simple sewing hack to keep off-shoulder tops off shoulders! (AND wear a regular bra too!)
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The off-shoulder trend is still going strong. But, don’t you hate it when your off-shoulder (OS) is more “sort of off and kind of on shoulder” than anything. Here’s a simple sewing hack to keep off should looks, OFF your shoulder!
The OS look is sticking around as a fashion trend. Mmm….purr! I like the look of an OS top because it shows just enough skin without revealing too much of anything I don’t want to be revealed. It keeps my cleavage in check and the wobbly arm bits I’d rather conceal undercover. The key to pulling this OS off (ha!), in my opinion, is to keep everything else at a decent length, whether it be skirt, pants, or shorts.
THE PROBLEM WITH USING HAIR TIES AND SAFETY PINS – OUCH!
There are two BIG drawbacks to the OS trend. The first, is the constant fussing to keep those shoulders where they are supposed to be. I saw a video on Facebook that inspired this tutorial in which the girl fixes the problem with hair ties and safety pins. When you watch the video, this will make more sense – She essentially pins the hair tie to the OS top so that it goes under your arm. Genius and a quick fix!
But BOY, if you’re not a tiny person and that hair tie isn’t made of super stretchy angel silk, it makes for a very long, uncomfortable date night.
Couple that with a thigh shaper and ain’t nobody gonna get lucky at the end of date-night. Yep, firsthand experience talking!
YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR A STRAPLESS BRA WITH YOUR OFF THE SHOULDER TOP
The second issue is the strapless bra!
Is there really anyone above a B-cup who likes to wear these? This date night outfit is getting worse by the minute. I’ll tell you that the G-sisters don’t take too kindly to being corralled like that and with silicone stays rubbing all around the skin to boot…NO!
UPDATE: Even after having my breast implants removed, I don’t like strapless bras.
Sure you can wear a regular bra and just pull the straps off the shoulder with your top, but they will creep back in. There’s a simple fix for this too! See that photo…. I didn’t follow my own advice, and for a photo even!
Although, if you’re looking for a strapless bra, this is the only one I’ve found that I can wear for more than an hour without wanting to slap somebody.
WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE HOW KEEP YOUR OFF THE SHOULDER TOP OFF YOUR SHOULDERS
and How to Wear a Regular Bra with it too!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a sewing master to do this. You should probably know how to use a needle and thread. And if you can use a sewing machine, you can do what I did and get all of those off-shoulder tops that you don’t wear because of the fuss out of your closet and set up an assembly line.
Here’s what you’ll need
Off Shoulder Top
Soft Elastic
Needle and Thread
Tape measure (optional)
To Do:
- Measure under your armpit. (Approx. 6”- 10” of elastic per side.)
- Cut elastic to that measurement. (2 per OS top.)
- AT the front and back arm seam sew the elastic as high up on the top as you can go.
NOTE: I stayed below the blouse’s elastic top seam because I was sewing on the machine and wanted to use the set-in sleeves seam to sew it to. (refer to video)
That’s it! Put your off-the-shoulder top on, so that the elastic goes under your armpit. Raise your hand, Raise your hand, if you’re SURE to wear these looks with ease now!
YOU CAN DO THIS!
Believe me, if I can do this, so can you! If you like this tip and video, please feel free to share!
Looking for more darling off-the-shoulder tops and dresses? Check these out!
Blouse similar to the one I’m wearing in the video
Off the Shoulder Sweater (Plus Size)
Eyelet Off-the Shoulder Blouse (Regular & Plus Size)
Black OTS Maxi Dress (Plus Size)
Black OTS Wrap Dress (Misses to size 18)
SHOP SOME OFF-THE-SHOULDER GOODNESS
I may have to getchur help on this at some point! 😉 Great video. XOXO
Author
I’ll definitely help you, hun!
Great video, I will have to share it in my next link luv post.
Author
Thanks so much Neti! I tried the safety pin/hair elastic method and it was NOT comfortable in the least. You must have to have stick arms for that to work. Soft elastic is the key.
I tried this but the top has two dimples where it pulls in and it looks odd. Have I sewn the elastic too tight? Or not high enough up? Any tips appreciated as I have a few tops I want to do this with!
Author
I’d try to place as high up on the top as you can go (a mistake I made on at least one of my first attempts). Also, make sure your elastic is long enough or with enough stretch that it isn’t “pulling” so hard. You’ve problem solved for yourself it seems. 😉 The only other things is that depending on the fabric, it might show anyway. However, it’s got to be better than the 2 safety pins and a hair tie solution (ouch!) Good luck. Let me know if that fixes it.
Thank you ☺
I have off shoulder top with 3x sizes, i want to repair then into a blouse..or 3/4 polo shirts.. do you have any suggestions.. thanks
Author
Russel,
Thanks for checking out the video. As I said in the post, I’m not a great seamstress so I’m not sure I can help. I assume you’re wanting to put shoulders BACK in an off shoulder blouse? Or are you wanted to make a polo shirt into an off shoulder?
If it’s a case of adding some fabric to cover your shoulders or bra straps, I have seen ladies wear a t-shirt or tank top underneath and off the shoulder top. If you don’t want the bulk, companies like http://www.halftee.com make a short tank or tee specifically to add modesty or arm coverage.
I hope that helps.
Paula
Is there a fix to turn a off the shoulder top to a tank top instead?
Author
Mmm 🤔 I hadn’t thought of that. I imagine it could be done if someone had enough seamstress skills Jayce. It would be beyond mine.
However, I would think that once you remove the “sleeve” part of an off the shoulder top and rework the top “hem” if you will, you could make straps out of the portion you just cut off for a 70’s inspired tank.
Good luck if you try it. Or at meats good luck on finding someone to alter it for you.
Paula
Hi, I just discovered your website through this post as I was looking for a solution for my off-the-shoulder tops. THANK YOU. This actually works, and to your point on the bra, I can wear a “real” bra too! (The safety pin method is not sturdy enough to feel secure leaving the house.) Such an easy fix, I did it by hand on the couch to three tops while watching a movie. I appreciate your thorough instructions. 🙂
Author
That’s so wonder Shireen! Hope it was a great movie too. 😘 oh, and WELCOME to the blog.
Hugs,
Paula
Thank you for this great tip. I’ve already added the elastic to my tops. Oh what a bra beauty secret. You are my hero!
Author
Thanks! It IS a life (and sanity saver). 😁
Hugs,
Paula
I have a few shirts that are elastic around top and a bit too loose but not meant to be worn off the shoulder. It seems at least one side will hang off shoulder a bit showing my straps. I would like to tighten them up a bit.
Do you know a trick to fix this?
Thank you
Author
Hi Kelly,
I’m sorry for this delayed response; I thought I had responded to your comment but found it buried in the pending file. As for your question, I’ve had elastic added inside seams so I imagine you can open the seam and shorten it as well. It’s beyond my sewing capability but if you have the ability and patience it could probably be done. If it’s beyond you, it would likely be a fairly inexpensive alteration.
Best,
Paula
Great idea!! Never would have thought of it!!
Author
Oh good, I’m glad you found it helpful.
Hugs,
Paula
Very Helpful I am going to Try it
Thanks
Author
I think you’ll really like it. Especially if you’ve already tried the hair ties and safety pins method.. SO MUCH BETTER!
Best,
Paula
Lol, love it! This is the first good jack in a long time that’s worth it. You should actually sell your idea to someone before the designers catch on!
Author
Thanks so much Linda.
Lol, love it! This is the first good hack in a long time that’s worth it. You should actually sell your idea to someone before the designers catch on!
Author
Ha! Thank you Linda. I sure wish the designers would catch on to save us from having to add this after buying it.
Hugs,
Paula
Just the thought of those two pins with a rubber band made me panic . This neat little trick of yours Worked like a charm! Thank you ! I didn’t have elastic at home but had to go to an event urgently . I ended up using the handles/loops of a face mask. Was super impressed with the results. Thanks for saving the day ❤️
Author
That makes me so happy! A genius for using for what you had on hand!!!
Hugs,
Paula