Have you seen this National Geographic video called “Bra Business”? My husband and a reader recently shared this with me; it’s a quick look at how a Maidenform sample-maker develops a new molded bra prototype from patterning to fit models right in NYC. There’s even a little sewing in there, along with the help of a 405° heat molding machine:
I love that it takes “50 people in 7 departments over 6 months to lock in the design of one new bra”. Puts some perspective on fitting our own bras, right? I’m not a huge fan of molded bras but I admire the precision, how each millimeter counts, in bra manufacturing. They might be small but in the history of the bra business these little things, down to underwire angles, have been secrets or even patents.
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I am more confident in attempting to make my own now that I’ve seen this video, knowing that even manufacturers don’t get it right the first time.
What a need video! It brings me back to my technical design days where there would be numerous samples before a design was put into production. It definitely puts into perspective how tedious bra fitting can be.
Cool video! It makes me feel a bit better now that the dozen or so bras that I’ve tried weren’t exactly what I was looking for if it takes the pros so many prototypes and hours. Also? I want Oksana’s(?) job. I want to be able to be very vocal about what on the bra works and what doesn’t…unfortunately, the only measurement we have in common is the 34… 😉
What this video tells me is that you can get a perfect fit in a manufactured bra if you’re a perfect 34B, since that’s the size the fit models wear. Everyone else? Well, good luck.
Well said, Marsha! And that’s why I leave my bras in the hands of a professional lingerie fitter. I have so many other things I want to sew that the thought of using the equivalent of 6 months of 50 people’s work hours to get the perfect fit on my bras stops me before I begin. Fascinating video. Thanks for posting!
So interesting! It makes me feel better to know that even the professionals aren’t getting it right the first time 🙂
This is really fascinating .. thanks for posting this.
Fascinating! Like the others, I’m taking comfort that the professionals don’t even get it right the first time! Also, I want the commercial Singer the seamstress is using. I’ve been looking at a similar model but can’t yet buy it. I love whrr of an industrial! Thanks for sharing.
Wow! 20 rounds of changes before a prototype is ready?! Yowza!
So interesting, and watching the molded cups being shaped makes me curious how the process works in terms of shape and volume. It’s a very practical bra, and does produce something lightweight and comfortable (I own some Maidenform, for that reason, but shape is another thing entirely). Just imagine when you start getting into laces and things without stretch, I wonder how much more refined the process becomes, or if they become less exact but involve more details and a more specific target client?
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That was so fascinating! Those numbers definitely give me some perspective on how long it may take for me to get the right fit. I finally finished my first muslin and even though it doesn’t fit, I’m excited about it. I’ll figure it out eventually!
Oh my god! Those crazy metal heated bullet things!! How scary are those!! Thanks for sharing the video Amy! Definitely enlightening – and yes, makes me feel a bit better about my constant frustration with fitting my own bras!
Great video! that’s a lot of work to get the perfect generic fit, I like all the bells and whistles though,the lace and fancy seams and what not I don’t think I care too much about how much a bra weighs and I wonder after all that work how much that bra sells for, if it’s a $20 target bra? that would be really disappointing.
If they can make thigh high stockings stay up, why can’t they make bra straps stay put. All they have to do is add the same grip they use on the stockings. No redesigning, moving straps in and out. Just add the same material on stockings to all bra straps. I have purchased from craft stores a substance that is somewhat like it and it works! This seems to be a no brainer and why bra manufacturers can’t figure it out.
I would guess that (a) straps don’t have much surface area for silicone to really grip securely on the shoulder ( B) silicone grip works only when there’s a big round area to bind to. (C) so probably Straps would fall either way. (d) lastly if straps fall off you are clearly in the wrong size bra.the band is set too wide for your frame and not in right place.
Traps fall off and do not hug to the busts for most bra. I like to work for bra company and bring my ideas to the company.