Why Your Bra Straps Keep Slipping Off Your Shoulders (and How To Fix It!)

Slipping shoulder straps is a common issue, and there are a few reasons why you might be experiencing this problem.

1. Your Bra Isn't Fitting Properly, and Could Be the Wrong Size

   Most of the support from your bra comes from the band, and it needs to fit firmly around your torso, sitting level around your body, or even dipping down in the back. If the back band is too loose, the balance is off. The back band will ride up, and the lack of tension on the shoulder straps causes them to fall off. Tightening the shoulder straps will not solve this issue if the band is lifting. It will continue to rise, or shift on the body, repeating the cycle of falling straps. Straps should be a comfortable pressure on your shoulders. They should not dig, or cut in, or cause dents or grooves in the shoulder. The band and cups do most of the work.

   
   

   

   Does your bra band make a 'frowning' face? It's too loose and you may struggle with fit issues like slipping straps, shoulder pain and poking underwires.

   Solution: Check the fit of your band. If it's too loose, try a tighter row of hooks. If your bra is on the tightest hooks already, you'll need to assess if it's stretched out with time, or if you need to consider a smaller band size with your next purchase. It's essential to remember that bra sizes are essentially ratios, often explained as 'sister sizing'. If you change the band size, the cup volume will change, even if it's the same letter. For example:

   • If you wear a 38G and the band is too loose:

     • UK sizing → try 36GG (smaller band, same cup volume)

     • EU / North American sizing → try 36H
       

2. The Bra Style Isn't Right for Your Build

   Modern bra styles available on the market tend to feature wide, open necklines to work under a variety of tops, blouses and dresses. Balcony-style bras typically feature square necklines with wider-set shoulder straps, which some people find to be too wide for their frame.
   

   

   

   

   Elomi Morgan, one of our favourite full-cups, features a more centred front strap, while Sculptresse Estel and Elomi Zarla feature the 'kicked-in' back straps for extra strap security.

   Solution: Look for a more full-cup bra style with the front shoulder strap positioned more closely over your nipple, also known as your bust point. There are also more brands adding styles with "kicked in" back straps to their assortment. This means that the shoulder straps in the back have been positioned a little closer to the centre, so the straps are angled inwards, or narrower on your back, to help keep them in place.
   

3. Shoulder Shape Can Cause Slipping Straps If you have a more petite build, a narrow torso, or rounded, sloped shoulders, sometimes it doesn't matter what bra style you choose; the shoulder straps seem destined to fall down around your upper arm. Solutions:

   1. Multi-Way Features: Look for styles that can cross over in the back, J-hooks to connect the straps together, or a racerback design.
   

   

   

   

   Panache 365 T-Shirt bra has connectors on the back strap to allow for a straight or cross-back effect. Elomi Matilda features a J-hook connector, while Prairie Wear HuggerLuma has a racerback design.

2. Strap Clip Accessories & Shoulder Cushions: There are a variety of accessories that can be used to connect the straps together, or shoulder cushions to provide a better grip to a sloped shoulder.

3. Adhesives: Roll-on glues or double-sided fashion tapes used for garments, and loved by dancers and gymnasts, can also be a solution to slipping straps.

Caution: Some roll-on glues or double-sided fashion tapes can help keep straps in place, but test on a small patch of skin first to avoid irritation. For most people, changing their bra style or using shoulder cushions is effective.

4. How Often You Wash Your Bra Can Affect the Fit

   Fabrics, elastics, and fibres stretch and relax with wear. In just a few wears, your bra will relax enough that it may affect the fit. You may notice that the band is shifting and the straps are slipping after three or more wears. Solution: Give your bra a good wash every few wears. We recommend washing your bra after 2-3 wears to keep everything fitting firmly and in the correct position low on your back.

Slipping straps can be frustrating, but in most cases, the solution comes down to the right fit, style, and support for your unique body. Everyone’s shoulders, torso, and bust are different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. If you’re tired of constantly adjusting your straps, a professional bra fitting can help you find the right band, cup, and strap combination to keep everything comfortably in place.

Come visit us in-store and we’ll work with you to identify the cause of slipping straps and help you find a bra that truly fits so you can move through your day with comfort and confidence. Kimtimates | The Bra Fit Specialists 

Have a good fit.