Comments on: Help me tame an instrument of torture

Question: Help me tame an instrument of torture

floanna — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 06:25:43 -0800

Has anyone successfully managed to repair a sticky out wire coming out from an underwired bra? I've thrown out many (otherwise good) bras because the wire works it's way through and ripping me to shreds even when I try to sew it up 'darned socks style' with thread! Are there any MeFi domestic goddesses that have tamed this instrument of torture?

I've been thinking about sewing some more fabric over the end and wondered if anyone else has tried this or other avenues. I hate throwing out good bras and they're generally not cheap. It's always sod's law that they all go at the same time too. I have large boobs so suggestions of going for the non-wire options aren't going to be viable unfortunately. Thanks in advance.

By: kalimac

kalimac — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 07:04:18 -0800

I've done similar things with a very cheap bra - if memory serves, stitching extra fabric over the ends worked the best.

By: Carol Anne

Carol Anne — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 07:12:11 -0800

For the future: back when I wore those instruments of torture (I've switched to tank tops), I learned to hand-wash bras. If underwire bras are run though a washing machine, their wires will poke out for sure.

By: jaimystery

jaimystery — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 07:36:33 -0800

I usually keep old bras, instead of throwing them out, expressly to repair still usable bras. The cup seams can be cut out and used to sew over the poking underwire part. If the poke out occured where the seam ends, sew across the hole in a 'T' instead of along it. (extra bonus - the cup seam is exactly the right shape if you need to do a total sew over.)

You can find lingerie fabric in stores but if you use different fabric (100% cotton, say) for the repair, it can cause chaffing, might discolor from sweat etc.

I do machine wash my bras (with the hooks closed) as a load on their own, with extra water and on the gentle cycle, but dry them on a rack.

(shameful secret: I used to use a salad spinner for my bras while in college because I didn't have drying space. At $30-$45 a bra, I learned to take care of them).

By: spartacusroosevelt

spartacusroosevelt — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 07:56:51 -0800

The wife recommends fabric tape.

By: necessitas

necessitas — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 08:03:22 -0800

I hate when that happens! Extra fabric works, but if you want heavy-duty repair, try to find a seamstress who specializes in bra repair. Traditional, functional "Undergarment shops" in your area will probably be able to provide a referral.

Also, washing them in the washer is no big deal if you get a lingerie bag (I've never bothered to get one but my mom swears by them).

By: Medieval Maven

Medieval Maven — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 08:45:52 -0800

I've repaired one or two using bias tape as a "patch." You can get it at any Hancock Fabrics or JoAnn's or whatever. This is a repair that really lasted for me, and I'm flaky enough that I sometimes accidentally toss a bra in the dryer. I just sewed it on securely, and all was well.

By: floanna

floanna — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 09:00:41 -0800

It looks like I was going down the correct route of using fabric or tape so this non-seamstress will give it a go. Thanks for all your answers and yes I do put my bras in the washing machine!

By: andrew cooke

andrew cooke — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 11:17:08 -0800

our experience is that "american style" washing machines (top loaders) do a lot more damage to clothes than "european style" (front loaders). these wires still come out eventually, but they last a lot longer if washed in a front loader.

By: floanna

floanna — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 11:50:16 -0800

ahh - i be in ol' blighty!

By: Chimp

Chimp — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 14:09:15 -0800

I have never repaired a bra. Have you thought of taking the bra back to the retailer especially if you have not had it long. Like others have suggested, wash in a lingerie bag, on a delicate cycle.

By: blackkar

blackkar — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 18:22:00 -0800

I've found that washing them in the washing machine is fine, it's the dryer that will kill the underwire.

By: Shoeburyness

Shoeburyness — Sat, 30 Jul 2005 20:23:54 -0800

I concur with blackkar-- you can wash the bras all you want, but hang them up to dry. The heat of the dryer melts the plastic cap on the end of the wire, exposing a sharp end which cuts through the pocket that contains it. I've never been able to repair them when this happens. The wire just seems to keep on poking through. What I did was replace the bras by periodically scouring the clearance racks. I've found good quality bras very cheap that way, although sometimes the colors are a bit odd or not my first choice. Once replaced, keep them out of the dryer.

By: tarintowers

tarintowers — Sun, 28 Aug 2005 05:22:44 -0800

I just pull out the wire. The bra maintains a lot of shape even without the actual wire. But if your boobage is in poundage, this may not work for you.

You can also replace the wire with thick ropy elastic or pvc filament in the same gage (width) as the original wire. This is much easier to sew up and helps preserve the shape of the garment; the PVC might provide the countertorque you need for support.

/bra-ha
/tarin