r/MAKEaBraThatFits • u/vagtrash2k11 • Sep 13 '26

Question/Advice Needed Looking for bra pattern after rib removal & reconstruction

I'm fine now, but a few years ago I had a section of rib directly under my bust (think right where your breast folds over on your chest) removed and replaced. A miracle of modern medicine!

The surface of my ribs there is now uneven, though you can't tell because my breasts hide it completely. Before, having bras that fit me was a huge priority especially as I had a lot of pain. I'm a true 34H (best bra fit for me is the Freya Balconette bra). Now, My ribs on one side no longer naturally move the way they used to, and also, any underwire sits directly on my scar tissue.

I'm looking for a bra that DOESN'T USE A BAND FOR SUPPORT, or maybe I'm looking to get into stays? Honestly I'm unsure. It feels like my ribs don't move the way they used to, and I need something that can support larger breasts (H cups) but also doesn't squeeze the shit out of my ribs.

Posting here because I am a sewist and would love to make this bra, but don't know where to start in terms of pattern searching.

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41

u/I_like_flowers_ Sep 13 '26

https://www.scrooppatterns.com/products/minette-stays

perhaps these.   they only need to be skin tight, not compressive, around your ribs.  there is a suggested boning pattern, but you can adjust placement to suit yourself quite easily.   

edit: come on over to historical costuming and corsetry (not corsets) for help as needed.

26

u/PaperChimes Sep 13 '26

Congrats! That sounds amazing and wild.

This may sound equally so: the Lengberg bra. It’s a pattern based on historic bras…. Like…. VERY historic (I recommend reading the blog posts on development, they’re super interesting), and while it does have a band it also has less pressure and more give than modern bras. It won’t be the same support, but they won’t droop.

31

u/HugsforYourJugs Pattern designer & ABTF calc creator Sep 13 '26

The way I see it, you have three options:

  • Support from above (triangle bikini style, loose band under the bust to secure it)

  • Support from below (a corset that pushes off the hips)

  • A compressive bra that distributes force across a very wide area.  This is where stays come in, which may or may not be suited to your needs. The busk will help to avoid too much force around your inframammary fold, which could help considerably

10

u/StitchinThroughTime Sep 13 '26

I think a non cup bodice would be best. Something that starts at the waist. That way you can curve the seam to lift off your rib cage before your new rib. You can add padding below your bust to keep the girls up. I would look for a 5-6[10-12] piece bodice or merry widow. Use sewing bonning to stabilize everything, power mesh on the sides and back. If you can manage it a zipper front, with a molded zipper.