How to Sew Undergarments: Finding your perfect fit!
Hey friends! Let’s have a little chat today about something we often overlook in the sewing world—foundation garments. I’m not necessarily talking about shapewear, but more about your everyday bras, underwear, or whatever you choose to wear under your clothes. These pieces have a bigger impact on the fit of our handmade garments than we sometimes realize. Whether you prefer underwire bras, bralettes, or even going without, the key takeaway is this: wear the same undergarments when you take your measurements, do your fittings, and wear your final garment. A quick swap in bras can shift darts, necklines, and the entire fit of a bodice. Ask me how I know—shoutout to my late mentor Joyce who once tightened my bra straps mid-fitting and magically fixed everything!
If you’re large busted (or sew for someone who is), you know the challenge of finding well-fitting support. Cashmerette has been doing great work in this space with patterns like the Willowdale bra and their new strapless bra, Symmes. I’m especially excited about that one because it’s engineered to actually stay put and support larger busts—game changer! And yes, I plan on sewing it up this summer, maybe even making a sundress by adding a skirt to it. If you're a little nervous about jumping into bra-making, swimwear is a gentler entry point. It's less fiddly and still gives you experience working with support and stretch.
Now, this isn’t about telling you what kind of underwear to wear—it’s about making sure your choices are consistent during the sewing process. Whether you’re sewing a fitted blouse, a casual tee, or a formal dress, what’s underneath matters. It affects how you measure, how your garment sits on your body, and ultimately how it looks and feels. And hey, if you haven’t updated your bra drawer in a while, maybe this is your nudge. Bras wear out, stretch, and lose their shape, and that affects the clothes you sew and wear.
Lastly, if you’re curious about sewing your own undergarments, I say give it a go! I’ve made several sports bras for myself (I’m a 36DDD, so it can be done!), and I’m planning to explore more this summer—especially for my daughter, who’s tricky to fit with store-bought options. Whether you’re dreaming of beautiful bras, supportive swimsuits, or even bustier-style dresses, having a handle on what’s underneath really elevates your sewing.
