Replies

1. 
   starzoe | Apr 06, 2008 06:43am | #1

   Very odd, isn't it? I have a problem with some bra straps not staying up unless I am hoisted up to where I should not be. Just yesterday saw an item that can be attached at the back of the straps, but it was just a plastic thingy and the cost was $16! I am going to manufacture something with elastic that will do the same thing for $000 to use with this otherwise well-fitting bra of mine.

2. 
   SAAM | Apr 07, 2008 09:04am | #2

   You could make bra stays to attach to your shoulder seams to keep your bra straps up. The stay is made of a small piece of ribbon (long enough to go over your bra strap) or a crocheted thread with one side of a snap attached at one end. The other end is sewn to the shoulder seam allowance. The other side of the snap is attached a short distance away on the seam allowance so you can loop the ribbon under your bra strap and secure the stay. Your bra straps will stay right up on your shoulders where they belong.

   Sherry

3. 
   BernaWeaves | Apr 07, 2008 05:21pm | #3

   Your bra probably isn't the right size and doesn't fit. 

   If the straps stay up under T-shirts, it's because the knit fabric is either clingy to you, so the straps can't move; or if the fabric is loose on you but it has "grab" on the backside of the purl side of the fabric that is keeping the straps so they can't move.

   The woven fabric blouses don't cling to you or the bra straps, and the fabric is slick on the backside, so the straps can move as they normally would.  Another thought, is that the fabric is brushing against the straps as you move and causing the straps to slide.   Adding little crocheted loops with a snap at the shoulders on the inside of the blouses will help keep the bra straps in place.

   However, nobody should have to tighten the straps to keep them from falling down.  Support should come from the band under the boobs, not the straps.  The straps should be comfortable, and not tight.  Go for a professional bra fitting.  They're FREE.  You just need to get over the embarassment of having another women measure you and check your boobs out.  There are bras where the straps are set closer to the center back, and they don't fall down at all.

   I also have different bras that I wear with different tops.  Some have straps in different places, which helps with different tops.

   Berna

1. 
   fabricholic | Apr 07, 2008 05:34pm | #4

   I've noticed as I have gotten bigger around, that when I buy bras now, the shoulder straps are set wider apart and that makes them fall down more.

1. 
   sewingkmulkey | Apr 08, 2008 11:46pm | #8

   Fabricholic - I have the same problem.  My bras were fitted by a professional but my shoulders aren't broad enough to accomodate straps that are wide set.  I have resorted to using the elastic band that attaches near the top of my back.  This is a good solution but a bit of a pain.

   Karen

    

1. 
   fabricholic | Apr 09, 2008 12:40am | #9

   Are you using a rubber band or elastic?

1. 
   sewingkmulkey | Apr 09, 2008 05:59pm | #11

   I'm using the clear elastic used in swimming suits.Karen

2. 
   fabricholic | Apr 09, 2008 06:49pm | #12

   Good idea.

3. 
   sewingkmulkey | Apr 09, 2008 11:07pm | #13

   I can't take credit for this as I simply copied one I saw at http://www.thesewingplace.com.

   Karen

    

2. 
   jayzeyway | Apr 07, 2008 06:11pm | #5

   Am going to try with the strap holders first. All of my bras are the same make and model as I got measured but they vary so much from brand to brand that I just got three the same but in different colours. They all have wide spaced straps and my shoulders slope a lot. I think you are right and the yolk of the blouse is brushing against the strap as I move. Yanking it up all the time is not a good look. It has really put me off wearing blouses in the past as the problem increases if you wear a suit jacket over the top. Will have to experiment as have just made Connie Crawford Butterick B5106 and love the fit and the relaxed styling.

1. 
   BernaWeaves | Apr 07, 2008 08:17pm | #6

   If you have sloping shoulders, perhaps you should try the racerback bras.  They can't slip as they are anchored at center back.

2. 
   Josefly | Apr 08, 2008 05:44am | #7

   I have the same problem with certain blouses and dresses. I've been watching the responses to your question hoping someone would have the answer. I wish I understood why it is that particular garments seem to promote strap-sliding. My straps are usually slippery on the top-side, and softly textured on the skinside, so they shouldn't slide so easily. I do have narrow, sloping shoulders, so finding the right bra is a problem in itself, but even so, these certain garments always make the problem worse. Many of the solutions to sliding straps, like racer-back bras or those back strap-connectors don't work with a neckline wider than say a crew-neck, because they make the straps come in too far, exposing them at the neckline. I suppose the fit of the garments comes into question, but I don't know specifically what it is. Bummer, though.

3. 
   From my Stash.... | Apr 17, 2008 02:45am | #16

   An additional reason for any of the bra straps falling are your shoulder blades.  If the back straps fasten too close to the area of your shoulder blades that moves frequently (the rounded edge), then the straps will move.  If the straps are fastened a little closer to the side seams, they tend to stay in place.  I had this problem for the longest time until a very experienced bra fitter went over this with me since I have very prominent shoulder blades (in spite of the additional layer of fluff that I've added).

   So, if you like your current bras, then use the attachments (crocheted or sewn) with snaps to keep then in place.

   But a well-fitted bra will make your clothes look better.

4. 
   sewelegant | Apr 09, 2008 05:33am | #10

   Look at the ads for Glamorize brand Magic Lift bras and notice how they are designed.  I am not thinking you have my problem I just think you will see how the design keeps the straps on your shoulders.  I was a Bali fan for years but as my bosom expanded, fit was a problem and I collected a closet full of unworn bras before I found these.  I never have to worry anymore about the straps.  I do have to put in those forementioned lingerie straps though because my right shoulder slopes just a wee bit more than the other and my garments always fall away toward that side, especially if it is a scoop neckline.  The lingerie straps keep my tops where they are supposed to be.  I like to use 1/2" wide ribbon and size 2 snaps for these.  Lately I have been "stitching in the ditch" to put these in.  I cut a piece of ribbon or tape twice the finished length I want plus another inch so I can fold the ends over about 1/2" to hand sew the snaps to, then I will pin it in place on the shoulder and stitch in the ditch of the shoulder seam to attach it.  It stays put for the life of the garment. 

   I need to edit this to say:  my tops stay put with the lingerie straps because I can anchor them to a bra that has straps that stay put... if the bra straps slide off so would my dress!

   ---

   Edited 4/8/2008 10:38 pm by sewelegant

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/8/2008 11:07 pm by sewelegant

5. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 09, 2008 11:58pm | #14

   Sloping shoulders and forward posture can also make bra straps slide more.

   I have narrow shoulders, so I usually take off and reattach the back of each strap about an inch closer to the center back. This gives a modified racer back with straps that angle slightly as they go over my shoulders.

   Most bras have adjustable straps, so there is usually enough extra length to position the straps closer together in the back.

1. 
   jayzeyway | Apr 10, 2008 12:53pm | #15

   Yes you’re right, that makes sense to me. I went to a pattern fitting ‘taster’ morning recently and the tutor said I had narrow shoulders and the start of a dowagers hump. I was mighty offended at the time as I am only 56 but I still booked the full two day course, along with the lady next to me with the sway back!
   Now I have just bought a bra similar to the Glamorize that sewelegant recommended but also moving the straps on all my existing bras will be a cheap and easy solution. Thanks.