Inserting Bra Cups In T-Shirts: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to put bra cups in a t shirt

Sewing bra cups into a T-shirt can be a great way to add support to backless or strappy clothing. This method works best with fitted tops or dresses. There are two main methods for sewing in bra cups: the more support method and the less support method. The more support method involves cutting the cups out of a bra and sewing them into the T-shirt, while the less support method involves purchasing separate bra cups and sewing them in. For both methods, it is important to pin the cups in place and try on the T-shirt before sewing to ensure the cups are in the correct position. When sewing, use small stitches and a thread colour that is least visible on the outside of the garment.

Characteristics Values
Sewing skill level Beginner to intermediate
Sewing machine required? No, but optional
Bra cups required? Yes
Bra cup type Sew-in, padded, foam, bikini top pads
Bra cup size Your size
Bra cup colour Match to clothing item colour
Additional equipment Needle, thread, elastic, scissors, cutting mat, rotary cutter, sharp scissors, safety pins
Additional tools Sewing machine, serger
Sewing technique Whipstitch, zigzag stitch, stretch stitch

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Sewing bra cups into shirts without a lining

Sewing bra cups into a shirt without a lining can be done in two ways, depending on the level of support you need.

The More Support Method:

This method uses an underwire bra instead of loose foam cups as the underwire will help larger busts keep their shape. You will need to cut the bra apart, so it’s best to use a less expensive bra or an old everyday underwire bra. Assess your garment and decide if you want to cut off the straps and cut out each cup individually, cut the sides off but leave the cups connected at the middle, or leave the middle, most of the sides, and back. Try to leave as much of the bra as possible and cut off the rest. Try on your clothing and pin the bra/cups in place. If the edge of the cup is visible, you can fold it inward and tack it in place or cut and sew alongside it with a zigzag stitch or a serger. Attach each cup to the garment by sewing in at least four places about 1/4" away from the cup edge. If you left on some of the sides of the bra, tack those areas down as well. Use a thread colour that will be least noticeable from the outside. Once your bra is in, your item is ready to wear!

The Less Support Method:

Purchase bra cups that match your size and the colour of your clothing item. Try your garment on and assess where you would want the cups to be. Pin the cups in place and try the item on again to ensure the cup location is correct. Sew the cups in place, following the advice in the first method about trimming the cup size and sewing. Once your cups are in place, your new garment is ready to go!

General Tips:

  • The better the garment fits you in general, the better this will work. If the waist or chest area is too loose, consider altering it to fit closer to your body before adding the bra.
  • If you are worried about stitches showing, practice on a spare shirt so you can see what you have to work with.
  • For larger busts, consider using a wider elastic (2 inches or more) for more support.
  • If you are new to sewing, consider purchasing bra cups that match your size. You can also cut the cups out of your old bras and save them.

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How to sew bra cups into dresses

Sewing bra cups into dresses can be a great way to add support to backless dresses and avoid the need for a backless bra or exposed bra straps. This technique can be used on formal dresses, swimwear, and even t-shirts and tank tops. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew bra cups into dresses:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a sewing machine (optional), two bra cups of your size (optional), a needle and thread, and, of course, the dress or garment you want to sew the bra cups into. If you are using a sewing machine, make sure it is set to a stretch stitch.

Step 2: Prepare the Bra Cups

If you are using the "more support" method, you will need to cut the straps off of a padded bra and separate each cup with a pair of scissors. Leave the cups connected in the middle. If you are using the "less support" method, simply purchase a pair of bra cups in your size that match the colour of your garment.

Step 3: Position the Bra Cups

Put on your garment and attach the bra cups with pins where you want them to be. If the edges of the cups are sticking out, you can fold them inward and tack them in place with a needle and thread. Otherwise, you can cut the edges and use a zigzag stitch to sew them.

Step 4: Sew the Bra Cups in Place

Use a needle and thread to sew each cup to the garment in at least four places about 1/4" away from the cup edge at each side, top, and bottom. You can add more stitches as needed. Use a thread colour that is least visible on the outside of the garment. Make small stitches, going back in the same spot. If your garment has two layers of fabric, hold the inside layer so no stitches are visible from the outside.

Step 5: Finish the Dress

Once the bra cups are sewn in place, your dress is ready to wear! You can now enjoy the support and comfort of a built-in bra in your dress.

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The 'More Support' method

The More Support Method

This method is ideal for women with heavy busts. It uses an underwire bra instead of loose foam cups as the underwire will help larger busts keep their shape.

Step 1: Find a bra

Find a less expensive bra set or use an old everyday underwire bra that you were about to retire. If you are unable to find a bra with the correct cup size, opt for one with a band size that is too large for you but with cups that fit.

Step 2: Assess your garment

Try on your garment and decide how much of the bra you want to cut off. You can cut off the straps and cut out each cup individually, cut the sides off but leave the cups connected at the middle, or leave the middle and most of the sides and just cut off the closure on the back. It depends on what you would be able to see with your garment, so try and leave as much as possible and cut off the rest.

Step 3: Pin the bra in place

Try your clothing on again and pin your bra/cups in place at the location where you want it to be. If the top edge or side of your cup is sticking out to where you can see it, you can fold over that edge inward and tack it in place with a needle and thread.

Step 4: Sew the cups

If you are happy with the placement, sew the cups onto the garment. If you are unsure, baste them on with a long straight stitch, and then hold the bra piece to your chest again to make sure the cups are falling in the right spot. Sew the cups on with a stretch stitch.

Step 5: Tack down the sides

If you left on some of the sides of the bra, you’ll want to tack those areas down as well. When attaching the cup, use a thread colour that will be least noticeable on the outside of the garment and either make very small stitches to where you are coming through to the front and going back in almost at the same spot. Or, if your garment has two layers of fabric in that area, just catch the inside layer so no stitches are noticeable from the outside.

Step 6: Try on your garment

Once your bra is in, your item is ready to wear!

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The 'Less Support' method

The Less Support Method:

This method is ideal for women with smaller bust sizes who are looking for a quick and easy solution to add some light support to their clothing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sew bra cups into a T-shirt using the Less Support Method:

What You'll Need:

  • A T-shirt that you want to add bra cups to.
  • Two bra cups in your size. Try to find bra cups that match the colour of your T-shirt to make them less noticeable.
  • Sewing equipment: sewing machine (optional), needle, thread, pins, and scissors.

Step 1: Prepare the Bra Cups

Purchase bra cups that match your size and the colour of your T-shirt. You may also want to consider the thickness of the bra cups, especially if you're concerned about opacity or want a more natural shape.

Step 2: Positioning the Bra Cups

Try on your T-shirt and pin the bra cups in the place where you want them to be. Gently take off the T-shirt and assess the cup placement. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the cups will be in the right position once sewn in.

Step 3: Trimming and Sewing

Follow the advice from the More Support Method about trimming the cup size and sewing the cups in place. Use a thread colour that matches your T-shirt or is otherwise least visible on the outside of the garment. Sew each cup to the T-shirt in at least four places, about 1/4" away from the cup edge at each side, top, and bottom. You can add more stitches if needed.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once your bra cups are securely sewn in place, your new garment is ready to wear! Enjoy your T-shirt with added support and comfort.

Remember, the better the T-shirt fits you in general, the better this method will work. If the chest or waist area is too loose, consider altering it to fit closer to your body before adding the bra cups.

shunvogue

How to sew a built-in bra with cups

Sewing bra cups into a T-shirt can be a great way to add support to backless or strappy clothing. This method works best with fitted tops or dresses. There are two methods to achieve this: the more support method and the less support method.

The More Support Method:

This method uses an underwire bra instead of loose foam cups as the underwire will help larger busts keep their shape. You will need:

  • A bra with cups that fit you, or a pair of bra cups in your size.
  • A garment to sew the bra into.
  • A needle and thread.
  • Scissors.

Steps:

  • Assess your garment and decide if you want to cut off the straps and cut out each cup individually, cut the sides off but leave the cups connected at the middle, or leave the middle, most of the sides, and just cut off the closure on the back.
  • Try your clothing on and pin your bra/cups in place at the location where you want them.
  • If the top edge or side of your cup is sticking out, you can fold over that edge inward and tack it in place with a needle and thread.
  • Alternatively, cut the edge and sew alongside it with a zigzag stitch or a serger to prevent it from unraveling.
  • Once your cup is in place, use a needle and thread to attach each cup to the garment in at least four places about 1/4" away from the cup edge (at each side and top and bottom). You can do more locations on the cup if needed.
  • If you left on some of the sides of the bra, tack those areas down as well.
  • When attaching the cup, use a thread colour that will be least noticeable on the outside of the garment. Make very small stitches, coming through to the front and going back in almost at the same spot.
  • If your garment has two layers of fabric in the area you are sewing, just catch the inside layer so no stitches are visible from the outside.

The Less Support Method:

This method is ideal for women with small bust sizes. You will need:

  • A pair of bra cups in your size.
  • A garment to sew the bra into.
  • A needle and thread.

Steps:

  • Try your garment on and assess where you would want the cups to be.
  • Pin the cups in place, and gently try the item back on to make sure you like the cup location.
  • Follow the advice in the first method about trimming the cup size if needed and how to sew in place.
  • Once your cups are in place, your new garment is ready to go!

Additional Tips:

  • For larger busts, you may need a garment that has the option of tying the back tightly, such as a halter neck.
  • If you are very small-busted and just want to cover your nipples, consider making a shelf bra instead. This is a lining that goes down to just under boob level and then ends in elastic.
  • If you are sewing cups into a thin, stretchy fabric, consider using a soft cotton-lycra blend knit fabric for the cups, as it won't pill like rayon or bamboo knit.
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Frequently asked questions

You can use a whipstitch to sew the bra cups into the T-shirt. This technique only requires basic sewing skills, such as sewing a button.

You will need a sewing machine, two bra cups of your size, a needle, and thread.

There are two methods to put bra cups in a T-shirt: the more support method and the less support method. The more support method uses an underwire bra, while the less support method uses loose foam cups.

Cut the edge of the bra cup and use a zigzag stitch to sew it in place.

You can safety pin the cup in place and try on the T-shirt to ensure the cups are in the correct position.

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  • Byeon
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