Does It Bother You When Bra Straps Stick Out?? Yours or Otherwise??

Updated on June 12, 2011
J.M. asks from Lansing, KS
49 answers

Ok I was wondering does it bother you when you see a womans bra strap or part of their bra strap? Im not talking tube tops and straps out but just a small amount that sticks out or possibly does not fit all the way under the sleeves of a summer shirt. Do your bra straps ever show? I have a couple of shirt that I have for the summer where a very small amount of strap shows and a older friend of the family said oh we didnt show our bras back in my day. So I was wondering is it really so bad ?? Im seriously only talking a very small amount which does not bother me personally at all to show a small amount or see someone elses straps either. What do you guys think?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the answers ladies !! I try to keep my straps in it does not always work this way. I have tried a bra with clear straps but it was so dang uncomfortable I couldnt stand it. It seems harder to keep the straps in the bigger the girls are.. lol. As for the underwear sticking out I cant stand it, I work with a couple of girls who I call the butt crack twins I have seen more of their butts than I care to. ; )

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

No it does not bother me.

Some even wear white t-shirts, with a black bra underneath, to show it or they don't even mind.

Regardless, it really does not bother me.

What I find gross, is when a woman's Thong underwear.... is peeking out atop her pants band.

5 moms found this helpful

L.U.

answers from Seattle on

Back in the 70's they didn't show their bra straps because they didn't wear bras!!! lol
Mine show. I would rather that people see a little bra strap poking out then a bit of boob.
L.

4 moms found this helpful

L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

It used to bother me
Now it doesn't
If I have a business meeting I just toss a jacket or sweater on to cover up

Society has relaxed its "dress code" enormously in the past decade. Bras are no longer taboo. :)

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J.T.

answers from Madison on

Well, I think it depends on the occasion.

If you are at a formal party or a wedding or a job interview or something like that, you don't want a bra strap showing.

If you are at the beach, at your backyard, or at home, no problems at all. Bra straps all the way out! ;-)

If you are at a family gathering, shopping or a coffee shop, some bra strap is OK (like the shirts you described).

Just my opinion.

ADDED: The above is for others. On me, I do not want/like any bra straps showing.

7 moms found this helpful
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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I have sloping shoulders and my bra straps nearly always show at least some in sleeveless garment. Used to bother me a great deal. I've gotten used to it, almost. I'd rather they didn't show.

some bras have clear straps. I'd buy that style but they don't come in my size.

I bought those butterfly looking plastic hooks to fasten onto your bra straps in the middle of the back. Do not work! Bra straps are not long enough.

I think that young women can carry off bra straps showing quite well most of the time. Doesn't bother me. In fact I seldom notice. But when the woman is matronly and wearing a traditional bra i sometimes say yuk internally. lol

6 moms found this helpful
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H.W.

answers from Portland on

I don't want to be cliche and say "it's generational"... however, I know that this is one thing that bothers me about *me*. I grew up when bras were kept out of sight...oh, until Madonna in the 80s, and then we were still slightly scandalized while loving it at the same time. (I was a teen then.)

I don't feel put together when my bra straps are peeking out too much, the outfit just doesn't feel "finished", no matter how casual it is. Funny, though, if it's on someone else, I don't really give it too much thought. We all have our own comfort levels, and it's kind of funny those sorts of things that do/don't bother me.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

YES, and my DH thinks it's tacky, too. There are so many kinds of bras and things that hold bras that it's not necessary to show off your bra strap (or your underpants...a whale tail at the PTA meeting is not necessary). Occasionally a bit of strap slips out. I'm fine with that, but so many people do NOT care. It's a fight DH has given up on with SD but a fight I plan to fight with DD. I bought clear straps at the fabric store so I could have clear straps on a dress where I thought they might show and converted one of my regular removable strap bras. It's UNDERwear.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi J.,

I'm with your older friend. It's called underwear for a reason. The style of camisoles (formerly known as underwear) being worn as shirts bothers me even more.

This is the first time anyone has ever asked and I've been able to vent to someone other than my teenage daughters. Thank you for that! :)

M.

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B..

answers from Dallas on

It only bothers me when it's showing, and there is no way it naturally would be. My husband worked with a lady whose bra strap was ALWAYS showing. She could be wearing a sweater, and somehow it would be pulled off her shoulder to show her strap. Her bra strap would even show with button down dress shirts. She seemed to think it was sexy. I don't know if a 52 year old woman purposefully showing her bra straps, could ever be considered sexy!!

I also hate when the thong is hanging out. It just looks...trashy.

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M.R.

answers from Chicago on

On me - yes. But I do understand that with some tank tops and sleeveless shirts more and more people have bra straps peeking out because it simply is almost impossible to keep them covered, not to mention that is sort of the 'fashion'. So...on others it doesn't bother me. On me, it does.

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K.:.

answers from Phoenix on

It's never crossed my mind either way. I guess I'm too oblivious or busy worrying about other stuff :-)

3 moms found this helpful

A.H.

answers from Tulsa on

I don't like mine sticking out or seeing others sticking out. I have some shirts where the straps will show, so I shift them to the top of my shoulder so they don't show. I have the same issue with people's underwear sticking out of their pants. I don't want to see any of anyone's underwear or bras, even if it's just a little bit.

3 moms found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Washington DC on

I used to have issues with that. But now I dont. I buy extra cute bras now that have extra cute straps so if they do happen to show (I never plan for them too, but it does happen on occasion) I think it looks sort of cute. I've seen it happening for so long now I'm just used to it. Bras are just part of our clothing, as long as it's clean and matchs the color of what you are wearing, who cares.
But there is a sleazy way of doing it that I dont care for. I think its okay if its just subtle.

3 moms found this helpful

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

It doesn't bother me nearly as much as seeing women in low-cut jeans or shorts, with a g-string showing out the top. YICK. Bra straps - it's not the greatest look if they're showing, but it doesn't horrify me.

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S.A.

answers from Springfield on

That doesn't bother me a bit. I have seen worse things than that @ my local Wal-Mart

2 moms found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Houston on

I live in south texas.... it bothers me if people DONT show their bra straps? My hair is up, my strappy shirt is showing my straps, yes....and when i see people wearing sleeves with perfect hair i want to know HOW that is POSSIBLE?

yes my straps show, sometimes in our 80 degree winters. I know no other way!

2 moms found this helpful

P.L.

answers from Chicago on

European women would not be worried about a bra sticking out,
I'm more worried about women who wear very low cut t-shirts and have an overly big stomach hanging out.

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B.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Yes, I think it is tacky. It seems the trend these days is to intentionally have it showing.

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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

I have fairly wide bra straps because I am larger endowed...yes it bothers me when shirts are cut in such a fashion that the straps play peek a boo...I have bought many tank tops ( some are really pretty with the lacy trim) I layer and that solves the issue ( I have also been known to safety pin them too! I just think it looks tacky, but it is a personal thing, I am sure it varies.

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

.

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K.S.

answers from Miami on

LOL it annoys me if mine stickout because its uncomfortable always pushing them back up. On others not really could care less. Down here in florida with the warm weather its normal attire really. Some of the bikini's they wear down here are worse. Especially the gstrap bathingsuits that show off their backsides. I hate those Ithink they are gross. Really do not want to see another girls backside.

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

Gack. I know it's sort of in fashion, but for me, it's just a cheap and careless look (much like young men wearing their pants sagging off their hips).

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R.J.

answers from Seattle on

I have a thing for camisoles. In fact 5 or 6 days a week, that's what you'll find me wearing. Jeans, cords, cargos, whatever... and a stretchy camisole. My straps show. They're thin, they match colorwise. I'm only EVER careful about straps in evening wear or at formal/semi-formal functions.

My favorite women to see brastraps show?

The 80-100 crowd who just don't give a damn about what other people think anymore. Their husbands will also brazenly not wear hats out of doors in public from time to time.

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M.M.

answers from Washington DC on

I vote with the tacky side here. Bras are underwear, we don;t show our underpants either.
There are bras now that have clear straps, both my girls have them so when they wear the tank tops the straps do not show. And even that one has to be under the strap on the tank. I also do not let them wear spaghetti straps or halter tops without a sweater.
I know, I'm old fashioned and a prude, so be it.

But my 22 yo notices when women wear their underwear on the outside, or hanging out and refuses to date them.

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E.W.

answers from New York on

I may notice it, but it doesn't bother me. I figure- she's a woman, has boobs and wears a bra- end of story. Now if you could see the lace or something like that sticking out in the cleavage area- that's another story. Strap though, not really a big deal. As for myself, I try not to have them show, but if they do, I just use the same logic. I am a woman, have boobs and wear a bra. Not really a big deal.

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S.C.

answers from Des Moines on

I am a very large, very large breasted woman with itty bitty, teeny tiny shoulders-- I gave up the bra strap fight a long time ago! When your bra straps are as wide as your shoulders they're going to show.

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A.P.

answers from Eugene on

I'm wearing a shirt today where my bra straps stick out--I've never, ever thought about it and generally I dress on the conservative side of the aisle, but I'm also not one to notice fashion trends.

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E.B.

answers from Seattle on

Mine show if I am wearing tanktop. It is just how it works......I do try my best to keep um tucked away...I Always where a long and lean tank under anything I wear...So I try and match my bra to the tank. Or the top ''T'' or tank.

It does annoy me if I see them hanging out on younger girls. That and underwear....grrr...It saddens me.

The though of wearing a tape or something to make it stay in place seems silly to me.

1 mom found this helpful

K.L.

answers from Redding on

Yep it bugs me when they wear tank tops and make no attempt to cover the straps. Its as if they think the bra straps should show, and look like youre wearing 2 different tops. But a tiny touch of it isnt a big deal. Its gonna happen sometimes when you move or twist and are wearing sleeveless or tanks. What I hate more is when the strap actually falls down onto the arm and they either dont make an attempt to pull it back up, or only pull it up right to the edge of the shoulder and then it falls down again within seconds. You can see it thru a light colored sleeve too. It looks so uncomfortable and sloppy. OR when the strap is twisted and shows..Makes me cringe!

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M.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I don't think it's a big deal, but I do attempt to keep mine hidden. I saw the coolest thing at Target the other day--little clips that pin into the inside shoulder of your top with a hook on the other side to hold your bra strap. I wish I'd bought them now, but I'll be going back for them now that you reminded me! They were in the bra/underwear accessories aisle and were under $10, but I can't remember the name at the moment.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I don't like it. To me it just looks....not thought out or something.

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K.A.

answers from San Diego on

Eh..I don't really care. I have come to realize that there is nothing you can do sometimes. When it's 115 outside and it's too hot for even a tank top you live with it.
To the ladies that say get a clear bra strap then..find me a nursing bra with clear bra straps! Not only can you not find a nursing bra with clear straps but you're pretty well stuck with white or black if you're lucky. You might find nude. I did finally find a nice one where the straps aren't huge and are pretty enough looking but still, far cry from a nice thin pretty colored one! A built in shelf bra doesn't work when you're a 36E cup so that's not an option for me either. You do not want to see that kind of jiggle and would gladly want to see my bra strap instead!
To me seeing a bra strap is far different than seeing a "whale tail" ie, underwear/thongs etc. The strap isn't even the part covering the "important bits" where, unless you're wearing waist high briefs, if you're seeing underwear you're only a step away from seeing butt crack or more. Yuck!

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J.B.

answers from Houston on

oh wow, it doesn't bother me at all. I have this off the shoulder shirt that is a really pretty green and I wear a tank with a built in bra in the same color so that the straps match the shirt. I have seen women in sleeveless shirts all the time where the straps peeks out. I don't think it is any big deal at all. I did have this be saggy sweatshirt where if I wore it without a tank underneath, my bra strap would always show, so I got a tank, but only bc I thought the bra strap detracted from the cuteness of the top. It summer, we go sleeveless, I would say she needs to lighten up!! I think you are fine :)

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S.J.

answers from St. Louis on

It bothers me when it happens with my clothes, especially because I am currently wearing a really non sexy nursing bra and not my normal sexy lace! It also bothers me on other people if it is an absurd amount showing or if they do it on purpose and it looks trashy. Trashy attire generally bothers me.

But, the small amount you are talking about I think is normal to see during the summer time ( I assume you are talking just casual wear and not something at the office - if at work, NO BRA STRAPS EVER!). Just try to keep it covered as much possible, or wear a cami underneath and see if that helps. And make sure you have a cute, clean bra on too!

I wouldn't worry too much about it. What you are describing doesn't sound trashy like some girls I see.

If I worried about this too much, I wouldn't be able to wear half of the tank tops in my closet. Seems no matter what I do, a little bra strap pokes out every now and again in my summer tanks.....so tuck and tuck I must!

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

It used to bother me, but it's been such a battle to always keep them hidden - especially when you're well endowed - that I have relaxed my own rules considerably. I no longer mind a bit of bra showing, especially if it's a really pretty one!

1 mom found this helpful

M..

answers from St. Louis on

I dont wear any spaghetti strap shirts unless they are covered by another shirt, because it shows too much bra. If I wear tank tops with thick straps, sometimes the bra strap will wiggle out and I have to keep hiding it. I dont think thats a big deal though. With tube tops and stuff like that you def need a strapless bra. I dont really care what other people wear.

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M.J.

answers from Joplin on

no, thats why they make such pretty bras now days. to show them off. i never care what other people think

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V.C.

answers from Dallas on

My personal preference is that they don't. It is the female version of the pants with underwear showing. I am so thankful the butless pants went out of style. I really didn't like seeing someone's rear end!

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L.L.

answers from Orlando on

I personally don't care. I have some tank tops where my bra straps will peek out sometimes. If I notice I'll fix it, but .. whatever. No biggie. I even have a white tank top with a design.. and I have a coral colored bra (matches part of the design) ... you can kinda see the orangish coral color through the tank top and if the straps peek out it matches :) .... lol , and yes I DO care about seeing thongs coming out womens jeans! yuck

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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

I dislike it. I hate that it seems to have become a fashion trend. Personally, I cannot stand straps myself. I only buy strapless bras. I'm not saying that's for everyone. The strapless thing for me has nothing to do with fashion. I simply do not like straps. Fortunately, my "girls" do not require the extra support.

1 mom found this helpful

S.L.

answers from New York on

I'm with Lesly B. It really used to bother me but now it doesn't. If I think my top might show my bra strap I make cure it is a bra with colored straps, less underwear looking and more like a "look". No dingy white straps!!

1 mom found this helpful

C.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

I don't care. If I wear a tank top and my strap dips in my inner shoulder you can see a piece of the strap. Who cares? Your not about to be exposed to someones breast lol. I have a racerback on today and a racerback bra on with it, but if the straps of the shirt aren't directly aligned with the straps of the bra you can see the inner of the strap. The clear straps, eh, I don't care for them because they seem to get hot when it's hot outside since they are made of plastic. When I wear "wifebeaters" sometimes a smiggin of bra fabric shows under my armpit. They shouldn't make the armhole so damn big lol.

I, too, think it's way different than seeing underwear and thongs b/c like someone else said your one step away from seeing their butt crack and that is just awkward and gross.

Tube tops are fine too as long as the bra straps are a similar color. I have worn black tube tops with black straps and people don't even know they aren't part of the shirt unless I tell em. I don't want my boobs jiggling every where. And I don't want to see it b/c that is awkward too. But if someone wears a yellow bra with a blue tube top, I don't care I just think it's cheesy.

Shelf bras, to me, are uncomfortable in general. I have a strap shirt that has a shelf bra and it squishes the frick out of my chest. No matter how big I get em it still feels like its squishing my chest rather than supporting it.

I'm only careful about bra straps in formal wear, a dress because when I dress up, I over do it :)

I agree with Kelseys mom, It bothers me when the strap actually falls and they don't pull it back up... mostly because I want to go pull it up for them. It's just irritating.

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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Bra straps showing with a sleeveless shirt? I couldn't care less. I do look twice when I see bra straps coming up from under strapless top or dress or a bra with a backless shirt.

I.X.

answers from Los Angeles on

It bothers the older genereation of women, but I think it is accepted of younger ones because fashion has changed and its not always possible to hide your bra 100% with certain cuts and fits of shirts. Totally generational and a by product of fashion shifts.

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J.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi,
It does not bother me if they clean and nice and sexy, but the ones I see sticking out are very dirty...shame on you women...

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S.W.

answers from St. Louis on

Depends on the event.... at church yes....at work yes...any other time. No.

L.C.

answers from Kansas City on

nope. it doesnt bug me at all. even if its a tube top with a similar colored bra strap sticking out. personally, i would rather see the strap then see a womans boobs jiggling everywhere or have her in danger of falling out of the top when she bends over! i dont think its a big deal at all. if there is not a built in shelf bra (and sometimes even then) i am wearing a bra. if my straps are going to show, then i just try to make it a similar colored bra so it at least blends in with the shirt straps.

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M.B.

answers from Washington DC on

I prefer to not have mine show, but having a sleeveless shirt on in the summer time is far more important to me.

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T.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I dont see anything wrong with a little showing. (it is sometimes unavoidable) I do agree that it is inappropriate at work though.

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