When it comes to finding the perfect bra, many people feel overwhelmed by their options. A trip to the lingerie section of a store can be inconvenient or uncomfortable for someone with upper mobility challenges, and deciding which styles to try on can even be triggering or painful.
For those who want to wear thin straps, there are plenty of options that don’t require a full-on bandeau or strapless bra. There are even a few styles that can be worn with both thin and thick straps, giving you flexibility to adjust to the needs of your specific outfits.
A pro of thin straps is that they can easily be hidden under spaghetti-strap dresses and camisole tops. Having a thin strap also means it can be less noticeable in your photos, making it an ideal solution for someone who doesn’t want to show off the straps of their bra.
The downside of thin straps is that they can leave red marks on the shoulders, especially if the shoulder area is already sore or irritated. These marks can be uncomfortable or embarrassing, and they can also interfere with a dress or top’s look.
Wide straps are often recommended to help eliminate this issue, but not everyone finds them comfortable. Wider straps distribute the weight of the breasts over a larger area, which can make it more comfortable for those who have heavy breasts. In addition, because the straps are wider they don’t tend to tug up against the shoulders and create a “strap gap,” which can be more noticeable in thinner fabrics.
When it comes to avoiding red marks, the best approach is often to just keep wearing your thin strap bra as you would normally. However, if the marks persist or become more painful than usual, it’s time to double-check your fit or consider a different style of bra. It may be that you need a thicker, more supportive strap to prevent the marks from happening in the first place.
Another way to avoid the appearance of strap marks is to wear a bra with clear straps. These can be found in a variety of colors and are designed to blend in with thin straps, so they won’t distract from the look of your outfits. Some even have a cloudy finish to help hide the color of the straps from light-colored clothing.
Finally, if you’re battling red marks, it can help to rotate between different types of bras each day so that you don’t put as much pressure on the same areas. Try a racerback bra one day and a T-shirt bra the next to give your shoulders a break from the same stresses each day. It’s also a good idea to use a soft, stretchy fabric like bamboo viscose that won’t chafe or scratch your skin.