Would you like to vary the finish of your bra tops? Are you hesitating between different options or supplies? This article has been written for you.

We'll start by identifying the type of cup you want to make and then suggest one or more finishing options for each. In each case, I will focus on :

on the maintenance function to be fulfilled
on aesthetics

The most important thing is the fit of your bra. You'll need to refer to the pattern you're going to use, which has been designed for a particular type of garment.

As far as aesthetics are concerned, a solution can always be proposed and found.

Stable 100% cups

Stable bra cups are made of lace / embroidery / fabric non-extendable or marquisette-lined cups / non-stretch lining.

The cups are fitted and should hug the bust perfectly. The non-stretch fabric and/or lining provides support.

In this case for technical reasons so there's no need for elastic or braid along the top of the cup.

But for aesthetic reasons you can add a braid, a decorative elastic or a rider.

** Some stable cups feature an unlined stretch lace top. This type of cup will be discussed in the next paragraph.

Non-stable cups or cups with mechanical stretch

These bonnets are made from stretch lace/fabric with or without stretch lining. The boss will also recommend these supplies.

In this case, you will need to place an elastic band along the top of the bonnet. Its function will be toimprove posture of the cup. If there is a bentell edge around the top of the cup, the elastic also helps to "stabilise" the very fine lace to prevent it from folding.

**This is also the case for so-called stable cups, where the top of the cup is made of unlined stretch lace. Commercial bras often offer this option. This allows the top of the cup to adapt to the volume of the upper part of the bust for the same size. That's right! A unique model that adapts to different body shapes!

What are the advantages? What are the drawbacks?

Advantages :

adaptability in relation to morphology; to fluctuations in breast size during the menstrual cycle, ...
flexibility - "less rigid" cup - bra more comfortable

Disadvantages :

less support
limited durability of the bra, with elastic supplies tending to stretch, distend or ....

What to use to tuck in the tops?

I am regularly asked the question: elastics, laminette, ....?

So I'm going to talk about the laminette right away and wring its neck!

la laminette

Laminette is a rubber-like "elastic" used in swimwear, sportswear and children's nappies.

I put the word elastic in inverted commas because the elasticity of a laminette is limited compared to that of a conventional elastic.

There are 2 types:

transparent laminate: to be used to improve the hold and stabilise seams made from knitwear, lace, etc. e.g. to stabilise shoulder seams, ....
grey or black laminette, which can be striped or smooth: to be used exclusively for making swimwear

Personally, I don't use never de laminette in the manufacture of brassieres.

I find the transparent laminate very uncomfortable against the skin and it ages very badly and quickly: it turns yellow.

So no laminette for bras. In any case, I don't recommend its use.