Dress Support

skwiggy

skwiggy

Well-Known Member
I know there have been discussions like this before so I apologize for starting a new thread, but I searched and I wasn't able to find anything.

I was hoping some of the well endowed ladies could help me. I've never fallen into this category before so it was never something I had to worry about. But now that I'm nursing my 3 1/2 month old baby, I've got a couple of new issues to deal with. ;)

The good news is, I've lost enough weight post-pregnancy that one of my ballgowns now fits me. Yay!

The problem is, however, that the cups are nowhere near big enough. The dress is closed enough in the front that it doesn't look inappropriate or anything, but it doesn't have enough support for me to feel comfortable.

Have any of the well endowed ladies ever purchased or rented a dress that with insufficient support? If so, what did you do about it? Did you swap out the cups? Is there some sort of separate support device that you used? Can you just wear cups without attaching them to the dress? Obviously I'd rather avoid making alterations to the dress if possible, but if that's the best solution then that's what I'll do.

The dress has a completely open back, so just wearing a bra or something similar won't work. It's the dress in my avatar.

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!
 
Oh, this is well known problem - beautiful open back and necessity to build the front support. As it was mentioned here many times in previous posts, it all depends - how dress is cut/constructed, size, fabric etc. But here is the couple of thoughts, basing on personal experience (making dress for my daughter).

Cups create shape for the front of the dress, but do not provide support. Support is provided by "under the cups" part along with shoulders and back straps. I would not recommend using sewing or pinning cups - if you want support and your cups size lager then B.

Personally, I've had better luck with front part of the good bra. Go to Marshalls of TJMaxx (if you are in US), and buy decent quality bra.

Here is my check list:

  • Bra should have cups with good shape, not too soft, not too hard, no push-ups.
  • It should have good support under the bra and on the sides. Sides should be stretchable/ made from elastic material
  • It should be simple - no lace, rhinestones, metal details, sequins etc.,
  • Color should match the dress, or be skin color,
The next step - how to attach it to the dress:

  • I cut off shoulders straps and back part of the bra. Put on bra and dress and mark visible parts of the bra to be cut off.
  • Then I sew the side parts of the bra to the side seams of the dress, and attach cups to the dress by sewing in separate points inside - carefully, it should not be visible.
If cup size is B or smaller, you usually sew-in cups between dress and inside leotard/body. It will give support, if dress has tight fit. I would also use cups, cut off from the bra, and sew them by hand to the body - around each cup.

Sometimes you might want to add back or shoulder straps for additional support/better fit. Usually skin color elastic used here, unless you want to make them to be decorative elements, corset back imitation for example. Personally I prefer the second approach, but it is not always possible to change the design "on the fly"...

Good luck and Happy New Year!
 
Thank you for your suggestions!

The dress is already constructed, so I'm not talking about building support into a dress as it's made. I've even already worn it a couple of times before I had this problem.

In one of the other threads linked above I saw recommendations for the cups and adhesives sold on danceshopper.com. The cups look exactly like what's built into the dress already, and they only come in one size -- A/B. That size isn't going to work.

I saw a recommendation for the adhesives too - danceshopper.com/dance-supplies.Instant_Breast_Lift_Adhesives. Although these are advertised as being for a "more youthful appearance". Does anyone know if these actually provide some support? Maybe combined with the too-small cups that are already in the dress that might be enough?

I don't sew, so any changes actually built into the dress I'll have to have someone else do for me. And I'm concerned about resale, as I know the cups that are in there currently are probably better for most dancers. So I'm not eager to reconstruct anything and ultimately hurt my ability to sell the dress later.
 
skwigs, can you wear a good bra with a clear or flesh-colored strap across the back? have done this before... although i know that it can cut into less-than-lean flesh in the back and not be the prettiest site.

btw, and so happy to hear your news. looking forward to seeing you dance again soon. :)
 
3wishes - thanks for the PM. I replied to your PM.

Sam - I'm hoping to avoid any straps across the back if possible. I really like the look of the back of the dress and I'd rather not have any straps cutting across it. I suppose I can try it and see what it looks like. I'll need to get one that clasps in the front for this, obviously. Maybe I can just take the dress to the bra store and try it on that way in the store.

I had the dress designed with a strap across the back that matches the dress, in an attempt to avoid clear or nude straps in the first place. Of course when I designed it I had no idea that I would find myself here. Unfortunately the strap that matches is too high for a bra strap. Hmmm, I wonder if I could wear a regular bra and pin it up behind the strap. Now there's a thought...

I think the real problem is just that I'm spilling out of the cups on all ends. The dress fits well otherwise, and is tight enough across the back that if I could get a proper fit in the cups I should be ok. I'm thinking about maybe just calling a local dressmaker and seeing if she can swap the cups out, as much as I'd like to avoid this. If all the other tricks don't work this will be my last resort.

And thanks. :) I'm looking forward to dancing again soon as well. Our practice time is VERY limited with a baby in the mix, but I'm just glad to be on the floor. Just getting out on the comp floor will be a victory for me. And I couldn't be happier that this comp is a 10 minute drive from my house, so I don't have to travel away from my little girl to dance!! :D
 
Not sure that pinning straps would work for the dance costume, couple of moves - and it might be visible. Separate bra does not usually work for the open back dress, I do not think you could avoid replacing the cups... BTW, they could be replaced again for the smaller ones later - if you want to sell it, or your size might change back after several month.

Good luck!
 
skwiggy said:
I think the real problem is just that I'm spilling out of the cups on all ends.
Click to expand...

great image. :cool: i know what this is like, have experienced it as well. i used a bra underneath to rectify, but in your case....

I'm thinking about maybe just calling a local dressmaker and seeing if she can swap the cups out, as much as I'd like to avoid this.
Click to expand...

...i think that may be the most effective solution.
 
skwiggy said:
Our practice time is VERY limited with a baby in the mix, but I'm just glad to be on the floor. ... I couldn't be happier that this comp is a 10 minute drive from my house, so I don't have to travel away from my little girl to dance!! :D
Click to expand...

<<wondering how a baby-backpack would look during standard practice..>>
:D
 
samina said:
<<wondering how a baby-backpack would look during standard practice..>>
:D
Click to expand...

It was hard enough getting used to dancing with her in front while pregnant. Now I'd have to find my balance all over again with her on the back! And now MUCH heavier than she was then, haha. ;)
 
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