When you are diving into the world of bra making you may wonder what is the best pattern to get started. You might come across bra and bralette patterns and wonder what is the difference between a bra and a bralette?Which would be the best introductory pattern as a newcomer to sewing lingerie?
What is the difference between a bra and a bralette?
The difference between a bra and a bralette is that a bra is a more structured garment that enhances the shape while a bralette is more of a casual lounge garment meant more for comfort rather than shape.
Let’s dive into this just a bit further!
What is a bra?
A bra is a garment worn beneath the clothes to support the breasts. Bras are typically worn for functionality but have evolved to serve the purpose of both functionality and fashion. There are a variety of bra styles but the main components of a bra stay the same. A bra has two separate cups, a bridge that connects those cups, a frame to support the cups and a band and closure to wrap the bra around the body and secure it in place. Bras differ based on their coverage and materials used such as padding, elastic bands, straps, underwire and closures.
What is a bralette?
A bralette is a more casual undergarment that is not as structured as a traditional bra. It does not require supportive fabrics such as duoplex or bra lining. It can easily be pulled overhead as bralettes do not typically contain underwire, heavy padding or hook and eye closures. A bralette is worn more for style and comfort rather than functionality. Bralettes provide light coverage that are best suited for women with a smaller bust size. However, there are options for women with larger busts and with the wonders of sewing you can adjust your bralette pattern to cater to your needs. A bralette that caters to a larger bust may have a band closure and utilize some non-stretch fabrics for added support.
Characteristics of a Bra:
- Structured garment
- Defined cups
- Can have padding and underwire
- Has a closure such as a hook and eye or front clasp
- Functional
- Varying degrees of coverage
Characteristics of a Bralette:
- Casual undergarment
- No underwire
- Light to no padding
- No defined closures when sewn with stretch fabric
- Typically made out of stretchy fabric such as stretch lace
- Worn for comfort
- Little coverage for larger busts unless a closure and non-stretch fabric is added
What is a good introductory garment for bra making – a bra or bralette?
As you can see from the description of a bra and bralette that a bralette is a simpler garment. As a result, the bralette pattern is also much simpler. A bra will have numerous pattern pieces including at least two pieces that make up the cup, a bridge, frame and band piece with a closure and possibly a lining. A bralette on the other hand will probably have two pieces that make up the cup, no cup lining and one long piece that makes up the bridge, frame and band as one. Bralettes also do not typically have closures. The straps may or may not be less complicated but they will be sewn directly on to the bralette. You will also likely just use one to two types of fabric like a stretch lace and power mesh. You can use more if the pattern calls for it but the simplest pattern will only call for one fabric type.
What materials are needed for a bralette?
The materials needed for a bralette are fairly simple. One of the best fabric options for sewing a bralette is stretch lace. You can purchase stretch lace by the yard in a variety of sizes including the regular 45” or 60” length or you can purchase a lace band that comes in varying sizes such at 6”, 9” or 10”. You should base your choice on the pattern recommendations and your personal style.
If you choose, you can line your bralette with a power mesh fabric for added support to the bust area. You can even create a pocket between the lace and the power mesh to insert lightly padded cups. This may be something you want to experiment on your second go around with bralette making.
Finally, you will need elastics and bra sliders and rings for your straps. The first piece of elastic you will need will be a band that will attach to the bralette’s band to keep your bralette from riding up. This band is necessary with stretch fabrics but can be omitted for bralettes that are made with a woven fabric such as a non-stretch lace and have a clasp closure. Your second set of elastics will be your bra straps. These straps will be less stretchy as they need to support the weight of your breasts. They will need to be strong with good recovery. The pattern will likely instruct you to make your own straps therefore sliders and rings will be required. You can also buy pre-made straps in some instances and forgo this step.
How do you wear/style a bralette?
Many consider bralettes to be more comfortable than bras so they opt to wear them as everyday wear including lounging around the house, running errands or for sleep. You do not have to limit your wear to these activities. Bralettes can be very stylish and can be added as a fashionable element to many outfits. You will see them styled as a part of a button-down blouse or summer dress where the wearer will allow part of the fabric to peep out. It is a stylish feminine yet classic touch that can spice up an outfit.
Where can I find a good introductory bralette pattern?
If you are looking to dip your toes into sewing a bralette check out these 5 free bralette patterns. The last pattern isn’t actually a bralette – it is a full on regular bra but might be worth trying once you feel confident in your bra making skills.
5 Free Bralette/Bra Patterns
Barrett Bralette by Madalynne Intimates
- Description: Pull on sport-inspired bra with adjustable straps
- Level: Beginner friendly
- Sizes: XS-3XL
- Format: PDF download
Milla Bralette by Mood Fabrics
- Description: Versatile pattern that can be used as a bralette, bralette as a top, or a swim top.
- Level: Beginner friendly
- Sizes: 2-30
- Format: PDF download
- Description: Light support and modest coverage intended as a summer undergarment. This pattern has the option of adding modesty cups. It is not recommended for those over a C cup.
- Level: Beginner friendly
- Sizes: 30″-34″(S), 34″-38″(M), 38″-42″(L), 42-44″(XL)
- Format: PDF download
Sierra DIY Bralette by Madalynne Intimates
- Description: Halter wrap-round bra
- Level: Very Beginner friendly – no cups, underwire or channeling
- Sizes: XS-L
- Format: PDF download
- Description: Supportive, comfortable day wear bra with underwire
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
- Sizes: Cup size B to J
- Format: PDF download
Conclusion
I hope this article helped you discern the difference between a bra and a bralette. Both are fun to sew and fun to wear especially if you created it. There are many differences between a bra and bralette but they ultimately have the same job and that is to support your boobies! Figure out what works for you and your body type and lifestyle and get to sewing!
Happy bra making!