How to fix bathing suits straps that are too long

How to Alter Swimsuit Straps

Ready to do this? Either dust off your sewing machine or grab a good old fashioned needle and thread and let’s get to work. It’s time to share how to alter swimsuit straps—and the good news is it’s pretty easy. First things first, identify where your straps are connected to your swimsuit. This will tell us how we can best adjust your straps. Most swimsuit straps are connected one of two places:

• Straps attached with a shoulder seam—this means the straps are sewn together at the top of your shoulders.
• Straps attached to the top of the swimsuit—this means the straps are connected to the swimsuit at the base of the swimsuit.

To fix straps attached via shoulder seams, follow the steps below:

1. Use a seam ripper to disconnect the straps from each other.
2. Try the swimsuit on and pin the straps together to your desired length. Be sure to sit down, bendover and jump with the straps pinned to this new length. Does this new length give you the support and coverage you want?
3. Once you have the right length, flip the straps over and sew the inside of the straps together with a straight seam. 
4. Flip the straps back over and sew two straight lines on the outside of the straps ¼ inch away from the seam on each side.
5. Flip the straps back over, cut off the excess fabric, and sew down the edges with a zigzag stitch.

To fix straps attached at the top of your swimsuit, follow the steps below:

1. Use a seam ripper to disconnect the straps from the back of your swimsuit.
2. Flip the swimsuit inside out. 
3. Try the swimsuit on and pin the straps to your desired length, making sure to pin the straps in the back. Be sure to sit down, bendover and jump with the straps pinned to this new length. Does this new length give you the support and coverage you want?
4. Once you have the right length, sew a straight seam along the back of the swimsuit to connect the straps to the suit.
5. Sew another straight line following the first seam ¼ inch below. This will reinforce the straps.
6. Cut the excess fabric off and sew down the edges with a zigzag stitch.

Viola! Using the steps above, you now know how to fix bathing suit straps that are too long! This should take you no more than 15 minutes. Pretty nifty skill to know how to do—especially if you have teens or young kids who will undoubtedly have straps that are too long. 

HAPARI 3-Way Straps

Want to never have to worry about this issue again? We hear you—we didn’t want to worry about swimsuit straps that were too long or ill-fitting either. It’s why we create all of our swimwear tops with the ability to wear the straps three different ways. We call it the three-way straps! This means all of our swimsuit tops can be worn as either a halter top, criss-cross racerback, or tank style. You can adjust your swimsuit top  to give you a personalized fit with the support and coverage that works best for you. 

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Ready for more lifestyle articles, product features and healthy living tips? Check out the other articles in our HAPARI blog. We feature special product spotlights, healthy eating and fitness advice, and exclusive insider deals on our swimwear.