Boat necks and bra straps - YouLookFab Forum

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Boat necks and bra straps

FlorenceFearne

How does anyone handle this? On casual days off, I've resigned myself to the fact that some people are just going to think I'm tacky, and I wear my off the shoulder slouchy tees with straps showing. But obviously that approach is not going to cut it for work.

I know the obvious answers are A) strapless bra (not happening - they're evil) and B) no bra (even more office inappropriate.) I'm hoping someone has a different solution. Some way to make my straps look less bra-like? A means to pull the neckline inward so it covers them?

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from kkards

MsMary

Veteran

I finally got fitted for a strapless bra that actually stays up and I love it! Might be worth a try. Otherwise, I'd try to color-coordinate my bra straps to the top.

Oh, wait! Look at this clever thing on the inside of my DVF top. It's a little thread that snaps over the bra strap and holds it in place. Works like a charm and I don't see why you or your tailor couldn't do something similar in your boat-neck top.

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Diana

Veteran

I don't worry about it too much. Generally I try to pick either a bra with pretty straps (like lace or something) or one with skinny straps that look like camisole straps.
Or the little snaps like MaryK has work too. My wedding dress had those and they worked perfectly. I was so happy I could wear a regular bra with it.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I either go with 1) a strapless bra, 2) coordinating color of bra so at least the straps match the top, or 3) sometimes I'll use fashion tape to hold the neckline in place -- just a little piece between the garment and the bra strap.

Lantana

Veteran

Snaps do the trick for me. But sew them on with only enough room for the bra strap to fit snugly. If there's any slack the bra strap will pull away from the snap's tape and that looks worse.
You can buy transparent bra straps but I personally don't like the look of them.

ManidipaM

Veteran

What Mary and Lantana suggest is the norm in Indian traditional garments that have a wide scooped neckline both in front and back. Bra keepers for the win!

Joan Joplin

You might want to shop around for a higher-end strapless. High-street ones are evil, but if you're in the size range, a strapless Freya Deco is a thing of beauty, and stays a bra rather than being a belt at the end of the day. Draping a scarf over the straps might also work, though it would hide most of the neckline and this defeat the purpose of a boat neck.

Thistle

Veteran

Snaps do the trick in a few tops I have where this is an issue. Otherwise, I make sure to wear a bra with pretty straps that color coordinate.

Sara L.

Veteran

I usually use fashion tape to stick the bra strap and shirt together, but the snap idea is a good one.

Anonymous

Once upon a time, my Dearies, ( like the 50's) women's clothing came with those little thread and snap thingies to keep unmentionables out of sight. I even learned to make them on Gramma's knee for bra straps as well as belt loops. I don't think strapless bras had been invented yet.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Or, if you're a lazy gal like me, just let your black (or coloured; anything but nude or white) bra straps show.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ditto Aziraphale. I'm really not into showing my undergarments, but I also can't tussle and fuss all day with a wayward strap situation. I've only recently (last month!) gotten bright colored bra straps that I don't mind too much if they show. Noticed, coincidentally, that many of my 20 and young 30 something coworkers all have a varied bright bra strap wardrobe for summer. Who knew?!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Honestly, I just let them show. I know that doesn't fly at work, but I guess I don't have much experience with boat necks. With my tanks, I sometimes try to coordinate the straps with the outfit, as if they are supposed to be there. Not too crazy but, you know, black vs. brown. I try not to let the nude straps show like Mo and Aziraphale.

Hil

(website)

Veteran

I am also on team worry not, like rae, Mo and Aziraphale. And I tend to wear mostly black or coloured bras.

kkards

Veteran

i struggle with this as well. thanks for the advice and the great answer, fashion tape, why didn't i think of that???