Symmes Strapless Bra PDF pattern

Fits like a glove

An amazing strapless bra, plan to do some fitting tweaks

This was my first time sewing a bra (apparently I like to try new things on hard mode) but having dabbled in corsetry before, it felt surprisingly similar. Only with a lot more elastic. I have made this one twice now and am overall very happy with the result. In terms of creating a strapless bra that's actually supportive in larger cup sizes, this thing has NAILED IT. My hat is off to you, Cashmerette! It's honestly a little shocking how supportive this thing feels. My one quibble here (and I think I should be able to tweak this on further attempts) is that the cup shaping is a bit... boxy? It fits well and is very supportive, but I'm definitely wanting to adjust the way it contours around the body for purely aesthetic reasons. The cup bones also create noticeable ridges under thin/drapey clothes. Still, this thing is amazing for the simple fact that it does the job and stays up, and for that I can't give it anything less than five stars. I'm hoping with a few shaping tweaks, it will be perfection itself. I'm also very tempted to experiment with making a longline version — I suspect for my body shape it would be both even more supportive and more comfortable. (I often find the bottom of bra bands often cuts into my squishy bits below; this is not unique to this pattern. If this isn't a problem you normally have, that will probably remain true here.) A note on sizing: I have always felt lied to by US bra sizing, because despite everyone SAYING that it's based on the under bust and full bust measurements, it actually seems to be one of the few cases where ready to wear uses the high bust measurement. If you go to a certain well-known US lingerie chain and have them take your measurements, they even measure the high bust despite their website saying sizing is based on under bust. So I have some trust issues around bra sizing, and it felt deeply weird making a 32G when I wear a 36D in ready-to-wear. Especially since I also make the D cup size for all the non-bra Cashmerette patterns. If you are in the same boat, I would say two things 1) plan to make a mockup or two regardless; this will likely want some tweaking no matter what because bras get funky 2) trust the sizing guide to give you a starting point. It may not be perfect, but it should get you close. I ended up sizing the cup down to a 32F but using the wire size suggested for the 32G. Your experience may be different. But I'm glad I went with the 32 band to match my 33" under bust — the size 36 band would have been way too big. So, yay for not being lied to about band sizing, but also it scares me a bit because I'm not used to it!

A very well drafted strapless with excellent support and a reliable, predictable fit.