Systems and methods are provided for consolidating a preform of braided fiber. One embodiment is a method that includes acquiring a braided preform comprising fibers of unidirectional material that have been woven into a shape having a closed cross-section, disposing the braided preform within a mandrel, disposing an inflatable bladder within the closed cross-section of the braided preform, and iteratively applying pressure to the braided preform via the bladder to consolidate the braided preform against the mandrel.