A good bra goes mostly unnoticed, but a bad one can stop you in your tracks – whether you’re in the middle of a meeting at work or attempting to gracefully descend a flight of stairs. Getting a thin strap bra to fit right isn’t as simple as adjusting the straps and adding a few extra slack to the band, but the results can be well worth it.
The band of your bra should provide 80 per cent of its support. If you can slide more than a finger between it and your skin, it’s too loose. If you have to hook the back onto its tightest set of hooks to get it to sit comfortably, that’s a sign you need to go down a band size.
If you’ve gone down a band size, your cups should fit snugly and close to the skin without causing any gaping or spillage. “Look for a cup shape that hugs your boobs and supports your breast tissue,” says lingerie stylist Kelly Dunmore of Rigby & Peller. If you have teardrop breasts, she suggests looking for a sweetheart demi silhouette with fabric overlays that keep the cup from flattening. If you have compact breasts, she recommends a more structured wire that has the ability to conform to your curves, like in the Freya Idol Moulded Balcony Bra.
For a more slender strap, consider choosing a narrower stretch band or a soft padded comfort strap instead of a wider elastic. It’s also important to consider the length of the strap, which should reach all the way to your shoulders without causing any dents or pulling up on the back of the neckline.