Good Luck, I would never attempt that because I hate bras. I am a member of the IBTC, so usually wear one, but can get by without. I've never even had an underwire, always thought they were already uncomfortable enough, then stick me with a piece of wire?! Nah!

:shock:At my advanced age and with a changing body shape, I decided to go and be fitted by a store that ONLY sells bras and panties!! Oh, my! What a difference. I tried on about 15 different styles and the person who was fitting me stayed and hooked each one and adjusted the straps. I came home with two and can easily order more. They are not the brands you see at the chain stores. If you're lucky enough to have a store near you that does this...go! WOW! I'd been fitted at department stores, but this was nothing like this. I would not everr try to make one. Thanks, anyways! :eek:

I had the opportunity to be fitted at a My Intimacy shop. This is the group that has been on Oprah and they gave me a great fitting and I can wear under wires and they are comfortable. I measure a 32 C which isn't a size at target or Walmart or even Kohls. A 34 B is more common but it doesn't fit me correctly. Places like My Intimacy will also alter bras if necessary. Even though I am not "well endowed" I still wear a bra every day.

I cant for the life of me believe that a five year old bra isn't stretched out, discolored, or that the hooks aren't messed up.

i can attest to the fact that only after many years - more than 5 - on my first (good) bra did the straps finally stretch a little. It fit correctly and I washed it in a lingerie bad and didn't use the dryer. I get a few a year and rotate them around. They last a very long time. I have a fitting periodically and my size hasn't changed. The hooks are good on all my bras. To me this is cost effective. What would discolor a bra?

Size and fit is not my issue. I can easily wear a commercially available 38C bra with no fit discomfort/issue. My issue are the styles that are available. I want a front clasp; underwire bra. I want a thinner band than is available in this style than what is currently available. I don't want a t-back; racer-back. I want traditional-back straps. In the past, I've always bought the quantity of the style I liked that the store had in stock. This process has served me well for the last 30 years. Alas, the style I like just isn't made any longer and I'm finally depleting my stash at quite a rapid rate.

I think it must depend on the size you are whether you get a uni-boob or not. I love the comfort of the genie bras and usually wear two at a time for the extra support around the house only, but I am very large - 36 H - and I DO get the uni-boob! I found a bra at Bare Necessities.com that I do love and it is relatively comfortable, but it costs $99.00! AARRGGHH!

Because it reduces the stress on the shoulders and the back. And when a person has a larger bust size, that extra weight in front puts great pressure on the muscles and skeleton. The pain can even radiate to the lower back. Some with back pains compensate by walking differently, thus pains in the feet, knees, and hips can occur. Not to mention tense jaws due to body pains, and then the headaches. I could never not wear a support bra. I am 5"3, large busted, and have scoliosis and fibromyalgia. The support bras are much more comfortable than not wearing any or a lightweight 'sleep' bra. No bouncing around for me....Just not worth it.

I bough eight bras from Sears Outlet store. Playtex 18 hour bras. two for 6.00.

I can recommend Beverly Johnson's class on Craftsy. I never had a bra that fit prior to the class, and could not wear underwires at all. Now I have bras that fit and absolutely love underwires as they give me more support.

Beverley is just a great instructor and explains everything, absolutely everything. The first bra was made for fitting purposes, and it did not fit well, but I made the adjustments she suggested and the second one is so very comfortable. Now I have a basic pattern and have sewn a couple bras. I have registered for her second class when there was a craftsy sale. The second class includes all types of alterations and with it I'll be able to make all types of styles. Haven't yet made one with the alterations I want, but I know it will fit well and be comfortable.

I had one cut out prior to attending a quilt retreat and so wanted to finish it. Had such a good time at the retreat with everyone. There are so many of us who cannot find bras to fit.

I order all my supplies from Bra Supply, Beverley's shop in Ontario. If you have questions prior to ordering, the people who work there are very knowledgeable. I would advise you to order enough fabric for an additional bra so you can do your alterations and make a second one that really fits well right away. Her kits have enough fabric for two bras for me (42D), so order findings for two bras if you purchase kits.

Hope this helps.