Sunday Undies - 1920s bras for the busty girl
So it's forever since I've done this. The few and far between costume I've done hasn't had much blogging process with it, but I'm keen to get back on it.
I'm planning on making a 1920s dress to wear to Costume College this year. While my previous set of 1920s undies certainly did the job, I had a dream of a lovely silky matching underwear set that could double for the Sunday Undies breakfast with a kimono robe. A friend of my mothers had given me a beautiful piece of pale yellow silk satin that I've been dying to turn into some vintage underwear. So it all started coming together.
I still adore the silky step-in undergarments, but as far as I can tell from my research these were intended to be worn on their own without any brassiere or corset (someone correct me if I'm wrong!). At 32E, being braless really isn't very comfortable. So instead I was charmed by the idea of a silky brassiere and tap pants set like this darling one on Pearl from Boardwalk Empire.
I finally found a bra to base my pattern on, the Fairy Health Bra, dated 1915-1925. Unlike most 1920s brassieres I've seen, it has curved seams over the bust which allows more room and support for those of us of the busty persuasion.
After a little futzing I finally have a well-fitting muslin.
I've been sitting in it for about an hour and so far it's very comfy! It certainly gives the full-busted but low and round look you see more in the early 20s, rather than the completely flattened look seen later.
Instead of the front closure and laced back, I believe I will just use hooks and eyes with elastic at the back. Next time, tap pants!
I'm planning on making a 1920s dress to wear to Costume College this year. While my previous set of 1920s undies certainly did the job, I had a dream of a lovely silky matching underwear set that could double for the Sunday Undies breakfast with a kimono robe. A friend of my mothers had given me a beautiful piece of pale yellow silk satin that I've been dying to turn into some vintage underwear. So it all started coming together.
I still adore the silky step-in undergarments, but as far as I can tell from my research these were intended to be worn on their own without any brassiere or corset (someone correct me if I'm wrong!). At 32E, being braless really isn't very comfortable. So instead I was charmed by the idea of a silky brassiere and tap pants set like this darling one on Pearl from Boardwalk Empire.
I finally found a bra to base my pattern on, the Fairy Health Bra, dated 1915-1925. Unlike most 1920s brassieres I've seen, it has curved seams over the bust which allows more room and support for those of us of the busty persuasion.
After a little futzing I finally have a well-fitting muslin.
I've been sitting in it for about an hour and so far it's very comfy! It certainly gives the full-busted but low and round look you see more in the early 20s, rather than the completely flattened look seen later.
Instead of the front closure and laced back, I believe I will just use hooks and eyes with elastic at the back. Next time, tap pants!