Lover Bodysuit Supply List
If you’ve been wanting to DIY a Taylor Swift Eras Tour style Lover Bodysuit, but you’re not sure what you’ll need, here’s a list of products I use and products I’d recommend.
You do not have to order any of your supplies from Amazon, and I encourage price comparisons on supplies as well as couponing to reduce the cost of making a bodysuit. Amazon supplies are not always the cheapest. The costs of supplies can add up quickly. If something is optional, I will mark it as such. I often order bulk supplies since I make so many.
ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
The bodysuit base: Capezio Princess Tank
you can use any brand or style, or make your own. This is my favorite and what I generally use.
For sewing, I recommend KenziKreations pattern on Etsy.
for extended sizing, I recommend the Capezio Studio Collection on their website.
Rhinestones
You will need Flatback Rhinestones in these colors:
Aquamarine, Pink, Pink AB, Fuchsia, Crystal AB
You will need AT LEAST 2 1440 count bags of Aquamarine, Pink AB, Crystal AB
You will need 1 bag of Pink and Fuchsia.
I use size SS16 on sizes Small-XL. I use SS20 on plus sizes. You can use between SS12-SS20, but I’ve found these sizes are the most cost effective.
Rhinestones are cheapest on AliExpress, which is where I generally buy them in bulk. Shipping prices, speed, and product quality can vary significantly.
Beaded Tassels
You will need a yard of beaded tassels. Pink for Pink/Blue Variant, Pink Variant, Gold for Blue/Gold, Orange for Tangerine.
You can easily DIY beaded tassels by using a needle and thread, then sewing each tassel on the bottom hem.
I’ve found the cheapest options on Temu and AliExpress, but there may be shipping fees or an order minimum.
If you’re making the purple tassel variant, use individual purple tassels.
Sequins
The type of sequins used on the lover bodysuit are called PAILLETTE sequins. (They are the sequins with the hole in the top, not the middle.)
I get most of mine from Hobby Lobby. I use the blue, pink, and purple packs for the blue/pink variant. Pink and purple for the purple variant, and blue and gold for the blue/gold variant. I HIGHLY recommend going with these as this would be your cheapest option.
I use these sizes: 6mm, 10mm, 15mm, & 20mm
I also order lots of sequins off Ali Express. the prices are a lot cheaper, but the shipping and quality can vary. I’ve seen some options on Temu also that seem comparable. Etsy also has some great options. I like SavannahSequins on Etsy.
Rhinestone applicator tool:
This is an ESSENTIAL tool. I use the wax tip to easily place and pick up rhinestones. I use the metal tip to adjust placement or pick up excess or misplaced glue.
Glue
I use e6000, but B7000 and Gorilla Clear Grip are good too. Use these glues in an area with good ventilation.
I’ve used Alene’s rhinestone glue too, and its generally fine.
DO NOT use Superglue. It is not flexible.
I’ve heard Gemtack is good, but I have not personally tried it.
Glues on Amazon
E6000
B7000
Gorilla Clear Grip
Glue Applicators:
I use LuerLock Syringes and Dispensing tips to apply my glue in to dots. I highly encourage this method. It is much cleaner.
Needle and Thread:
you will need a needle and thread to sew on the sequins.
Thread: I use Coats &Clark Eloflex for my sequins. I do not recommend this thread for use in a sewing machine, though. I use the All Purpose in my machine. You can find this thread or a similar type in your local craft store, or even Walmart in a variety of colors.
Eloflex
All Purpose
For sewing sequins, I use between size 1-5 needle. For sewing beads, you will need a size 10 needle. You can find cheap needle packs at your local craft store or Walmart. I prefer embroidery needles to quilting needles.
Optional Items:
Faceted Beads:
There are small faceted beads sewn into some of the lines on the Lover bodysuits. I use them in select places, but they make the lines more accurate and more opaque. You can use faceted beads or seed beads. Check out your local craft store for color and size options since this is a personal design choice.
Zipper!
you do not have to add a zipper, but I highly encourage doing so. Zippers can be sewn in by sewing machine or by hand. I use a visible, closed 20-22 inch Coats & Clark zipper in a color that matches the base.
If you add a zipper, you MUST add a hook and eye at the top of the zipper. This will make the bodysuit so much easier to zip and will prevent a broken zipper.
A mannequin
I personally use mannequin (One in straight sizes and one for plus sizes) when making my bodysuits. I find that I get the shape much better. But it’s a high additional upfront cost as mannequins and dress forms can be expensive to buy and time consuming to DIY.
If you are making a bodysuit for personal use or a friend, you can use your own body or your friend’s body to draw your guidelines, then place cardboard between the layers of the bodysuit to prevent glue spread.
if you want a mannequin, Hobby Lobby has straight sizes for around $45 new, but I often see cheap mannequins secondhand on Facebook marketplace. Amazon has some good adjustable options for apx $100.
Hot fix tool/ hot fix rhinestones
it is possible to use hot fix rhinestones, but I personally don’t and don’t encourage it. Hot fix rhinestones take a lot longer to adhere than glue fix rhinestones. BUT it is a lot less messy. You will need hot fix rhinestones and a hot fix tool.
Bra padding
you can easily hand sew in sports bra padding to your bodysuit. I’ll do anything to avoid wearing a bra. You can just use the padding that comes in an old sports bra or bathing suit but you can also buy them online or in a craft store.
Wearing the Bodysuit Supplies:
Tights
Taylor Swift layers two pairs of dance tights under the bodysuits. The bottom layer is shiny and the top is fishnet.
I recommend the Capezio brand here again. There are many options on amazon, but extended sizing and colors on the official Capezio website.
Nipple covers
if you want nipple coverage, I recommend sticky bra pads.
Cakes brand is great, I use the Target equivalent.
