The Bling Bra is a 2016 DIY wearable by Dr. Charif Mahmoudi: an ordinary bra fitted with an Arduino MKR1000, addressable Adafruit FLORA RGB NeoPixels and a 1,000 mAh Li-ion battery. A phone creates a Wi‑Fi hotspot, the board serves a local control page, and a browser sends RGB color values to the lights. It is an entertainment and performance prototype, not a commercially certified garment.
What the Bling Bra is
Mahmoudi published the project on Hackster.io on February 28, 2016. The design combines sewn-in electronics with a browser-based control system. Its intended uses are playful social interaction—such as sharing a funny moment with a partner—and wireless audience interaction for dancers.
The project does not claim medical, biometric, intimacy-safety or commercial-product functionality. A separate Element14 discussion mentions another prototype, Euphoros; that is a different design and should not be treated as part of the Bling Bra.
How the phone-controlled lighting works
- Create the network: Configure a smartphone as a Wi‑Fi hotspot (access point).
- Power and connect the board: Connect the 1,000 mAh Li-ion battery. The Arduino MKR1000 joins the phone’s network.
- Find the local address: Identify the MKR1000’s local IP address, then open that address in a phone browser.
- Choose a color: The 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: The firmware loops through the NeoPixels, assigns the channel values, calls
pixels.show(), and returns a status response.
The phone is acting as the network access point and user interface; the lighting commands stay on that local network rather than requiring a cloud service.
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#1 Best Overall
- 35+ Guided Electronics Projects: Progress from LEDs and buttons to RFID access, real-time clocks, motion and distance sensing, environmental monitoring, motor control and interactive displays for STEM learning, coding clubs and maker projects
- More I/O and Memory for Larger Builds: The MEGA 2560 R3 provides 54 digital I/O pins, including 15 PWM outputs, 16 analog inputs, 4 hardware serial ports and 256 KB flash for projects that combine more sensors, controls and displays
- 200+ Components for Prototyping: Includes LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, DHT11, HC-SR501 PIR, ultrasonic and water-level sensors, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, DC motor, breadboard and more
- Learn, Modify and Create: Follow 35+ guided lessons with example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text, motor behavior and control logic to turn structured exercises into access systems, monitors, alarms and interactive projects
- Organized for Repeatable Learning: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and keep sensors, LEDs, ICs, wires and other components easy to find between projects
Why a level shifter is required
The MKR1000 uses 3 V logic, while the NeoPixels expect a 5 V data signal. Mahmoudi states that the level shifter is “needed to connect the 5v neopixels to the 3v MKR1000.” A 74AHCT125 quad level shifter translates the MKR1000’s data signal before it reaches the pixels. Omitting that interface can produce unreliable or nonfunctional LEDs.
Parts listed by the project
| Part | Quantity in the published bill of materials | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Arduino MKR1000 | 1 | Wi‑Fi-enabled controller and web server |
| Adafruit FLORA RGB NeoPixel LEDs | 1 pack | Addressable RGB lighting |
| Adafruit 74AHCT125 quad level shifter | 1 | Translates 3 V logic to the NeoPixels’ 5 V signal level |
| Sewable conductive thread | As required for the layout | Electrical connections integrated into the textile |
| 28-pin DIP IC socket | 1 | Socket for the level-shifter IC |
| Generic bra | 1 | Garment base |
| 1,000 mAh Li-ion battery | 1 | Portable power |
The project page points readers to Arduino Store, Adafruit, Newark and CPC purchase paths for several components. Stock, exact variants and prices are not fixed by the 2016 article, so verify voltage characteristics, connectors, battery protection and current availability before buying.
Rank #2
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
Textile assembly and sewing guidance
This is an intermediate-level maker build that combines the published schematic and code with hand-sewn conductive connections. Plan the LED positions, controller location, battery placement and signal path before stitching so conductive runs do not cross unintentionally.
Mahmoudi warns: “I suggest that doing the stitching on the outside or covering the thread on the inside to protect it from shorts from the skin.” Follow that advice by keeping conductive thread away from bare skin or insulating it securely, and by strain-relieving connections where the garment flexes.
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Rank #3
- Discover E-Sewing: Learn how to sew circuits with conductive thread to light up LEDs and control them using buttons, switches, and ambient light sensors. Ideal for beginners exploring e-textiles and wearable tech.
- Complete Kit for Projects: Includes LilyPad USB board, LEDs, buttons, sensors, conductive thread, and colorful felt sheets to create interactive, tech-infused fabric projects like glowing dolls or light-up plush.
- Easy-to-Follow Guide: The full-color guide provides step-by-step instructions for 5 fun projects, from glowing pins to music buzzers. Simple diagrams and troubleshooting tips ensure success for every user.
- Interactive Projects: Experiment with circuits before sewing them into your creations. Projects include light-reactive circuits and engaging wearable tech ideas for creative learning.
- For All Skill Levels: Perfect for beginners and experienced makers alike, this kit encourages creativity and innovation by blending sewing and electronics into exciting DIY e-textile projects.
Practical assembly checks
- Confirm the NeoPixel data direction and connect the level-shifted signal to the strip or pixel input.
- Keep power and ground paths continuous and insulated from neighboring conductive stitches.
- Secure the battery and controller so their weight does not pull on sewn traces.
- Test the electronics on a bench before attaching them permanently to the bra.
What the project does—and does not—establish
The documented behavior is color control over a local Wi‑Fi link, with each RGB channel represented by a 0–255 value. The page reports no measured battery life, brightness, wireless range, washability, thermal testing or electrical-safety certification. Treat the result as a maker prototype: disconnect the battery before cleaning, do not immerse the electronics, and inspect insulation and stitching before every wear session.
Important operating boundaries
- It is not documented as waterproof, washable or suitable for prolonged skin contact without additional insulation.
- No independent performance statistics or user-testing figures are published.
- Battery protection, charging procedure and enclosure details must be verified for the specific cell and charger you use.
Where this design fits among connected-fashion builds
The following distinctions are design-level comparisons, not measured benchmarks.
Rank #4
- 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
- 200+ Components Across 63 Types: Includes an ELEGOO UNO R3 controller, LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, HC-SR501 PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, breadboard and more
- Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
- Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
- Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
| Axis | Bling Bra | Simpler battery LED garment |
|---|---|---|
| Control path | Local Wi‑Fi browser on a phone hotspot | Often a switch or fixed controller; networking is not required |
| Lighting | Addressable RGB NeoPixels with programmable 0–255 channels | May use non-addressable single-color or prewired LEDs |
| Power portability | 1,000 mAh Li-ion battery | Depends on the chosen battery and circuit |
| Textile integration | Sewn conductive thread, a bra and embedded electronics | Can use less sewing or a detachable light module |
| Electronics complexity | MKR1000 plus a 74AHCT125 level shifter and firmware | Can omit networking and level translation in a simpler circuit |
Can you build one today?
Yes, if you are comfortable with Arduino firmware, addressable LEDs, Li-ion power and conductive-thread construction. Start with the published schematic and code, reproduce the network and endpoint behavior on a bench, then move the tested circuit onto the garment. Use components whose voltage ratings and connectors match your exact MKR1000, NeoPixels and battery, and add insulation and mechanical strain relief before wearing it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILD BREADBOARD CIRCUITS AND MINI PROJECTS - Create LED indicators, button inputs, traffic-light sequences, light-activated circuits, RGB effects and buzzer alarms for electronics practice, classroom demonstrations and maker projects
- 235 PARTS FOR REPEATABLE EXPERIMENTS - Includes a 400-tie-point solderless breadboard, power module, jumper wires, Dupont wires, potentiometer, buttons, LEDs, resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, buzzers and light-sensitive components
- LEARN HOW CORE COMPONENTS WORK - Use the 74HC595 to expand outputs, the 4N35 optocoupler to explore signal isolation, PN2222 transistors to switch loads and 1N4007 diodes for polarity protection and rectification experiments
- POWER AND REWIRE PROJECTS QUICKLY - Use the breadboard power module for selectable 3.3 V or 5 V rails, while rigid jumpers and female-to-male leads simplify connections; use a suitable 6.5–9 V DC input and do not exceed 9 V
- COMPONENT KIT WITH CLEAR EXPECTATIONS - A controller board, programming cable and wall power adapter are not included; use a compatible microcontroller for coded projects and follow the current tutorial, datasheets and wiring guidance
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