I think for many women, bras are a “can’t live with them, can’t live without them” sort of item. They can be kind of a pain (both literally and metaphorically), but most of us still choose to wear them every day all the same!
So I figure if we’re going to wear them, we ought to figure out how to make the experience easier and more comfortable! And that’s exactly what today’s post is all about, because I’ve gathered nine brilliant tips and tricks that are all about bras.
From stopping strap slippage to quick and easy adjustments, these tips are sure to make wearing and caring for bras simpler. I think you’ll find them as useful as I did!
9 Bra Hacks That Every Woman Should Know
1. Quick Fix for Exposed Wire
There’s nothing worse than discovering your bra’s underwire has broken through the fabric and is now jabbing you mercilessly. But luckily there’s a quick fix that will help stop the pain instantly! Just feed the underwire back through the hole, then seal the hole with a small piece of moleskin.
You can read more about how this tip works by reading the full post here.
2. How to Wash Your Bras
Good bras don’t typically come cheap, but you can make sure you get your money’s worth by washing them correctly so they last as long as possible. Check out this post to find out which bras you can machine-wash and which you should hand wash, and to learn the best way to do it!
3. Store Them Stacked
Wondering what’s the best way to store your bras? The best method is the store them upright with the cups nested inside each other.
Not only does it save space in your drawer, it also helps the bras keep their shape! (And avoid hanging bras in the closet, as gravity can stretch out the straps over time.)
4. Spin(ner) Cycle
After hand washing a bra, you don’t want to wring it out and risk twisting it out of shape or damaging it. Grab your salad spinner instead, give it a few good spins to expel the excess water, then lay it out to air dry.
5. Shower with Your Sports Bra
After a workout, just wear your sports bra into the shower! It’s best to wash sports bras ASAP, and cleaning it in the shower is a gentler option than machine-washing. Use a bit of gentle detergent or soap to wash it, rinse it under the shower head, then hang it to air dry.
6. Clip Your Straps
Want a way to hide your bra straps when wearing tanks or thin-strapped dresses? Just get a pack of bra strap clips! These simple clips will hold your bra straps near the middle of your back, keeping them out of sight and out of mind.
7. Extend Your Band
While I wouldn’t advise wearing a bra that’s significantly too small for you, there are certain occasions when you could use a little extra breathing room. If you find yourself in need of an extra inch or two in your bra’s band, use one of these handy band extenders! Just connect it your bra’s existing hooks for instant extension.
8. Safer Packing
Tired of your bras getting crushed in your suitcase when your travel? Get a zippered bra and underwear packing organizer! This structured bag will help keep their shape and keep them organized too!
9. Fix for Problematic Straps
Bra strap issues can keep you distracted all day. Whether they are slipping off your shoulders or digging into your skin, it can be a huge nuisance!
More Ideas You'll Love
But there’s one simple product that can solve both issues: silicone bra strap cushions. The increased surface area and added grip from these cushions will keep your straps comfortably in place.
What are your best bra hacks?
I buy silicone in a tube and apply it to the underside of all my straps. No more slipping!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I completely agree with wearing a sports bra right into the shower. I used to wear all my exercise clothes in to hand wash. But, have you ever tried to take off a wet sports bra (or wet yoga pants)? When I was younger it was tricky enough, and nearly impossible when I got older. Even just sweaty was harder. So I switched to front zip closure sports bras and loose fitting sweats. Why get in a second workout if you don’t have to LOL.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have narrow shoulders. When we were square dancing, I made all my dresses. When the dress was finished, I sewed a short piece of quarter inch wide satin ribbon to the shoulder seam allowances. I sewed half of a small snap to the other end of the ribbon. the other piece of the snap was sewn just far enough away on the seam allowance for the ribbon/snap to go under my bra strap and snap to that half on the seam allowance. Very simple fix. No more bra straps sneaking out.
This could be a retrofit to any garment with a shoulder seam.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My Grandmother used to do this as far back as the 1950’s (if I remembered correctly) she had narrow shoulders but always wore a full slip under her clothing so she would sew the satin ribbon onto her slips.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.She sadly passed away aged 104 in 2015, I still miss her she was very wise. ❤
I do have an issue with “slipping straps” – tried the silicone shoulder “things” but they irritated my skin. Due to arthritis, I can’t use the connectors that hold straps together on your back – too hard to put on. Any other suggestions???
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sport bra shower, good idea. All I wear are sport bras for comfort and support.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I was so excited about learning of a way to fix those pokey underwires, so I went out & bought the moleskin…followed the instructions and the moleskin came off ~ stuck to me ~ and the wire poked me all day. So, since it mentions that your body heat helps the patch adhere, I tried ironing the moleskin patch on. Same result. Patch came off & stuck to me…underwire poked me all day.
Threw the bras away & bought new.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love the little travel packing bags! I have several different kinds that I use in my luggage. But as a former TSA employee, in the baggage handling area, during random bag checks, sometimes those personal item bags do get opened. I ALWAYS pack my undergarments in clear zip lock bags. At least I’ve made the effort for the checkers to be able to see through and feel through the bag without getting opened.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m not sure if it has been brought up yet, but the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue are asking for hooks off your old bras. They are actually using them to save turtles that have broken their shells. I’m not sure of the address, but I am sure one quick Google search will be able to provide it. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hello! I don’t know if this has already been mentioned…..In a pinch, especially if you’re at work, or traveling.. Use a “fabric”style bandaid to cover the area where the wire is protruding. I did this once, and the bandage survived several washes! It also did it’s job!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jillee & everyone! Not sure if you are aware, but I thought I would point out that some bras, such as the bra you show in picture #6, Clip Your Straps… you’ll notice that there’s a small metal hook/clip on the metal ring holding the strap on the right, you use it in the same way as the bra strap clip. Take the strap with the little metal hook and attach it to the little metal ring on the opposite strap. Its a built-in racer-back strap clip! Not all bras have this little gem, but for those of you who struggle with sliding straps, this is a wonderful bonus feature. Also, some bras come with a criss-cross option. Just look at how the straps in the back are attached. Some have loops of fabric where the strap can be detatched and placed on the other side, or they are similar to the clasp that you see with bras that close in the front. Thanks for all the really great tips, Jillee and I hope that I’ve been able to help someone here!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Go to a store with a good lingerie department, I went to Macy’s. The saleswoman there measured me. Surprise! I should be wearing a 32D instead of a 34C!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You won’t need to purchase much, and it is so worth it!
I used to have the problem of straps that would slip off my shoulders. One day I saw a magazine article (back before the internet) that said that if your straps won’t stay on your shoulders you’re wearing the wrong style for your body type. They suggested pay attention to strap placement when trying on bras. When looking in the mirror if the placement of the straps sort or make a line from your nipples straight up over your shoulders then they’ll stay where you need them to. That tip hasn’t failed me yet.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Before I throw a bra away, I create my own bra extender by sewing both sides of fasteners together. I use them for bras that are too snug, especially in summer when I can’t handle having a tight bra. Also, sometimes when my underwires snap in half, I just remove them altogether and I have a couple of bras like that which still provide good support with underwires. I never throw a bra without removing underwires and holding onto them to replace ones that have snapped in half.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips! Some I have already used and some are new to me. For those like me who are too lazy to hand wash, it does help to get a nice small lingerie bag to protect bras in the wash. Mine last so much longer since I did that! Also, to save money when purchasing, I go try on bras at Kohls every November and write down exactly which style and size I like. Then on Black Friday I purchase several on their website, avoiding the lines but still getting the great prices. I do this even if I don’t need bras at the time. Then throughout the year when an underwire breaks or they get too worn, I just pull one of the new ones out of my closet! Great way to save money and time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Any hacks for making the band tighter? I have sewn a seam but don’t like the bulkiness.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Remove the hooks and eyes by picking out the stitching. Then sew them back on after removing some fabric from the band. Ideally a new bra should hook on the outermost hooks so as it stretches you can tighten it. However if your weight fluctuates monthly, aim for the middle hooks.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I gather the band and put a binding on it so it doesn’t bother my daughters skin. She says it’s very comfortable.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For traveling, I usually use socks or underwear to fill the cups to keep them from being crushed in my bag.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love that strap idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love Scotch Hold Tight Strap Clips. I was skeptical when I first saw them in Amazon, but I took a chance and haven’t been disappointed. The small clear clips prevent your bra straps from loosening throughout the day. Find them for just $6 at ww.amazon.com/dp/B00WUW1FJ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve done some of the hacks. I’ve done the moleskin one since I can’t afford new bras very often.,I’ve always washed mine in a mesh bag. I usually end up,pinning my straps.Thats usually my biggest issue having straps that like to peek out.,I’ve always had narrow shoulders like my mom and sisters.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips. I dont wear bras that are molded per say….but i wash all my bras by hand. Im on the larger size so they are not cheap and i hate having to go fin d new ones. Been doing that since 6 th grade. I wish i could afford a very good one as you suggest the name …maybe someday. But i highly suggest women take your advice on how to clean, dry and store them.
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