How to Alter Ready-Made Bras

A ready-made bra is a piece of apparel many women take for granted. But for women who have trouble finding their proper band size, ready-made bras can be uncomfortable and sometimes awkward to wear, causing added strain on the back and less support for the breasts. You can alter ready-made bras in less then five minutes, reducing the band size to the measurements you want.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure your bust to determine your actual band size and subtract this number from the band size of the ready-made bra.

2. Tuck the band 1/2 inch for every 2 inches of difference in the sizes. For instance, if the bra was a 30 and you were a 26, the tuck would be an inch of fabric from both sides of the band. Always tuck near the underarms where the fabric's slope is the most even.

3. Pin the tucks to hold them in place. For the most comfortable fit, the tucks should be facing outward, so that the extra fabric does not press against your skin.

4. Sew the tucks to hold them in place. Make at least three runs with the sewing machine for a strong hold.

Tips & Warnings

• If the tucks are too large, consider cutting away the tucked fabric.

References

• Bramakerssupply.com: Altering Ready to Wear