Having trouble with slipping bra straps that won't stay on your shoulders?
This can be a big problem. You stand or sit still and you're fine, but the minute you move around, a strap starts to slide. You end up spending way too much time fiddling with your bra all day instead of doing what you'd really like to be doing.
Slipping and sliding straps can often happen if you're short between the shoulders and ribcage and can't get the straps pulled tightly enough to stay put. In this case, a bra for women with short torsos might help solve the problem.
You can also have trouble if you have narrow or sloping shoulders. Bra straps that are set far apart will be too wide for you. That, in turn, will cause your bra straps to slip off your shoulders, because the straps are set too far apart for your body shape.
Curvature of the spine can make it even worse, since your back isn't straight and so the straps and band can't hang properly.
Luckily, there are bras with features that are designed to stop all of that and keep your bra straps from slipping off your shoulders.
One answer is finding bras with straps that are "kicked in" (meaning they are set closer together in the back than standard straps. Since they are inset, the straps won't fall off your shoulders.
Bras with a leotard back are another good possibility. A leotard back is well, like a dance leotard, sort of a deep U-shape in the back. This is also a good option if you have a top or a dress with a scoop neck in the back and are having trouble finding something that doesn't show underneath.
A third alternative is bras with a racerback. Because the straps meet in the center of your back, they're inset from your shoulders and won't slide off. Since the bras close in front, they're also a good option if you have trouble reaching around your back to hook your bras.
I've listed bras here that can help stop slipping straps, and sorted them by body type so you can easily find the bra that's right for you.
Want a bra with a bit of elegance? This bra is trimmed with lace along the band and has satin straps. There are four loops in the band; pick the inner set and you get a "kicked in" look so the straps will stay up. You can also wear it cross-crossed. Or wear the straps further out if you've got a top with a wide V-neck low back.
Contoured cups stop the "headlights" and won't show under clingy tops. It's not heavily padded; there's just enough thickness for modesty without extra weight.
This bra is a good choice if you're shallow, since it's a demi cup and will push you up (just enough for some cleavage, without adding a lot of additional bulk). The center is wide, so it will fit better if you are wide-set.
US sizes 34, 36 A, B, and C; 38 B, C in beige, black, red, white, and pearl.
Soft smooth cups and plenty of color options make this a great everyday bra. Since there are lots of colors, you can wear a different color each day and not get bored.
It's got a leotard back and an extra bonus of little grippers on the straps to help them stay in place. And it does live up to its name too. It's comfortable to wear all day (no matter if you're sitting, hiking, or on your feet all the time) without digging into your sides or your shoulders.
The demi cup design with a wide center and a plunge shape make it good for low cut tops, as well as wider set breast shapes. It's also a good choice if you're shallow, as the material is stretchy, for a better fit.
Higher sides and back help reduce the look of back fat and side "boob."
Keep in mind that Maidenform tends to run smaller than other bra brands, so you may want to size up to get a better fit, especially if you're not shallow.
Sizes 32A-DD, 34A-DD, 36A-DD, 38B-D (US) in black/beige, latte/shell, ivory/shell, red/beige, lilac/gray, beet/violet, two-tone gray, latte/ivory, white/pink, and navy dot.
Another super-soft and comfortable bra. It has kicked-in straps to stop slipping. The straps also adjust in the front so it's easier to get them the right length.
A wide back smooths out unwanted bulges and lumps and the full coverage cups give you a rounded natural shape. There's just enough padding for modesty (rather than extra size or bulk).
Even if you don't normally like underwire, you may forget your'e wearing this, because it's so comfortable. There's no band, and the center is arched so it's comfortable if you have a large stomach, or if you are short waisted. The center is wide, so it's better if you are wide-set.
US sizes 34, 36, 38 B-DD; 49C and D in white, black, sand, almond, dark gray, lavender, pale pink, ink blue, and bright pink.
Completely streamlined and smooth, with just a hint of lace along the bottom of the band and under the cups and tiny bows on the straps and between the cups.
It's great for summer t-shirts, since it won't show. Plus, the spacer fabric will help keep you cool on hot days.
This particular model is running a bit full in the cups, so it's best if you have a rounder shape. If you have less tissue on top (shallow) you might try going down a cup size for a better fit.
The bra has a leotard back, with a deep U shape, and the straps are set close together. All of that means the straps will stay in place!
It's also a good choice if you have a sweater with a low back, or even under an actual leotard.
The cups are shaped, but not thick or heavily padded so you can fold them into each other for traveling. It's made out of lightweight spacer fabric, so it will keep you relatively comfortable in warmer weather.
White, beige, and black, UK sizes 30D-GG, 32D-H, 34D-H, 36D-GG, 38D-G, 40D-FF.
Rather have some pizzazz? This Chantelle bra has a sheer upper cup over geometric embroidery. It's soft, and has a light lining for comfort and modesty.
The four-part cups have two vertical seams for a double dose of lift and support, as well as a transversal seam for a more rounded shape.
The seams are fairly flat and designed to minimize show through under clothing.
It's also got a wider underwire for better comfort, and tall seamed sides and back for smoothing and bulge control. The straps are inset and it has a leotard back to stop slippage and keep the straps from showing under clothing.
This bra comes in white, beige, rose, and black. EU sizes 30E-G, 32-38B-H, 40B-G, 42B-F
Wacoal bras are great if you are full busted or fuller figure. This one is smooth, sleek, and also lightweight. The secret is the spacer fabric, which not only means less bulk, but also keeps you cooler in warmer weather. Because nobody wants bra sweat!
The cups are smooth, with no seams, lace or other decoration. The only ornamentation is a tiny bow in the center and a bit of edging along the neckline of the cups.
It's constructed with stretch material for a better fit, as well as elastic edges on the back and sides to better conform to the shape of your body. The sides and back are also made with control material to flatten and hide bulges. There's another little secret, inner slings that give you more support and lift, and a better shape.
And now to the straps: they're inset and the bra has a leotard back, to keep those straps in place. Great if you have narrow or sloping shoulders.
US sizes 30D-DDD, 32D-G, 34, 36, 38, 40 C-G, 42, 44, and 46 C-DDD in 22 colors, including white, ivory, rio red, sand, dapple gray, deep taupe, twilight blue, black, and burgundy.
This back smoothing bra comes in fifteen different colors and has a high back and sides for smoothing. The cups are built up for extra coverage.
You'll stay put, and so will the straps because in addition to being inset, they have a special non-slip design so they won't slide around. It also has that leotard back. A triple non-slip!
The cups are also smooth and contoured, with padding (but it's thin so you won't look bulky or clumsy). They're made with fabric that stretches in four directions, so it will fit better, and feel more comfortable.
And, it's a beauty back bra, which means it will smooth out back fat and bulges.
Available in white, fig, cranberry, orchid, mulberry, primrose, several orchid prints, and a pale leopard for US sizes 36C-DD, 38C-DDD, 40C-DDD, and 42C-DD.
A full-figured bra that comes in pretty prints! It doesn't skimp on comfort or fit either.
The cups are seamed and unlined to minimize bulk and weight. The tops are lace, while the bottom portion is opaque and made of stronger fabric for extra support and hold.
It's also got a nice low neckline, so it won't show under V-neck shirts or sweaters. Just enough for a bit of cleavage, without putting your chest up in your neck.
The straps adjust along their entire length so you can get them just the right length. Side panels push you forward, give you extra lift, and keep side fat and bulges from under your arms. Powermesh material tames bulges on your sides and back.
It has kicked in straps and a leotard back, to keep the straps in place so they don't slip.
Comes in caramel, black, eclipse (navy dot), festival pink print in 32GG-JJ, 34, 38, 38, 40 G-JJ, 42DD-HH, 44D-G and 44D-DD (UK sizes).
This Bali bra is lightweight and supportive without heavy, rubbery cups. It's breathable and supportive without feeling like you're getting ready for battle.
Opaque cups are topped with sheer illusion net for a bit of glamour, but you don't have to give up support. There are seams on the sides of the bra and side slings inside the cups to keep everything in place. It is full coverage, so everything stays inside the bra where it belongs.
The inset straps and a leotard back keep the bra in place. You can also wear it criss-crossed.
US sizes 34-42 B, C, D, and DD in white, light beige, , latte, pink, spearmint, black lace, lavender, white lace, pale leopard, blue green, purple, and black.
Great support, with four part cups featuring vertical and arched seaming for shaping and lift. There's also support panels on the sides and power mesh on both the sides and back, so you'll definitely feel secure when you wear this bra. This will also help improve separation and minimize movement (think regular bra meets sports bra).
Nothing will slip, not the cups, not the band, and not the straps.
It's full coverage, so it will come up higher on your chest. The center is also tall and narrow, so it's best if you are close set. The arched shape will be more comfortable if you carry weight in your stomach.
Also, the straps are fully adjusting, meaning you can move the sliders to any point along the length of the straps. That also helps get a better fit and reduces the chance of slipping.
Comes in UK sizes 34, 36, 38 G-N; 40, 42, 44 DDD-N; 46 DDD-M, and 48 DDD-L in beige and white, and black. Go up a cup size, they are running small.
This can be a big problem. You stand or sit still and you're fine, but the minute you move around, a strap starts to slide. You end up spending way too much time fiddling with your bra all day instead of doing what you'd really like to be doing.
Slipping and sliding straps can often happen if you're short between the shoulders and ribcage and can't get the straps pulled tightly enough to stay put. In this case, a bra for women with short torsos might help solve the problem.
You can also have trouble if you have narrow or sloping shoulders. Bra straps that are set far apart will be too wide for you. That, in turn, will cause your bra straps to slip off your shoulders, because the straps are set too far apart for your body shape.
Curvature of the spine can make it even worse, since your back isn't straight and so the straps and band can't hang properly.
Luckily, there are bras with features that are designed to stop all of that and keep your bra straps from slipping off your shoulders.
One answer is finding bras with straps that are "kicked in" (meaning they are set closer together in the back than standard straps. Since they are inset, the straps won't fall off your shoulders.
Bras with a leotard back are another good possibility. A leotard back is well, like a dance leotard, sort of a deep U-shape in the back. This is also a good option if you have a top or a dress with a scoop neck in the back and are having trouble finding something that doesn't show underneath.
A third alternative is bras with a racerback. Because the straps meet in the center of your back, they're inset from your shoulders and won't slide off. Since the bras close in front, they're also a good option if you have trouble reaching around your back to hook your bras.
I've listed bras here that can help stop slipping straps, and sorted them by body type so you can easily find the bra that's right for you.
Average Size Bras with Straps That Won't Fall Off Your Shoulders
Want a bra with a bit of elegance? This bra is trimmed with lace along the band and has satin straps. There are four loops in the band; pick the inner set and you get a "kicked in" look so the straps will stay up. You can also wear it cross-crossed. Or wear the straps further out if you've got a top with a wide V-neck low back.
Contoured cups stop the "headlights" and won't show under clingy tops. It's not heavily padded; there's just enough thickness for modesty without extra weight.
This bra is a good choice if you're shallow, since it's a demi cup and will push you up (just enough for some cleavage, without adding a lot of additional bulk). The center is wide, so it will fit better if you are wide-set.
US sizes 34, 36 A, B, and C; 38 B, C in beige, black, red, white, and pearl.
Soft smooth cups and plenty of color options make this a great everyday bra. Since there are lots of colors, you can wear a different color each day and not get bored.
It's got a leotard back and an extra bonus of little grippers on the straps to help them stay in place. And it does live up to its name too. It's comfortable to wear all day (no matter if you're sitting, hiking, or on your feet all the time) without digging into your sides or your shoulders.
The demi cup design with a wide center and a plunge shape make it good for low cut tops, as well as wider set breast shapes. It's also a good choice if you're shallow, as the material is stretchy, for a better fit.
Higher sides and back help reduce the look of back fat and side "boob."
Keep in mind that Maidenform tends to run smaller than other bra brands, so you may want to size up to get a better fit, especially if you're not shallow.
Sizes 32A-DD, 34A-DD, 36A-DD, 38B-D (US) in black/beige, latte/shell, ivory/shell, red/beige, lilac/gray, beet/violet, two-tone gray, latte/ivory, white/pink, and navy dot.
Another super-soft and comfortable bra. It has kicked-in straps to stop slipping. The straps also adjust in the front so it's easier to get them the right length.
A wide back smooths out unwanted bulges and lumps and the full coverage cups give you a rounded natural shape. There's just enough padding for modesty (rather than extra size or bulk).
Even if you don't normally like underwire, you may forget your'e wearing this, because it's so comfortable. There's no band, and the center is arched so it's comfortable if you have a large stomach, or if you are short waisted. The center is wide, so it's better if you are wide-set.
US sizes 34, 36, 38 B-DD; 49C and D in white, black, sand, almond, dark gray, lavender, pale pink, ink blue, and bright pink.
Full Bust Bras with Straps That Don't Slip
Completely streamlined and smooth, with just a hint of lace along the bottom of the band and under the cups and tiny bows on the straps and between the cups.
It's great for summer t-shirts, since it won't show. Plus, the spacer fabric will help keep you cool on hot days.
This particular model is running a bit full in the cups, so it's best if you have a rounder shape. If you have less tissue on top (shallow) you might try going down a cup size for a better fit.
The bra has a leotard back, with a deep U shape, and the straps are set close together. All of that means the straps will stay in place!
It's also a good choice if you have a sweater with a low back, or even under an actual leotard.
The cups are shaped, but not thick or heavily padded so you can fold them into each other for traveling. It's made out of lightweight spacer fabric, so it will keep you relatively comfortable in warmer weather.
White, beige, and black, UK sizes 30D-GG, 32D-H, 34D-H, 36D-GG, 38D-G, 40D-FF.
Rather have some pizzazz? This Chantelle bra has a sheer upper cup over geometric embroidery. It's soft, and has a light lining for comfort and modesty.
The four-part cups have two vertical seams for a double dose of lift and support, as well as a transversal seam for a more rounded shape.
The seams are fairly flat and designed to minimize show through under clothing.
It's also got a wider underwire for better comfort, and tall seamed sides and back for smoothing and bulge control. The straps are inset and it has a leotard back to stop slippage and keep the straps from showing under clothing.
This bra comes in white, beige, rose, and black. EU sizes 30E-G, 32-38B-H, 40B-G, 42B-F
Wacoal bras are great if you are full busted or fuller figure. This one is smooth, sleek, and also lightweight. The secret is the spacer fabric, which not only means less bulk, but also keeps you cooler in warmer weather. Because nobody wants bra sweat!
The cups are smooth, with no seams, lace or other decoration. The only ornamentation is a tiny bow in the center and a bit of edging along the neckline of the cups.
It's constructed with stretch material for a better fit, as well as elastic edges on the back and sides to better conform to the shape of your body. The sides and back are also made with control material to flatten and hide bulges. There's another little secret, inner slings that give you more support and lift, and a better shape.
And now to the straps: they're inset and the bra has a leotard back, to keep those straps in place. Great if you have narrow or sloping shoulders.
US sizes 30D-DDD, 32D-G, 34, 36, 38, 40 C-G, 42, 44, and 46 C-DDD in 22 colors, including white, ivory, rio red, sand, dapple gray, deep taupe, twilight blue, black, and burgundy.
Full Figure Bras with Straps That Stay in Place
This back smoothing bra comes in fifteen different colors and has a high back and sides for smoothing. The cups are built up for extra coverage.
You'll stay put, and so will the straps because in addition to being inset, they have a special non-slip design so they won't slide around. It also has that leotard back. A triple non-slip!
The cups are also smooth and contoured, with padding (but it's thin so you won't look bulky or clumsy). They're made with fabric that stretches in four directions, so it will fit better, and feel more comfortable.
And, it's a beauty back bra, which means it will smooth out back fat and bulges.
Available in white, fig, cranberry, orchid, mulberry, primrose, several orchid prints, and a pale leopard for US sizes 36C-DD, 38C-DDD, 40C-DDD, and 42C-DD.
A full-figured bra that comes in pretty prints! It doesn't skimp on comfort or fit either.
The cups are seamed and unlined to minimize bulk and weight. The tops are lace, while the bottom portion is opaque and made of stronger fabric for extra support and hold.
It's also got a nice low neckline, so it won't show under V-neck shirts or sweaters. Just enough for a bit of cleavage, without putting your chest up in your neck.
The straps adjust along their entire length so you can get them just the right length. Side panels push you forward, give you extra lift, and keep side fat and bulges from under your arms. Powermesh material tames bulges on your sides and back.
It has kicked in straps and a leotard back, to keep the straps in place so they don't slip.
Comes in caramel, black, eclipse (navy dot), festival pink print in 32GG-JJ, 34, 38, 38, 40 G-JJ, 42DD-HH, 44D-G and 44D-DD (UK sizes).
This Bali bra is lightweight and supportive without heavy, rubbery cups. It's breathable and supportive without feeling like you're getting ready for battle.
Opaque cups are topped with sheer illusion net for a bit of glamour, but you don't have to give up support. There are seams on the sides of the bra and side slings inside the cups to keep everything in place. It is full coverage, so everything stays inside the bra where it belongs.
The inset straps and a leotard back keep the bra in place. You can also wear it criss-crossed.
US sizes 34-42 B, C, D, and DD in white, light beige, , latte, pink, spearmint, black lace, lavender, white lace, pale leopard, blue green, purple, and black.
Great support, with four part cups featuring vertical and arched seaming for shaping and lift. There's also support panels on the sides and power mesh on both the sides and back, so you'll definitely feel secure when you wear this bra. This will also help improve separation and minimize movement (think regular bra meets sports bra).
Nothing will slip, not the cups, not the band, and not the straps.
It's full coverage, so it will come up higher on your chest. The center is also tall and narrow, so it's best if you are close set. The arched shape will be more comfortable if you carry weight in your stomach.
Also, the straps are fully adjusting, meaning you can move the sliders to any point along the length of the straps. That also helps get a better fit and reduces the chance of slipping.
Comes in UK sizes 34, 36, 38 G-N; 40, 42, 44 DDD-N; 46 DDD-M, and 48 DDD-L in beige and white, and black. Go up a cup size, they are running small.
I'm looking for fully padded bras with straps that stay up. Racerbacks are great -- I have a few -- but don't work with tops with wide v-necks; the straps show. What are people finding?
ReplyDeleteHi,
DeleteIt’s a bit tricky to give advice without knowing what size you are. I’m also not sure what you mean by fully padded. Are you looking for nipple control or added size?
The racerback bra is a good idea. You can also look for bras that are convertible to criss-cross or with a J-hook in the back (to give a racerback look). Bras with a leotard back or kicked-in straps will also help solve the strap showing issue.
Here are a few options (in different size ranges)
If you are a full bust size (small back, large bust), the Freya Deco Vibe AA1704 might work. It has a J-hook in the back, and the cups are lightly padded. Even without the hook, it has a leotard back, so it won’t show under deep v-neck tops. (UK sizes 28D-38G)
If you are average bust size, you might try the Maidenform Comfort Devotion DM9501. It has foam cups, and a leotard back. The straps won’t show under a v-neck. There’s no band so it’s a good choice if you are short. (US sizes 34B-40C, and it runs small).
Finally, the Olga Cloud 9 FF7961A is best for fuller figures. It’s got a pretty lace trim on the cups and they’re contoured for modesty. There’s also a pad on the bottom for a bit of extra lift. It won’t show under V-neck tops. (US sizes 36C-44DD)
If you go to HerRoom and look, you’ll find that they have photos for each bra showing how it looks under different kinds of shirts (button-down, V-neck, etc). That should make it easier to find what you need.