How to Stop Bra Straps Slipping

We’ve all experienced the bra strap battle –that frustrating feeling when your bra straps keep slipping off your shoulders repeatedly again throughout the day. There’s nothing more annoying than sitting in a meeting or struggling with your groceries and feeling your bra straps slowly falling off your shoulder.

Constantly fixing slipping bra straps isn’t just irritating, it can also mean that your bra isn’t giving you the support you need, or even that it is the wrong size for you all together. We want you to feel your best in your bra, so we’ve put together our top tips on how to stop bra straps from slipping and finally win the bra strap battle.

Why do bra straps keep slipping?

To prevent bra straps from slipping, you need to consider why they might be falling off in the first place.

Bra straps keep slipping for three main reasons:

• Your bra isn’t adjusted correctly: If your bra has adjustable straps and band, these may not be tightened correctly for your body.
• Your bra is worn out and needs replacing: Even the best bras eventually reach their end – if your bra elastic looks tired and it can’t be tightened any further, it might be time to break up with your bra.

• Your bra isn’t the right fit for you: A poorly fitting bra can lead to discomfort and even back pain due to slipping straps, misaligned cups, or an ill-fitting band. Discover how to find your perfect cup size, band size and enjoy the confidence that comes with it in our guide on how to measure for a bra size.

When working out how to stop bra straps slipping, start by adjusting your bra. If you can’t adjust it further, you can try to extend its life with a bra strap clip, elastic holder, or liner.

At some point though, enough is enough, and it’s time to get a proper fitting, and trade your old bra or bad bra fit for a bra that suits you perfectly. You can also choose a bra with features that can prevent your bra straps from slipping for longer. We’ll go through each of these steps below, so you can finally stop your bra straps falling off your shoulders.

Adjust the Straps

If your bra has adjustable straps, your first step is to adjust them to the correct length. If you’re wondering how to tighten bra straps, simply hold the slide adjuster while you pull the back part of the strap, so the adjuster goes closer to the cup. To loosen it, pull the adjuster away from the cup. Believe it or not, your bra straps can slide if your straps are too loose or too tight, so make sure they’re secure but not digging into the shoulders. Overly tight bra straps can cause your band to ride up, leading the space between the band and shoulder to lessen, which then causes the straps to slip.

Try a Bra Accessory

If you are still battling with slipping bra straps, you can try a bra accessory. These can help your bra straps to stay on your shoulders more securely. It’s important to note that these cannot replace a correctly fitting bra – they may keep the straps on your shoulders, but if there’s other fit issues, they can still cause you problems or discomfort. The most common accessories for bra straps are:

• Bra clips: Bra clips can be a helpful tool for preventing slipping straps. These small clips convert your regular bra into a racerback style, where the straps connect in the middle of your back. This can be especially helpful for low-cut tops or activewear.

• Bra elastic: Bra elastics work the same way as bra clips, by attaching the two straps of your bra together so they can’t slip off your shoulders. However because they’re elastic they provide a softer effect than a bra clip, and can also be adjustable.

• Bra cushions: Bra cushions or bra shoulder pads sit underneath your bra strap, helping it to stay on. They make the straps wider, so can also be helpful if you need more support.

Strapless Bras

Strapless bras are your answer to ditch the worry of slipping bra straps! They provide all the support you need without the worry of visible straps. This makes them perfect for off-the-shoulder tops, strapless dresses, and any outfit where you want a clean, seamless look.

For added convenience, consider a convertible bra with cross-over straps or a built-in clip. These features allow you to adjust the straps into a racerback configuration, eliminating the possibility of them slipping off. Simply adjust the straps before putting on the bra for a secure, comfortable fit.

Invisible Inside-Out Non-Wired Detachable Push Up Bra

     •   Strapless, push-up bandeau bra

     •   Non-slip grippers so it will stay in place all day

     •   Detachable, non-slip straps
 

Buy a Bra with an Expert Fit and Secure Style

There is one solution that is sure to stop your bra straps slipping – buying a bra that is the exact style, size, and fit for your body. Incorrectly sized or poorly fitting bras are very likely to cause slipping bra straps. You can use our bra style selector and bra size calculator to find your fit, but there’s nothing like getting an online bra fitting consultation from an expert. Here are some things to watch out for that can impact strap slipping:

• The bra straps run parallel at the back, and take the weight from the shoulders. A common cause of slipping bra straps is a bra size or style with straps that aren’t set apart the right distance for your shoulders. This is particularly likely if you’re someone with narrow shoulders. For narrow shoulders, consider our Simply Everyday Basic Wired Detachable Bra with its detachable straps. If you have sloping shoulders, the Secret Slimming Non-Wired Padded Bra offers a lifted design for flattering support. And for those with larger busts, explore our Plus Size Bras collection for a variety of supportive options.

• The band size is correct. When you first buy a bra, the band should feel comfortable on the loosest clip. You don’t want to be fastening the bra on the tightest clip before you walk out of the fitting room! This is particularly important for bra strap slip, because if the band is too big the straps may be too far apart.

• The cup size isn’t too big. If there’s too much empty space in the cups of the bra, then this can not only compromise support, but also create a gap that can lead to riding up and cause your bra straps to slip off. If the side seam of your bra is sitting too far back into the armpit, that’s a good sign the cup size is too large.

Secret Slimming Non-Wired Padded Bra

     •   High underarm to smooth the bulge and to flatter the breasts

     •   Secret slimming through the hybrid cup and airy sling inner structure, gives lift and natural support

     •   U back design enables the straps to stay in a central position and avoid slipping

Trust us, once you find a bra that fits perfectly, you’ll be amazed at the comfort you’ve been missing!

If you’re particularly worried about your bra straps slipping off even with the right fit, you can choose a thick strap bra that provides more support and is less likely to slip. You can also choose a racerback bra to prevent slip, but this kind of bra might not be comfortable for everyday wear. Browse our range of bras, and get excited for your next bra and the end of bra straps slipping.