Ask Angie: Bra straps - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Ask Angie: Bra straps

isablue

(website)

I searched the blog for topics on bra straps and couldn't find any, so here goes.

I was wondering about wearing tops that require a bra, but do not necessarily cover the bra straps. I live in a hot weather, but I cannot wear any kind of tops without a bra (and strapless bras do not work for me). What to do? Should one just not wear such tops? Or is it ok to let the strap show? (considering it's a strap in good condition, and not made of plastic, cause that's bad, right?).

Here are a few examples of necklines that don't necessarily cover the bra straps.

http://www.marksandspencer.com.....CRXTT1T1JW

http://www.marksandspencer.com.....CRXTT1T1JW

http://www.marksandspencer.com.....CRXTT1T1JW

I know these are supposed to be worn with swimwear, which is ok to show, but what if they were to be worn as regular tops?

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Maya

Inge

(website)

Hi Isablue

Some tops have lovely necklines, but they're indeed not so practical bra-wise.
Have you ever considered trying a bra like this (apparently you can wear it 7 different ways)?
By the way: not saying you should get this particular one, it's just an example.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

You can get bras with "invisible" straps. They are actually a clear plastic, and if your bra has removable straps you can buy just the replacement straps. This is what we use for dance costumes for my dd. You can still see them up cose, but they don't stand out so much.

shiny

Veteran

I think if a bra strap peaks out a tiny bit - like by accident - it's no big deal. This is a fact of life for me with some of my tops, tops that aren't even designed like any of these - just regular scoop necks. Because I'm so short from shoulder to bra band. What I do is wear a black bra instead of a nude bra - maybe it's just me, but the nude bra screams lingerie while the black bra strap doesn't seem so bad if it peaks out, particularly from a black or darker top.

However the tops you are showing are a bit different, especially that third one. I normally steer clear of this style precisely for this reason. I think you need to invest in a bra that is made for tops like this. Or, if you go to Walgreen's, they are selling those clips that go on the back of your bra to make it a cross-body bra. My girls use these clips. I don't like to, because I worry it'll stretch out my bra. But it's a cheap-o option.

My girls wear spaghetti straps with bra straps showing in the summer - but they choose bras that are colorful. So for example a bright purple bra under a pink cami. The bra strap looks intentional that way. I think this is clever and cute - BUT personally I think it is strictly a look for teenagers!

Chris

That second top is really crazy - two straps and neither made for "traditional" bras. I suppose this is reason must larger busted ladies are stuck in wide strap tanks.

Convertble bras are the best option I can think of - they have slightly longer, adjustable straps. Here's a link to a Natori convertible on Nordstrom website but most lingerie depts should have something similar -

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....rchresults

isablue

(website)

chewyspaghetti, I have had some of those in the past, but I'm not sure how I like them...

shiny, I agree, that look is for teens.

I'll take a look at a convertible bra at my local M&S, like Inge and Chris suggested.

Thanks everyone

Maya

Veteran

This issue is a major point of annoyance for me. I have really nice arms and shoulders but I always have to cover up because of my gigantic chest. I haven't found a solution, so I just have to deal with it. I have a bra that can be converted into a racerback, but it didn't really help. the straps still stuck out, just in a different place.

I'm not a fan of the plastic straps. They are even worse than a regular bra, I think, because it's obvious that you're trying but failing to hide them.

The geometric tunic I bought and posted a while ago isn't as perfect as I thought, as it shows the bra straps AND even a little bit of the bra (the armholes are too big), so I just started wearing it over a black t-shirt. It's not going to be as cool and comfortable in the summer, but I end up having to layer no matter what because of my stupid, stupid chest. I always end up wearing at least two layers: a cami and something on top of the cami. So I guess I'm used to it.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Showing your bra strap is fab in my book IF it’s colour coded with the top. I am wearing that right now actually. I’m wearing a sleeveless black top that’s cut close to the neck. My black bra straps are completely visible. Looks like I’m wearing another top. My nude bra strap wouldn’t look so fab but black on black is fine.

isablue

(website)

Maya, I know what you mean. I'm not even that "bustalicious", but still face similar problems. I'll try a convertible bra one of these days, and I'll report how it went.

Angie, that's great to hear! Whew!

Okay, so black on black is fine. Do you think the color of the bra straps should always be the same color as the top? Even the same shade (or as close as possible)? I used to think a black bra would do with deeper colors (see, I've learned something already: "deep colors" such as purple or dark blues or grays, but am not sure about what bra color would go with paler tops. Or even, say, a red top, or hot pink, or even white... or a nude top!

Should one even wear a top in "nude" colors?

So many questions!

Steffi

I agree with the suggestion you try the bra with the convertible straps. I think the plastic ones look tacky. I think Angie is right about wearing a bra the same color as the shirt. Are you able to wear a strapless bra?? they may have gotten better over the years, I haven't worn one in ages. Good luck!!

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I am a not in agreement about bra straps looking good showing at all. I use lingerie straps with snaps, I sew them on to tanks and dresses and feel much better and more confident. I do not know why this look is considered fashionable or anything other than sleazy and sloppy. I guess I sound like a prude but I do not get it at all. Maybe I am missing something.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm with you, Jean

HannahC

I also agree with Jean and Khris (so fun to use your real names!). I usually sew ties (didn't manage to find real lingerie straps here yet, so I am getting by using thin ties) to all tops that might be prone to revealing the bra straps. I do not like the look of bra straps showing at all - like Jean said, sleazy and sloppy are the words that come to mind. I don't even accept accidental peeking - just tie (or snap) the lingerie straps and you solved the problem. If the top has a non-standard neckline, then either leave it in the store or wear a convertible (or strapless) bra.

Angie, it wasn't an April Fool reply, was it? You are really saying that showing color coordinated bra straps is ok? If so, can you please write a post about it? Because I am not getting this at all I guess I really need a visual and an explanation (even then I don't guarantee I will come around to accept this look, but I would really like to see examples).

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It was not an April Fools reply, HannaC - it’s not 1st April!

I guess I’m Euro, and this is a common phenomenon in Western Europe – especially when the bra is pretty and lacy. I do not have a problem with showing my bra straps at all if the straps are the same colour as my top. That’s imperative. It doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen from time to time when I wear a BLACK top and a BLACK bra. It looks like I’m wearing two tops. Textured interest. I do not find this look sleazy at all. (*chuckle* - I never use that word but thought I would after Jean used if with such vigor!)

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Count me among the old-fashioned, because even if they are pretty lace or color-coordinated, I don't think showing bra straps is a good look for anyone, even teens. It just looks sloppy to me.

Then again, I only wear nude boulder-holders for bras (can't do much else as a DD), so they always look TERRIBLE on me if they are slipping out.

HannahC

Angie - I know it is not April 1st, though I double-checked just to be sure

Aha, maybe it is just the "boulder-holders" (Kristen, a great term!) vs regular lightweight pretty bras ... I just cannot imagine letting my boulder-holder bra straps to peek out, even if they are black and the top is black. No one in the world is ever going to mistake those straps for just another pair of top straps

Oh, I just thought of something: I own two camis from Bravissimo with built-in bras - one peach and one light blue. Those are straps that I don't mind peeking at all (obviously color coordinated with the top I am wearing, taking the notion of color coordination loosely - like wearing a dark blue top over the light blue cami). I am guessing this is exactly the look you are getting with pretty and delicate bra straps, right?

OK, I calmed down It is very interesting that it is a Euro phenomenon. You probably saw a lot of it in Israel too, but I never considered it fashion statement - just a part of being comfortable in your body and not being afraid to show it a bit more than it is acceptable in the US (but I still don't like it ).

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Angie, I hope that you did not take offense to my "sleazy " adjective. I understand better after your explanation and indeed it is a more "Euro " look. I guess I just would always feel like I had to keep tucking my bra straps in but if the straps had no visible hardware and were the same color, I could see them as a linear element working with an alternate shoulder line. I usually see the really sloppy look on the streets mainly from the younger crowd.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm in the same boat with the boulder holders, and I know that is part of my take on this. I'm lucky to find a bra that fits properly n my price range at all, and color is not usually an option (plus I don't wear black next to my face).
But I don't like the look even on young girls. I don't think it's a euro thing- I see plenty of it here. Just not my cuppa.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

HannahC and Jean, that's exactly right. You have the correct picture of what I mean in your heads.

Jean, I did not take offense at all! You cracked me up actually. No worries! And I do completely agree with this phenomenon looking awful on an unpolished younger crowd.

Kristen, I hear you. This is a much easier thing to do and tolerate on a person with a smaller bust line.

HannahC

Angie,

I vividly remember the awful fashion we had when I was in high school: we cut the necklines of our sweatshirts so that they were almost off-the-shoulder. Of course the bra straps were completely visible. To our credit, at least we usually wore contrasting color tanks underneath, but yeah, there was plenty of visible bra straps as well ... It indeed looked completely awful, and this is the mental picture I had when you mentioned visible bra straps.

Maya

Veteran

I have to defend the visible bra strap. When there is as big of a disparity between your shoulders and chest as I have to deal with, visible bra strap is inevitable. Necklines are too wide for my tiny shoulders but going down a size means a poor (or impossible) fit in the bust. Maybe it looks sloppy or silly but there really isn't a solution to it. I can't possibly afford (or even find) a bra that matches every top I own and I'm not about to sew anything into all my tops and bras! I just stick to nude and let it be. It's not as much of a problem in the winter when layering is an option, but in the summer I'm afraid there isn't much that can be done. I know most women who see me are judging me unfavorably, but that is their problem and not mine.

HannahC

Maya - you know I feel your pain, right? I am in exactly the same situation, only worse, bra size-shoulder size-wise. I just accepted that sewing straps into all my wide-neckline clothing is a fact of life ... sigh ...

I just feel that in the age of 36 it is not really appropriate to let the bra straps peek, you know? But indeed when I was in my twenties I didn't worry about it too much.

BTW, I wholeheartedly recommend the tanks with built-in bra from Bravissimo that I mentioned above. I thoroughly enjoy wearing them under more open tops, and I am happy to have just one pair of (completely worthy of showing) straps on my shoulders, and not two (of a bra and a cami). They are horribly expensive, though, so just look for those on sale

I actually think Isablue asked about something else entirely - tops where it is clear that the whole bra strap will be on display because of the neckline, not just a wider neckline where there is a theoretical danger of some bra strap peeking. I understand Angie's description, but I still don't like the look (probably because my bras are "boulder-holders" (Kristen, you are brilliant!)).

isablue

(website)

I'm glad the topic started a healthy discussion

I am in my twenties and I live in a really warm weather, where lack of sleeves makes a big difference when it comes to keeping your temperature down.
Also, my bra size allows for me to wear bras with thin enough straps.

I don't specifically go for tops that don't cover the straps. In fact, I do try to avoid them when possible. However, if I see a top that attends to my needs, apart from that little detail, I guess I'll try my best to conceal the straps (with color-coordination, clips, maybe even multiway bras). But if they insist on peeking out, well, I'll just let them be...

I understand those of you who think it's a sleazy look. But I think the "sleaziness quotient" is defined by more than a pair of bra straps. I would say it also has to do with attitude, with what you're wearing, with the color of the bra in comparison to that of the top... and whether or not you are chewing gum (hehe).

All things considered, I guess I'll try and be sensible the next time I need to wear a top that might show my bra straps.

Maya

Veteran

Isa, I wouldn't discount a top just based on that. It's worth a try at least. I agree that there are a lot more sleazy things in the world than bra straps. It baffles me that people are all for copious cleavage, but a little bra strappage draws so much protest!

Hannah, I guess it doesn't bother me enough to do any sewing or go out of my way. I don't think it will help anyway. My shoulders are very sloped and very narrow. They are 36" around, which is an inch smaller than my bust and roughly the same as my hips. I always have problems with straps falling off. I have tried a few temporary solutions, but they didn't quite work. My bra straps would still show.

As I said, summer doesn't stop me from layering. I always have at least two tops on at any given time. It could be 110 degrees but I need at least a cami, so I guess I'm used to being overheated and it if I need to add a short sleeved shirt under a strap-exposing top, I just accept it and put it on!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Disclaimer: I am extremely lazy, so my opinion on this is based solely on minimal effort.

Having said that I have no problem with a peek of bra strap! I only have 4 bras: 2 black, one white, one red. I'd prefer the black or red ones to peek out rather than the white, but I don't wear a lot of white anyway. I don't see how it is any different from cami/singlet straps peeking out of other tops either.

Maya

Veteran

This discussion inspired me to ask our bra guru Carissa about strapless styles. She pointed me towards some "everyday" options for the full-of-bust. I'm going to try one out and see how it goes. I find it hard to believe that anything strapless is going to hold up these puppies, but we'll soon find out. The reviews I read were glowing so I'm hopeful. It would open up so many possibilities that I figured it was at least worth a try (FTR, it's a Fantasie bra).

If it does indeed work for for my DDDs, then I can't accept that anyone with a DD cup or less can't wear a strapless style! You just need to find the right bra. But only time will tell.

HannahC

Maya - is it this one: http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=Ivory ?
(I am linking to the Bravissimo site, but I am sure they have it in figleaves as well). Or maybe this one: http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....olour=Nude ?
I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work for you! They are offered in much larger sizes as well, so it looks like there is a good chance it will work! (ahem ... obviously not in my size, but constructing a good strapless bra for my size is an impossible task from a purely architectural point of view).
I also heard great reviews about this one, by Panache:
http://www.bravissimo.com/prod.....lour=Black
Hopefully something will work for you!

Maya

Veteran

Hannah, it's the second one. I know it squicks some people out, but I got it on ebay. I just can't afford $70 for a bra right now. $13, however, is far more manageable (it's unused don't worry).

I'm more curious to see if it's comfortable all day than if it fits, though fit is an issue I'm unsure about. The Fantasie styles I have tried were awful on me. They were too big and too small at the same time (the cups were puckered, indicating that it was too big...yet from the side they did not completely cover the breast, which indicated they were too small...and this was in both sizes I tried). They looked pretty bad as well. Made my boobs look like they were growing out of my armpits. This bra is very different though, so I'm holding thumbs.

HannahC

Maya, hey, you are talking to a person who just bought a USED Sweet Pea top on ebay!

I of course immediately went to ebay to look for bras, but couldn't find any in my size Found one Wacoal bra, in the description of which it was written "may have been used, but it still has the tag". I have no idea what this might mean - do they suspect that somebody had worn the bra with the tag on??

Anyway, please update us on the strapless bra adventure!

Maya

Veteran

Ah used clothes is nothing. It's used lingerie that understandably squicks people...but I have a high squick tolerance I guess!

I am more concerned with a bra being stretched and worn out than anything gross. I confess that I have worn clothes out with the tag when I wasn't sure about them (but I kept the tag hidden of course). I don't think that would either be comfortable or possible with a bra though!