Do-It-Yourself Easy Modifications

Solution:
I always like to add lightly lined foam cups to all my bikinis. I find that many bikinis are too thin, and my nipples will show thru especially when I’m in the water, or I’ve been in the water.

It is inexpensive and easy to sew onto your bikini top. The foam cup can fit to any size top with a few snips here and there. This also makes your bust look fuller and smooth. I love how light and invisible it becomes when I put my bikini on.

You can find these foam cups at Swimsuit stores, or at the fabric store. Don’t forget to pick up some thread.

All you need is a needle and thread. And a good eye! Make sure you have aligned the left cup to the left side, and same vice versa on the other.

Before you sew, make sure you have made the distinction between the inner layer of fabric and the outer. You do not want to sew all the way thru to the outer layer, only into the inner layer.

All you have to do is pull both sides in opposite directions, the fabric should lift and separate from each other.

When you sew, don't make a hundred loops. You will only need a few loops on each side of the triangle to secure it. If anything you want less so that the cup won't create creases on the front. It should have a little give so it can naturally conform to your breasts.

Solution:
Once I ordered an XS bikini set from Victoria’s Secret, but the bottom was still loose (I’m not sure why that is), so I shortened the bikini strings of the bottom and now it fits great.

Here’s how I did this modification. It was actually quite hard for this particular bikini bottom because the sides had detailed beading. So I folded both sides of the string and tucked it underneath and sewed it together.

I used dark brown thread, so it was nearly invisible….none of my friends could tell unless I told them. They all thought it was ingenious.

It’s a lot easier with string tie bottoms because they’re completely adjustable. If they’re connected strings, make sure you can cut it from the middle and still have enough string to tie them. But if the overall size of the bikini bottom is loose, I suggest returning it and getting an exchange.

Not all situations are solved by Do-It-Yourself Modifications. If you think you can tailor a bikini on your sewing machine…think again!

The fabric of a swimsuit is much thicker and elastic to sew with an ordinary home sewing machine. Your sewing machine will most likely just eat up the fabric and ruin it. There’s a reason why swimsuits are made in factories with industrial sewing machines.

Solution:
Add some extra detailing to your swimwear with pretty appliqués, beads, or rhinestones to make it look new!

If you want to add an appliqué your swimsuit, you have two choices, iron-on or sew-on. Ironing on the appliqué works best on polyester fabrics, and not so well on nylon fabric. So check your swimsuit’s care tag to make sure.

Finding appliqués are real easy! They’re in fabric stores and most craft stores. You can find a large selection of appliqués of tiny hearts, butterflies or letters to decorate with and they’re cheap. The prices range from about $.35-$1.50.

The iron-on instructions are included with appliqués. But here’s a quick run thru of what’s going to happen. First preheat your iron to medium heat. Remove the plastic from underneath the appliqué and place it right side up where you want it on the fabric. When the iron is ready, iron the appliqué for 8 to 10 seconds. And you’re done! Easy right?

For beads, it’s easy as long as you find the right ones with holes big enough for your bikini strings to pass thru. Don’t put more than 5 beads, otherwise it looks overdone. Your bikini strings probably have a knot at the ends, but you can undo them and retie them. If they do not secure well, consider sewing the knot. Simply hold the string into a knotted position, and securing a few threads within it to hold it together.

When you're done it should look like this:

Rhinestones are really easy, but they risk of being scratched off or falling off. All you need is a bag of rhinestones that come in various sizes, and a glue gun. Both of these shouldn’t cost you more than 5 dollars all together, dollar stores usually carry glue guns. When applying these, make sure you have enough for the design you intend to glue on. The creations are endless, you can make shooting stars, swirls, a sun…you get the idea.

If you've ever made your own clever modifications, let us know!

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