** Before I say anything, I just want to start out by noting that I am NOT bashing on anyone here. My purpose of posting this all, is to try and get help, not cause drama or problems. So, with that being said:

As of today, my very first 'Flying Skirts', backless ATS style choli arrived. The tag boasts that it can be worn without a bra.

And, I have to disagree. For myself at least.

I am a 36 DD -- and this choli can NOT be worn without a bra. No. Sorry. And so... this is a problem for me. This choli is very, very nice... I am very impressed with it's construction and the fabric is great. But, I cannot wear it without a bra, and I don't see how any larger chested dancer could, either.

Such a never ending battle.... *SIGH*

So now I'm wondering... what can I do to make this work? Anyone have any suggestions?? I put a picture up in the gallery of how it looks over my bra. And the thing is... I NEED that bra support, so, maybe someone here can help me out??

Help?? This all just seems all so .... unfair to me. I don't think I should have to wear a choli with a back just because I have a larger chest. There has to be a way to modify this -- even with this choli I just got. Seems like such a shame to me.
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  • Here's what I do....
    cut the long sleeves off to about a 3/4 length, and hem the sleeves. Take the removed pieces from the sleeves, and sew them like a wider band across the back. Sew it under the ties, leaving the ties to still be functional but tieing over the new added piece. Looks the same except the back ties appear to be wider and the bra is covered. I have to slip the choli on over my head, but that's minor issue for me. Wearing a bra is an absolute must with these DD's+.

    Hope this helps!
    • Actually... you just gave me an idea. Maybe I can get some fabric that is kind of the same, and sew my OWN ties on... ones that cover the back. Hmm..... *thinking* ....
      • I always wear a bra under my cholis as I definitely need the support. The only time I might not, is if I am wearing my coin bra over the top of the choli as that provides support usually. I do usually still wear a bra under that tho!
        What I did was buy an inexpensive bra that gives me a medium amount of support with the thinnest straps I could find. I then snip the straps off from where they attach to the back strap and sew them back on closer to my underarms, ensuring they are hidden by the back of the choli. If the back strap is still too chunky, I would run it in a bit before attaching the straps. I then sew a thin, flat bit of elastic between the two shoulder straps around the same place that the top tie of open backed cholis usually sit as this elastic keeps the straps from slipping off my shoulder. This gives me enough support and only a few thin straps are visible but the are generally hidden by the choli ties anyway! Hope this helps! Sophie
        • Did anyone watch American Inventor this last season? The runner-up was Elaine Cato, who designed a 6-in-1 backless bra that could be used by small framed women with a C cup and above. Although she didn't win the prize, Maidenform took a liking to her design and they may be working on it right now. So, there may still be hope for those of us who hate to sew, don't have time, or would just rather buy something off the shelf.
          • okay an almost sleazey idea. i was stumbiling through the fredricks of hollywood site not long ago and they have all sorts of backless bras out now. so um maybe go check them out. not sure if any of them would work as i'v enever tryed them, but if they aren't to spendy it might be worth a look see. give it a dry run durring a home dance session or something like that.

            good luck!
            • Re: Big Busted Backless Choli Dilemma (re-visited)

              Mon, August 20, 2007 - 11:32 AM
              I haven't tried the backless ones, but I have used the Frederick's "Hollywood X-Treme" strapless for a bra base, and they're fantastic. Firm, molded cups, and if you don't cut the backstrap off, it's covered with sticky elasticy stuff on the inside, to help it stay up. (I just covered the outside with stretch velvet, since I didn't need massive support with this particular bra.)
  • I would suggest kind of what Amazon did...

    Just cut wider ties, attach and viola? because you are wearing a black bra it dosn't look too bad, but prehaps wider straps might help. You could also consider doing a clasp instead of a tie [like hook and eyes] so that the width stays the right width. If that makes sense.
  • Yeah, I never quite buy the "you can wear it w/o a bra". I mean, you *can* wear it, and it will probably be supportive, but it's just not the same. You've got a few options that don't involve re-designing the choli:

    1) Sew in a bra. Put on a sacrificial bra, then put on the choli. Pin the choli to the bra at the shoulder seams and side seams (so you have a place to hide the stitches. Take it all off. Sew the bra in at those points. Cut off the excess straps. You may want to do some additional stitches along the bottom band and cleavage to keep the choli from shiftying and exposing the bra. I find this works best w/ a molded cup bra (just easier to do all the sewing). This is my favorite solution, since it's just so comfortable and easy to wear.

    2) Cover the back strap of a strapless bra, alla a regular tribal bra (you know, the big ol' black halter-like tie). I have found that cholis are supportive enough to keep the bra up and in place w/o any shoulder straps, and, from the back, it resembles what FCBD looks like from behind anyway (two back ties). For some added drama, decorate the top of the bra w/ some ribbons, trim, coins, etc. and let it poke through for a little layered look.

    3) Like #1, only take an inexpensive, sleevless choli and sew the bra in. Then wear that choli under all your others. Basically the exact same thing, only now you have a new "bra" and don't have to cut up a new bra every time you buy a new choli.

    4) The FCBD solution--just wear a decorated bra on top.
  • yeah... I am a 36/38 DD and definitely cannot wear one alone. Droopage, anyone? :)

    I definitely wear a plunge bra under it, and I find that it stays well hidden.

    I've also heard some ladies suggest wearing two at a time for double support, but I have not tried it myself. I always have to have a bra on... always...
  • Hi there,

    I am a C cup and will generally wear a bra under my choli if I am not wearing a coin bra over the top.
    I have a couple of bras that have convertible and clear straps plus a clear back section that works particulary well underneath the choli - depending on the choli (I have a few bought ones from different sellers plus my own) I may convert the straps to a halter.

    With my troupe some of the ladies are quite well endowed and have made or adapted cholis with a wide elastic section across the opening that connects with hook and eyes to cover a broader backed bra but still has the look of open backed bra.

    Hope that helps

    Fee
  • I've gotta say the the FCBD/Folkwear Tribal Dancer choli pattern does a decent job of holding mine (40D+) in place, if you ever decide to make one. It has a substantial band around the ribcage, and the upper ties hold everything up much like a halter bathing suit top. Also I believe Flying Skirts cholis are made from stretchy fabric(?), which has too much give and bounce. As Angel DeMort pointed out in an earlier choli thread, stretchy cholis won't hold a large pair in place even though they work OK for smaller breasted women.
    • That's good to know since I just bought the pattern! I guess I made a good choice then. And you're right about the stretchy fabric. I won't wear any stretch velvet tops unless I can fit a bra under it, even if it only stretches width-wise. It just doesn't give proper support and can feel rather indecent for performances. It's something to keep in mind when buying any stretch velvet tops with a larger bust.
  • I just wanted to let you ladies know that this bra-contraption of mine, also works under the 'drop sleeve' choli creation that Gwen of Flying Skirts makes. I just got my first black velvet drop sleeve choli.... and it fits perfect with the bra!

    Wooo hoo!!!!! :) :)
  • I'm liking this idea of simply sewing cups into a choli... I'm a 32i. Does anyone know of any websites that just sell cups? I could've sworn I came across one at one point in my internetting. Maybe I just dreamed it!

    I'm working on starting up a tribal fusion wardrobe, and would die for at least one piece that isn't a straight bra. The only bra I own that's actually in my size cost me $400, noooo way am I'm chopping that puppy up anytime soon. I love lurking and getting more ideas into my head.