The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fabric For Bras
According to popular research, about 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, so choosing a fabric that will ensure comfort and a perfect fit is critical.
Breathable fabrics are essential for lingerie since they allow air to circulate and prevent sweat buildup. Linen and modal are two examples of this type of fabric.
Cotton
We often overlook the fabric that our bras are made of, but it plays a significant role in their comfort and support. The suitable fabric to make bras adds softness, breathability, and durability to your bras, so they last longer, hold their shape, and feel comfortable whenever you wear them.
Cotton is a natural fiber that’s both gentle and breathable. It can be used for various bra styles and is typically combined with other materials, such as nylon and spandex, to provide the stretch and support needed for modern bras. Cotton also has the added benefit of being machine-washable, making it easy to care for and clean your bras.
When sewing a bra, you’ll need various fabrics to create your design’s frame, bridge, cups, and band components. A duplex, tricot, or simplex knit with little to no mechanical stretch is ideal for making your first bras since it’s stable enough to skip using a cup lining. Then you’ll need a few other supplies, such as a picot or foldover elastic and a 0 mm straight stitch plate (which keeps your stitches from getting eaten up by the material).
Modal
Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber that has sustainably gained popularity. It’s similar to viscose but more sustainable as it’s made from Beech trees rather than wood pulp. It also doesn’t require much water during production, uses less dye, and is resistant to shrinking.
It’s also more resilient to wear and tear, making it ideal for ethical activewear or clothes that go through the wash often. This fabric is also very breathable and soft, with a silky feel.
It’s commonly used for bra cups and frames, offering excellent support. Duplex is a low-stretch knit material, having little mechanical stretch on the cross-grain and no stretch lengthwise. It’s also a good choice for high-end bra bands as it is stiffer than other fabrics, ensuring a perfect fit and keeping the band in shape over time. It’s also machine-washable, although we recommend you follow the specific care instructions on the label. Use cold to warm water for best results, avoid chlorine bleach, and place in a mesh garment bag.
Elastane
Elastane is used in most sportswear fabrics to give them a stretchy feel. It also helps the material resist damage from lotions, sweat, and detergents. It can also be dyed easily and is durable. It is often used to make workout clothes like joggers, skinny jeans, shorts, and ski pants.
This fabric is an excellent choice for bras because it is soft and comfortable against the skin, but it is not easy to sew with as it has minimal natural strength. It can also be easily manipulated and stretched, but it can also shrink with washing and may lose its shape.
Duplex is a low-stretch knit fabric made of 100% polyester with minimal mechanical stretch on the cross grain and no stretch lengthwise. It is reversible, with one side matte and the other shiny, and offers many different colors. It is a good choice for bras because it supports a firm fabric and can stretch with a woman’s body through the menstrual cycle. You can also use it to line a stretch lace cup or strengthen a sheer bra.
Satin
The fabric used to make a bra is critical in determining its comfort and appearance. There are many factors to consider when choosing a material, including the type of movement it allows and how well it matches the body’s shape.
Satin is a silky, shiny fabric made from natural or synthetic fibers, such as polyester and rayon. It has a luxurious feel and luster and is very comfortable next to the skin. It is also lightweight and opaque.
The frame, bridge, and band of a bra need to be sturdy and firm yet still stretchable. Power net or power mesh and stretch spandex are both solid and supportive fabrics that are ideal for use as a bra band. A jersey knit or stretch lace are good options if you want a looser fit. Sheer bra cup lining is a strong 100% nylon fabric that reinforces lace or sheer bra cups. The lining reduces stretch and provides support. It can be lined with silk charmeuse or polyester lining fabric.
Lace
The lace fabric is an excellent choice for a light, comfortable, and feminine bra. It’s breathable, soft, and delicate, and it can be used to make a bra that will fit any size bust. In addition, lace is perfect for those who prefer a more natural look and don’t want their bra to change the shape of their figure.
Lacy fabrics are also suitable for creating bras worn under different outfits. They can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any ensemble and are an excellent option for special occasions. However, they’re not the most practical or agreeable choice for everyone, so it’s essential to choose a design that will suit your personal preferences and inclinations.
When choosing a lace fabric, make sure it’s made from a high-quality fiber and has a smooth surface. It’s also essential to hand wash your lace carefully to avoid damaging it. You can also use a mesh delicates bag when passing it to protect it from other laundry items.