There are many components to make a bra, below are all the ones I use.

BRA STRAPPING

The strap is plushed back for comfort and is suitable for using on bra strap and suspender as straps. Usually you findings (rings and sliders) the same size as the straps. Bra straps usually come in widths 0f 10mm to 20mm but you can find straps that fall outside either of that category.

RINGS

Straps are threaded through them, it allows the straps to move with body. You measure the inner diameter to measure the size. When it comes to the bigger sizes (ie 20 mm straps) you can use a smaller ring so it doesn’t look big on the body.

SLIDERS

You measure inner diameter to find out the size. Used on straps, always use the same width as your straps. you can find plastic, nylon coated and metal.

BRUSHED BACK ELASTIC

This elastic is made specifically for bra and knicker it has a plush (soft & fuzzy) backing which goes agains the skin for comfort. Comes in widths 6mm upwards and has either a picot edge or no edge.

KNITTED ELASTIC

This elastic usually looks a bit more delicate and prettier looking than the brushed back elastic. It isn’t as strong as the brushed back, if you hold it up to the light and stretch it you will be able to see through it.

FOE (FOLD OVER ELASTIC)

FOE has a thin line running along the centre for ease of folding. Can have satin on one side and matt on the other and is used for finishing raw edges of lingerie. The width stated when you buy it, is the full width of the elastic so the finished width will be half ie 14mm elastic will finished at 7mm. Elastic is applied to the edge of lingerie as you need the fit and recovery of the stretch materials.

HOOK AND EYE

The hook and eye are designed so you can manually adjust the fit of the bra. They have a plush soft back to allow for comfort on the body. They come in different widths for bigger or smaller the bra size. 55mm would be a standard for bigger cups, the wider the hook and eye the more hooks and eyes they have on.

They can come with just one hook and eye width to all the way to 4 hooks and eyes in width. You can get more than this on longline bras or specialised bras.

*On Instagram is a short video where you get to see all the components.

For further information about Lingerie Components can be found below:

Components to make a bra