Bra straps keep slipping down: how can you fix this?

You pull them up. An hour later, they slip down again. You pull them even tighter. And yet your bra straps still won’t stay in place.

You’re not the only one… Slipping bra straps are one of the most common complaints when wearing a bra. And although it’s tempting to simply tighten the straps, that rarely solves the problem. The cause is almost always something else.

Why do bra straps slip down?

Bra straps account for just 20 per cent of the support. It’s the band around your ribcage that does the real work. If your straps slip down, it’s almost always a sign that something’s not quite right with the fit of your bra.

The most common causes:

  • The band is too big. If the band is too loose, your body compensates by tightening the straps. This causes them to pull harder on your shoulders and slip down more quickly.
  • The cup size is too small. If the cup size is too small, the cups won’t support the weight of your breasts properly. The straps will then have to bear more of the weight than intended.
  • The straps are too narrow. Narrow straps dig in more quickly and slip off the shoulder more easily.
  • The bra has stretched out. A bra has a limited lifespan. After lots of washing and wearing, the band loses its elasticity and simply no longer fits properly.

So the solution starts with the cause, not with constantly tightening the straps.

Step 1: Check your bra size

The most effective solution for slipping bra straps is to check whether your size is still correct. Many women wear a band size that is too large combined with a cup size that is too small – a common mistake that directly leads to slipping straps.

Try a band size smaller and a cup size larger. So, do you currently wear an 80B? Then try a 75C. The band size and cup size are linked; a smaller band means a larger cup for the same volume.

Use our size guide to work out your exact size and check whether your current bra still fits.

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Step 2: Choose a bra with wide straps

Narrow straps slip off your shoulders more easily than wide ones. If you regularly find that your straps slip down, make a conscious choice to wear a bra with slightly wider shoulder straps. These distribute the weight more evenly across your shoulders and stay in place much more securely.

An wire bra or a moulded bra with wide straps is the most supportive option for women with a fuller bust. For smaller cup sizes, a T-shirt bra with slightly wider straps also works very well.

Step 3: Check the lifespan of your bra

On average, a bra lasts six to eight months with regular use. After that time, the band loses its elasticity and the straps no longer stay in place as well. Wash your bra on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees and leave it to air dry; this will significantly extend its lifespan.

Has your bra been down to the last row of hooks for a while now? Then it’s time for a new one. A bra that you wear on the last set of hooks has stretched out and no longer provides the support it was designed for.

Take a look at the new bra collection →

Temporary solution: bra accessories

Do you have a bra whose straps keep slipping down, but you’d like to keep wearing it for a while longer? If so, there are some handy bra accessories that can provide a temporary solution. A strap clip connects the two straps at the back in an X-shape, which keeps them in place and stops them from slipping down. A strap extender gives the strap a bit more room if it’s too tight.

These are temporary solutions. The permanent solution is always a bra that fits really well.

When is it time for a new bra?

Sagging straps are often the first sign that your bra needs replacing. But there are other signs too:

  • You wear it on the last row of hooks
  • The band creeps up whilst you’re wearing it
  • The cups are bulging or no longer fit snugly
  • The straps have stretched and can no longer be adjusted properly

Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s time for a new bra. Use our size guide to check whether your size is still correct before choosing a new one, as your size may change over time.

See also: How do you work out your bra size? and Bras for large breasts, for more help finding the perfect bra.

Frequently asked questions

Why do my bra straps keep slipping down?

Slipping bra straps are almost always caused by a band size that’s too large or a cup size that’s too small. The band is too loose, which means the straps are bearing too much weight and slipping off your shoulders. Try a band size smaller and a cup size larger, and use our size guide to determine your exact size.

Does tightening your bra straps help?

Only if the straps are adjustable and are indeed too long. But if the problem is caused by a band that’s too big or a cup that’s too small, tightening the straps won’t solve the problem – it will actually make it worse. The straps will then press harder against your shoulders without addressing the actual cause. First check your size using our size guide, then choose the right style from our bra collection.

Which bra stays in place best?

A wire bra or a moulded bra with wide shoulder straps and a sturdy band provides the most support. Choose a style with adjustable straps so you can fine-tune the fit. And take a look at our bra accessories for handy aids such as strap clips as a temporary solution.