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Member since 1/2/10
Posts: 232
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Posted on: 4/8/11 11:57 AM ET
I'm (probably) making the bridesmaid's dresses for my sister's wedding. It's going to be difficult to wear a bra with them so I think I'm going to make tube tops out of matching fabric to wear underneath. I don't have a pattern, I'm just experimenting to find the right fit (we're using stretchy fabric). I feel like I need some elastic at the top to help it stay up, but what kind? I don't want a gathered look at the top at all.

Any ideas?
  
Member since 7/25/08
Posts: 11055
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Posted on: 4/8/11 12:05 PM ET
Can you put in some pre-molded cups instead, sewn to the side seams, so there is no show-thru? Or have them buy the bust-to-waist strapless nylon inner garments, which they could use again for their strapless dresses--just tack them to the side seams for the day.

You can go in a bridal store and see how they are made--the support for some of those brides' dresses shown on the TV show puts the boobs up by their necks tho!
-- Edited on 4/8/11 12:10 PM --
  
Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 2701
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Posted on: 4/8/11 12:14 PM ET
I agree w/ kso. Tube tops are about the least flattering thing for a woman's figure.

There are even options besides the inserts. There are specialty bras for just about every need out there...including support/pads that temporarily adhere to the bust. I've known people that wear them with great success.
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
  
Member since 1/2/10
Posts: 232
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Posted on: 4/8/11 12:35 PM ET
I can't add in cups or any other kind of structure because I'm making dresses like these and there isn't a permanently defined bodice. You can wrap it in so many different ways that the cups would never end up in the same place twice. I'm not making the tubes to act as bra replacements, just for some additional coverage in the back so we can wear regular strapless bras underneath and a little bit of a higher neckline in front if needed. (I got the idea for the tube from the link above - all of their dresses come with one and their Youtube channel shows a couple of ways of wrapping utilizing the tube in a contrasting color.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 5885
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Posted on: 4/8/11 12:54 PM ET
If you sew on the elastic, then turn and topstitch, any swimwear style elastic will work. If your applying the elastic so it's exposed, a lingerie elastic works best. There's a basic style with a picot edge,a plush back, or gripper type. The last 2 are a little hard to find.
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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
  
Member since 6/4/07
Posts: 800
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Posted on: 4/8/11 3:51 PM ET
This is a really interesting dress. Where did you get the pattern?
  
Member since 12/2/09
Posts: 1977
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Posted on: 4/8/11 4:26 PM ET
That's really a great idea- I know I've been hesitant to wear my dress out of nip-slip fear (even if it is only the bra hanging out!).

I would just use clear elastic, and not really stretch it- maybe 5%, but definitely not enough to gather the fabric.

Would adding a strip of boning to the sides help hold things up, since all that would need supported is the fabric?
  
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