Where do you find bras for the base of a top?

[Lily]

I tried making a top without a bra base and it was... unsuccessful. I'm trying to find a good cheap bra to use as a base but all the normal "cheap" stores (Target, Walmart, Kohls, etc) don't carry my size AT ALL. 32D isn't a weirdo size, Target, get it together! The cheapest I've found online are around $40, and there are no stores in my area that carry them so I couldn't even try them on before purchasing. $40 is a lot to spend on a bra anyway - alas, I've accepted that's the price I have to pay when it comes to day-to-day bras - but for one that's going to be covered in shells and plants and netting, it seems kind of ridiculous.

[Mermaid Pickles]

I'll just say, I've given up on a shell bra, because bras in my size around here are usually around eighty dollars. I took a nice bathing suit top and decorated it.

[Sassenach]

You could try adhesive bras? I haven't looked up the prices myself, but I've heard of mers buying them for scale bras and then using netting for straps.

[Winged Mermaid]

I feel you. I went to all the stores within 3 towns (one of the towns having a million stores) and only found ONE bra that fit my needs. Now that I've gone up 2 cups sizes (to a 34DDD) I have nooo idea where I'mma find one :( No luck so far. Using self adhesive ones are okay, but the netting straps are a pain to tie, and it's uncomforatable. More out of the water than in, but still. If you do decide to do netting straps, sew a bra clasp on the underbust ties (you can buy 'em at JoAnns) cause trying to tie it around your back is hard, even after you get the hang of it. I understand not wanting to do a bathing suit top as it's not very supportive and often can't handle weight of shells. Good luck. It's hard for us busty mers :/

[Mermaid Pickles]

Iona, we're the same size, so I REALLY know your feel. I just got a nice bathing suit made for people with bigger girls, and decorated it.

[Mer-Crazy]

O.o America is weird... Iona I'm a similar size to you, just a band size down and I have no problems finding bras where I live, even in our general clothes stores though it's easier in bra specialty stores. That's so odd...

[Mermaid Pickles]

My bras cost eighty dollars each. Not only is america weird, it's frustrating.

[Winged Mermaid]

My bras cost eighty dollars each. Not only is america weird, it's frustrating.

True that. I had surgery last month and had to buy 2 new bras- I had two masses removed, they had to cut through some support tissue/tendons or some such, so since then I've had to wear a bra all day every day so my boob doesn't sag- my poor my wallet! :( And cause I have to wear them all the time they're already stretching out and I'll have to buy new ones soon. :money:

[Aziara]

If you're going to be hacking off the straps and adding netting ones, there's no reason the band has to be the correct size, only the cups. 32D would be the same cup size as a 36B, which shouldn't be hard to find at all.

[Mermaid Alea]

I got pretty lucky when I was looking for a bra base. I was at Bealls Outlet and found a skin tone strapless bra that came with removable clear straps and I think not only was the price discounted but it was buy 1 get 1 free so I got another one (I was lucky that they had 2 in my size).

I had no idea there was a deal on them, I just got super lucky but hopefully something like that will happen to you.

[PhaylennMurúch]

If I'm in the market for bras I troll the Fredericks of Hollywood website for their sales. I got my 42G bra for less than $30

[Mermaid Pickles]

Iona, ouch. And I have to wear a bra even to sleep in or it's uncomfortable.