What To Use As a Base for a Top

[Mermaid_Kira]

Hello, all! I'm hoping to be able to make my first mermaid top soon, and I'm trying to decide what to use as a base: a bikini top or a bra. I want it to be completely swimmable, so I'm afraid if I use a bra, chlorine may destroy it. If I use a bikini top, I'm afraid it won't stay on comfortably or support my boobs as comfortably as a push-up bra would. I would love to hear your thoughts on what you use for tops and why you like them! Please help me figure out some pros and cons :)

[MermaidBonnie]

Hi Kira! I can show you my tops in person to help you decide. I use bras. Don't use a heavily padded one Bc it will soak up with water. I can't wait to sea what you create! ��

[KayNS]

An underwire-type of bikini top might be your best bet. The support of a bra and the material of a swimsuit.

[shimmygoddess]

I have used regular bras as bases and also these bathing suit tops (http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=24~86~&ProductDisplayID=14925). I cut the top straps off and add netting but leave the rest as is. They are pretty sturdy and I have real lions paws glued on the front. I like extra padding and support, which they give to me, but if you are busty it might not be what you want. I have made tops 2 different ways: keeping the bra and bathing suit side bands stretchy and then doing it more like with my dance costumes. I removed the side and added a band out of canvas and cover the whole bra with a pretty print. I am a pro bellydance, so I wanted to try using that strategy and see how it came out. I love it. It is super comfy and the last party I did, I wore it while swimming for the first time. This top is really supportive and sturdy and also built directly on a regular bra. (underwire)
38212

edit::
This is a different top, but it actually looks to be this one (http://www.venus.com/viewproduct.aspx?BRANCH=24~86~&ProductDisplayID=17360):
38216

[merwandering]

I think it partly depends on what kind of top, and possibly bra size. I made a top out of each, and I will show you, and tell you what I like about each:)

[merwandering]

I love that top, Shimmygoddess:)
ok so my top- and I am new at this, but pretty picky about bras and swimsuit tops. I need something durable, and since I work some with kids, that stays put despite the fact that for example my preschooler grabs onto me constantly wherever he can reach. I need support- 36DD and nursed for a couple years, so- I appreciate that NASA has a reason to research strong lightweight supportive fabrics, lol.
I wanted two things- a top that looks like just shells, to go with a kind of classic retro look for an adult only context. BUT that was supportive and comfortable.
Next, I wanted to be able to layer that with something else that was very kid friendly.
for the base layer, I got a full coverage, supportive bra with wide straps, extremely comfy.
for the shells, I took an underwire but less coverage halter swimsuit top, because it wouldn't show behind the shells.
here's the top together
38229
here's just the base when I was working on it
38230
here's the shell top by itself (I experimented with different ideas and ended up replacing the back strap with a leg of a pair of tights, which I LOVE AND IS SO COMFY, and moved the closure to the front- that's why it looks all chopped up)
38231
38232
and obviously the two together are way more comfortable, especially since I loop the halter strap around the bra straps, so it distributes the weight of the shells. BUT- The other day I wore just the shells, with my preschooler, swimming for a long time, and was really comfortable:) and here's what it looks like on- though I can't readily find a picture of the two together.
38228
If I were going to just decorate it, or add silicone or something, I would personally go with a bra over a swimsuit just because for me they are more comfortable, and, at least the kind I got, holds its shape well so is easy to work with:)

[merwandering]

Oh, and meant to say- in terms of the pro/cons
I would venture to guess that the bra may wear out slightly faster than some swim tops. However, no top is going to last forever, and for me the comfort, etc was worth it.

[Mermaid_Kira]

These have all been so helpful! And the ones that you guys have shown are very pretty!! I can't wait to start creating and experiencing!

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