Anyone know how to fix a busting-out underwire?

Being only marginally aware of the nature and function of an underwire, I would suggest duct tape, followed by stitches. If you have other, more suitable patching materials, you might use them.

@Nullo I don’t really want duct tape poking me in my armpit either. :(

@Likeradar In any case, you may require a patch.—-I recommend the 3.2.5.2.0—-

@Nullo I bet that would be funny if I knew what it meant. :)

Are you a fan of the underwire, or are you interested in simply ripping them out and having a freer, more forgiving bra?

I suggest ripping out that underwire altogether – I have done this on all my bras, and I have never been happier. Subvert the dominant underwire!

@papayalily My lady parts need the underwire. And I actually don’t find them uncomfortable at all until they bust through the stitching.

@Likeradar Hmm… Then if you’re sewing skills fail you, I think you just have to buy a new one.

Have you tried 5 pound test fishing line? After you tie it off go over the knot with a lit match to prevent it from unraveling.
@Likeradar It is no secret that I worked on the shape memory alloy that goes into many of those bras – about 20 years ago. Is yours the kind that reforms itself while in the dryer? If it is, you should save the wire. It makes a great science fair project. Bend it up and then put it in boiling water and watch it turn into a gentle “u”!
You’re welcome! ;-)

@worriedguy I’ll try the fishing line! I was always taught to never put a bra in the dryer…

It depends upon the bra. If it is the shape memory alloy type the washing machine bends it up and the dryer gets it above the transition temperature to reform the wire.
Pretty cool don’t you think?

Of course sometimes an underwire is just an underwire.

@worriedguy No, I’m pretty sure it’s a torture device created to painfully remind me to feel insecure about my breasts

Hahaha…you guy’s, classic….duct tape and fishing live. hahaha

What no baling wire or wood glue, soldering guns?
What about clamps? ;-)

@ladymia69

Yes, great line!

@Coloma Don’t forget heat cured epoxy or hot melt glue.

The advantage of the SMA wire is that it can be more flexible and comfortable than conventional wire. Regular wire has to be stiff enough to not bend in the washer. You don’t have to worry about SMA bending in the washer because it reforms in the dryer.

You can also use the material for special satellite dishes the can be balled up into a small rocket package and then automatically unfold and reform into a dish shape when it gets to a certain temp in space.

@worriedguy

Bra engineering 101, you are definitely an expert in wire I see! lol

@worriedguy No, dude, hot glue will come out in the first wash! Yes, I found this out by first-hand experience

I was kidding about the hot glue. There is this: Bra Angel . It is specifically designed for repairing underwire bras.

@Coloma I confess… I do know my way around Nitinol SMA. It is great stuff.

@Coloma In fact, I’m pretty sure that baling wire wouldn’t be as effective as fishing line, or even duct tape. I work with it on occasion, and it’s just malleable enough to cause trouble, the gauge just small enough that you can’t get a good grip on it.

And you left out the fasteners. Clamps are all well and good, but they’re meant to be a temporary solution.

I shove mine back in and sew it three times. Once just past the hole, holding it in. Once just past the tip of the wire, holding it there. And once a little past the second to hold it even more. Sometimes I’m able to move the wire further out than the hole and then I just lash it down in the same way without fixing the hole. If you do that, you might want to go to the other end and reinforce its slightly new position the same way you fix the hole. Don’t go all the way through the bra when sewing, just lash it to the back and when fixing the hole lash that to just the other side of the wire hole. Good luck!

Here’s a demonstration of the Bra Angel if you want to see how it works. I’ve never tried it; I just wanted to see it in action after reading @worriedguy‘s response.

Oh, make sure your bra fits well too. You should get fitted every year. I’m a fitter and have done about 20 in the past few days just myself as a part of an event we’re doing and only one woman was wearing the right size.

I bet you could take it to a tailor/seamtress and get it fixed for a low price. Cheaper than buying a new bra, anyway.

@Anemone Why pay someone to do something that’s ridiculously easy to do yourself once someone tells you how?

@Anemone Is it really? Every time I’ve had something so much as hemmed, it cost at least $30 per item.

You need the Bra Angel. Here is a link.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bra-Angel-instant-bra-repair/dp/B002MUS0U8

I bought some and used them on a couple of bras and they worked.

Hope they work for you too.

Don’t wear a bra! Okay maybe you’d crack a rib if those titties resemble spaniels ears, but hey….it’s an option.

I found these at Maidenform today – sounds like exactly what you need.

@klutzaroo, I personally wouldn’t bother. I just thought it could be a helpful suggestion if fixing it at home doesn’t work out. @MyNewBoobs… Sorry, I’ve never had a bra fixed. I know they can be pretty expensive, and I’ve had other items fixed by professionals and thought it was a great deal. I would guess it might cost $5 tops, but that’s just a guess.