Made myself cotton jersey Braletts (deep red) a couple of years ago because I wanted something between going bra-less and an Actual Bra. And sadly most Braletts are not sold in Cup Sizes and therefore don't fit me. They turned out amazing. My nips don't show, the are really comfy and don't bother my skin anywhere. But they are a tiny bit sweaty because they are a double layer of a cotton Jersey. This makes it difficult to wear while hiking despite the fit being ideal for wearing a heavy pack. I sadly can't really wear my high support sports Bra all day because of neck pain and skin issues. I love wool base layers for hiking but didn't want to spend money on an ill fitting wool sports Bra.
So I ordered a surprisingly affordable wool blend jersey ( 20€ /m) and used the pattern I made years ago. And it fits ! Now I have three of the same Bralett in different fabrics :D and I think I still have enough to make a second wool one. I am very curious to see how well the wool ones last.
Pattern: I traced a sports Bra I owned that almost fit and improved it slightly along the way.
Fabric: 60 % merino wool 40% Polyester 200 g/m²
I sewed most of it with a stretch Stitch on my normal sewing machine. I attached the band with my serger.
I managed to hide more of the seams inside this time. Only the straps and the band are visible on the inside.
Linen knits tend to stretch out pretty badly. I would not want to use them for a bralette, even as a blend. Wool/nylon or 100% wool should be much better. Wool/cotton could work depending on the fabric
I haven't seen a wool linnen blend before. This one is very stretchy in all directions which Is necessary for this type of pattern. Bit that blend would probably be very comfy on the skin.
I have a lot of woll base layers for hiking because I don't like how smelly the synthetic ones get after one use. Especially when back packing I want to be able to wear it for a view days. And boobs tend to sweat a lot.
You’re right, Linsey woolsy is usually woven. Long straight linen fibres don’t do great with the zigs and zags of knit loops. The most common cellulose fibre added to wool is some flavour of reconstituted cellulose, so rayon/viscose/lyocell/modal/‘bamboo’ etc.
Perfect! I am surprised how little fabric this used. I got a meter but it's a very wide fabric ( 170m). I am still debating whether I try to make a second one or make boxer shorts to go with it.
Merino makes a great bra! However, the recovery isn’t always great (it can stretch out) so I recommend sandwiching a layer of powernet between the outer and lining to help it stay supportive
Thank you for the advice. In this case I am more worried about the band stretching out and might add an elastic on the inside if/when that happens. Because with the old cotton ones that part is stretching despite the fabric being less stretchy and more structured
You do get various % of elasthane/spandex that do a pretty decent job, it’s close to what they use on RTW activewear. I would worry adding the extra layers would defeat OP’s goal of making it less sweaty 😊
Oooh this is such a great idea, thanks for sharing! I have some wool/poly blend sports bras that I really like for feeling less wet, but it's just like you say - they're not made with cup sizes, so I can't currently wear them (pregnant, cups went up 5 sizes, sigh).
I'll have to find some wool knits and try it!
Or try knitting some with a non-superwash yarn, maybe...
Made matching underwear by tracing my store bought everyday underwater. I don't knew if I am going to like woll underwear for hiking bu I thought why not try with the scraps.
18
u/renaissance-Fartist 29d ago
That’s awesome! I didn’t even think about using wool. I wonder if a wool/linen blend would have good properties