By Roxanne Buffone Google
At Custom Stitches by Roxanne we find that many straps on dresses are too long. Straps can be shortened to fit, a common clothing alteration done here. Alterations can be done to all sorts of straps including spaghetti straps, tank style straps, and the various halter straps. Another benefit of shortening the straps is having the dress sitting at the correct level for the bust, you may not need bust alterations.
Beaded straps can be shortened, it just takes longer. When straps are shaped as a design element we shorten them in a way that retains the design. I have a dress here right now that will be shortened from both the front and the back so the design part of the straps remains unchanged.
Halter style straps often require a creative solution to maintain the dress style. The halter strap in the photo was originally one piece with elastic at the back. It was way too long, but keeping in as one piece could make the it too short to go over the head. Extending the elastic part would have bunchy elastic showing at the front of the dress. Our solution was removing the elastic part and making it into 2 straps that hook together at the back of the neck.
If you need strap alterations see an experienced alterations specialist or tailor, especially for complex designs. In Jamestown, NY call Custom Stitches by Roxanne at (716)488-0889.
