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07.11

add bra cups to a shelf lined swimsuit

Welcome to See Kate Sew! If you’re new here, sign up for my email newsletter for access to free patterns, tutorials and all the latest sewing news! Tour my sewing room HERE!

This swim suit is going on it’s fourth summer! I know! It wasn’t cheap when I got it but for lasting 4 years, I think I got my money’s worth. 

So this is the fourth summer of the sparkly gold swimsuit and there is just one problem, the top is a little stretched out. I can’t bring myself to throw it away, with that perfect little ruffle and bow. So instead, I sewed in some bra cups and it’s back to wearable. I think this is pretty typical for swimsuit wear, everything stretches out a little. So if you have a suit with the same problem, here’s how to salvage it and pull a year or two more (fingers crossed) out of it.


I got basic bra cups from Joann, they are made by Dritz. They come in all sizes and a few different shapes. 

If your lining comes out like mine, pull it out. If the lining doesn’t come out you can still add bra cups, but you’ll have to whipstitch them on by hand, stitching through just the lining layer and not the outer fabric.


Insert your bra cups and pin them on with one pin. 

 Now try your suit on (be careful of the pins!) and get the placement just right. Add a few more pins to anchor the cups on.

 Now sew them on with your machine (or by hand if your lining is stuck). I cut off the little wings of the cups since I didn’t really need them. 

Push your lining back in and you’re ready for the pool!


14 Comments | Clothing

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Reader Interactions

14 Comments

  1. kristin

    07/11 at 3:10 PM

    you are a genius. i probably would’ve either kept wearing it – sags, bags, wrinkles and all – or donated it. this is a great solution and i bet it fits even better than before!

  2. TanyaMac

    07/11 at 3:13 PM

    clever lady ;)

  3. jax

    07/11 at 3:53 PM

    Neat. By some miracle, if I ever manage to have a bigger chest and need to fix a stretched out swimsuit this will definitey come in handy.
    -Jackie

  4. Meagan@Meagan Tells All

    07/11 at 4:43 PM

    Such a great idea!

  5. Emily

    07/11 at 9:02 PM

    Great idea!!!

  6. ohbygolly

    07/12 at 3:20 AM

    Okay, you mind reader! TODAY I thought I HAVE to put bra cups into my swimsuits, but I don’t have the time to think the process out right now, and now I do not have to! You thought it through for me. Thank you Kate!

  7. OrloSubito

    07/12 at 6:36 AM

    nice idea!!!
    I love it:-D

  8. Simple Simon & Co

    07/12 at 9:12 PM

    Oh girl…love the tutorial. You are awesome…unfortunatly as my post baby body keeps shrinking I need those cups less and less and I’m looking more and more like my old shape—that of a 14 year old boy….Oh well.
    -liZ
    ps—I’d keep wearing that suit to–it’s stinking cute.

  9. calinai

    07/12 at 9:47 PM

    yeah i was jealous of that suit when you bought it…glad you’re still using it

  10. cindy

    07/14 at 12:49 AM

    That’s a great idea! I know what you mean about having an old swimming suit you can’t part with. I bought mine probably about the same time you bought yours. I paid a pretty penny for it, but I keep it because I love it so much. Now I’m going to have to check out the bra inside!

  11. The Wearwithal

    07/16 at 8:15 PM

    such a great idea!

  12. Lori R

    07/21 at 11:18 PM

    Best sewing post ever. Maybe not the most fun, but I have always been terrified of trying this and I KNEW I had suits that needed this. Thank you!!

  13. Denise Kent

    08/04 at 9:21 PM

    this is great! I’ve been looking for help with support in women’s swimwear.Todays suits are not built for women with boobs.

  14. Denise Kent

    08/04 at 9:30 PM

    this is great! I’ve been looking for help with support in women’s swimwear.Todays suits are not built for women with boobs.

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My name is Kate, a twenty something fashion lover and mother of two. When I’m not chasing kids you can find me at my sewing table or daydreaming up new designs. You can read more about me here. Thank you for visiting!

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