Cutting out a shelf bra?

Steph

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)?

15 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

Mae

Active Member

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.

15 years ago

Anonymous

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.

I guess I gotta be more careful when I put stuff out there!

I'll be interested in hearing some solutions too...

15 years ago

Steph

Veteran

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!

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.

15 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I know a while back Athleta carried lots of different camisoles, including some with no bra as well as some with underwire support.

15 years ago

Mae

Active Member

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.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Ah Ok:)

15 years ago

shell

Active Member

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!

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

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.

15 years ago

(website)

Active Member

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.

15 years ago

NicoleZ

(website)

Member

Hi Guys,

So I hate shelf bras probably as much as the person who started this thread. Here are my experiences:

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.

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.

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.

14 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

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.

14 years ago

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