What is bra cloning? Out of the world of science and into the world of Sue

The world of bras and the world of science don’t often collide but when it comes to cloning there are similarities.

Bra cloning is a universal term to describe the process of making a replica bra. The style, shape and component parts will be the same; the colour, size and embellishments may differ.

Why is bra cloning becoming so popular? Has the pandemic had anything to do with the rise in demand?

For us women, we get attached to our old bras as we would to an old friend. We get used to the comfort, the way it moves and feels and the shape it gives us. And even though there was a so-called ‘braless’ revolution throughout the pandemic when women were assigning their bras to the back of the drawer or the back of beyond in their local recycling centre, there has still been an uptake in bra cloning services.

Could it be that many of us have fallen out of love with trips to the high street, or we no longer feel the desire to try new brands? When you find a bra you love you want to hang onto it forever. When that favourite bra starts to fray at the edges or you just fancy one in a different colour, that’s when it’s time to turn to bra cloning

A cloned bra will have a cost to it. After all, it may look the same as your original, but it won’t be mass-made; it will be a handmade replica, fitted to you perfectly, altered where alteration is needed and created in a colour scheme of your very own. It may be a clone, but it will be unique.

So what process do I go through to clone your bra?

Factfinding

We will have an initial discovery call or meeting to have a look at the bra you want to be cloned and to discuss design and fabrics. It may be at this point that we discuss how the old bra feels – does it need a change of size? Is it supporting you in the right places? This will help me to create the right support and fit in the new cloned bra.

I would have a look at you in the bra and find out whether there is anything you would change about it. This could be something as simple as a different colour fabric, or more detailed ideas like adding lace to the straps. Ultimately, the bra style remains the same so if it is a full cup bra then it wouldn’t be changed to a balconette because the patterns are quite different.

#1 Tip - Be honest about how your old bra feels on you. If you have changed size or shape, let me know.

Deconstructing

The bra is then unpicked and taken apart piece by piece. Each piece is then hand-washed, ironed and labelled. The pieces are now ready for the template pattern which is done by hand.

#2 Tip – Handwash your bra before sending it to me. This will help remove any remaining residue that may interfere with the fabric adhering to the pattern paper

Reconstructing

Once the pattern is complete the process of putting the original bra back together begins. Every piece is sewn together, layer by layer. The reconstructed bra may feel slightly different to before when worn but it will still feel ‘loved’!

#3 Tip – Your old bra may feel slightly different to before but it will be returned in its entirety!

Cloning

The pattern is then used to make the new pieces to the bra; cup, wings, straps and bridge. Once these have been created, they will be sewn together.

The finer details will then be completed; it may be that two complementary fabrics or colours have been chosen or additional lace or embellishments added.

#4 Tip – Now is your time to step out of your comfort zone – pick a colour that you may not have worn before, or add a detail that will make you smile every time you wear the cloned bra

Fitting

Fitting is ideally done in person but there are times when clients live too far away. If this is the case then the bra will be posted to you and we can do a fitting via zoom. There are unlikely to be adjustments because of the cloning process.

Your new cloned bra is complete!

#5 Tip – If you decide to get rid of your old bra, think about recycling it. It all helps to save on landfill.

Cloning in the true sense of the word is making an identical copy. Your new bra will be the same style and have the same number of pieces even though the fabric and colour may vary. Bra cloning is a popular choice for women who don’t want to try a new brand or style but who don’t want to invest in a fully bespoke bra. It really does offer the best of both. If there are tweaks and adjustments to be made to the fit, they will be done which is something you would not get when buying an off the shelf bra from the high street.

If you would like to have your favourite bra cloned for the first time, it will be a fun and personalised process. You can find out more on my ‘Services’ page.

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