Anyone else having this problem with drape-y tops? - YouLookFab Forum

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Anyone else having this problem with drape-y tops?

Aziraphale

Veteran

I'm loving the current trend for slouchy everything. However, the one downside I'm having is that so, so many tops that are otherwise comfortable and flattering have a neckline that exposes my bra in some way. Either the vee is a touch too deep, or the top shifts when I move and exposes a bra strap.

It's not the end of the world. I just wear a bra with nice straps. And I realize that some of the problem may be due to the fact that I'm short, so necklines are lower on me than on most other women. But still -- any suggestions? Wearing a cami is not an option.

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from

Helena

Veteran

No solution for you, I'm afraid, but I find the same! Looking forward to seeing what others say.

Neel

Veteran

Fashion tape? I haven't tried, was wondering though.

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

For the showy bra straps, maybe a strapless bra if you have a well-fitting one. I have the low neckline problem with many tops because I'm short in the torso, with a high bust. I prefer to make my own clothes so they fit correctly. No real suggestions on how to adjust RTW, I'm afraid, but I will be watching this thread for others' suggestions.

Thistle

Veteran

No solution, just commiseration. I have slopey shoulders, so I know the slipping down and showing strap pain

Kristin SF

Veteran

I'm having a similar problem with drapey tops. I find that U-neck tops solve this problem for me. Everlane's U-neck tops do not show my bra straps, so that's one suggestion for you. These tops are 100% cotton, so not as drapey as rayon, but still pretty slouchy.

Also, J.Crew has some nice boyfriend, looser fit tops with a similar U-neck, which don't show my bra straps. So also check out their selection.

My biggest problem with drapey tops is shrinkage, since many tops are made of rayon. My household is strictly wash and dry, but I've been forced to start line drying my tops. Even so, a lot of rayon still shrinks badly enough that I've started considering a cold handwash. I'm not there yet, but I'm considering it, lol.

Liz

Veteran

The fashion tape I have doesn't do a good job of actual sticking, so I've actually resorted to masking tape. I have laid a piece against my shoulder, sticky side up, then positioned my bra strap on top of it, and then the shoulder seam of the shirt onto the 'sandwich.' Basically, taping the bra strap to the shirt. I haven't used this on sheer or tissue-thin tops; I think it would show through. It's not an elegant solution, and I don't think I'd risk it on silk or something, but it's better than hitching my knit tops around all day.

Alassë

Veteran

Alter the top's shoulders (may leave a sleeve pucker on some tops). You pin it on the inside so that the neckline is raised as much as you desire, then sew a short seam on the inside to permanently hold the neckline up. Try-ons necessary to determine sleeve puckering.

rabbit

Veteran

I wear camis, or occasionally turn the shirt around backward. Also sometimes I pull the neckline back (so that the bottom of the shirt makes a kind of high in front, low in back hem, works if where the sleeve attaches to the shirt is loose fitting).

Diana

Veteran

I have this problem too! I don't care about the straps showing, but the low necklines dropping down further is a big issue for me. I feel like it's more of a problem with loose fitting tops because I feel like I can look down and see all the way down my top, KWIM? Plus I'm short, so I'm always worried that tall people can look right down my cleavage.

I'm trying to be very picky these days about my necklines. Can't be too high nor too low. It's difficult.

One thing I learned from my recent thread about the backs of dresses is that a too-wide back on a garment can cause the neckline to shift both front AND back. So I wonder if taking up some of the excess fabric at the back neck might help fix the problem.

Erikajl

My thoughts were either a racer back bra, or, lingerie straps.
With the front opening being too deep, sometimes a well placed snap or hook and eye can make a difference.

deb

Veteran

I add small snaps and braided thread to the seam of the top. Then I snap the thread around the strap.

BethL

(website)

Veteran

There was a recent thread in which Sveta and I both commented that we were having the same problem, especially with Gap tops. As you know, she's tall and slim. I'm average height, round, and very busty. I don't even mind my bra straps showing. I do mind when the neckline droops down so much you can see not just my cleavage, but the whole top of my bra, or, like Diana, you can look all the way down my shirt practically to my belly.

Anonymous

You might try a 'demi' bra where the straps are set wider than on a regular bra. Many of those bras have narrower straps as well, so overall this style bra works for me with tops that have that tendency. I have pretty average shoulders I think.

JAileen

Veteran

I just don't buy tops that are low cut.

I've had tops that came with little holders for bra straps. You could make those pretty easily. It would be a small length of ribbon or tape and a snap, for each side.

Gigi

Veteran

I think the best solution is to invite over some friends with the same problem and have a bonfire where we burn all these stupid tops! Grrr! (Can you tell I've been dealing with the same problem?)

I have no solution other than not to buy the top. All I can say is that I too am short, and even an XXS tee from AE that I tried on this weekend was so low-cut that you could see the part of my demi bra where the cups hook together! Yes, people, the neckline was almost halfway down my torso. I have had this problem even with petite tops. It seems like the only people who can wear these things are people who are not at all short in the torso and have substantial cleavage to fill out some of the material.

Whew.

shiny

Veteran

I had better luck last season, before the trend caught on, just buying a regular top (NOT meant to be slouchy) in the next size up. So that is another option -- seek out classic/non-trendy top and just size UP to achieve trendiness.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I also have this problem but I am ok wearing a cami or even better tank top underneath. I like a tank because the thicker straps cover my bra band completely, which I prefer.

Aziraphale

Veteran

HAHAHAHA Gigi, you made me literally laugh out loud.

I think that Shiny's solution is the only one that I might actually implement -- i.e. buy a larger size in a top that isn't meant to be oversized! I can't see myself sewing anything onto my bra straps or tops, and I'm not that fussed, really. Bra straps are not the end of the world, although if I worked in an office, I wouldn't wear a top that flashed them. I just wondered if any of you (especially the petite ladies) knew of any magical shops that sold tops with smaller neck holes.

And yeah, I don't buy tops that expose the top of my bra cups, of course. But I've sadly put quite a few tops that were too low but otherwise perfect back on the hanger at the store. Whine.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I do use fashion tape on a select few tops, but it's a pain to get it right and for the most part I end up moving on to tops that don't have this problem, or wearing a bra that has similar colored straps where possible.

BethL

(website)

Veteran

Shevia, the tank top is a good idea for the tops I already own, at least until it gets too hot. Thanks. I've bought a few where I didn't know they were going to be such a pain until I wore them for awhile. Now I'll have to do some sort of calisthenics when I try stuff on.

ManidipaM

Veteran

Yes, this! I can live with a little upholstery up top being visible but not in an office context. For straps, bra keepers are your friend... I don,t use them as often though as I just find it irritating to have to sew them, makes me feel extra mulish that I must!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Camisoles solve this problem brilliantly. And truly, I LOVE pretty bras. I see no problem with seeing glimpses of it in non-conservative work settings. It's not a breast - it's a lovely bra. You are covered.

Vix

Veteran

Hi AZ --

No magical tops for you but I wear the tank strap style demi-camis (goes over just the bra, not down the body...no bunching, minimal extra fabric).

I find that solves the strap + potential flashing problem.

Second Base sells them (no sure about shipping to Canada, sorry) and has discounts for 1st time buyers (and repeaters, too). If interested, I'd go with an XS -- esp if you ever have the "straps are too long" issue on things.

Anonymous

This happens to me all the time too. Like Gigi, I get this even in petites. So tedious. The line between high, unflattering necklines and low, indecent necklines is pretty thin for me.

I usually just resign myself to camisoles. And wearing cardigans so you can't see where things are sliding around, especially if I want to wear tops that do this at work.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Vix, the demi-camisole is an intriguing possibility. I'll look into it.

Angie, I can't bring myself to wear camisoles because I have problems with layers. The fewer layers, the better. I'm glad to hear that you consider glimpses of pretty bras acceptable, though!

Aubergine, I know what you mean about high, unflattering necklines vs. too-low ones. It does seem like there isn't a lot of middle ground, doesn't it?

Anonymous

Last year it seemed that more tops had higher necklines or were more fitted in the shoulders. This season the tops all seem to have big open necklines that gape. The fabric seems thin and cheap too. So yes, I have the same problem. I try not to buy the big open-necked ones.