? When I wear a bra I'm a 36c, but I go without a bra about half of the time. Sometimes it hurts, then I put one on; but they are just so icky! I wear simple, cotton, non-underwire, just about as comfy as it gets, bras, but I still dislike them. Is it possible to damage my boobs by running around without a bra on? And then back to the first question about bra making. I'd love to make my own custom-fit bras, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd planned to pick apart an old bra and figure out how the pieces worked together and model my own off of it, but any knowledgeable advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posts: 12 | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
I know nothing about bra making, but I am wondering if you might like to pose this question at the All Girl Army Forums?
The All Girl Army is a site for young feminists started by Miz Scarlet/Heather, the illustrious founder of Scarleteen. Given your handle, I think you'd like it there, if you haven't found your way over already.
posted
You might want to check out your local fabric store, where they'll have clothing patterns. Ask the salesperson if they carry sleepwear or even maternity patterns for a bra. They can probably help you to craft it from there.
Do you mean literally running around? I don't think you'd damage your breasts long term, but the constant movement would be rough on them - and your back and shoulders - if you're planning to do a 5K, or are on your feet all day.
Women with weak chest muscles will see quicker breast "droop" - since bras give you artificial support, you might want to start/add to a chest-strengthening regimen that will give some oomph to your pectorals.
Pushups, chest flies, bench presses, etc., are great ways to help your bust remain firmer. Secondly, women with C-DD cups often experience back and shoulder pain because they're carrying around so much extra weight! The stronger these muscles are, the better for your bust.
Bras should never be painful; if you plan on wearing them, you ought to get a bra fitting. Wacoal is known for bra troubleshooting, and they often host fitting events at malls around the country to support breast cancer research.
Beepie: All Girl Army = Best thing ever. Thank you!! See you over there ; )
Kitka: Usually not literally running around (too ouchy, I put a bra on). Thank you so much for the link to wacoal-america! I'd been thinking about something like that, but I didn't know where to get a fitting! Have you had a fitting? Are they free, or are you obligated to buy a bra from them? Oh, and the whole chest-strength helping boobs from sagging thing hadn't even crossed my mind, thank you so much for pointing that out!
Posts: 12 | Registered: Oct 2005
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You're welcome. Haven't had a fitting yet, plan to soon, tho'.
Use the store locator function at the bottom of the page to find mall locations in your area - you can call the store to find out when the next fitting event is. If that doesn't work, you can email Wacoal through the Contact Us page.
I'm not sure how free. They publicize free fittings that benefit the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation when you buy a bra, but buying the bra doesn't seem mandatory. I think they start around $35 for a bra.
Posts: 455 | From: New York, NY | Registered: Apr 2005
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I love Wacoal bras! I'm a 32DD/34DD and was fitted there (I wore a wrongly self-fitted 36C until I was fitted.) I was fitted at Nordstorm; big, "finer" department chains probably carry them and could do a fitting. Where do you live? I can't afford Wacoal bras, but I did get fitted with no pressure to buy (but ended up buying one nice bra .) When I get back home on Monday evening I'll write what cheaper alternative I get instead.
I'm not usually one to go braless, but I've started occasionally doing it again (like today!), like when a shirt or dress is of strong fabric and has a halter-tied top. When I was about 15 lbs heavier and on hormonal birth control (major breast size increase, it seemed) I did not feel comfortable to go braless. But now that I work out a lot (and have good back and pectoral muscles), I have noticed a "positive" change.
Posts: 3318 | Registered: Jun 2003
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I give a thumbs up to Wacoal! I hoarde Wacoal bras when I vacation in Thailand. I have been known to fill suitcases with them. I get the metric 75D soft cup bras. They're a bit granny-ish, but they're comfy, and sometimes, i want a pointy silhouette.
Sounds like they might be up your alley, and a great, women-run company.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63406 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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I have to admit that among all the other bras I've tried (granted i'm a 34A but very sensitive to comfort as I do bouncy cardio work every day) is Victoria's Secret Ipex no-wire..
they do fittings there as well.
Posts: 86 | From: southern CA | Registered: Dec 2005
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Given your handle, I think you'd like it there, if you haven't found your way over already.
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