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The Bling Bra is a 2016 DIY performance wearable by Dr. Charif Mahmoudi: an ordinary bra fitted with addressable RGB NeoPixels, an Arduino MKR1000 Wi‑Fi board and a battery. A phone creates a hotspot, the board joins it, and a browser sends color commands to the LEDs through the board’s local web page. It is a maker prototype for playful interaction—not a tested or certified commercial garment.
What the Bling Bra does
Mahmoudi’s project, published on Hackster.io on February 28, 2016, places sewable Adafruit FLORA RGB NeoPixels on a generic bra. Each pixel can receive independent red, green and blue values, allowing the garment to display user-selected colors. The creator presents it as a humorous social wearable—for example, sharing a funny moment with a partner—and as a performance tool that dancers could use to interact wirelessly with an audience.
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The project does not claim medical, biometric, intimacy-safety or commercial-product functionality. No independent testing is reported for battery life, brightness, wireless range, washability, thermal behavior or safety certification.
How phone control works
- Create a local network: Configure a smartphone as a Wi‑Fi hotspot.
- Power the garment: Connect the 1000 mAh Li‑ion battery to the Arduino MKR1000.
- Join the hotspot: The MKR1000 connects to the phone’s network.
- Find the board: Determine the MKR1000’s local IP address, then open that address in the phone’s browser.
- Choose a color: The web page’s color picker converts a hexadecimal color into three decimal RGB values.
- Send the command: The browser requests
/neo/R/G/B, replacingR,GandBwith values from 0 to 255. - Update the pixels: Firmware loops through the NeoPixels, assigns the channel values, calls
pixels.show(), and returns a status response.
This is local Wi‑Fi control rather than internet control: the phone and MKR1000 communicate over the hotspot’s local network.
#1 Best Overall
- Colorful EI wires: the package comes with a neon wire kit, including 6 pieces of EI wires in 6 colors, red, pink, blue, green, purple and yellow, various enough for your different preferences and decorating demands in daily life
- Reliable Material: these battery operated lights are made of quality PVC, pliable and waterproof, you can easily bend them into different shapes at will, no need to worry about breaking them, what's more, they are designed with cold light, which can shine evenly, comfortable for people to appreciate
- Convenient to Apply: each light is equipped with a battery box, which needs to be operated by batteries (2 grams AA batteries, not included), after you finish installing batteries, you can press the button on the battery box, besides, there are 3 modes, continuous on, strobe and blink, you can turn it off when you don't need it
- Variety of Applications: these strobing EI wires can be applied on many occasions, specifically, you can hang these on your doors, windows, holiday wreaths, stair railings, cars and more, creating a joyful atmosphere for you on Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Halloween, birthdays, graduation ceremony, anniversary and more
- Enjoy DIY Pleasure: you can use these flexible neon wire lights in various DIY projects, for example, you can fix these LED lights on your party dresses, braid them into your shoes or holiday face covers, install them on your bike wheels and more, which can bring you lots of DIY pleasure
Why the level shifter is required
The MKR1000 uses 3 V logic while the NeoPixels expect a 5 V data signal. The design therefore places an Adafruit 74AHCT125 quad level shifter between the board’s data output and the pixel data line. Mahmoudi states that it is “needed to connect the 5v neopixels to the 3v MKR1000.” Omitting that interface can produce unreliable or nonfunctional pixel control.
Parts in the published build
| Part | Quantity in the project list | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino MKR1000 | 1 | Wi‑Fi microcontroller and web server |
| Adafruit 74AHCT125 quad level shifter | 1 | Translates 3 V logic to the NeoPixels’ 5 V signal level |
| Adafruit FLORA RGB NeoPixel LEDs | 1 pack | Addressable lighting sewn onto the garment |
| Sewable conductive thread | As listed by the project | Flexible electrical connections in the textile |
| 28-pin DIP IC socket | 1 | Socket for the level-shifter IC |
| Generic bra | 1 | Garment base |
| 1000 mAh Li‑ion battery | 1 | Portable power source |
The project page provides purchase paths for several components through Arduino Store, Adafruit, Newark and CPC. Stock, pricing, connectors, battery protection and exact electrical specifications can change, so verify those details before buying.
Rank #2
- Green Neon-Style Lights, 5 Way LED Strip Lights, Battery Operated, Batteries Not Included. Widely Used for Wearable Clothing Lights, Car Ambient Lighting, Halloween Party Decor, Handcrafts and Bedroom Decoration. Battery Operated Neon-Style Sign
- Cold EL Light Wire 3 light modes: Stay on, slow blink, and fast blink; Length: 3ft per wire; Battery Pack Voltage: 3V; Powered by 2x AA batteires( battery not included)
- Flexible, Cuttable, Lightweight: The diy neon sign Kit light can be bent or cuttable once if you keep remain part connect to power, offer 360 degrees of illumination throughout its entire length
- Easy Install el wire lights battery powered: When using it, you can use pins, tapes, wires, etc. to fix it without affecting the beauty and neatness, and it does not need other complex tools to assist in installation
- Package: 5pcs 1M/2M EL Wire+1pc Battery Pack Controller+1pc EL Wire 5 female Splitter Cable
Textile construction and skin-contact precautions
Building the wearable means sewing conductive paths and mounting the pixels, controller and battery so they do not snag or short. The author advises: “I suggest that doing the stitching on the outside or covering the thread on the inside to protect it from shorts from the skin.”
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Treat that advice as a construction precaution, not as a safety certification. The published project reports no laundering, sweat exposure, abrasion, heat, insulation or electrical-safety tests. Disconnect the battery before altering the stitching, inspect for exposed conductors, and do not wear a modified garment if wiring, insulation or the battery becomes damaged.
Rank #3
- Colorful EI wires: the package comes with a neon wire kit, including 6 pieces of EI wires in 6 colors, red, pink, blue, green, purple and yellow, and each of the light strips 16.4 feet; Various enough for your different preferences and decorating demands in daily life
- Reliable Material: these battery operated lights are made of quality PVC, pliable and waterproof, you can easily bend them into different shapes at will, no need to worry about breaking them, what's more, they are designed with cold light, which can shine evenly, comfortable for people to appreciate
- Convenient to Apply: each light is equipped with a battery box, which needs to be operated by batteries (2 grams AA batteries, not included), after you finish installing batteries, you can press the button on the battery box, besides, there are 3 modes, continuous on, strobe and blink, you can turn it off when you don't need it
- Variety of Applications: these strobing EI wires can be applied on many occasions, specifically, you can hang these on your doors, windows, holiday wreaths, stair railings, cars and more, creating a joyful atmosphere for you on Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Halloween, birthdays, graduation ceremony, anniversary and more
- Enjoy DIY Pleasure: you can use these flexible neon wire lights in various DIY projects, for example, you can fix these LED lights on your party dresses, braid them into your shoes or holiday face covers, install them on your bike wheels and more, which can bring you lots of DIY pleasure
What skill level and effort to expect
Mahmoudi labels the build intermediate and supplies schematics and code. You need to be comfortable with Arduino firmware, addressable-LED wiring, a logic-level interface, conductive-thread sewing and identifying a board on a local Wi‑Fi network. The sewing is not merely decorative: thread routing, strain relief and insulation determine whether the circuit remains reliable when the garment moves.
What is—and is not—established about performance
- The documented RGB command range is 0–255 for each channel.
- The system is designed for short-range local interaction through the phone’s hotspot.
- No measured battery runtime, brightness, network distance, pixel count limit, washability result or user-testing statistic is published.
- The project is a DIY prototype, so its behavior depends on the exact NeoPixel pack, wiring, battery condition, firmware and garment construction.
How it compares with simpler light-up garments
| Design choice | Bling Bra | Simpler battery LED garment |
|---|---|---|
| Control path | Local Wi‑Fi browser on a phone hotspot | Often a switch or preprogrammed controller; exact method varies |
| Lighting | Addressable RGB NeoPixels with software-selected 0–255 channels | May use fixed-color or non-addressable LEDs |
| Portability | 1000 mAh Li‑ion battery listed in the build | Battery choice varies by design |
| Textile integration | Conductive-thread sewing onto a bra | May use fewer sewn connections or a detachable light module |
| Electronics complexity | MKR1000 plus a 74AHCT125 level shifter and firmware | Can omit networking and level shifting, depending on the LEDs |
The simpler option may be easier to assemble, but it does not provide the Bling Bra’s browser-based color control unless networking hardware and software are added.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Noise Reduction] MaxLax EL wire features an upgraded battery pack that reduces the noise emitted from the inverter, though a slight noise may still be present. It performs better in dark environments. When you bring the EL wire to an event or party, it ensures a pleasant experience.
- [Flexible and Cuttable] The versatile EL wire is flexible and thin, making it easy to bend into any shape (you’ll need something else to secure the shape) and cut to any length.
- [Battery Controller 4 Modes] The glowing wire offers Continuous ON, strobe, blink, and OFF modes, providing 360-degree illumination by pressing the button on the battery pack.
- [What You Get]Our Halloween decorative lights include 5 Red EL wires and 5 battery packs. Each wire is 9ft long with a diameter of 0.09in/2.3mm, powered by 2xAA batteries (not included).
- [Safe and Durable] Electroluminescent Wire is easy to use and provides bright lighting, with no radiation and energy-saving features. The EL wire kit is an efficient lighting solution that can be used for clothing, DIY projects, Christmas, or other festivals. Unleash your imagination for versatile enjoyment.
Rank #4
- Interactive Gesture Control LED Mask: Our upgraded light up mask featuring gesture control. Switch between 25 animated and 25 static patterns with just a wave of your hand. The smart gesture sensor displays “OK” to activate and “X” to deactivate screen switching
- 3 Pack Glow in the Dark Accessories: Our 3-in-1 set includes a 8×6.5 inch dynamic LED mask, 9×5 inch glowing finger gloves, and 51 inch light-up shoelaces. Perfectly sized for kids and adults alike, it’s the ultimate head-to-toe glow
- Multiple Flashing Modes: Each LED glove is operated by button batteries with 6 modes: steady on, fast flash, slow flash, left flashing, middle flashing, right flashing. The LED mask is powered by type-c charging.The shoelaces have 3 lighting modes: steady on, fast flash and slow flash
- Comfortable and Safe for All Ages: The Halloween mask features adjustable straps, eye holes and soft sponge padding for extended wear. The gloves and shoelaces are made from high-quality polyester, offering a lightweight, odorless, and flexible fit that’s safe for kids and adults alike.
- Ultimate Party Kit for Every Occasion: Ideal for Halloween, Christmas, dance clubs, cosplay, and more. This glow Halloween mask combo ensures your kids or friends stay safe and visible in the dark while standing out in every crowd. Great gift idea for glow lovers of all ages.
Practical boundaries before you build
- Use the published parts as a starting point, then confirm voltage compatibility and protected-battery requirements for your specific components.
- Keep conductive thread insulated from skin where the author recommends, and secure soldered or socketed parts against movement.
- Plan battery access so it can be disconnected before charging, sewing repairs or cleaning.
- Do not assume the garment is washable, waterproof, impact-safe or suitable for prolonged skin contact; those properties were not tested in the published project.
- Test the electronics off-body first, then perform short, supervised wear tests while checking for heat, shorts and accidental battery movement.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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