One of your most pressing fashion questions: answered.
I hear this complaint all the time. “My bra straps keep falling off my shoulders!” Most people think it’s because their shoulders slope too much or they have narrow shoulders. Both of these could contribute to the problem, but you’ll be surprised to know that your straps could be slipping off your shoulders for several additional reasons. And most have to do with the way your bra fits.
(Related: 10 Supportive Wireless Bras For Girls With Big Boobs).
Bra Anatomy
Before diving into the reasons, it’s essential to understand a bra’s different parts and functions. These parts, from the cup to the band and straps, work in harmony to provide support. Knowing how each part contributes to the overall fit can give you more insight into why something might be amiss.
1. Your straps are not tight enough. This may seem obvious, but many women simply don’t adjust their straps. Straps are only supposed to support about 10 percent of your breast’s weight. But they need to provide some support, or they will just fall off your shoulders. Make sure your straps are tight enough to provide support but not so tight that they pull up your bra back.
2. Your cup size is too big. As women age, they often experience a decrease in breast volume, particularly in the upper part. This reduction can result in an unfilled space at the top of the bra cup. Without the cup being completely filled, the straps will tend to slip. Either go down a cup size or make sure you lift and place your breasts into your cups so that the cup is properly filled.
3. You’re using bra extenders. A bra extender is a tool used to increase the length of a bra’s back. While I offer them at HerRoom, I’m not particularly fond of them. They can introduce new issues, including the slipping of shoulder straps. Extending the bra’s back spreads the straps wider, positioning them nearer to your arms’ edge. This increases the chances that your straps will fall off your shoulders. Instead of an extender, consider going up a band size and down a cup size. This will give you two more inches around your chest while keeping your cup volume the same.
4. Your bra back is not in the proper position. I know we’re all in a hurry when we get dressed in the morning. But making sure you put your bra on correctly and get it in the proper place is critical to your comfort for the rest of the day. The final thing you should do after putting your bra on is reach back and pull it down so that it’s under your shoulder blades and even with the front of your bra. When you don’t do this, and your bra is left too high on your back, the front of your bra slumps, and the straps fall off. I can’t tell you how many times suggesting this simple thing to women has solved their strap-slipping problem.
5. Your bra band is too large. Similar to the back extender problem, your straps will be further apart if your band size is too large. This, too, can cause your straps to fall off your shoulders. A loose band also causes the back of your bra to hike up. If you are experiencing both of these symptoms, try going down a band size and up a cup size. This will tighten your band size while keeping your cup volume the same.
6. Wrong bra style for you. Not all bra styles are for everyone. Women with very square shoulders can wear the popular bras with wide-set straps. Women with sloping shoulders will have trouble. Women with narrow shoulders need to carefully look at the strap placement to make sure they are not too far apart from their frame. The bottom line is to know your body style and what styles do and do not work well.
Several manufacturers have worked hard to design bras to address this issue. For example, several Olga and Olga’s Christina bras have what they call a “Comfort Back” design. This back style brings the straps closer together in the back and thus reduces shoulder slippage.
Racerback bra styles are also an option. However, there are a few things that could be improved with this style. First, racerback bras tend to be front closures. This is limiting in terms of adjusting for your best fit. Additionally, racerback bras can cut close to the neck and provide pressure to neck tendons, which can become sore after hours of wearing. So, keep this in mind before selecting racerback bras.
Leotard back bras look like the back of a leotard, rather than a traditional t-back where the strap comes down and attach perpendicular to the garment. This styling tends to give less slippage, but there are leotard back bras on the market that also slip. So, it would help if you saw how close the straps come together in the back.
Clearly, the back of the bra plays a crucial role. Observing its appearance and fit can be instrumental in choosing the ideal bra to address the issue of straps that slip.
Significance of Proper Bra Measurements
The foundation of a well-fitting bra is accurate measurements. Measuring yourself for a bra at least once a year or after significant body changes like pregnancy is recommended. Taking accurate measurements at home can be a breeze with the right tools and instructions. Remember, incorrect measurements can lead to various fitting issues, including slipping straps.
Impact of Daily Activities on Bra Fit
Your daily activities can significantly influence how your bra fits throughout the day. For instance, a sports bra with broader straps might be more beneficial while exercising. On the other hand, for office work, bras with adjustable straps and full coverage might be more appropriate. Being mindful of your day’s activities and choosing a bra accordingly can prevent strap slippage.
Material and Craftsmanship
The material of the bra can also play a role in its fit. Silky materials cause more slipping, while cotton or textured fabrics provide a better grip. Moreover, how a bra is sewn, and its overall craftsmanship can determine its longevity and how well it maintains its fit over time.
Age and Wear of the Bra
Like all clothing items, bras aren’t forever. The age of your bra can significantly affect its fit. Elasticity wears out, and fabrics stretch. Generally, if worn regularly, a bra should be replaced every six months to a year. To prolong its life, ensure proper care, including hand washing and air drying.
Alternative Solutions
Apart from finding the right fit and style, there are other ways to tackle slipping straps. Silicone strap holders or racerback clips can offer temporary solutions. If you’re out and about and your straps start acting up, you can also use double-sided tape as a quick fix.
Consultation and Expert Opinions
If you’ve tried multiple solutions and still face persistent issues, consider consulting with a bra fitting expert. A professional fitting session can provide customized recommendations based on your unique body type and needs.
Testimonials and Real-life Scenarios
Many women have faced, tackled, and overcome this issue. For instance, Jane, a 32-year-old from Texas, found that switching to bras with U-shaped backs resolved her strap-slipping issue. Another common revelation among women was that they’d been wearing the wrong size for years, and a simple measurement session made all the difference.
Thus, dealing with slipping bra straps isn’t a necessity. By assessing your requirements and choosing the right bra, you can achieve both comfort and satisfaction.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
