Bra fitting help » Gaping due to wide-set straps?
Masquerade » Delphi (6411) » 30H 30:11
Issue resolved
Thank you everyone for your comments! I've now gathered the courage to go ahead with the alteration
Hopefully I won't ruin the bra but make it a better fit!
Original problem
This bra is otherwise a really good fit, but the straps are very wide-set. From the front view picture you can see that they just barely sit on my shoulders.
As a result (I think), I get a weird gaping especially on the outer side of my left (=smaller) boob when I lean forward and/or turn my shoulder inwards. I’ve exaggerated the problem in the picture so that you clearly could see what I mean.
I tried simulating closer-set straps by holding the cup with my hand as if the strap sat there, and I think it pretty much eliminated the problem. It also felt more supportive, even though I didn’t pull or push the cup, just held it like a strap would.
Thus, I assume the problem and the solution are plain and simple: straps sitting too far apart and need to be moved closer. However, I’m a bit hesitant to butcher this gorgeous bra without getting a second opinion, so I would be really grateful if you could confirm my suspicions, or, if I’m completely wrong or am missing something, tell me that. And if there’s something particular I should take into account with the alteration, please let me know!
You must be logged in to leave suggestions
-
New user?
-
Have an account?
Suggestions (6)
-
1
helpful
Okay, firstly I must say.. this bra seems to look quite nice on you. I can't quite understand what you mean by the gaping. Yes I can see it in the exaggerated picture but I can't see it in the other pictures. The fit looks quite nice in the other pictures.
If you can't go down a band size- I would definitely alter the straps as they are obviously far too wide for you. Because of the design of the bra you probably wouldn't be able to move the straps at the front of the bra as they follow the line of the cups. I have altered many a bra and the only real advice I have is always do one side at a time. Never undo both. This way you wont get confused and will always have your original point of reference.
You could undo one strap at the back and then pin it in further on the back to see if it helps.
Updated on October 26, 2013 Flag this
-
0
helpfulWhat if you tried going down a cup size? Smaller cup would mean narrower straps. Ive done both successfully...butchered by bras and gone down a cup size or two.
Updated on October 25, 2013 Flag this
-
Then butcher your bra ;) I was nervous at first but now tailor most of my bras. I do the same to my clotges so why not to my bras. I like it. Makes thrm more personalised and they fit like a glove.
-
0
helpfulIn your case I'd try with a 32G, (or, if you're absolutely certain the cups are a perfect fit, a GG) because a larger band would basically mean closer-set straps. If that doesn't work then I think you def should cut into it. If you cut off the top part of the /\ and reattach the straps to the new rounded shape I bet you I wouldn't be able to tell something's off (pun intended). The best of luck!
Updated on October 25, 2013 Flag this
-
Actually, I have it as a 32H, which is obviously too large in the cup (though nevertheless fits surprisingly well for a cup size too big), but also too large in the band, which is why I bought this bra as a 30H.
With a 32GG I fear I would have more or less the same problem AND too wide a band... And for my part, I find it easier to wear an extender for that extra 1–2cm until the band stretches (or just break in the bra for a few days) as compared to trying to alter the band to make it narrower.
But indeed, if I end up cutting into this one, I was planning to do exactly as you suggested :)
-
Ah, yes, I see your problem. This seems to run quite large in the band. Why won't anyone cater to us narrow-shouldered!?
-
-
0
helpful
This is what I've been saying all the time
I agree with your suspicions if the bra feels alright in the band and everywhere else. I suffer from this all the time because bra straps are set too wide for me.Updated on October 25, 2013 Flag this
-
I suffer through this with all of my bra's!
-
Well the band is just slightly too tight now as new; I can fasten it on the loosest hooks, and it's not unbearable, but it admittedly is more comfortable with an extender that gives an extra cm. The difference is that small though, so undoubtedly it will stretch to the "comfortable zone" soon enough. And as I mentioned in my other comment, I prefer it this way rather than having to alter a stretched-out band.
But otherwise, for the cup, I wouldn't change anything, I think it's as good a size as it'll ever be.
I've been wearing this bra the whole day today, and it feels otherwise really comfortable and supportive; the only problem is that the straps start to dig into the top/front of my armpits as I move around a lot... I think I'll feel myself through a couple of days more and if I still can't find anything else to complain about, I reckon "what you've been saying all the time" hits the jackpot :)
-
Slightly too tight is alright since you're wearing an extender anyway :) As long as the band isn't overly tensioned and nothing else is bothering you, and you said the cup feels perfect when you simulate a closer-set set of straps... Well, you have your answer there :) It's definitely the fact that the straps are set too wide for you.
-
-
0
helpfulAre the wires right for you or too wide?
(Okay, that's not a suggestion
. So if they were too wide my suggestion would be to try different bra styles altogether, which would probably have closer set straps.)
I've altered one bra like this and this eliminated the gapping at the top that I got before my alteration. For you this could mean that you might get quadboob once you've put the straps closer together at the front.Updated on October 27, 2013 Flag this
-
The wires are the teeniest bit too wide, but not so much that it would disturb me. TBH, to this day I haven't found a bra that wouldn't be more or less too wide in the cups (if it fits otherwise), but I guess that's a smaller problem than too narrow wires.
I'm slightly afraid of the quadboobing as well, but I've tried tucking and pulling, and I think (hope) I could get away with the alteration. We'll see!
-
-
0
helpfulI have that same bra in 30E and I had the same problem, straps were too far apart and there was some gaping.
I moved the straps closer, and now there is not anymore / far more less gaping, but I have to tell you, the cups´shape is a bit distorted now
This might be or might not be helpful to you, anyway I thought I´d share my experience.
Updated on November 4, 2013 Flag this
-
Thanks for sharing! I hope the cups wont get too distorted... :S And if they do, I guess I can always revert to the wider set straps?
-
I don't think downsizing would work – or for my smaller boob I could probably get away with it, but for the larger one I would almost certainly quadboob in a cup size smaller :/ Now the cup is pretty much textbook perfect for my larger breast, but just slightly too big for the smaller. Since I quadboob really easily and find it aesthetically not-so-pleasant, I prefer it this way around (and not quadboob & just perfect).
Ugh, if only there were lingerie shops that would sell my size, it would be so easy just to try another size and get confirmation as opposed to ordering a whole new bra just for fitting purposes...