How to Turn an Old Bra and Jeans Into a Trendy Denim Corset
Do you have a pair of old denim jeans sitting in the back of your closet that you just don’t wear anymore? What about an old t-shirt bra that has seen better days? Before you throw them in the trash, wait! You can easily upcycle them into a stunning, viral-worthy strapless denim corset top.
Upcycling your wardrobe is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to create custom fashion. You don’t need to buy expensive fabrics or complicated sewing patterns. With just a little bit of simple charm and creative thinking, you can turn everyday items into a major style statement.
Things You Will Need
- An old bra (molded padding or underwire bras work best)
- An old pair of denim jeans (the leg sections are perfect for this)
- Fabric scissors
- Sewing pins or fabric chalk
- A sewing machine (or needle and thread)
Step 1: Prepare Your Bra Cups
The secret to a structured, supportive corset top is using a pre-made bra as your base. Start by taking your old bra and carefully cutting away the straps and the back bands.
You want to isolate just the cups themselves. Cut cleanly around the edges of the padding until you have two separate, smooth bra cups.
Step 2: Cut Out Your Denim Fabric
Next, lay one of your denim jean legs flat on your workspace. Place one of your bra cups on top of the denim to use as a template.
Using your scissors, cut around the bra cup, leaving about a half-inch of extra denim all the way around. This extra fabric is your seam allowance, which gives you room to sew. Repeat this so you have a matching denim piece for both cups.
Step 3: Wrap and Sew the Cups
Now it’s time to combine the two. Place your cut piece of denim over the front of the bra cup. Pull the fabric taut so it looks smooth, wrap the edges around to the back of the cup, and pin it in place.
Take this to your sewing machine and stitch around the top curves first. Once the top is secure, smooth the denim downward over the cup and sew along the bottom edge. Repeat on the second cup. You now have two beautiful, jean-covered bustier cups!
Step 4: Create the Front Bodice
Take the remaining fabric from your jean leg to create the main body of the corset. Lay the denim flat and cut a piece that matches the length and height you want your top to be.
To make the cups fit perfectly, place them against the top edge of your new bodice piece. Use your fabric chalk to trace the curved bottom outline of the cups onto the bodice, and cut along that line.
Step 5: Stitch the Corset Together
Line up your denim cups with the curved cut-outs on your bodice piece. Pin them face-to-face so the edges match up perfectly.
Carefully sew along the pinned curve to attach the cups to the front of the top. Once you flip it right-side up, you will see your corset top instantly take shape!
Step 6: Add the Back and Finish the Hems
To finish the top, use the rest of your denim scraps to create the side and back panels so the top can wrap completely around your body. You can add a zipper, buttons, or even eyelets for a lace-up look in the back.
Finally, fold over the raw bottom edges of the denim and sew a clean, straight line to hem the bottom. Give your new top a good press with an iron, and you are done!
The Ultimate Thrift Flip
There you have it! You’ve successfully turned old, forgotten clothing into a high-fashion denim bustier. It looks incredibly stylish paired with high-waisted skirts, cargos, or even more denim for a bold jean-on-jean look.