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Bra strap question

elpgal

Veteran

I am having trouble finding bras with straps that don't fall off or pinch into my armpit. I am a small band/big cup size (30E) and find that most bras in this size range have straps attached at the very edge of the cup so they run very close to the edge of the arm. This is great for wearing open necklines but very uncomfortable. Do any of you have this problem? I am looking for recommendations of bras with straps that are placed closer in.

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from elpgal

Muffin

Veteran

I am your size and it can be so hard to find bras (& they usually cost so much!). My favorite is Wacoal Embrace Lace- the straps are more towards the shoulder but honestly I had never given this any thought since it works for me. Have you been measured recently? I thinking falling bra straps are a sign of the band being too large so maybe even try a 28? If you have a Nordstroms near I highly recommend getting fitted and allowing enough time to try on lots of options.

BrieN

Veteran

yes. the sliding straps are a big issue for me even though my shoulders aren't narrow. I think I had a Chantelle bra that drove me crazy with that. Now the first thing I look at is how far apart the straps are set in the front. I also look to see if it has the "ballet" or "U" back where the straps come in toward the hooks. And I read the reviews looking for comments about the straps. I don't have a great bra suggestion for you, so I will read this thread with interest.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have a similar size and I know what you mean. Unfortunately I have no good advice because I'm struggling with bra issues too.

Right now I am starting to hate all my bras for some reason. I haven't been fitted in about two years, and it seems I've started menopause since then, so maybe I need something new. They seem to fit well enough, but somehow everything feels fussy or uncomfortable or stiff or something. Ugh.

Ginger

Veteran

There are some Freya bras that have a J-hook on the straps, so they can be hooked together into a racerback. I haven't used it myself, but from reviews it is a very popular feature. I really like the bra, too! (30E-FF here.)

Ooh is that silk

I have the same problem (J cup, 36 band) and I bought some of these last week. OH MY GOODNESS they really work - I haven't had to fish around in my top to scoop my straps up once.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pr.....#038;psc=1

Colette

Veteran

I'm smaller busted so I can't help, but my Mom loves the Vanishing Back Full Coverage front close bras from Soma. I'm not sure they come in extended sizes though.

rachylou

Veteran

A racer back helps a lot or straps that you can cross. I have sloping shoulders and falling straps are always a problem for me too. Also, I find that fuller coverage bras have the straps closer in...sort of a problem for me, because I've got kinda a low slung chest. I get gaping, so I prefer balconette bras.

carter

Veteran

Seconding Colette's recommendation, though I'm not sure about band sizing. Their front closure bras have straps significantly closer together to work well for many of my sleeveless tops without having to get into detachable crossover straps.

K. Period.

Veteran

I've been limiting myself to bras that have crossover, detachable straps with the j hooks and then sewing (or having sewn in) an extra little loop in the band to secure the straps slightly closer to where the back hooks. I wish more bra companies would provide an option to make the straps set in further on the back, since this inevitably is the problem.

Astrid

Veteran

I usually have the same problem. I'm a size 30E (DD in US?) and have narrow sloping shoulders. I also need wide wires and preferably a low center gore so it doesn't dig in. The most comfortable bra I found so far is the Lepel Fiore Plunge. It just fits perfectly and I don't have any strap issues because the straps are set closer to the middle in the back. They offer it in basic colors and seasonal color additions. And it's affordable on a small budget.

http://m.figleaves.com/us/sear.....e%20plunge

rabbit

Veteran

As a very temporary fix to falling bra straps (this happens with certain tops I wear, that rub on the strap a certain way), You can use a small segment of fashion tape between the strap and the top. As long as you don't remove the top, it will stay together for hours in my experience.

gardenchick

Veteran

My size is similar (a little bustier) and I have narrow shoulders. I've had good luck with the Chantelle c chic sexy bra.

http://m.shop.nordstrom.com/s/chantelle-intimates

elpgal

Veteran

Muffin, I was fitted at Nordstrom just area weeks ago and went from a 32 band to a 30, so that's good but it does restrict the styles available in store quite a bit. I tried the Lace Embrace but the wires are too deep for my shape.

Janet- highly recommend trying out styles from Amazon with the freem shipping and returns although I have to say Figleaves and Bare Necessities have more options.

BrieN - this is a new to me problem after losing pregnancy weight. I wish they used more realistic models for bras so I could see how the straps look. Most of the models are in ill-fitting styles!

OITS - what an interesting name you have! Are these straps comfy? Do they lay flat against the back?

Astrid, I remember trying the Lepel Fiore a few years ago when my shape was different. I will give it a try again.

Gardenchick, saw this bra recommended on another bra blog. Luckily it is available on Amazon and its on its way to me.

Rabbit, I do have some fashion tape from a while ago. Thanks for the tip.

Ginger and K. Period - thanks for the idea, I haven't tried any bras with cross-over straps or J hooks. I"ll investigate more.

Rachy - I suffer from the same lack of top fullness so I have to stick with half-cups or some plunge styles.

Collette and Carter- interesting re the front closure bras. Does't the clasp in the front dig into your sternum?

gardenchick

Veteran

Good luck -- hope it works for you too!

Ooh is that silk

They are surprisingly comfy. It feels odd at first, like wearing a racerback, but I've been wearing them every day for a week or so now and the only time it's been annoying is when I wanted to wear a relatively low-backed top. You need quite bendy arms too!

Re: my name - it's my mum's catchphrase when shopping with my sister and I - always makes us crack up!

Aquamarine

Veteran

Same problem here, similar size. And I have square, broad shoulders (classic IT). Maybe I need to try on more bras. My local Nordstrom, however, isn't that big and has less choices for my size. I have to find someplace else, I think.

Greyscale

Veteran

I agree with Rachylou that there's a tradeoff... full coverage cups have the straps closer in. I prefer those straps for the same reasons you're describing, but full cups don't look as good on me. Demi cups have straps on the outside, but fit me better.

Of the plunge/demi options, one of the better strap placements for me is the Chantelle C Chic (unlined, sewn cup). The straps are still further out than a full coverage bra, though. The bra runs small - I'm usually a 32C but I got a 32D.

'C Chic Sexy' Underwire Bra

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elpgal

Veteran

Aquamarine, that is what is infuriating. I am an IT with broad shoulders so I always have to size up in tops. I don't know why the darn bra straps are so wide spaced.

Greyscale, wish I had known about the sizing issue. You are right, the bra I received was too small in the cup.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Elpgirl --

Have you ever tried Fantasie's side support styles? Leotard back to prevent strap slippage and side support to help the lack of fullness on top issue. Most have a stretch lace type of fabric to help offset any size differences.

[I'm actually impressed/surprised you can handle the half-cups and plunge styles...I find they look good when standing still but are bad at containing contents when on the move.]

elpgal

Veteran

Vix, I haven't tried Fantasie bras in a long while. Thanks for the reminder. I have zero tissue on the top, when I wear normal cup styles, I have to see the fabric under the wire to avoid the flappy emptiness up top!

Greyscale

Veteran

Oh gosh, I didn't even notice that someone had recommended that exact bra a few posts above mine! I'm sorry it didn't quite fit.

elpgal

Veteran

Hopefully the cup size up should fit. I love the non-itchy fabrics Chantelle uses.