Last Updated on December 13, 2024 by Sarah Keene
Did you ever wonder how your bra straps become too loose over time or even though the underwear is brand new? The bra straps tend to slide down the shoulders when they are not properly tightened.
There are many reasons why your bra straps keep rolling down your shoulders. The experience of the bra straps dropping off your shoulders leaves you embarrassed in most cases: especially in those memorable moments.
If the bra straps slide down your shoulder more frequently: there might be something wrong with the lingerie. Some will say that you do not have the right size of bra or you do not adjust them correctly.
The other suspects that sloping shoulders have something to do with the loose straps.
But no matter what the causes are: we are glad to tell you how to tighten bra straps in the easiest ways through this article. Please read on!
Read More: If you want to know more about the best bras for sloping shoulders, read this !
Reasons Why Bra Straps Get Loose
It is normal to wonder why bra straps keep slipping even on their first use (more frequently when wearing for a long time). Here are the possible reasons why the straps slide off from your shoulders more often.
1. You are wearing the wrong size
Bra experts believe that the larger the band size, the straps are set wider in the back to suit plus-size (or bigger women). On the other hand, if the band size is smaller; the straps are narrower in the back to suit petite women. When you suffer from slipping straps more frequently, you probably have a band size that is too large. The best thing to do is to go down a band size. Moreover, having a large band size will mean bigger gaping between your bust and the upper belly.
2. Your sloping shoulders might be the culprit
When you have narrow or steeper shoulders (also know as sloping shoulders): the bra is more prone to sliding. To prevent sliding from happening: try to wear a bra with straps that are set a bit closer together (like a racerback bra). If you already own several bras that are not a racerback type: you can fix it without sewing. Please read our recommendations below.
3. Poor elastics
Buying an inferior bra with questionable quality is a big no-no! This kind of bra might have a snug fit in the first few years, but it will surely deteriorate in a shorter period compared to a pair with an irrefutable quality.
4. Tear & wear sets in
Every bra may lose elasticity over time. Tear and wear is a normal occurrence in every kind of clothing and other things we always use daily. But proper care will let your bra lasts longer.
One of the best things to do with your bra is to wash it according to its instructions. As the straps are elastics, they should be treated with the utmost care when washing and drying. However, gentle hand washing and air-drying make the bra’s life longer.
But if you have no time in hand washing your bras: wash them in a gentle cycle and air-dry them. When dry, you can adjust the straps to your liked tightness, as washing may move the slide adjusters.
Steps to Tighten Bra Straps Easily & Correctly
One bad day, you are in the middle of an important event, the bra straps suddenly slip from your shoulder! What an upsetting moment! But do not worry! You can do the tightening of the straps while wearing the bra. Do make an excuse to go to the bathroom and do whatever you want!
Tightening the bra while wearing is easy. It is the time when you could feel the fit immediately. Once the straps are tightened to the correct snug fit; you may know if the cups will also fit your breasts. Here are some of the easy ways of tightening those loose straps flawlessly while wearing the bra:
1. Lift the strap lightly
Bras have slide adjusters (or clips) in metal or plastic that come in full length or the middle (halfway) of the straps. Look for these clips that are on each strap. On the left or right strap of the bra, lift the top strap slightly using a hand.
2. Tightening using the strap adjuster
Once you got hold of the top layer of one of the straps: grab hold of the slide adjuster. The small piece of adjuster moves up and down the strap that comes closer to either the cup or the band.
3. Pulling the front of the strap
Using your other hand, while holding the slide adjuster in another; pull the strap’s top layer in the direction of the cup. This way, the strap will be adjusted and tightened to the snug fit you are comfortable with. Repeat the process with the other strap.
In such cases, you are in a bra store trying to fit a pair or you have already purchased a brand new bra while fitting it at home; here are the correct ways of finding the right tightness of the straps:
In a new bra, whether the clips run full length or halfway, they are mostly closer to the hooks.
While holding the bra, it is easier to loosen and adjust the straps, but you can wear it in trial and error (while adjusting the clips). Doing trial and error will let you find the ideal snug fit without hurting your skin.
Just like tightening the straps while wearing the bra, hold the slider in one hand, and pull the top layer of the strap towards the cup.
Do it in a trial and error mode until you arrived at your desired tightness.
In case you have asymmetrical breasts (when one breast is smaller or larger than the other or has a different shape), you can adjust the other strap in a different length. Health experts believed that asymmetrical breasts are normal in 50% of women around the world.
4. How the Straps Should Fit
After tightening the bra straps: you should know if they are correctly fitted. You may expect that bras are being worn for many reasons. Some of these functionalities are the prevention of gaping and breast spillages. The others are concerned more about bust lift and cleavage.
But to know if the bra straps (and the bra as a whole) fit you precisely or not, here are some of the most common signs:
When you have difficulty sliding one finger in-between the top and lower straps: they are too tight. The straps need to be slightly loosened.
If you slide a finger under each strap and you do not feel the pressure, the bra is more likely to fit you well.
Putting two fingers under the straps: if you can easily twitch your fingers underneath, you might need to tighten the straps a little.
Read More: Want to know more about the Best Bra for Side Spillage? Read here.
How to tighten bra straps without sewing
If you tightened your bra straps up to their maximum length but remain loose, there is something you can do about it. We do not mean you need to sew something on your bra straps. We can tell you two ways to tighten the straps without sewing them: either utilized a bra strap holder or a bra strap clip to prevent the straps from sliding down the shoulders.
The bra strap clip is easy to put on and take off without removing your bra. This non-slip and commonly sturdy but flexible plastic can connect both the bra’s shoulder straps from the back.
You can apply one or more of these clips, especially when your straps are already too stretchy due to old age but still fit for wearing. When installing this clip, your bra is still ideal to wear under a vest, t-shirts, dresses, sports tops, blouses, and racerbacks.
The bra strap holder, on the other hand, is similar in use to the bra strap clip. The holder also transforms regular bras into racerback tank tops. While the clip is mostly 8-shaped, the strap holder is commonly elongated plastic that comes in various sizes.
Conclusion
Your bra straps may slide off your shoulder any time you never expect. Knowing how to tighten bra straps will surely prevent you from the most embarrassing moments.
Surely enough, this article informs you in advance of the things you should do to avoid those discomforting events to happen. Moreover, try to have a bra that fits your size and complies with your needs. Over time, do the things we have told you once you suffer spilling straps from your shoulders.
However, if everything fails, maybe it is time you buy a new bra!
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