One of the most annoying things in the world: falling bra straps. UGH! And it always seems to happen during the worst possible time, right?

So how do you keep bra straps from falling down? I’ve been fitting folks for bras since 2005 and below are a few of my best tips to keep your bras straps up and in place.

Adjust Your Straps!

Here’s one tip that might seem really obvious – adjust your straps! I will never forget fitting my sister for a great bra, and a month later she was upset that it no longer fit. I asked her if she adjusted her bra straps since it can shift and stretch. She said, “Huh, I never thought of that.” Once we gave it a quick adjustment, boom! The bra fit like new.

Remember, the straps are there to keep the cup flush against your body (like in the video) and prevent any gapping. And pro-tip: you might have to adjust each strap differently depending on the size and the shape of each breast.

Okay, sometimes the straps falling down is not as easy to fix as this. Keep reading because I’ve got more tips coming up with how to keep your straps from falling down.

How Tight Should Bra Straps Be?

Are your bra straps too loose? Here’s a quick rule of thumb to make sure that your bra straps are fitting properly. In general, an elastic bra strap should offer some resistance and keep that cup flush to the body and should only be able to get about one inch off your shoulder with some gentle force.

If you can get an elastic bra strap all the way up to your ear, something is too loose in that bra. Either the band, the strap, or both! Fun fact, I shared this tip at a local high school and some of the students could get their bra strap all the way up and over their head. If that is you too, your bra is too loose.

Adjust the Band

So let’s say you adjust your straps and you’re still having issues. Why won’t your bra straps stay in place no matter how much you tighten them? Great question.

If adjusting the straps doesn’t help, check the band. The band is actually responsible for 90% of your bra support and it acts as an anchor to really keep everything in place and support the rest of your bra, including keeping your straps in place.

A loose band will just ride up all day long, causing the straps to slip down and the cups to slip forward. Keep that bra band down, parallel to the floor and snug like a hug.

Try a Different Bra Strap Style

Did you know if your bra straps are falling down, it might have to do with the style of your bra? That’s right. Sometimes it has nothing to do with the fit of your band or your straps and adjusting them.

For example, if you have a balconette style or a style where the straps are set really wide, this might be too wide for you if you have narrow or sloping shoulders. So if you’ve already adjusted the band and the straps, or you feel like you’ve tried everything, try a new style, maybe one where the straps were set in a little bit more in the front or the back, or maybe even one that’s convertible in the back so that way your straps can criss-cross and truly stay in place.

Remember that even the best bras out there need to fit in order to feel comfortable, and that comfort will provide you with all day (and night) confidence! If you wear bras, grab a spot in my Free Bra Class to check on the fit of your bras and take your first step toward saying hurray inside, outside, and underneath™!

Free Bra Class

Want to wear a bra without ripping it off at the end of the day? Watch How to Find a Comfortable Bra Fit For Your Body WITHOUT Wasting Your Money on Bras You Dread Wearing! Plus, you'll also get Kimmay's Bra Fit Guide, and a taste of Bra Confidence & Comfort™. Watch now and don't spend another minute feeling uncomfortable in your bra.

Your Turn: These are just a few of the options to keep straps in place. Which will you try? Let me know if any of these tips help you feel more comfortable and confident in your bras. Share with me over at @hurraykimmay on Instagram and TikTok and let me know!