Anyone ever replace the underwires in an underwire bra?

[pjlla]

I have two Victoria Secret bras that both have broken underwires. These were not cheap bras and they still have plenty of life left in them. I have worn them with the underwire broken, but I'm afraid they will start poking through the fabric and poke me! I'm so frustrated, since I started buying these bras because I was sick of dealing with the cheesy, cheapo Walmart bras. Admittedly, these bras have seen a lot of wear and are about 2 years old.... but I have treated them nicely in the hopes that they would have a long life!

Anyhoooo..... I was thinking about undoing the stitching where the underwires are located, pulling out the broken pieces and inserting ???? in to the spot (maybe I could buy something at a fabric store??) and then restitching it.

I know this sounds ULTRA cheap, but these bras retail for $43 a piece... and even on sale, it would probably cost me over $60 to replace both of them. (And I know that other places have cheaper bras, but believe me, I NEED these bras... I wore cheaper bras my whole life and finally got fed of the "girls" constantly heading SOUTH!! )

TIA for any help........................P

 

[delmar411]

I've never replaced the under wires but have had a few bust through and they appear to basically be coat hanger material with the ends covered. If it's just snapped you should be able to get the end caps off and use those again. I wonder if you could ask a seamstress if they could fix it for a few dollars?

 

[sk!mom]

If this is possible I would love to know how also. The wire always seems to break before the bra is worn out.

Although, I guess when the wire breaks it is worn out.

 

[pjlla]

I've never replaced the under wires but have had a few bust through and they appear to basically be coat hanger material with the ends covered. If it's just snapped you should be able to get the end caps off and use those again. I wonder if you could ask a seamstress if they could fix it for a few dollars?

I'm sure that I could do it myself... I was a Home Ec major my second two years of college and sewing, weaving, and pattern drafting were just a few of my classes!! What a joke! But I can turn out some pretty snazzy Halloween costumes for my kids!.................P

 

[hemispheredancer]

I have had these problems with VS Body by Victoria bras. Did you order them online or buy them in the store? How long have you had them before the wires snapped? I have taken them back to the store (as long as they don't look too worn) and they exchanged them for new ones. The last time I did this it was for bras that were bought online. I had to call the CS number and they were able to pull my order up. It was about 6 months after purchase that they snapped. Now mind you I don't wear the same bra every day, so these bras may get worn 1-2 times a week. They did give me partial credit toward new ones but not full price. Every Body bra has had wire issues. They seems to poke more at the top and snap right on the bottom.

 

[HunnyPots]

I'd say if you've worn them for over two years, they've lived a full life and its time to let them go! I don't buy cheap ones either but I replace them once a year. I find after a year, they just don't do their job as well, kwim?

 

[ajk912]

If you aren't super busty, just try pulling the underwire out and see if that works for you. I did that for two of my Ipex bras that had that problem. I still loved the bras, and they are still ok without the underwire. It's better than throwing them away. I am size 34D, so even us busty gals can do this. I just don't wear the underwire-less bras on days I go to the gym, though.

 

[LadyyRedd]

I've never replaced the under wires but have had a few bust through and they appear to basically be coat hanger material with the ends covered. If it's just snapped you should be able to get the end caps off and use those again. I wonder if you could ask a seamstress if they could fix it for a few dollars?

Are your underwire bras actually metal wire? I didn't think they actually used metal anymore. My underwires have all been made with plastic for years now.

Kimya

 

[MsLeFever]

fabric stores do sell underwires - like for making bathing suits - I say it is worth a try!

 

[delmar411]

Are your underwire bras actually metal wire? I didn't think they actually used metal anymore. My underwires have all been made with plastic for years now.

Kimya

mine are metal. At least they appear to be metal and feel like metal when they bust through! LOL They look like coat hanger wire.

 

[TheRatPack]

Mine broke the other day at the kids Valentines party LOL Not a fun thing....I thought my lefty felt awkward, so when I got out to the car I kind of felt through my shirt and sure enough....snapped right in the middle.

I just threw it away, mine was about 2 years old too so I figured I'd splurge this week on a replacement

Oh and I wanted to add, that on eBay you can usually find TONS of brand new VS bras for 1/2 the price. Make sure you're buying from someone that has good feedback though, and not someone just selling things that they've had laying in their drawer for years. There are lots of people that sell from the outlets? and all the stuff is new with the tags still attached, but the tag has been marked through so you can't try and return it

 

[Frye7127]

I have never had a problem with my Body by Victoria bras. Just make sure that you always wash your bras in a lingerie bag on gentle, never use bleach, and hang dry. That is the secret to long wearing bras.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Are your underwire bras actually metal wire? I didn't think they actually used metal anymore. My underwires have all been made with plastic for years now.

Kimya

Mine are plastic too.

 

[Not so Dumbo]

If you aren't super busty, just try pulling the underwire out and see if that works for you. I did that for two of my Ipex bras that had that problem. I still loved the bras, and they are still ok without the underwire. It's better than throwing them away. I am size 34D, so even us busty gals can do this. I just don't wear the underwire-less bras on days I go to the gym, though.

I've done this too. Sometimes they are even more comfy without the wire

 

[delmar411]

Mine are plastic too.

hmm, I'll have to inspect the next one that breaks. Hopefully I won't have one break for a really long time though.

 

[Cindy B]

If you aren't super busty, just try pulling the underwire out and see if that works for you. I did that for two of my Ipex bras that had that problem. I still loved the bras, and they are still ok without the underwire. It's better than throwing them away. I am size 34D, so even us busty gals can do this. I just don't wear the underwire-less bras on days I go to the gym, though.

LOL! I thought I was the only one to do this.

 

[disney1990]

I've tried finding replacement underwires, checked all the fabric stores, and couldn't find them anywhere.

 

[Bev J]

look for 'boning' it is what they use to make corset stays and such. It is usually plastic and sold in a fabric covering. Look in the bridal area at the fabric store.

For me once my underwire breaks the bra is done. If that underwire is broken don't wear it at all beleive me it is very painful when you get pinched by it...

Bev

 

[tiggger1]

go to bramakers.com

you can order underwire for $2 a pair.

they should also have them in the fabric store near the shoulder pads!

 

[weezyree]

Glad you found a website for replacement. VS bras are expensive, but I have found hand-washing them, allowing them to soak overnight for added cleanliness and then air drying works best to keep the elasticity strong and the under wire in it's place!!

Good luck!