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Many have that one favorite bra that offers the right kind of support and is comfortable. Hence, it can be a bummer if that bra ends up having a broken hook, torn fabric, or lumpy padding. The good news is that if the hooks break, they can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Below I tell you all about how to fix bra hooks.
Contents
How to Fix Bra Hooks
Bra hooks are an integral feature of the bra. They are also very delicate and easily damaged if you are not careful wearing or taking off your bra. Broken, bent or mangled hooks can make your otherwise perfect bras unwearable and useless. Fortunately, it is very straightforward to fix a damaged bra hook using the following materials:
- Hook-and-eye replacement pack
- Seam ripper
- Thread
- Needle
Method
- Buy a hook-and-eye replacement pack, making sure that the new hooks and eyes match the ones on your bra as much as possible. The same size will make it easier to attach the new hook, while the similar color will not stand out from the rest of the assembly.
- Use a seam ripper to remove the seams on both sides of the damaged hook. Handle the seam ripper with caution, pointing it away from you to prevent poking yourself accidentally. Moreover, make sure that you do not break the seam around the other hooks that are not damaged.
- Once the seams are removed, pull the hook from the folds of the strap gently and trim away the excess threads from the ripped seam.
- Next, insert the new hook inside the strap and thread a pin through it to secure it temporarily in place.
- Connect the eye to the new hook to ensure that it is positioned correctly before you move on to the next step.
- Use a thread and a needle to fasten the new hook in place. Make sure that the thread matches the color of the seam of the bra.
- Stick the needle through one hole at the bottom of the hook and use a backstitch. Repeat the step for the next hole as well (The holes will be hidden inside the straps, so use your fingers to locate their exact position).
- Tie a knot and cut the excess thread. Pull at the hook very gently to ensure that it is securely fastened.
- Then, use your thread and needle to close the seam you ripped open in step 2. To achieve a neat result, match the size of the stitches to the ones already in place.
- Tie the hook and eye once more to ensure that they fit perfectly together.
- Finally, you can put on your as good as new bra and admire your handiwork.
How to Fix Bra Hooks Without Replacing It?
Occasionally, the hook is only slightly bent. This can happen in the washing machine or while you put on or take off your bra. The misshapen hook can be easily fixed without replacing it. This means less work for you and fewer chances of you damaging the other hook while putting in the new one.
All you need is a pair of needle-nose pliers, which are thin enough to maneuver the small hooks easily. Using the pliers, carefully twist the hook back into its original shape.
You can do this every time the hook is bent. However, keep track of how often you do it. If you do it frequently, it might be better to replace the hook.
Why Should You Replace Bra Hooks?
Your bra goes through a lot of wear and tear over time and can become damaged beyond repair. However, something like a broken hook can be easily fixed. Apart from that, there are various reasons that make it a viable option to remove the mangled hooks and replace them with new ones. Here are some of them.
High Cost
Many different pieces come together to manufacture a bra, including the cups, linings, straps, hooks, embellishments, etc. Moreover, reputable brands make sure to use the highest quality of material and other fixtures to provide you with a quality product.
Thus, most top-quality bras are often steeply-priced. When something as small yet significant as a hook becomes damaged, it makes sense to replace it instead of throwing away an otherwise perfectly fine bra.
Eco-Consciousness
According to statistics, an average American throws away about 81 lbs (37 kg) of clothes annually. This is a tremendous amount of waste that ends up in landfills or is burned, leading to a lot of pollution.
Even though it is a little gesture, opting to repair the bra and other clothes instead of chucking them away is among the best things I can do to contribute to saving the planet. Therefore, if you ever end up with a bent hook, prioritize repairing over replacing the bra.
Favorite Bra
As I said before, many of you probably have that one favorite bra from your collection that is like a trusty old friend. It may have often supported you through a trying time, keeping your busts in check so you can look your best self.
When your most beloved bra breaks, you may be reluctant to throw it. Following my step-by-step instructions can help you repair your bra hook very easily.
What Other Bra Issues Can You Fix?
Just as a hook can get broken, there are other things that can go wrong with your bra. Below are some common issues and simple solutions to alleviate these problems.
Broken Underwire
One of the worst experiences while wearing a bra is a displaced underwire. Sometimes, the underwire rips through its covering and starts to poke your skin. This can be quite painful and annoying. There are two solutions to this conundrum; a short-term fix and a long-term repair.
A short-term fix is a quick one when you are in a hurry. Get your hands on duct tape, push the wire back inside the fabric, and tape up the torn fabric. For a more permanent solution, sew the fabric to keep the underwire within its covering.
Discoloration
A bra molds to your contours and is in constant contact with your skin. So, it is quite common for the bra to absorb sweat, natural body oils, body lotion, or deodorant. Consequently, it can undergo discoloration or look dingy, especially on the cup area under the armpits.
To make your old, sad-looking bra almost as good as new, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste. Spot-treat the discolored area, leave it for 20 minutes and wash the stain with cold water. Then, wash your bra as you normally do.
Ripped Fabric
Bra fabric can get ripped if it is not washed at a gentle machine cycle. It can also happen if you wash your delicate bra with other clothes that have zips, hooks, or embellishments that tear the fabric of the bra.
Despite being ripped, the bra is still wearable as long as the cups’ lining, hooks, and straps are intact. If you do not like the look of the bra, yet you are not ready to part ways, use your creativity and decorate the fabric. You can use laces, diamantes, beads, etc., to cover up the torn part.
Conclusion
Fixing the bra hooks is pretty easy, as long as you have the most basic sewing skills and dexterity in your fingers. In a few simple steps, your hooks can be restored to their previous glory, so you can continue cherishing your bra for a while longer.
