topic Re: Bra Straps in Fashion

Bra Straps

judgejudith — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:01:12 GMT

Am I the only one with this problem? My bra straps are always showing....is there a solution other than going braless? I'm a 44DD so that is not really a viable option.

Re: Bra Straps

65and fabulous — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:03:49 GMT

Try a sports bra, or the Genie.

Re: Bra Straps

kate2357 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:08:40 GMT

I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

I am large busted and particular on fit for my bras and where the bra strap sits is one of my 'things'. When I'm looking for a new bra (if my existing one has been disco'd) I ask for help from the bra ladies and tell them what I'm looking for and they guide me to the right style.

To me, buying a new bra is as difficult as finding the 'perfect' jean or trying on a swimsuit. Hate it...but when you find the right one....so worth it.

Good luck!

Re: Bra Straps

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:10:16 GMT

On 11/20/2014 judgejudith said:
Am I the only one with this problem? My bra straps are always showing....is there a solution other than going braless? I'm a 44DD so that is not really a viable option.

Does this happen only when you're wearing sleeveless?

Without any other info, it seems it's the cut of the garment that's causing the problem ..... correct?

Re: Bra Straps

sidsmom — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:10:50 GMT

Are you wearing sleeveless, collarless shirts?

Tinkrbl44: You're on the right track. Taking it one step further, I would guess from the size of the bust, the shirt purchased was a 1X...and if you have a M or L body, wearing a 1X shirt, there will be gaps. A good tailor might help.

Re: Bra Straps

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:12:31 GMT

On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

I am large busted and particular on fit for my bras and where the bra strap sits is one of my 'things'. When I'm looking for a new bra (if my existing one has been disco'd) I ask for help from the bra ladies and tell them what I'm looking for and they guide me to the right style.

To me, buying a new bra is as difficult as finding the 'perfect' jean or trying on a swimsuit. Hate it...but when you find the right one....so worth it.

Good luck!

Just curious ..... do you have a brand /style you can recommend?

Re: Bra Straps

kate2357 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:14:16 GMT

On 11/20/2014 65and fabulous said:
Try a sports bra, or the Genie.

As a larger busted gal....neither of those two work for me for wearing outside the house. The Genie just leaves me...um...hanging. The sports bra tends to give me a uniboob look and they can be a bit thick to wear w/ blouses or close to the body tops.

It is very challenging to find a good fitting bra when you get to the D cups (or beyond). I've had to try on so many styles to find the 'right' bra. And there seems to be no consistency in sizing w/ bras...much like no consistency in clothing. You would think a 36 D would be the same for every bra. But heck no. It's not even the same within a brand.

Re: Bra Straps

depglass — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:14:36 GMT

I'm similar size to OP. My problem is the straps are always sliding down when I am active. I agree with that "inset straps" idea, its just so hard to find these bras. Its like my shoulders are too narrow for my size, or they slope too much. I'm in an area where there are no bra fitters. Can someone please recommend some styles for larger women? Like a racer back would be great, but try finding that in a 44 anything.

Re: Bra Straps

kate2357 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:22:26 GMT

On 11/20/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:
On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

I am large busted and particular on fit for my bras and where the bra strap sits is one of my 'things'. When I'm looking for a new bra (if my existing one has been disco'd) I ask for help from the bra ladies and tell them what I'm looking for and they guide me to the right style.

To me, buying a new bra is as difficult as finding the 'perfect' jean or trying on a swimsuit. Hate it...but when you find the right one....so worth it.

Good luck!

Just curious ..... do you have a brand /style you can recommend?

Not sure if the styles are still available. Got them both at Macy's. I usually wait for a sale and stock up when I find a bra that works. I don't remember them being particularly expensive. I have been meaning to go to Sonoma....but it's an hour a way and I can't get myself motivated to go.

Wacoal style 85185 (I think...that's the number on the tag).

Bali style 3474 (Again I think. Also has these numbers RN15763)

I've had the most luck w/ the Wacoal line. I look for minimizers and 3-4 hooks. Sometime they aren't true minimizers...but have the sling on the side that pushes in so I don't appear to have underarm boobs. :::sigh:::

Re: Bra Straps

Madisson — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:23:29 GMT

On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

Interesting how we are all different. I have just the opposite problem. My bra straps tend to show around the neckline, so I buy bras with straps that are set outward a little more. Of course, I buy bras with elastic straps so they do not fall down.

Never have a problem with them showing when I wear sleeveless tops, but I like boatnecks and other wider necks, and they tend to show then.

Re: Bra Straps

Sooner — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:39:05 GMT

Natori and Wacol for brands. Buy clothing that doesn't let this happen! You gotta do what you gotta do!

Re: Bra Straps

kate2357 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:53:36 GMT

On 11/20/2014 Madisson said:
On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

Interesting how we are all different. I have just the opposite problem. My bra straps tend to show around the neckline, so I buy bras with straps that are set outward a little more. Of course, I buy bras with elastic straps so they do not fall down.

Never have a problem with them showing when I wear sleeveless tops, but I like boatnecks and other wider necks, and they tend to show then.

You are so right about us all being different. I don't wear boat necks or wider necklines. I wear v neck lines or jewel necklines or button up shirts....so my closer to the neck works for me.

And at my age...well really at any age...I would never wear a strapless. Just talking about me ladies. I don't think I would feel comfortable at all not having some sort of strap to hold up a top. But then....I'm a shy kind of gal when it comes to exposure. My sister....well...let's just say she's on the opposite spectrum....and proud of it (or should I say 'them'). LOL.

Re: Bra Straps

Dee in OK — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:01:57 GMT

On 11/20/2014 Madisson said:
On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

Interesting how we are all different. I have just the opposite problem. My bra straps tend to show around the neckline, so I buy bras with straps that are set outward a little more. Of course, I buy bras with elastic straps so they do not fall down.

Never have a problem with them showing when I wear sleeveless tops, but I like boatnecks and other wider necks, and they tend to show then.

Same here, Madisson. I've given up wearing boatnecks and most scoop and square necks because I'm sick of my straps always showing. Today I'm wearing a lightweight knit cowl neck, so there's no problem with straps showing.

Re: Bra Straps

judgejudith — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:04:34 GMT

Sorry I was gone for a while....packing for a week-end trip. I should have given you more information to start with. Thanks to all who took time to respond.

My straps show at the neckline. No matter what neckline I get, round, v, boat...seems like the neckline slides one way, usually to the right and one strap at least will be exposed. So far the best solution is to always wear a jacket. I've contemplated using a safety pin to pin my straps to the top, sewing the necklines a little tight (but I still need to be able to get them over my big head). Thought about to a seamstress and having little snappy things sewn in. I got a bra with thinner straps and they still show.

Re: Bra Straps

Tinkrbl44 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:11:46 GMT

On 11/20/2014 Madisson said:
On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

Interesting how we are all different. I have just the opposite problem. My bra straps tend to show around the neckline, so I buy bras with straps that are set outward a little more. Of course, I buy bras with elastic straps so they do not fall down.

Never have a problem with them showing when I wear sleeveless tops, but I like boatnecks and other wider necks, and they tend to show then.

I hope you are small busted !!

Elastic straps tend to break down with washing and the boobs tend to sag over time .... as well as bounce!

If you're larger busted, straps should be adjustable, but NOT elastic as that will be the first part of the garment to go.

Re: Bra Straps

Katcat1 — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:15:52 GMT

Ever since I purchased a bra by Vanity Fair with stretch straps I have had NO problems. My straps no longer fall down which use to drive me crazy. The straps are 1/2 in. or a little more. In fact this bra is extremely comfortable. You forget you are wearing one.

Re: Bra Straps

Madisson — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:19:25 GMT

Judgejudith, have you ever visited herroom.com? They have all kinds of bras. Also, I have purchased bras with wideset straps at Nordstroms. Good luck...as you know, you have to do a little hunting to find the perfect bra.

Re: Bra Straps

Madisson — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:36:10 GMT

On 11/20/2014 Tinkrbl44 said:
On 11/20/2014 Madisson said:
On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

Interesting how we are all different. I have just the opposite problem. My bra straps tend to show around the neckline, so I buy bras with straps that are set outward a little more. Of course, I buy bras with elastic straps so they do not fall down.

Never have a problem with them showing when I wear sleeveless tops, but I like boatnecks and other wider necks, and they tend to show then.

I hope you are small busted !!

Elastic straps tend to break down with washing and the boobs tend to sag over time .... as well as bounce!

If you're larger busted, straps should be adjustable, but NOT elastic as that will be the first part of the garment to go.

I just checked a few of my bras. You are right, on most of them, the front part is not elastic, but the back part is elastic and adjustable. I never have a problem with the elastic breaking down, but I have a lot of bras and rotate through my bras so they do not get worn more than once a week. I don't replace all my bras every six months like the bra experts tell us to.

Re: Bra Straps

Pook — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:36:15 GMT

If they are sliding down out of a sleeveless top then it seems like the straps are not adjusted right.

I am a size 12and 40DD and I found the greatest bra. It's a Lillyette minimizer #9039. The straps can be crisscross or regular or it can be strapless. When wearing strapless, it DOES NOT slide down or move in any way. It looks and feels the same as when using the straps. It's the best bra ever!!! JC Penney has them as does Amazon which is cheaper.

Re: Bra Straps

Madisson — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:47:35 GMT

On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
On 11/20/2014 Madisson said:
On 11/20/2014 kate2357 said:
I'm not sure what you mean by always showing. Do you mean they fall down or that they show when wearing a shell or tank? I'm sure someone w/ more knowledge than me will have the correct terminology...but I buy bras where the straps are inset more....meaning the straps lay closer to my neck than the outside of my shoulder.

Interesting how we are all different. I have just the opposite problem. My bra straps tend to show around the neckline, so I buy bras with straps that are set outward a little more. Of course, I buy bras with elastic straps so they do not fall down.

Never have a problem with them showing when I wear sleeveless tops, but I like boatnecks and other wider necks, and they tend to show then.

You are so right about us all being different. I don't wear boat necks or wider necklines. I wear v neck lines or jewel necklines or button up shirts....so my closer to the neck works for me.

And at my age...well really at any age...I would never wear a strapless. Just talking about me ladies. I don't think I would feel comfortable at all not having some sort of strap to hold up a top. But then....I'm a shy kind of gal when it comes to exposure. My sister....well...let's just say she's on the opposite spectrum....and proud of it (or should I say 'them'). LOL.

Kate2357, I'm kind of a middle-roader, but I dress age appropriately...usually only show off my decollete just a tiny bit if I'm wearing evening wear. My neck and chest are not wrinkled...yet!

Dee in OK, if you do a Google search for "bra with wideset straps," you can find them, but finding the perfect one with the other features you want can be difficult.