Retro Rack

One of the questions I get a lot is where to find and buy a new bra (with modern measurements) but that will give the conical pointed shape of the 1950s.

Well darling fashionable reader, I am here for you.

Getting a Vintage Shape With a Modern Bra

First there is a vintage bra re-creation company out there called What Katie Did. Their bullet bras run small (I've never managed to fit one so gave up) and have little to no stretch to them. But they even have a circle stitch one for $64. Their return policy is draconian. Try at your own risk.



Second, one of my personal favorites is the Freya Dotty Nursing Bra ($72 30D-40G). Yes I know, it's a nursing bra, but the design means that it's a good shape for vintage. However, the band is a little narrow and unsupportive, so it can cut in at the ribs. But this is the single biggest range bra for those of use with tiny rib cages and want a retro shape.



However, if you are going to buy one vintage style bra for multiple purposes it should probubly be a neutral color. Plus $72 is pretty steep for a show bra.

So I went on a tear recently looking for a good one and here are a few options I found and tried out. (Keep in mind I run at about a 32DDD - 34DD these days) which means large boobs and small ribs...

Exquisite Form Fully Women's Original Full Support Bra #5100532 

This puppy is only $15 (in my size) and honestly it is the most like an actual vintage bra that I have found made modern from material to design. For $15 it's obviously not very well made but it will certainly do the trick for light use. For me it ran a whole size too big in both band and cup, and unfortunately it doesn't come in a 32. I now have the 34 D to wear on the tightest band setting and that's OK. But still sizing is kind of a pain with this one.

The vintage shape once you get the fit though? That is spot on.

$9-28 Comes in white, black, and light beige. 34B - 48DD Cup sizes only go up to DDD. But like a said, runs large.

Playtex Women's 18 Hour Original Comfort Strap Bra #4693

Great support and good shape but the lace edging is HELLA sharp. Seam line is rather prominent, but really hard to beat this kind of support PLUS a good vintage shape. Also a silky material is nice, things don't cling to it. I ended up keeping it as a fall back, despite the lace. Mostly because in my size it was only $18. Oh yeah it ran true to size. 

 $11-95 Comes in multiple colors. 34D - 54DDD Cup sizes up to G. 

Carnival Women's Full Figure Longline Camisole Strap Soft Cup Wire Free Bra (no lace)

This one is VERY vintage but the cup sizes run larger. I found it more comfortable than the lace version (see next) and so I returned this one for the smaller size cup. Because it is a long line it is a bit warm. The support is great though. This is the first bra I've owned in a long time that really doesn't rely on straps AT ALL. In fact, this could easily be a strapless on me.

$25-112 (I paid $42) Comes in white, black, and champagne. 34B - 48DDD Cup sizes only go up to DDD.

Carnival Women's Full Figure Longline Padded-Strap Soft-Cup Wire-Free Bra (Lace)

Oddly enough, this one, while the same company and size as the previous long line, ran exactly true to size on me. I like it and it looks lovely on, BUT the lace is a bit sharp. Also the support isn't awesome, so if you need a lot of help, this bra isn't for you. Finally I had to wear the straps on the very shortest setting, rare for me. So if your boobs are high, this may not have short enough straps for you. Although the shoulder padding is nice.

I gotta say this bra does one thing REALLY well, it gives GREAT sweater.



So if "sweater girl" is the look you are after, hard to do worse than this. Very little over-boob seam line showing on my lightest weight knit top.

$25-112 (I paid $41) Comes in white, black, and blush. 34B - 48DDD Cup sizes only go up to DDD.

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

I have a long and contentious relationship with capris (or in this case pedal pushers). It's well documented in this blog.

I've settled on them being OK, but for me only with high heels. Rather like pencil skirts and dresses.

So here I am on the final day of Phoenix Comic Fest in my favorite pair.


I paired them with a knitted octopus pinned to my head, some black & white accessories, and my new teapot bag!

Outfit Details

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

This was my first outfit in Phoenix recently, Fashionable Reader!




This is an old favorite dress because it's polyester and packs easy (no wrinkles) and is relatively cool. Because there were lines in the sun to get into the event, I paired it with a check umbrella as a parasol, and walking sandals (no heels for me this day).

Outfit Details

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Without further ado, Fashionable Reader, here are the outfits I wore in 2017!


In Detroit, I went pretty low key and practical. I also was starting to test some of my clothes to see if I really wanted to keep them. Both this skirt and skirt have now gone on to new homes so this is the last time I wore them.


I love this outfit (although this is the cold weather variation). I'm really getting into steampunk pin-up as a look.


Resurrecting an old favorite dress and remembering how much I love it.


Changing up the way I wear my corsets now that I have the reduced rack and modified corsetry.


A new corset with an old dress, another one that I decided not to keep (the dress, not the corset).

Reminder! 

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

So I keep a long list of items that interest me, Fashionable Reader, but that I'm not sure if they are worth it or not. Prime day, for me, is an excuse to try out some stuff at a lower price point.

So here is what I am picking up...

Angerella Vintage Retro Pin Up Halter One Piece Swimsuit Monokinis for $9.99 comes in four different patterns, sizes are kind of restricted. I'm trying the L & XL (6 & 8) respectively. (I know, right?)


Pretty Polly Womens Nylon Backseam Tights for $14. Like all other denizens of the nude with black back seam (who can't wear Leg Avenue), I used to buy American Apparel. They discontinued their version years ago. I've been hunting for a replacement since. We shall see how these fit.

Things on sale that I have, love, and recommend...

Life's perfect silk head scarf for $13 There is something about this scarf, the colors just seem to always go with everything in my wardrobe and its thick enough to be full cover, but still light-weight, and it's the right size to tie in pretty ways without too much excess.




Life's perfect sleep mask $9.99. Super-smooth with the all important Two Straps.

Retro Rack is also on Facebook and Pinterest where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

You can visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I gets a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

BayCon used to be my con, you know way back in the day when I was first bouncing about in fandom (lots of comic book marvel cosplay). It was the first SF/F con I ever attended (not counting Star Trek). I haven't been back in years since it always takes place over the three day weekend in spring and that's a popular weekend for events. I am usually trundling about elsewhere. However, this year my local RWA chapter was invited down, and I happened to be in town, so I figured: why not?


The dress is a black 1950s coat dress with big pockets, lined in red, as are the cuffs of the sleeves. Because it's satin it doesn't travel well so you'll usually only see me in it at local events. I do love it, though. I'm wearing two crinolines under it to give it volume, but it could take more.

Me and my BFF RWA girls! Lea Kirk & Tess Rider

I've accessorized it with the following:

1. Vintage 1950s beret style felt hat.
2. Double strand of red beads with matching earrings, similar set for $25
3. Obligatory pen necklace, $20
4. Wide red vinyl belt, similar $30 (also comes in dark red)
5. Shoes of Prey pumps, wing tips, leather and patent designed by me, $200 (for my concerns working with Shoes of Prey please read this blog post)

There it is. This is certainly a favorite outfit of mine. I'm hoping to get to wear it again soon.

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

You can visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I gets a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.