Dealing with slipping bra straps is like having a bad case of hiccups: at first, it’s just a little annoying. But (hic) you’ve got this. You’re strong. Sure, it would be nice to (hic) be able to finish a sentence and move on with your life, but (hic) you can deal. Then, just when you think you’re free, when it seems like that last hiccup is the final one — hic! — it happens again. And again. And again, bringing you ever closer to the brink of insanity. We’ve been there. And we can help. Here’s what you need to do if your bra straps are constantly falling down.
It’s most likely a case of loose straps, but women sometimes experience this issue in combination with gaping cups. If you notice space between your body and the top of your bra cups, you may want to try a smaller cup size.
Incorrect sizing is one of the most common reasons behind slipping bra straps. If that’s the case, you might also experience the bra being uncomfortable in other ways. Apart from gaping cups, the underwire might not sit right, poking and irritating your skin. If your band rides up as you bend down or stretch up, it’s a sure sign that your bra sizing is off. You should also check the condition of your bra - the straps might be falling just because you’ve worn the bra for ages, and now they can’t be properly adjusted.
Women rarely consider the strap styles they wear - a different bra design might solve your problems in the blink of an eye! If the straps sit too close to the edge of your shoulders, you might want to try a different bra design. And lastly, check your posture. If you have sloping shoulders and tend to hunch while walking or working at the desk, there’s a high chance your bra straps will keep on falling. Doing some light yoga exercises and stretching might help you improve your posture and you’ll be able to wear more beautiful bra designs with ease.
Before you consider going down in the cup, try tightening your straps first. It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised at how often this step is overlooked. Keep adjusting them over time, too, since straps can naturally stretch out with wear. We recommend checking the fit of your bra every three months to make sure you’re still getting the support you need. If your favorite bra is more than a year old, the straps may be stretched out beyond repair, which means it’s time for a new bra.
If you’re having a problem with falling bra straps, you need a bra fitting. It’s best to take your breast measurements all over again to find the correct bra size for you. Use ThirdLove’s handy Fitting Room Quiz to determine your perfect fit, or measure yourself at home.
To do that, you should measure your band size - take a soft measuring tape, put on a non-padded bra, and measure the circumference of your bust just below the breasts. That is your band size. To find out your cup size, you need to measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Next, subtract your band size from your bust measurements - that will be your cup size.
If you’re still wondering how to keep straps from falling, here’s a quick and easy tip - change the strap style you’re wearing. First, pay attention to the material of the bra straps - at ThirdLove, we’ve designed our bras with no-slip adjustable straps for the most comfortable fit. Our unlined bras with wider straps are so smooth and effortless that you’ll forget that bra straps even exist - they’re so comfy!
Next, you should try different strap styles. Some bra designs feature sports bra straps that are much wider and thicker than the usual ones, providing extra support while doing sports and other activities. There are also bras with T-back, racerback, and cross-back straps, all of which offer more support and prevent your straps from slipping. Bras can also feature wide-set straps and straps that are adjustable at the front or the back - you just need to try different styles and find what works best for you!
Did you know that it’s best to wash your bra in cold water and avoid machine wash altogether? Lingerie is very gentle, so to make your bra last as long as possible, you should look after it properly. Your bra will maintain its gorgeous look and form longer if you wash it with your hands and then lay it flat to dry. If you do choose machine wash, make sure you use a lingerie bag to avoid any damage. You should also carefully examine your bra every few months and check if the fit is right. It’s a general rule to replace your bra every 6-12 months, but that’s really up to you. Good quality bras may last longer than that, but see if the straps can still sit in place and the cups hug your breasts comfortably. Remember that a bra should fit you like a glove, hugging you in all the right places - not too loose, and not too tight.
If you’ve made your straps as snug as possible and they’re still falling off your shoulders, a different bra style may be in order. Our 24/7™ Perfect Coverage Bra (a fuller-coverage style) and our 24/7™ Classic T-Shirt Bra (a demi cup) have narrower-set straps to help them stay in place, and convertible styles like our 24/7™ Lace Balconette Bra or 24/7™ Cotton T-Shirt Bra can be worn with the straps crossed in back to prevent slipping. And of course, a Racerback style has front closure, which guarantees no-strap slippage.
No matter what your fit issue — from slipping straps to cup overflow and everything in between — you can always reach our team of Fit Stylists for more help. And if you’ve still got the hiccups, drink water from the wrong side of the glass. Works every time.
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