02/06/2026
😍Here is a sneek peak of what is being uploaded today😍
Dear Fellow Bra Makers
My name is Nelmarie Prinsloo, and I am proud to say that the first year of Bra Makers South Africa (Pty) Ltd has been a great success.
Our Facebook groups have grown tremendously, welcoming more than 100 new bra makers. In June 2025 alone, one of our groups gained 100 new members! It is wonderful to see so many women embracing the art of making their own bras and underwear.
And you won't believe it — men have also joined our community and are making bras for South African ladies! My mission remains the same: To help revive the bra-making industry in South Africa. We are making progress, one step at a time.
Trying to work through more than 250kg of underwires is no small task. I think I have made a 25kg dent so far, but there is always someone looking for a specific type of underwire that is no longer readily available in South Africa. Learning that the company that previously manufactured underwires for many of our retail outlets had to dismantle its underwire-making machines was a significant blow to our industry. However, we will find a way forward once my current stock of underwires has been depleted.😜
Over the past year, I have built wonderful new relationships with customers, suppliers, couriers, and importers. Some suppliers have even approached Bra Makers South Africa to find out whether I would be interested in stocking and selling their products. There will be more news on that soon, so keep an eye on our Facebook groups.😉
Importing bra making patterns from Bra-makers Supply requires a substantial financial investment, especially with the high costs involved in bringing them into South Africa. Our solution to this challenge arrived on 6 February 2026.
I had the incredible opportunity to personally speak with Beverly Johnson, also known as The Fairy Bra Mother. Interestingly, I had written a letter to her on 26 December 2025 but had not sent it yet. Before I could, she contacted me herself on 6 February 2026. She wanted to know whether I would be willing to offer discounts or special promotions to students attending the Sewing Patterns Virtual Summit, held from 23 – 25 March 2026. As part of the summit, she was compiling a global list of bra-making supply resources for participants.
As a result of that conversation, I am delighted to announce that Bra Makers South Africa now offers Beverly Johnson's Master Classes! As Beverly herself says, it is all about mastering the skill of bra making. Go check out her blog on how to clone your own bra! Beverly herself is also part of our Facebook groups! If you do not come across her, keep an eye out for Liz Thompson, an official Beverly Johnson Bra Maker. Liz grew up in KwaZulu-Natal before relocating to Canada and has become a respected member of the international bra-making community. It is wonderful to have such knowledgeable and experienced bra makers connected to our South African groups.
Lastly, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support! Your encouragement, enthusiasm, and passion for bra making have helped make this first year such a success.
I look forward to serving you even better in the future.
Happy sewing, and see you soon!
Warm Regards,
Nelmarie Prinsloo
Bra Makers South Africa (Pty) Ltd
