Bralettes for Big Chests: Bra Making with Madalynne July Recap

As popular as bralettes are, they have their fair share of critics. Yes, they are super adorable, but supportive? Bralettes for big chests – do they exist and are they practical? Now that’s where the arguments starts.

Bralettes have undergone a transformation. It was just a few years ago that they were only sold in the juniors department. Then, in my early 20s, bralettes became a thing. Trendy. They were made with dainty lace, super sheer materials and straps the size of spaghetti. Pretty, but not functional. Their comfort level was appealing however. Women are busy nowadays (what day of the week is it?) and want a comfy, unfussy yet supportive bra. The Madalynne X Simplicity 8711 is my attempt to provide just this. It combines the ease of a bralette and the support of an underwire bra. It came out in late June, and this weekend was my opportunity to really prove that yes, bralettes can be for big boobs!

Six women hailing from Texas, North Carolina, Minnesota and Philly came to Madalynne Studios last Saturday to make the 8711. Every one was a D cup or bigger with underbust measurements ranging from 28″ to 43″ and a full bust measurements ranging from 34.5″ to 52″. Lunch hadn’t even been served and Janelle and Anitra were calling themselves the “Tig ol’ Bitties Club”. By 6:00 PM, every single one left with a supportive bra that either fit, or needed minor alterations. When finished sewing, most students try on their bras over their clothes. This time, half of the class changed into their me-made and gave us a fashion show. Just take a peek at the photos below. The fit was that good!

Every class leaves me feeling pumped for the next, but this one more so than any other. It was so fulfilling to see everyone so happy with their bralettes. Blood, sweat and lots of metallic stretch mesh went into the development of the 8711 – the monowires were custom made just for this style so that it fits each and every size and I put together a complete guide, which you can download here, that goes through monowires, grading, construction and pattern alterations. I truly believe the 8711 can be supportive for a wide range of sizes.

If a well-fitting bra wasn’t enough to make the class special, Lenox topped it off by providing their fine china. Their Radiance Collection looked stunning with the decor in the studio and it elevated an ordinary sewing class into an extraordinary day.

Fabric: All fabric + trims came from the 8711 Cream + Floral lace kit, which you can purchase here.
Sewing Machines: PFAFF passport™, ambition essential™ and ambition™ 1.0 (AMAZING! Read my review of the passport™ here and my tips for sewing on it here.
Pattern: Madalynne X Simplicity 8711, which you can purchase here
Goody bags: Lace samples, thread from Gütermann, chocolate + more