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When your bra straps keep falling down: causes and solutions

Many women are familiar with the problem of having their bra straps slipping off their shoulders all the time. Constantly pulling up your bra straps isn’t exactly elegant, especially when you’re at work or special events. But why do your bra straps keep falling down in the first place, and what can you do about it?

by CALIDA

October 30, 2024 • 4 min reading time

Close-up of a woman wearing a white bra, with the bra straps well positioned to avoid the problem of bra strap slippage.

Find out why bra straps slip and how you can ensure a better fit with simple tips.

Why do my bra straps keep slipping off my shoulders?

If your bra straps keep slipping off your shoulders, this is usually a sign that your bra isn’t fitting properly. The good news is that most problems with how your bra fits can be solved in a few simple steps. Here are the most common causes of bra straps that keep falling down:

  • Wrong bra size: one of the most common reasons for bra straps that won’t stay up is the wrong bra size. Many women wear a bra with an underbust band that is too long or a cup size that is too large. If your bra is too big, the straps will be too loose and will constantly slip down – even if you make them shorter.

  • Straps that are too long: often the problem is simply that your bra straps are adjusted to be too long. If they don’t have enough tension, they’ll easily slip off your shoulders. Since most bras have adjustable straps, this problem is easily solved.

  • Narrow shoulders: women with narrow or sloped shoulders tend to have issues with their bra straps falling down more easily, no matter how well their bra fits. We’ll explain what you can do in this case in a moment.

  • Worn-out bras: over time, bras can lose their elasticity, especially in the straps. If your bra is older and has been washed frequently, the straps will have lost their tension and will slip down all the time. This is particularly true for bras that are worn and washed often. We’ll also provide a solution for this shortly.

Which bras are suitable for narrow or sloped shoulders?

If you have very narrow or sloped shoulders, you’re probably familiar with the problem of bra straps that keep falling down. But there are special types of bras that can solve this problem.

Racerback bras or bras with crossed straps are ideal for preventing your bra straps from slipping down. These styles have their straps set closer together, so they can’t fall off the shoulders so easily. Particularly when the straps are connected at the neck and back, it is almost impossible for them to slip down.

Multifunctional bras, where you can adjust the straps or cross them over each other to suit you, also offer various options for adapting your bra to your size and figure and keeping the straps securely on your shoulders.

Another option is special shoulder pads for bra straps. These add more tension to the straps and prevent them from slipping off the shoulders. These small pads are placed directly under the straps.

Replace worn-out bra straps

Many bra straps are left worn out and looking worse for wear after several years. The straps often become so thin that they simply slip out of the clips. The result: they get longer and longer each time the bra is worn. However, if the cups and other parts of your bra are still in good shape, you don’t have to throw it away just yet.

With a little skill, you can easily replace your old bra straps. Simply buy some new bra straps that match the colour of your bra. Using sharp scissors, carefully remove the seams connecting the straps and the bra. You can simply sew the new straps on yourself with a few stitches or have them sewn on by a tailor.

How to adjust your bra straps properly

To prevent your bra straps from slipping down, it is important to adjust them correctly. Always look for adjustable straps when buying your bras, as they allow you to adjust the length as needed.

If the straps are adjusted too loosely, they won’t have the necessary tension and will fall off your shoulders. It’s a particularly good idea to readjust the straps after washing your bra in order to make sure that they are tight enough but not too tight.

You can tell if your straps are too tight if they cut into your skin uncomfortably and cause pain in your shoulder and neck area. The ideal fit is achieved when they sit snugly without cutting into your skin, and still have enough tension to prevent them from slipping down.

The right bra size and the perfect fit

If your bra straps keep falling down, this is not necessarily due to how the straps themselves are adjusted. The wrong bra size and an unsuitable fit can also cause your bra straps to fall off your shoulders. But how do your know if your bra fits properly?

A bra fits perfectly if the underbust band sits snugly against the body without constricting it or cutting in. This is particularly important, as it is the underbust band and bra cups that should carry the main load, not the straps. The cups should fully enclose your breast without creating unsightly folds or gaping between your breasts and the bra. Make sure that your breasts aren’t spilling out of the bra, either at the top or at the sides; if this is the case, you have chosen a bra size that is too small for you.

Women with very large or very small breasts, in particular, should take care to choose a bra that is the right size and shape. For larger breasts, it is important that the straps are wider in order to distribute the weight better. With small breasts, on the other hand, it is more common for the bra to be too loose and for the straps to slip down.

Since your breast size can change over time as a result of weight fluctuations or changes in your physique, it is advisable to check your bra size regularly.

In conclusion: how to prevent your bra straps from falling down

Bra straps that keep falling down are often a sign that your bra doesn’t fit you the way it should or that the straps are not adjusted properly – so don’t forget to readjust your straps regularly. Choosing the right bra size is also key to solving this problem.

Over time, bras often lose their elasticity, which can lead to the straps constantly slipping down. By gently cleaning and caring for your bra, you can ensure that it stays in good shape for as long as possible. Once it is no longer in top condition, you can easily sew on new bra straps.

Then, when it’s time to buy a new bra, look for adjustable straps that can ideally be replaced quickly. Women with narrow shoulders should opt for special types of bras such as racerback bras or bras with crossed straps.

 


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