https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 04 Apr 2026 11:49:23 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-392042 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:03:46 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 392042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just avoid them now. Trying to cut them out usually messes up the neckline in some way, so I am reluctant to fuss with it. It is doable to find camisoles without shelf bras, or with those built-in bras - I've not tried the latter but am curious about them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-391959 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:52:46 +0000 NicoleZ 391959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Guys,</p> <p>So I hate shelf bras probably as much as the person who started this thread. Here are my experiences:</p> <p>1. You can take them to a tailor (I go to Silhouettes and Profiles in NYC, and they're the best), and they'll cut out the band and replace it with something less tight (like a loose elastic band. This isn't ideal for anyone who wants to completely remove the shelf bra, but for someone who just doesn't like how tight it is I would recommend this as an alternative to keep the dress as close to its original state. This method is probably least risky in terms of washing the dress and having it not come back deformed.</p> <p>2. Cutting close to the seam. This works second best, although you do have to be careful about the seams coming apart (which will depend on how precise of a cutting job you do). If you cut too close, the seams may come apart. If you cut to far from the seam, the left over material will curl when you wash it, and if the tank top or whatever is tight, fitting, there will be a bump there. </p> <p>3. Cutting along the sides of the shelf bra. I've used this method for the aforementioned dress. It works well if all you're looking for is some more give in the shelf bra. Cutting along both sides (not up the entire shelf bra, but just about an inch beyond the elastic) gives me enough give. If you cut it right, and just sew up the seams where you cut, this also is fine in the washer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220819 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:17:07 +0000 NK 220819@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've cut them out and done the elastic snipping thing too. They never look as nice after that. I just won't buy them anymore if they have a shelf bra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220806 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:56:33 +0000 Queen Mum 220806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've cut the shelf bras out, or as an alternative with 2 recent express cami's I just snipped through the elastic in the center front and that allows to accomodate the girls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220781 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:09:01 +0000 shell 220781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have several of the Express camis and have cut the shelf bras out of all of them. I cut close to the seam (left about a quarter of an inch) and haven't had any issues. I have a very long torso but short shoulders? (not sure what you would call that, but basically short from shoulder to bra band), so most shirts are very low cut on me. So the shelf-bra-less cami is a perfect solution! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220777 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:02:42 +0000 Anonymous 220777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah Ok:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220776 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:01:40 +0000 Mae 220776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think the shelf-bra is a no-no altogether-- it's just a personal preference to not have one for me! I am not particularly well endowed, so any smashing down is truly unwelcome, unless we're talking about work-out wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220774 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:01:38 +0000 Jonesy 220774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know a while back Athleta carried lots of different camisoles, including some with no bra as well as some with underwire support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220772 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:56:28 +0000 Steph 220772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zapotee, I don't think there is anything wrong with you recommending something with a shelf bra! It's a personal preference, and I'm sure a lot of people prefer them. With me, my chest is usually bigger than the bra, which is not a good look!</p> <p>Mae, I have seen BP mentioned before, so thanks for reminding me! I really need to try them on the next time I go to Nordstrom. I usually wear the nylon ones from Ann Taylor, but sometimes they roll up at the bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220757 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:44:31 +0000 Anonymous 220757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure about solutions but Its good that you are pointing this out regarding my recommendation. I did not think about the shelf bra. Oopsy, I did not know it was a no no in these parts. I don't mind them at all. Actually, I prefer them.</p> <p>I guess I gotta be more careful when I put stuff out there!</p> <p>I'll be interested in hearing some solutions too... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220754 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:39:47 +0000 Mae 220754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah yes, the shelf-bra uni-boob. I have never tried to cut out the shelf, so I'm not much help. But I love the BP shelf-less camis from Nordstrom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cutting-out-a-shelf-bra#post-220747 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:34:49 +0000 Steph 220747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just saw someone make a suggestion for some Express camis on another thread, and when I looked at the link, it said it has the dreaded built-in shelf bra. As someone who is well-endowed, I hate the shelf bra, and I'm guessing there are a lot of other women on YLF who feel the same. As a result, I always purchase camis with no built-in bra, but I find them harder to find. Does anyone buy shelf bra camis and cut them out? Does it work? Any tips on the best way to go about it (i.e., just cut close to the seams, or cut with seam allowance and then stitch the edges together to prevent fraying)? </p>