The need to conceal bra straps have led to the inclusion of bra cups in dresses and tops. You’ll usually see this in gowns, structured tops, and other dresses designed to be worn as is, ideally without any bra to preserve the structure. And when these cups break down, it can become a problem. In this article, we’re going to teach you how to fix bra cups in dresses so you can start wearing that familiar gown again.
Quick Fashion Fixes For Bra Cups In Dresses
When you reach out for your favorite bra-free dress and notice that the cups aren’t in their right place or see some tears inside, it can be a hassle. Whether it’s bad built-in padding, or simply one that’s worn over time, there are ways on how to fix bra cups in dresses, and here’s how to fix some of them:
A slit on the side.
- If the built-in pads are all over the place, you can make a subtle slit on the side by the armpit area, just big enough for a finger to stick in so you can move it back around in position.
- Cons: The risk of running fabric is evident in this method. If you want to prevent frays, you can sew it up or paint it with clear nail polish.
Use a balance shaper.
- A balance shaper can be put in place of the pads since you can choose one with a better fit.
- Cons: Unless your dress has support around the bust area, self-adhesive balance shapers can be tricky to wear.
Sew the corners.
- Pads that move around can be kept in place by sewing the pads’ corners to your dress using a tacking stitch. This style of stitching is intended to be removed and is easy to change when needed.
- Cons: If you don’t like running thread in your dress’s insides, this is not the best method to try.
Just remove the padding!
- If it consistently bothers you, you can opt to remove and replace it with pads of your choice or just go pads free!
- Cons: If you’re not comfortable removing the pads, or going pads-free in a dress, you’ll have to try another option.
Flatten the pads.
- Some of these built-in pads need a little weight to keep them flat, so you can shape it the way you want. Flatten it by putting books and other heavy material on the dress overnight. Don’t be worried about warping the shape, since all you need to do is roll it around, so it gets back to position.
- Cons: Choosing to flatten it will take time, and if you’re pressed for time, or you need to wear the dress ASAP, this isn’t a practical option.
Secure those pads.
- Like sewing, you can secure the pads of your dress with a safety pin before placing it in the washer, so it doesn’t lose its place and shape in the process.
- Cons: A safety pin can prick you at any time, depending on your activity.
How To Sew A Bra To A Dress
There are many ways to learn how to fix bra cups in dresses, and while some can live without the pads, some of us need them too much. The best pads are the ones that fit is just right, and there’s nothing like the familiarity and comfort of our regular bras. If you can spare one bra, we’ll teach you how to sew it to your dress so you can wear that dress or top with confidence.
Low back dress? Impossibly complex cutout designs? Skinny straps? There are many tops and dresses that a strapless, backless, self-adhesive bra can’t handle well. If you need the support and the assurance that your bra won’t fall off while you’re out and about, this is something you should try.
Things you need:
- One of your extra bras
- Your chosen top
- Pins
- Needle
- Thread
Depending on your top, you can decide whether to cut the straps or use the pads alone and cut right through the middle. Whatever the decision, it will be all up to you.
Step 1. Cut the parts of your bra that you don’t need. Some people prefer to cut the straps and the band so that you can focus on the cups, but if you feel like you need more support, you can keep the hooks in place.
Step 2. Put on the dress or top.
Step 3. Insert your bra and pin it to position, ensuring the sides and edges are hidden. Adjust whatever is necessary, so the bra remains hidden.
Step 4. Now that you have the bra in place, start sewing.
Step 5. Use a thread most similar to your garment’s color, so the sewing blends seamlessly to the dress.
Step 6. Make small stitches when you get to the outside of the dress.
Step 7. Sew on four sides of the cup: sides, top, and bottom. You can choose to sew more areas if needed. Ensuring this support is an excellent way of learning how to fix bra cups in dresses.
Step 8. Wear the top or dress and strut in confidence and style!
TIP: A bra with an underwire adds body to the dress by keeping your breasts well supported. If you have a wired bra to spare, it’s an option you should consider for your top or dress.
Conclusion
Although built-in bra pads are useful and convenient, we have unique shapes and build that require customization. If quick hacks won’t work, sewing a bra to your dress is the best way on how to fix bra cups in dresses. Confidence is best paired with support, and the hidden support a good bra fit provides is priceless. Find out more about bra cups.