Currently, I am developing several bra designs. Sometimes I wonder (and I’m sure my friends and family do, too!), why I chose to try making- from scratch- one of the most challenging garments one could possibly attempt? I have hundreds of beautiful dresses, blouses, skirts, and more that live only on a sketchbook page. Why not focus on those? Why bras?
I never thought much of bras growing up- they were necessary, but financial restraints made shopping for any kind of apparel mostly a search for the best fitting item that was on SALE. But after spending time with bras at a fit store, I came to appreciate this particular kind of apparel in a new way. It is uniquely a feminine item, and wearing one is more than just wearing a piece of clothing. Despite what Victoria’s Secret ads portray, this article of clothing is about much, much more than some created ideal of “sexy.”
For a woman, having the right style and cut to match her body and lifestyle adds a level of confidence and comfort that cannot be quantified. It almost seems silly how important it is. But nearly every woman has at some point experienced poking underwires, undersupportive sports bras, an aching back and shoulders, suffocating bands and straps, or simply a daily fight to keep the silly thing where it’s supposed to be. Personally, I’ve experienced nearly all of those things myself, and for 7+ years I saw women walk into the store complaining of these issues everyday. It’s incredibly frustrating, like the paper cut on your finger that gets in the way of everything you’re trying to do. It can make your mood grumpier without even realizing it!
Providing women with a solution was the most rewarding part of my job. Seeing clients smile and suddenly stand taller and prouder when they experienced the right bra was wonderful! Certainly, there is a place for beautiful lingerie, but many times a perfectly-fitted plain neutral bra made them feel sexier than the tiniest, laciest black bra ever could- because it made them feel comfortable, supported, and most importantly- more confident.
Unfortunately, every once in awhile I couldn’t find the perfect bra for someone. You’d think with the hundreds of brands and styles we carried- or could order to try- there would be something that fit perfectly. But sometimes there just wasn’t. While I didn’t have to live with their discomfort everyday, I was nearly as disappointed as they were not to find a solution. Working with the women, bras, and brands taught me where these disappointments most often happened, where these “gaps” in the offerings from major manufacturers exist. And I can’t help but want to use my knowledge and skills to perhaps fill a few of these gaps.
So I’m working on my patterns in illustrator, and sewing each new modified version, trying them on myself and whoever else I can find as I go. Maybe there are some comfortable solutions in these ideas in my head.
And if not, I’m having fun trying! :)