How to Keep Your Bra Straps in Place

It’s true that little things make a difference. Hidden details in our self-made clothing, like linings, special seam allowance finishes, and strap guards, take a garment from fine to special.

Lingerie strap guards allow you to move freely without your bra straps peeking or slipping out. And I realize some people don’t care about this, and that’s fine, but for me, that’s not the look I’m going for. Since I’m taking the time to sew a one-of-a-kind top, why not add those little special details like lingerie strap guards? But really, I could add these to any top or dress in my wardrobe because these guards are a breeze to add.

photo from an old sewing book — *Image from Vogue Sewing Book*

Traditionally, lingerie strap guards are made by sewing the socket side of a snap near the neckline and then attaching the ball side of the snap onto a piece of seam binding or a thread chain. The binding or thread chain is fed under the lingerie strap and snapped shut, keeping the strap under the shoulder seam.

However, the thing that keeps me from sewing in strap guards is that I detest sewing little snaps. So when a friend mentioned that her lingerie strap holders didn’t involve sewing snaps, I was all ears. (except for the inability to remember exactly what she said, but this solution is my best guess at her solution and Bottom Line – it works!)

Amanda had the clever idea to buy snap tape. You know, twill tape with snaps set into it every 1.5” or so. It comes in black and white. (I bought mine from Wawak – not an affiliate link, I’m just a fan)

Here’s how it works:

Cut the tape so there is about ¼” of twill tape next to the snap on one side and ¼” of tape before the next snap.

I serged the two layers of snap tape together at the end opposite the snap and fray checked the short ends close to the snap.

Place the tape over the shoulder seam allowance so the socket is facing up, away from your body, when the garment is being worn.

Align the tape so the center of the space between the snap and the serged edge is the same place as where your bra strap will lie. Depending on the neckline of the garment, this may be centered along the shoulder seam, closer to the neck, or closer to the armhole.