How to Sew a Built-in Bra for a Backless Gown

Backless dresses require a little extra support.

Backless dresses present a problem for bras. Manufacturers have tried a variety of methods to support women in backless dresses. There are bras designed with low backs or clear backs. Adhesive bras stick disposable cups to the skin on the chest to support each breast. Lingerie tape works in a similar way by sticking to the skin on the breast and the chest. A simpler solution is to sew bra cups into the top of the backless dress.

Things You'll Need

• Dress
• Right bra cup
• Left bra cup
• A friend
• Pins
• Needle
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Try on the dress.

2. Place a bra cup on each breast. Bra cups fit either the right or left breast. The deepest part of the cup is toward the center.

3. Stand relaxed with your hands at your side. Ask your friend to pin the bra cups to the dress.

   Look at the front of the dress in a mirror. If the bra cups pull the front of the dress and distort the line, remove the pins and adjust the cups. When you are satisfied, remove the dress.

4. Starting at the armpit, stitch the bra cup to the lining of the dress. Do not sew through to the top layer of fabric. Sew all the way around the bra cup. Use small stitches no more than 1/8 inch apart. Remove the pins.

5. Try on the dress to check for the finished fit.

Tips & Warnings

• Generally bra cups are available in either black or nude. Choose black bra cups for very dark dresses such as black or navy blue. Choose nude bra cups for everything else. Some manufacturers are producing clear plastic bra cups. However these are difficult to sew on and tear easily.

• Starting in the armpit prevents the sewer from starting the seam in the center or top. These areas carry most of the weight are most prone to pulling stitches.

References

• The Sewing Divas: Adding Bra Cups to a Halter Top or Dress
• Burda: Simple Bra Pattern