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To alter, or not to alter?
Every time I receive a bra, almost always second-hand at this point, I ask myself this question: "To alter, or not to alter?". For example, I've received a few bras in the last couple months where the bands are far too big. I also have some bras that I've owned for several years whose bands have stretched out at this point. For reference, my snug UB is 25.5", and I'm most happy in bands that stretch to between 26-27". I would love to have every one of my bras fit perfectly in the band. However, I'm always thinking about the future potential of the bra, and whether or not I will be able to resell it someday when it no longer fits me, or I no longer want it. So I have yet to alter any of my bras myself because I'm afraid if I do, I won't be able to resell them in the future. Case in point: I have one bra, a Freya Deco, which I had professionally altered to a 26 when I bought it new in a boutique. I wore it twice and then immediately grew out of it and replaced it with another, one cup size up, which I also had professionally altered to a 26 because I bought the replacement from the same boutique. I've been trying to sell the too-small one for months now, and I don't have any takers, and I can't help but think it's because the band is so small. We all know that our demographic pool becomes so much smaller when we're sized into proper fitting bras, and the pool of active participants and swappers on social media in our size range is even smaller.
So, what do you think? Do you freely alter your bras with no regrets to fit you now, or are you too scared of squandering the bra's potential resale value? I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Filed under Bra alterations
10 comments
I am in the same boat as you so I totally understand how hard it is to get tiny band sizes. I think if the band it far too large, it is worthwhile to alter it. I feel the same way about reducing the resale value, though. However, if a band is too loose on the tightest hooks, it won't be very supportive, so you probably won't reach for it much anyhow. I have a Rixie Clip that I occasionally use, but it's kind of a pain getting it off and on, and I worry that the teeth will damage the fabric.
If a bra meets all my breast needs with only one exception that can be fixed with one sImple alteration procedure, usually a gore narrowing for me, I'll alter it. If it needs two or more procedures, I'll probably choose to sell it because I don't really love sewing unfortunately. I'm at the stage of my bra ...career where i have several that fit and I have limited drawer space so need to prune away the ones that aren't very good for me.
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