How to Shorten Bra Straps 

It’s estimated that 80 percent of women regularly wear an ill-fitting bra. But while most of the focus is on cup size, the truth is that bra straps play a huge role. 

Even if the cup is correct for a woman’s size, an improperly adjusted bra strap can mislead many into believing they need a different bra. 

If the bra is slipping or feels too low, straps that are too long may be the cause.

Here’s how to shorten bra straps to ensure a more comfortable, supportive fit every time:

Use the Slide Adjuster

The average bra strap comes with a slide adjuster (the little clip in the middle that separates the looped portion from the single strap) to make changing the strap size easy. 

To make the bra strap shorter, simply hold the adjuster clip in one hand and the looped bra strap below it in the other, and gently pull the looped portion while moving the slide adjuster forward toward the cup.

The closer the adjuster is to the cup, the more looped portion there will be and the bra strap overall will be tighter. 

The closer the slide adjuster is to the bra band, the looser it will be. Repeat on each side as needed.

Adjust Before Wearing

If you’re struggling to shorten bra straps while wearing the bra, you may find it a lot easier to do so when it’s off.

A good rule of thumb is to start with the bra strap on the loosest setting, then take off and pull the adjuster clip to shorten as needed. 

You’ll need to check the fit by putting the bra back on, of course, but making adjustments this way can be a lot easier with bra designs that have thicker straps or slide adjusters that stick.

How to Shorten Bra Straps that Aren’t Adjustable

Some designs don’t have adjustable bra straps. If the cups and band still feel good, you can always try using safety pins. 

To do so effectively, put on the bra and pull up the bra strap right above the cup, folding it over in your hand to creating a little loop. 

Once the strap feels appropriately tight, take a marker and draw a small line on either side of the loop. Then remove the bra and use a safety pin to hold the marked areas together. 

Use an additional safety pin to secure the loop down to the main bra strap and stop it from sticking out.

Want a more permanent solution? Trim off the extra material instead of pinning it and sew the pieces together. 

Use at least a double stitch to ensure the shorter straps are secure.

Still Not Comfortable After Shortening?

If your bra still doesn’t fit well or is uncomfortable after you’ve tried to shorten bra straps, you may need a different cup size. 

Don’t be afraid to keep trying on different bras until you find the right one! 

Life’s too short to have to spend it in uncomfortable underwear.

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