I was recently asked what’s so different about London? Both London and Classic are based on my own BCD method of sizing, so isn’t London just the Classic with a bit of style change? My answer was a resounding NO. There are at least 15 differences between London and Classic bra patterns.
Don’t get me wrong; the Classic is a great bra pattern! For 25 years, it was my go-to bra pattern when teaching beginners to sew bras. Plus, the Classic is the pattern I used to teach the Craftsy class Sewing Bras: Construction & Fit. However, when I sold Bra-makers, I agreed not to sell bra-making supplies, and I have complied, even though it meant I could not create and sell more bra patterns. That made me very sad, as I have a lot of them in my head waiting to come to life.
That being said, I AM allowed to teach and sell master classes in-person or online. I am also allowed to provide a pattern as part of that class. So that is how and why I created the new line of Beverly Johnson Designs. Any new patterns I create will be part of a master class that I teach online!
15 differences between London and Classic:
London is a master class teaching support elements that happens to include a pattern with it as part of the package, whereas the Classic includes only the pattern. Both patterns fit very well in a large size range
the Classic is a diagonal seam while the London is horizontal. That is a HUGE difference. I have never done a horizontal seam in my previous line.
The cross cup seam of the Classic sits at the apex, while the London is above the apex, which gives London a lot of extra lift, which you can see in the above photo.
the Classic lower cup has two pieces after BCD size 4.0, while London uses two lower cup pieces for all sizes.
the Classic has options for a lace overlay on the upper cup; the London does not use any lace at all other than all-over lace. The new Paris class will teach you all about lace.
The Classic uses neckline elastic while the London uses fold-over elastic binding, for a more tailored look
The Classic frame is one piece, while the London is split at the B notch.
The Classic has an all fabric strap and while the London does too, the London uses a technique that wraps and finishes the seam very neatly, and has no elastic on the inside edge.
The London offers both a Gothic Arch and a regular arch for the front bridge while the Classic offers a regular curved bridge.
The Classic offers 1 pattern with a lace overlay piece added to make 4 views, while the London offers drafting lessons for 6 views all with differing support options, plus pattern pieces for all views in case you don’t want to draft.
The London has 35 pages of written instruction; the Classic has four. However the Classic instructions are also in French, while the London is only English.
The Classic has no video instruction whereas the London has 4 hours of video included.
While the Classic can be converted to a mastectomy bra or a nursing bra, you have to do that yourself, but the London has a nursing support collar and prostheses pockets, as well as 4 other support elements already drafted for you as part of the class package.
The London also has a bonus lesson on how to line the cups with foam.
The London has a second bonus lesson on how to make your own breast form should you need it.
But other than those 15 differences, the London and the Classic are identical! Haha…just kidding! When it comes to bra design and styling, the Classic and the London are as different as night and day!
My new line of classes-that-include-patterns starts with two iconic fashion cities of the world. So far, that’s the London and the Paris. Both are based on my own sizing system called the BCD system, which stands for Bottom Cup Depth. The Classic Bra was also designed using that system, so it stands to reason that if a 4.0 in the Classic fit you, then so will a 4.0 in the London. In fact, everyone who has tried it so far has used the same size as they make in the Classic.
