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Original poster

Why do my bra straps

16 replies

Thistledew · 17/01/2012 10:23

Always fall off my shoulders?

Does this happen to other people?

What can I do to stop it?

I am a 34D. I have tried a range of styles and makes, but for every bra that I have, the straps slide off my shoulders.

I don't think it is the size. I have tried a couple of bras in a 36, which I then have to do up on the tightest fitting, and they are even worse. 32 is way too tight.

My shoulders slope slightly, but not markedly so. I find for some reason that the left one falls off more often than the right (I am right handed).

I have tried tightening up the straps, but even if I do so to the point that they leave a mark on my skin, they still fall off.

I know there are various products to clip onto the straps, but they seem really fiddly and not the most glam things in the world. Do people use them?

OP posts:
BuntyCollocks · 17/01/2012 11:43

You probably need to go down a back size. 32 might feel tight, but that's only because you're used to wearing a loose 34. Go get measures at bravissimo or the like. Independent bra shops are usually good: anywhere that can fit you by looking at you is a winner.

iWILLdothis · 17/01/2012 11:45

Well I have had the same problem as you....up until about half an hr ago. I think I may have found my solution. My bravissimo order
arrived this morning and I am now wearing the esme bra. It has a wee tag on it explaining that there's some special design to prevent strap slippage... and so far so good... It feels so comfortable! Will report back later to let you know how it goes...

Original poster
Thistledew · 17/01/2012 12:12

Bunty - thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think so. I have just measured myself and I measure 31 1/2 inches/ 80 cm under the bust and 38 inches/ 97 cm over the bust.

According to all the online measuring guides I have looked at this should make me a 36C, but that us just hopeless for keeping the straps up.

OP posts:
Original poster
Thistledew · 17/01/2012 12:13

IWILLdothis - thanks. Please do report back. I would be interested to see if it does actually work.

OP posts:
HazleNutt · 17/01/2012 12:16

if you measure 31 1/2 inches then yes you should be in 32 bra. Not D though, but E I would guess.

Dollydowser · 17/01/2012 12:17

I think your measurements indicate more like a 32 E/F. The add 4/5 inches rule comes from before elastic was invented, there is no longer any need to do that. Bravissimo fitting guide

NewYearEverything · 17/01/2012 12:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HazleNutt · 17/01/2012 12:22

depends if the brand has DD as well or just D E F.

WhereTheWildThingsWere · 17/01/2012 12:22

You are the same measurements as me and I am a 32F, you need some new bras then there will be no more slippage.

The old measuring system (of adding 4 to your under bust measurement) is no longer correct.

Original poster
Thistledew · 17/01/2012 12:43

Hmm. I will definitely try a 32, although finding one with a big enough cup size is going to be fun. I never thought to go down a size as some of my 34s do tend to leave marks from the underwiring on the outside of my boobs under my armpits.

Thanks for all the advice.

OP posts:
Eggrules · 17/01/2012 12:51

Straps falling off the shoulders means the back size is too large.
The back strap riding up means the cup size is too small.

You will either be 32F or 34G - you may need to fasten on the tightest fitting. I recommend that you go and try loads of different styles on to see what suits your shape.

iWILLdothis · 17/01/2012 14:04

Reporting back.... Still have not had to pull up my straps. They haven't budged. Highly recommend u try it. Would link for you but am on my phone.

brahelper · 19/02/2012 05:13

generally falling bra straps usually means the band is too large, either wrong size or worn out with lost elastic, however it also can be down to body shape as well as worn out straps. eg. a short torso can be enough to cause bra slippage problems. The commercial solutions usually range from sports bra style bras which not everyone is a fan off to things like strap retainers. A friend of mine with perfect adjustment of her straps still was suffering with falling straps not frequently but often enough to annoy her, I got her some bra strap retainers sew in ones and she is now very happy using the same bra. Her bra straps were worn out but she wasnt happy changing the bra as the rest of the bra was comfortable for her and fit well. The problem is more frequent with smaller cup sizes and slim style straps but is certianly not limited to that range. In addition some women get side affects of having snug fitting bra straps as it can press on their nerves so for health and comfort reasons they adjust looser and this can also lead to falling bra straps, again strap retainers are the answer in that situation. I hope this helps.

faustina · 19/02/2012 07:03

I have some Lejaby bras, and on the inside of the straps they seem to have added something - no idea what it's called, but it's the same stuff they put on the bottom of slipper socks to stop people slipping. Perhaps you could try finding a bra with this?

talkingnonsense · 19/02/2012 07:14

It depends a bit on your body shape too- I am 'deep'( front to back), and not wide ( side to side) and need a 38- most are cut for broad shoulders! I now almost exclusively buy triumph amourette bras as they seem to stay up, so worth trying even more styles.

ChocolateDippedSproutHater · 19/02/2012 11:42

My daughter had the same problem with straps falling down, until I bought her these bra converters

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