We’ve all been there: wearing a bra with thin straps that dig into our shoulders and leave red marks at the end of the day. Not only is this unsightly, but it can be uncomfortable, even downright painful. What if we told you there was a solution for red marks? Enter wide strap bras.
If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wide strap bras is an unsightly, full coverage bra, think again! Wide strap bras can prevent red marks and be pretty, too! We’ll give you our top recommendations of wide strap support bras that alleviate red marks.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of wide strap bras and our top bra picks.
Why do red marks happen?
Have you ever taken your bra off after a long day only to be left with painful red marks on your shoulders? If so, you’re not alone.
Bra straps can leave red marks when they’re doing more work than they're supposed to. Contrary to popular belief, your straps should only give about 20% of the total support of your bra. Your bra band is actually responsible for 80% of the lifting. If your bra band is too loose, it won’t be able to provide the support that it should, leaving too much weight on your shoulders, which leads to painful red marks.
Red marks are a sign that you’re either wearing the wrong size band or that your band has stretched. If you’re not able to adjust your band any tighter, then it’s time for a new bra. The key to minimizing red marks is to find a bra that fits you well and is suited to your individual shape and size.
Are red marks normal?
To a point, yes, they can be normal. After all, we’re not made of stone. Bra straps press against your skin and this can leave some redness, even when the fit is absolutely perfect.
No matter what the strap is made of, it will probably leave a bit of an indent or mark especially for women with heavy breasts. Normal red marks or indentations will disappear within a few minutes to an hour and should not be painful.
If the red marks on your shoulders are deep, cause bruising, or last longer than an hour you should probably double-check your size and/or look for another bra.
If you have heavy breasts it’s also a good idea to rotate between bras so that you’re not putting pressure on the same spots every day. Wearing different style bras, like a racerback underwire bra one day and a T-shirt bra the next, is an easy way to give your shoulders a bit of a break and alleviate any pain.
How do wide straps help with red marks?
Even if your band is doing its fair share of the work, women with heavy breasts may still find themselves dealing with red marks. This is because the weight of your breasts might still be too heavy for the thinner straps to properly hold.
Wide strap bras help by distributing the weight over a wider area. Wide strap bras also have more padding, creating a bit of a cushion for the shoulders. They are less likely to slip off of the shoulders as well.
What are the best wide strap bras for heavy breasts?
First of all, even the best bra is not going to eliminate or reduce red marks if it doesn’t fit you well! Having a bra that fits well is the most important thing when looking to eliminate red marks. Once you know what bra size you need, these are our top wide strap bras picks:
MagicLift Original Support Bra
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2-piece cups provide shape
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Lace coverage is beautiful and breathable
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Wireless support
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Adjustable, extra-wide straps
WonderWire Front-Closure Bra
- Cushioned underwire bra
- Moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry
- Wide, adjustable straps for a perfect fit
- Side bust enhancers for shape and support
MagicLift Seamless Support T-Shirt Bra
- Seamless cups for a smooth fit
- Wireless support
- Wide, padded straps are soft on shoulders
- Adjustable back hook-and-eye closure
Low Cut WonderWire Lace Bra
- Cushioned underwire bra
- Adjustable back hook-and-eye closure
- Extra-wide, padded straps
- Lace-topped cups are beautiful and breathable
MagicLift Front-Closure Posture-Back Bra
- Adjustable front hook-and-eye closure
- Posture support panels alleviate back pain
- Wide, padded straps adjust to your fit
- Contoured cups
So, are wide straps really the solution for eliminating red marks?
If you deal with red marks from your bra straps, wide strap bras can work wonders. That being said, bras with wide straps aren't always the solution. Having a bra that fits properly is the most important key to eliminate red marks.
You can have straps made of the softest, most plush material in the world but if your bra doesn’t fit properly, they’re not going to help.
The best solution for alleviating red marks is always having a bra that fits. Take the time to find your size and then find a bra that fits you like it was made just for you. No one likes dealing with the painful, unsightly red marks from bra straps. Having a bra that fits well is crucial to solving this issue. Your shoulders will certainly thank you!
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