Mark discusses the drafting, fitting and creation of this classic - but notoriously complicated - non-wired bra which gives excellent bust support and shape.

The first in a series of articles on bra patterning and making. Before we get out the fabric, there's a big obstacle to tackle: what size bra do you want?

Silhouette is important for vintage as well as historical clothing: make an authentic pointy bra that Jane Russell or Marilyn Monroe would have been proud of.

Part 2 of our bra pattern drafting and making series: drafting the blocks for the cups, cradle and wings of a simple underwired “Darted Cup” Bra. 

Mark shares with us the secrets of working with stretchy powernet, and shows how to make a vintage corselette of the 1950s or 60s.

Mark discusses the issues around bra industry sizing standards, and explores how to create bras for different sized cups that are both proportional and attractive.

Part 3 of our bra pattern drafting/making series. You have taken measurements and drafted a pattern - now it's time to break out the sewing kit!

Mark takes the basic corselet further by adding shaping or control panels to it. He also shows how to adapt the corselet blocks to make other foundation garments.

Mark shows you how to adapt the basic "darted cup" bra pattern into three further styles, including a strapless bra shape.

In this article on bra design we will look at more cup shaping options, push up bras, and sling bras, and try to solve the problem of "east westing". 

Part 2 of Push Up and Sling Bras series. You've drafted the cups in part 1, now we'll draft the bra wing with gated back fastening, and sew the push up bra.

In this article Mark looks at some of the load-bearing theory behind underwires in bras, discusses what they do, and shows you how to make your own underwires.

The search for the perfect strapless bra is always ongoing. Instead of pushing up from below, let's have a go at suspending from above with "overwires".

The search for the perfect strapless bra is still ongoing. Could this 1952 example be the one? Mark gives full instructions so you can try it for yourself.

By popular demand, over the next few articles Mark will put down the “underwires from hell” and we'll draft and make some bras without any wiring.

In Part 2 of this series, Mark discusses some variations on his soft bra theme to create a cup more suitable for a larger bust.

Inject some 1950s film noir femme fatale style into your underwear drawer as Mark continues his non-underwire bra making series with "Circle 'n' Spoke" bras.

Mark helps us design a pattern for a supportive, torso-shaping, long line bra. Perfect for under a 50’s style full-circle skirted dress.