DIY STRAIGHT, STRAPPY LEATHER BRA

What I’ve been missing in my wardrobe is a straight tube bra that actually stays in place.
Being impatient about finding the perfect one drove me to literally take matters into my own hands.

This luxe little piece is such a great addition to my closet, all the layering possibilities it will give.
I made the straps detachable; so the bra can be worn straight, crossed on the back or strapless.

It is quite a technical project because leather is a material which doesn’t allow any mistakes; but if you take 30 minutes to sit down and draw an accurate pattern, it will turn out fitted and wonderful.

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HOW TO

1/ Take measurements. You’ll need three measurements: 1. Upper bust, 2. Under bust, 3 The width you want your bra to be on the front.

2/ Draft the front of your pattern. (See image #3) Draw a rectangle with the measurements of half the upper bust x the width of your bra. Draw a line that marks the middle. Now, the bottom of the rectangle should actually be the measurement from the under bust, but we’re going to get there while giving the piece some shape. Measure the distance between the center of your your breasts (basically nipple to nipple ha!), divide this measurement by two and draw two parallel lines from the center, see lines marked as D. Divide measurement 1 by 4, and divide measurement 2 by four. The difference between these (for me it wa only 1 cm, but does make a huge difference) is marked as C on the drawing. Draw two darts here that go up about 5cm. Lastly, as the bra is going to go underneath your arm, subtract 4 to 5 cm on both sides of the rectangle, marked as F. Sketch a line between D and F.

3/ Draft the back of the pattern. (See image #4) Draw a rectangle with the measurements of half the upper bust (A) x the width of your bra – 4 or 5 cm (F). Draw a line that marks the middle. Now the difference between A and B should again be inserted in the pattern at C. Because you have no breasts on your back, can draw another two lines that mark 1/4 of the rectangle and cut them all the way up; line D.

4/ Cut out your pattern, don’t forget to add a couple of millimeters for the seams.

5/ Assemble the bra. Insert the zipper at the back and the elastic between both side seams so you can still breath while wearing it.

6/ Cut out four small rectangles of 2.5 cm x 1 cm.

7/ Put glue on the outer corners of the small rectangles and glue them on the inside of the bra, creating four ‘flat loops’ (see image #2). I chose to glue instead of sew them on because I wanted to keep this piece as clean as possible.

8/ You can now add the straps by putting the elastic cord through the loops and tying a knot to keep them in place. This way you can remove them, wear them straight or cross them on your back.