Fabrics: Glissenette

Iris Bralette prototype with shiny glissenette

Iris Bralette prototype with matte glissenette

Glissenette is a sheer nylon/spandex fabric usually used in skating costumes.  This is another unconventional fabric for bra-making that I wanted to experiment with.  Glissenette is very lightweight, available in a wide range of colors, and both shiny and matte finishes.   This fabric is different from the others that I typically work with in that is has much more lengthwise stretch than crosswise stretch.

Beige fabric shown above has a shiny, shimmery finish.  It is 90/10 nylon/spandex and has 60% lengthwise stretch, and 10% crosswise stretch.  

Pink fabrics shown above has a matte finish.  It is 90/10 nylon/spandex and has 70% lengthwise stretch and 20% crosswise stretch.

Pros:

if you are looking for a sheer fabric with a smoother surface than lace or stretch mesh, this is it!  While it is lightweight, the relatively high amount of spandex (10%) gives bralettes in this fabric medium support.

Cons:

I found this fabric to snag easily.  Be sure to use very sharp scissors and a new rotary blade when cutting your pattern pieces.  Thin sharp pins are also a must.