Neck Pain & Shoulder Pain From Racerback Bras

The orientation and placement of your bra straps can affect how they rest on your shoulders. Racerbacks or T backs are a very popular style of sports bras and bralettes in which the straps are in a X or Y shape and sit close to the neck. The racerback straps are designed to prevent your straps from slipping. But, there are downsides of wearing a bra with straps that apply constant pressure on the neck.

Back of a racerback bra

When it comes to a cross-back style bra, avoid straps that are too narrow as the straps are more likely to dig into your neck and shoulders triggering neck pain and shoulder pain - impacted by the weight of your breasts, physical activity level, and gravity.

In a 2015 study conducted by researchers Coltman, McGhee and Steele at the University of Wollongong in Australia, they tested for bra strap discomfort and concluded that discomfort was higher in a "cross-back strap" orientation compared to vertical strap orientation. A wide, vertical strap design was rated the most comfortable in comparison. 

The straps of a racerback bra place pressure where your neck and shoulder meets, in the area known as the trapezium. The right and left trapezius (a.k.a. traps muscles) form the trapezium. Tight straps that pull and compress that area can trigger neck and shoulder pain. 

Even REI.com (major outdoor gear retailer) describes racerback bras in this manner: "Some people may not like racerback straps because they feel it puts too much pressure near their necks."

Difference in Kinflyte Posture Support Bras - Wide Strap Design

When it comes to Kinflyte posture correcting sports bras and tops, we design with wide straps that span the width of the shoulders to redistribute the weight of breast tissue and reduce pressure on the neck and shoulders. Wide straps are an important feature of the best posture bras for women. 

Back of Kinflyte bra

Back of Rise Bra - Max Support

With our unique patented posture bra design, these back support sports bras feature wide shoulder straps that work in tandem with the targeted compression panels to deliver full support for your bust, sides, shoulders, and back. 

Kinflyte products are not a medical device. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. You should always consult your professional medical doctor for advice, diagnosis, and treatment.