Help: sleeves pulling bodice straps down

[stonebiscuit]

That's basically the problem. When I wear my sleeves, they pull the straps of my bodice down. It's driving me nuuuuts.         

Any ideas, Sewing Forum Braintrust?

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

One of two things could be happening here.

1. Either your sleeves are too heavy.  Or..2. Your bodice straps are too long.

When there is ease in the Bodice straps, they tend to slip. Worse if there are sleeves.

Photos would help diagnose the problem better.

[stonebiscuit]

I didn't even think about pics. Because I? am a genius. The only pictures I have to hand were taken while wearing the cape that keeps the straps where they're supposed to be, and the bodice in question is another state. I can tell you that the sleeves are made of silk and lined with very light weight cotton, so I think it's probably that the straps are too long. I'll try shortening them a bit and see how that goes! Thank you!

[gem]

Straps that are too long is DEFINITELY a culprit. But I've found this problem also occurs when the back neckline of my gowns is too wide and/or too low. A higher, narrower neckline keeps the straps in place until just when they cross your shoulders, giving them no chance to pull off. Frex, this dress has a high, V-shaped neckline, and the straps don't start to pull apart until just at the point of my shoulders. They stay in place even when I wear my heavy reversible damask sleeves. In contrast, the neckline of this dress is way too low, and way too wide and square. Those straps slip even *without* sleeves. I had to add in an extra crescent of fabric to keep them in place.  If you look at the backs of gowns by really skilled seamstresses like Stimpzilla or our own Silverstah, you will see that they have this figured out already!

Another important point: Don't EVER hang your dress by its straps in storage! If they weren't too long before, they will be next season. Ask me how I know.  

[markste]

Straps that are too long is DEFINITELY a culprit. But I've found this problem also occurs when the back neckline of my gowns is too wide and/or too low. A higher, narrower neckline keeps the straps in place until just when they cross your shoulders, giving them no chance to pull off. Frex, this dress has a high, V-shaped neckline, and the straps don't start to pull apart until just at the point of my shoulders. They stay in place even when I wear my heavy reversible damask sleeves. In contrast, the neckline of this dress is way too low, and way too wide and square. Those straps slip even *without* sleeves. I had to add in an extra crescent of fabric to keep them in place.  If you look at the backs of gowns by really skilled seamstresses like Stimpzilla or our own Silverstah, you will see that they have this figured out already, and the

Another important point: Don't EVER hang your dress by its straps in storage! If they weren't too long before, they will be next season. Ask me how I know.  

You have attached some pictures in your desc. all dresses are very beautiful..!!

[stonebiscuit]

Everyone here is amazing. I shortened the straps a bit and that helped tremendously, but I'm going to take gem's advice as well and make the back neckline much higher and narrower next time. That way I don't have to do gymnastics to put sunscreen on in the mornings. Thanks again everyone!