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jessyfeldm_speakeasy

I need a bra with straps that don't slip off my shoulders.

I don't have broad shoulders. They slope.

That means the standard bras staps slip off. A lot. Even tightening them doesn't work.

Brand suggestions, anyone? I'm a 34 or 36B.

Comments (63)

  • 20 years ago

    Good one Weed, now let's see you put your impressive computer skills to work and show us a collaged chicken trussed up in that bra (no, I'm not a chicken so don't go there). Who wants to be the one to show Ann? Not me!!!

  • 20 years ago

    Weed! LOL! This group can certainly turn any forum into interesting discussions!

    No thongs for me, even if they make them in my size it would just be wrong!

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  • 20 years ago

    I can neither imagine wearing that bra (looks like frosting) nor a thong. I think they are made in my size but somehow when Lane Bryant displays them, it isn't quite the same as Victoria Secret.

  • 20 years ago

    Hi, Jessica -- I also have sloping shoulders, and they are somewhat narrow. My bra size is close to yours.

    I like Warner's "Friday's Bra" -- styles #02094 and #02096 are both comfortable for me and the straps stay up. The straps on the #02096 style are wide and ribbed, along with being stretchy.

    Best of luck in your quest!

  • 20 years ago

    Hey Weed, I think you may be on to something with the new chicken truss! Betja next issue of Cooks Illustrated has it under 'new products'.

  • 20 years ago

    I have the same problem, and have discovered that the lingerie companies make a limited variety of bras with the straps set a bit closer together, exactly for this reason. They're not racer backs or T backs or athletic bras, they're regular bras.

    Here are a couple brands with no-slip bra straps.

    Bali No-Slip Strap Underwire Bra

    Playtex 18 Hour® Cottony Comfort Bra

    Playtex 18 Hour® Gel Comfort Underwire

    I am fairly sure that Victoria's Secret also has a no-slip strap, so maybe you can stop in and ask.

  • 20 years ago

    You can run....but you can't hide! I found you!
    I was on a bra buying mission today.....so am really up ( pun intended!) on all the styles.
    I have come to the conclusion that the reason my straps slide down is because I have grown this midriff bulge that keeps the bra from sitting properly when I sit unless I jack the straps up short enough to strangle, and then the straps slide down.
    I remember when I was a very little girl, my mother would tie my bathing suit straps together in the back with a shoe lace......I suppose that would be considered tacky at my age now....
    Linda C

  • 20 years ago

    Linda, actually Lillian Vernon or one of those catalogs makes a tie to tie your bra straps together. I find the bras I've mentioned above do a good job, though. My problem is that I have narrow, sloped shoulders. I've never been able to carry a shoulder bag and keep it on my shoulder, either.

  • 20 years ago

    I was in the party store this morning looking for something for Halloween and they had a black bra that had writing on each cup - one said 'we've fallen' and the other said 'and we can't get up'. It was with the 'over the hill' party stuff. I didn't have the nerve to buy it!

  • 20 years ago

    And here it is....

    Here is a link that might be useful: Nuff said.

  • 20 years ago

    ...and I DO NOT expect to see a shoelace in my swap package!!!

  • 20 years ago

    Shoulder pads serve to keep my purse on my shoulder.....and make my hips smaller..
    But I suppose they would be tacky under your bra straps....
    Linda C

  • 20 years ago

    As a child I remember having little devices that would hold up bra and slip straps under sleeveless clothing. They were made of a small length of ribbon with a saftey pin to fasten it to the shoulder seam with a snap at either end. The ribbon would loop around the strap and keep it from peeking out. No one seems to care about this anymore. I see strap city everywhere now!

  • 20 years ago

    There was an amusing bra thread that sprang to life on the Reader's forum. It also spawned a sequel.

    http://glyphs.gardenweb.com/forums/load/paradise/msg0921345317087.html?43

    Here is a link that might be useful: Why training bras?

  • 20 years ago

    Wow BarnMom, they even say the "N" word over there on Glyphs. Wow, we would never say that over on Cooking, we'd be banished!

    That training bra thread is a great read, LOL.

  • 20 years ago

    OMIGOSH I posted too soon, I just read The Sequel, LOL!

  • 20 years ago

    Hehehehe, just read The Sequel. Thanks for the heads up, I needed a smile this morning!

  • 20 years ago

    Darn! I can't see that "cake" picture.

    I'm another with sloping shoulders. Shoulderpads used to keep my purse up too. I used to beg, borrow and nearly steal shoulder pads after they started going out of style. My shoulders still look like Linda Evans on Dynasty sometimes. LOL
    I'm so short waisted that my boobs meet my belly so there is no underwire that doesn't cause me pain. I can't wear them at all. Because of both of these problems I wear a Bali bra with no underwires and the straps are much closer together than most bras in the back and this helps them stay up better. They also have a lot of stretch in them. I can't seem to find it on the web to show you.

    BarnMom, I used to wear those little ribbons pinned in my sleeveless dresses. I had forgotten all about them.

  • 20 years ago

    Shoulder pads under bra straps - ahhh, remember the 80s!

    I have some dresses that have those little snaps that keep bra straps from peeking. BarnMom, I think visible bra straps are a new fashion accessory. Dang that Sex-and-the-City and their stupid fashion-victim trends - colorful bras showing through white t-shirts, contrasting bra straps worn with tank tops, fluffy flower pins, pointy stiletto-heeled shoes, ugh...

    Ah, boobs, so inconvenient. I'm constantly fighting the car seat belt myself.

  • 20 years ago

    I've always felt my golf swing would be much improved if i could remove my breasts while I play! I also found dog obedience class to be awkward. I was imstructed to hold the leash somehow across my body and my boobs were in the way. (taught by a boobless man, of course)

  • 20 years ago

    Well well, looky what I found while googling some of your suggestions. I can either order by mail ($5.00 shipping)or drive 28 miles to an outlet.

    Here is a link that might be useful: One Hanes Place!

  • 20 years ago

    Hummmmm! Interesting Jessie, I still think shoestrings work the best!!

  • 20 years ago

    There are one or two that I might try!

  • 20 years ago

    On topic: I ordered the Bali and Playtex Secrets Seamless Shaping (try saying that three times fast). I don't think I'll post pix of me modeling them since I don't want to scare anyone.

    Off topic: RR, don't forget sweetie darling, I know where you live!

  • 20 years ago

    did you know that something like 90% of all women are wearing the wrong size? I went to a lingerie store and they offer free, professional fittings. Not Victoria's Secret - those 20 somethings are just trying to make a sale; they don't really know how to do proper fittings.

  • 19 years ago

    I can't believe this thread was started one year ago! What a hoot to re-read!

  • 19 years ago

    Hey RR - waving wildly! I still haven't found the bra I need.

  • 19 years ago

    Hey Beverly! I just ordered some bra's off the Victoria Secret website. I've never ordered underwear and bras off the internet so I'm sure it will prove to be interesting! Our local VS is still closed from the hurricane...I think the store had alot of damage.

    You may want to check out Warners, Playtex or Vanity Fair bras. I like those brands.

  • 19 years ago

    I guess I'm in the same boat with all of you. On the quest for a perfect bra. My problem is one boob is slightly smaller than the other (by 1/2 cup), so finding a bra that will fit both "girls" well is a major pain. I also have the same issue with the straps. I hate shopping for bras!

  • 19 years ago

    Have the same issue with narrow shoulders.
    Front closure bras do it for me.

    The best are the stretch lace bras (maybe not so popular in stores but you can find on-line/catalog stores). Warners's used to make them. I'm willing to bet that they are still being made though maybe with someone else's label on them.

    Racerbacks are my next favorite solution. The racerbacks are not in style but I find some are not so "athletic" and can be used nicely when wearing shells to hide normally straps that peek through and keep the straps from falling and having me go on an fishing expedition for them.

    You can even find racerback in a molded cup which is nice
    to give the "mature" woman a bit better form.

    ciao!

  • 18 years ago

    I'm also having a problem with getting bras to fit properly! I was wearing a 42C & the back was always hicking up. Then I got fitted at an expensive department store & she told me that I needed to go "down a band size & up a cup size"! So, I bought 3 expensive bras that seemed to fit much better. Well, they took care of the back hicking up, but, now the straps won't stay on my shoulders. Any suggestions??? I'm really hating bras at this point! Wish I could go bra-less.

  • 18 years ago

    I found two brands that don't slip: QVC;s Breezies and Playtex Secrets.

    The QVC brand is comfy, cool, and supportive, but a tad expensive. The Playtex version does the job and can be found on sale fairly frequently.

  • 18 years ago

    I finally found a comfortable bra - straps stay in place, back doesn't hike up, and best of all - WIRELESS! It's VS Body by Victoria IPEX wireless. I also went with a size up. They measured me at the store and said I was wearing the correct size, but I persisted in trying a size up and that helped with the comfort too. They have so many different models, it's confusing and almost as bad as car shopping!

    I just grabbed a bunch and started trying them on - they also had a bunch of styles next to the dressing room for you to try each model - that helped a lot. I bought 2 and they weren't cheap - but so worth it.

    The material is getting very high-tech. I went with a girlfriend and she got a different model that felt like ultra-light wetsuit material.

  • 17 years ago

    I find that the clear silicone bra straps you can buy and put on bras stay put much better than fabric or elastic straps. You can even buy them in three packs at Target now. If I buy a bra that does not have removable steps, I just cut the straps off and make a loop to attach the clear straps. Plus this way I can wear my favorite bra with straps with everything!

  • 17 years ago

    I have the same problem. Bought Bali #3254 with no-slip straps and love them but can't find them anymore. Bali must have discontinued that model. UGH!

  • 17 years ago

    I have almost found the holy grail of bras. The only problem with this one is its a bit too demi for me - I kinda fall out when I bend over. It is a Target bra - under $20 - Gilligan and O Malley - underwire (sorry Gina) racerback, front closure, comes in cotton and other fabrics. You can buy them on Target's site or Amazon. These straps do NOT fall off my shoulders!

  • 17 years ago

    The best thing I ever learned about fitting a bra: The cup-size also changes as you change band size...

    Example:
    If you try on a 34 D and the band is too tight, but the cup fits you perfect, you can't just go to the next size. The cup size on the 36 D will be one inch larger than the cup on the 34 D...it's not just the band size that increases.

    I finally solved this problem by buying the 34 D with the perfect cup size, then buying a Bra 'size-extender' for the band size...perfect.

    Joy

  • 17 years ago

    Jessy, I have a Target 2 blocks from here. I'll check it out. I generally find that racer back bras do not come in my size. (38C) Somehow the bra folks have decided that only smaller women should have a racer back bra. What's up with that?

  • 17 years ago

    barnmom - I bought those bras online through Target's website (Amazon).

    Good point Joy.

  • 17 years ago

    Wacoal makes a racerback, the cups are stretchy lace, I love this bra, it does not bind me anywhere. The only problem I have is that the straps come up too high on back, showing if I wear a rounded lower cut top. I decided that I needed to wear a blouse or T that did not have the cut that showed the straps. gotta be comfortable

  • 16 years ago

    Try Brahlaeuhah by Spanx. I know I didn't spell that right but its like hallelujah, only braallujah. It is made of hosiery and you pull it over your hips and adjust it by pulling it in to place. I don't imagine it would slip. I bought one for my daughter (picky) and she loves it.

    Good Luck.

    Here is a link that might be useful: bra

  • 15 years ago

    I am still looking for a bra with straps that stay up. I have even tried ones that claim to have no-slip straps from Playtex and Bali. They don't work.

    BTW, Consumer Reports had a group of women evaluate 3 different bras (a super expensive one at about $120, a VS bra, and a Gilligan & O'Malley from Target). The testers preferred the inexpensive G & O bra, and it also held up the best after washing. Just goes to show that paying more for something doesn't guarantee better quality.

    Unfortunately, I can't stand underwire bras, and I have yet to find a G & O in my size that isn't underwire. *sigh*

  • 15 years ago

    Saw something on tv that pulls your straps up.Don't remember what it's called.Most things that are seen on tv you can find them at cvs or targets.Best bet if it don't work you can return it.They have a speciel shelf "as seen on tv"

  • 15 years ago

    It's called Strap Perfect. I keep meaning to buy some b/c my shoulders slope too. I'ts always fidgeting!

  • 15 years ago

    The strap that snaps across the back bra straps does keep the straps from falling off the shoulders (& I have broad shoulders too but still have slipping problems!) but is kinda difficult to either get in the bra while the strap is already strapped in back or else trying to reach behind to snap the straps on in back while the bra is on! Those 'X'- like things advertized look as if they would be uncomfortable & may show through clothing?!

  • 15 years ago

    I've tried both the strap that goes across the straps & he X thing. Both are uncomfortable and make my back itch.

    I used to look for bras that have the straps just sewn into the back band - the band is straight across, not with the fabric curved up to meet the strap. Then I'd cut the strap off at the back and re-sew it on 1 or 2 inches closer to the hooks. That always worked great.

    I recently found a Lilly of France style that fits great and the straps don't fall off. I went to a department store instead of Target or discount store, and the Lilly of France is $27 each. I got tired of cheap bras! The Lilly of France one is so much more comfortable and it's the first time I've ever had the straps stay in place, so it's worth the price.

  • 13 years ago

    I'm writing an Essay for school about the fact that there is a lack of properly fitting undergarments for women of petite stature (5'4" and under), with mature bodies. I'm focusing on possible solutions? Did you find one?

  • 13 years ago

    I have yet to find the right one. The racer back tend to be too close to the neckline & they still show, although there isn't any slippage. The straps they sell to keep your back straps in more, are uncomfortable & hard to put on by yourself.
    I would appreciate it if everyone would include a brand name, style, & style # which are usually on a tag near the back closure. That way, we could check them out on line first, & possibly find a store that carries them.
    Thanks

  • 13 years ago

    I was so sick of my bra straps sliding off my shoulders & not finding a bra that didn't. I finally decided how I was going to fix it. I bought elastic (I think it was 5/16"). I used about a
    10 1/2" piece (it will depend on the width of your back from strap to strap) make it slightly shorter so that it lays smooth across your back.. Slip one end of the elastic through the O ring where the upper part of the strap attaches to the adjustable part of your strap, sew in place. Then attach the other end to the other O ring on the opposite strap. Presto! You will no longer have sliding straps. I am in the process of doing this to all my bras, and have not had a slipping strap since. It is easy to put on as you slip the bra over your head first & then put your arms in the straps. I wish I had thought of this years ago. Cost, about 25 cents!

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