When I wanted to sew my first piece of lingerie I had such a hard time finding where to purchase supplies. I google searched all the individual supplies and found a few stores that had what I was looking for. I was still very confused because although the name on the pattern supply list matched the name in the product listing I still wasn’t sure what I was looking at. The color selection was also limited so ultimately my first piece of lingerie that was a bralette went from a beautiful burgundy in my imagination to a neutral black because that was all I could find.
Where can I find bra-making supplies online?
There are several online bra supply retailers offering a variety of bra-making and lingerie supplies. In this list, you can find bra making supplies listed by materials then a list of online suppliers of that material by region. You will also find a short description of what the material is and its purpose. I have divided this list into 3 regions. North America including the United States and Canada, Europe including the UK and Australia which includes New Zealand.
Where can I find Duoplex?
Duoplex is a low-stretch knit fabric made of 100% polyester. It is ideal for your first attempt in bra making because it is stable enough that you do not need to line the cup when using this fabric.
Where can I find Simplex?
Simplex is a nylon knit with minimal stretch commonly used without a lining or for swimsuits.
| NORTH AMERICA | Arte Crafts* | Bra Makers Supply (Canada)* | Sweet Cups Bra Supply* |
| EUROPE | Sewing Chest Limited (UK) | B, Wear (UK) | |
| AUSTRALIA | Underwired* |
*Limited supply/Supply subject to change
Where can I find Tricot?
Tricot is a run-resistant knit that is thin and smooth in texture yet durable enough for lingerie, swimwear or sportswear. Tricot can be made of 100% polyester like the duoplex variety or nylon. Note that duoplex and simplex are a type of tricot fabric.
| NORTH AMERICA | Bra Builders | Sew Sassy Fabrics | Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics | Corset Making Supplies | Surge Fabric Shop | Bra Makers Supply (Canada) |
| EUROPE | Vena Cava Designs (UK) | Sewing Chest Limited (UK) | B, Wear (UK) | |||
| AUSTRALIA | N/A |
Where can I find stretch fabric?
Powernet/powermesh: These two terms are often used interchangeably; however, powernet is more dense than powermesh. They are both strong supportive fabric that can have varying degrees of stretch with great recovery. This fabric is ideal for shapewear as it conforms to the natural contours of your body perfect for a bra band.
Where can I find Power Net?
Where can I find Power Mesh?
| NORTH AMERICA | Surge Fabric Shop | Blackbird Fabrics (Canada) | Fabric.com |
| EUROPE | Vena Cava Designs (UK) | Sew Wardrobe (UK) | Lijfgoed (Netherlands) |
| AUSTRALIA | N/A |
Where can I find Stretch Lace?
Stretch lace can come in allover stretch lace, in a variety of widths – such as 5”, 6”, 8” or as a narrow trim. Stretch lace is a lightweight fabric that has lycra content to add stretch.
Where can I find bra lining fabric – Sheer Bra Cup Lining?
Sheer bra cup lining is a strong, supportive 100% nylon fabric. It is ideally used to line under stretch lace or sheer fabric. It can also be used for the bridge because of its minimal to no stretch characteristics.
| NORTH AMERICA | Tailor Made Shop | Bra Builders | Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics | Arte Crafts | Bra Makers Supply (Canada) | Blackbird Fabrics (Canada) |
| EUROPE | Studio Costura (Estonia) | Fit2Sew (UK) | Sewing Chest Limited (UK) | B, Wear (UK) | Costura Secret Shop (Spain) | |
| AUSTRALIA | Nellie Joans Lingerie Findings | Underwired |
Where can I find bra lining fabric – 15 Denier Nylon?
15 Denier* Nylon is a sheer lightweight fabric with light support. It is 100% nylon and it is recommended that you cut on bias because stretch on the cross grain of stretch.
| NORTH AMERICA | Sew Sassy Fabrics | Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics | Bra Makers Supply (Canada) |
| EUROPE | Fit2Sew (UK) | Sew Wardrobe (UK) | B, Wear (UK) |
| AUSTRALIA |
Where can I find bra lining fabric – Stretch Mesh?
Stretch mesh is made of nylon and spandex. It is a versatile fabric that is primarily used in bra making to line a stretch lace cup.
| NORTH AMERICA | Tailor Made Shop | Sew Sassy Fabrics | Surge Fabric Shop | Bra Makers Supply (Canada) | Emerald Erin (Canada) |
| Fabric.com | |||||
| EUROPE | Studio Costura (Estonia) | The Bra Shop (UK) | B, Wear (UK) | Costura Secret Shop (Spain) | |
| AUSTRALIA | Nellie Joans Lingerie Findings | Underwired |
Where can I find bra strap elastic?
Bra straps – High quality elastic with minimal stretch and good recovery. Bra straps should be strong in order to properly hold up the breasts but still allow them some natural movement and breath-ability within the bra.
Where can I find Picot Elastic?
Picot Elastic – This is a lighter-weight elastic with a scallop edge design typically used on the neck of the bra and sometimes on the bottom of the band. Picot elastic is also great for underwear. It is functional and decorative for a nice clean finish to your bra and panty projects.
Where can I find Fold Over Elastic?
Fold Over Elastic– This is a strong elastic that has a ridge in the center where it is meant to be folded. It is often used on the neck of a bra or the bottom of the band. You will also see it used on other lingerie apparel such as underwear and camisoles or nighties.
Where can I find notions?
Here is a list of the most essential notions. Please note that if you are using underwire you will need underwire channeling. Often where you can buy underwire you can also purchase channeling I have not listed locations for channeling here.
Where can I find underwire?
Underwire – This is the wire used under the bra cup to add structure and support. There are different wire sizes depending on your cup size. It is important to purchase the right size in order to avoid a wire digging into your breast or an oversized wire that will not lay against the chest properly.
Where can I find bra pads?
Padding – These are also called bra cups. Certain patterns allow you to insert a bra cup or pad within the two layers of fabric for more coverage and structure.
Where can I find Rings & Sliders?
Rings & Sliders – These are necessary to make your bra straps adjustable and to connect your straps to your bra. You can buy pre-made adjustable bra straps but you also have the option of making your own.
Where can I find Hook & Eye closures?
Hook & Eye – This is also called a closure or fastener. It connects to the bra band, the hooks on one side and the eyes on the other side. This is a very common bra making notion as it allows the bra to be securely fastened to your body.
Where can I find bra foam?
Bra foam – This is used to create bra cups or add padding to bra straps. Bra foam is different from bra pads because it does not come as a finished cup. Rather it is a piece of foam fabric that you will cut and manipulate to your specified cup size. It is also commonly used in swimwear.
Where can I find bra kits?
Bra kits are honestly the easiest way to get started sewing lingerie especially as a newcomer. There are so many options with beautiful fabrics and notions that could potentially be very difficult and expensive to find and purchase yourself when you have a specific design in mind. Think of all the shipping fees!
Some of the shops listed have bra kits, bra and panty kits, or lingerie findings kits for those of you who already have a fabric you would like to use. I highly recommend this for first timers to avoid any headaches and ultimately learn how each piece functions and what it really is.
Conclusion
Now that I have a bit more experience in sewing lingerie I have found quite a bit of online stores that carry lingerie supplies. The color selection is sometimes hit or miss but it is nice to have options.
If you are looking for a list of bra patterns check out my list of free bra patterns that you can download today.
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