A bra that doesn’t fit well is more than uncomfortable—it’s embarrassing. When there’s underwire digging into your ribs or straps slipping and showing underneath your short-sleeved t-shirt, you want solutions and fast. Even more so for your daughter, who is just learning about undergarments.
When you shop for developing bodies, you need to find the most comfortable type of bra. Bras for small chests require different fits and sizing than bras for fully-developed or larger busts. If your daughter is struggling to find a bra that fits her well, is comfortable, and doesn’t leave her feeling exposed, we’ve got you.
Here are some expert tips and tricks for finding a bra that fits, or making her current bra support her needs:
How to Find the Right Fit
While both band size and cup size are important factors in bra sizing, you need to consider your shoulders, as well. Not all shoulders are created equal, and some are more susceptible to strap slippage. Here, we will focus on recommendations for shoulder types that struggle with straps.
Sloping Shoulders
Sloping shoulders are common for those of us with less-than-militaristic postures. These shoulders appear rotated toward the front of your body and are more hunched, sloping downwards. We’re not shoulder-shaming here, but recognize that certain shoulders are prone to poorly fitting bras.
The easiest solution to slipping straps on this shoulder type is to opt for halter-style bras or use a bra converter ring. These rings connect the bra straps in the back, resting between the shoulder blades. This tightens the straps and secures them in place.
Narrow Shoulders
Narrow shoulders appear similar to sloping shoulders, except instead of hunching, the shoulders are on a narrower frame than your hips. We recommend bras that do not have wide-set straps for these shoulders. The best wayto choose a bralette for everyday wear is to opt for a multiway or racerback bra.
Tips for Small Shoulders
Even if you don’t see your daughter’s shoulder type in the list above, there are many other reasons her straps could be slipping. Here are ways you can effectively prevent bra-strap slippage, so she doesn’t have to worry.
Check for Adjustments
Lower-quality bras and bralettes, worn-out bras, and bras that are too big may need daily adjustments. As the elasticity in the straps wears out, you may need to tighten the straps regularly. One downside to this option is that it can push the cups up higher. This can cause pulling on the breast tissue and discomfort.
Two-Finger Trick
When trying on bras or adjusting the strap, use the two-finger trick. As you tighten her straps, slip two fingers underneath them. You should be able to do this comfortably, but it shouldn’t feel loose. Any tighter than this, and the straps will dig into her shoulders.
Try New Styles
You may need a new style of bra to support her growing body. Bras with racerbacks, like our Tink Hybrid and Aspen bras, connect in the back without the need for adjusting. These are perfect for the active tween who wants comfort and style.
Find bras with multiway straps or a J-hook to prevent slippage. With multiway bras, you can adjust the straps to cross in the back, tightening the straps. With J-hooks, you can connect the two straps between the shoulder blades to secure the straps into place.
Her Comfort, Her Style
If your daughter’s straps are slipping off her shoulders, she’s likely in the wrong bra or it’s stretched out. As her body grows and develops, she can either feel empowered by these changes or insecure. Finding the right bra will help her feel comfortable and confident—not preoccupied with avoiding fashion faux pas. Yellowberry has bras for her that grow with her, so she can embrace womanhood at her own pace.