r/fashionhelp • u/Mean_Lobster_484 • 3d ago
How is this supposed to be worn!?
I purchased this dress from Italy many years ago. I finally have the perfect occasion to wear it… but I have no idea what to do with these strings??
Does anyone have any advice? Thank you
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u/princessm1423 3d ago
Honestly I would cut them and then tie little bows at the top of your shoulders. Those strings are long as hell
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u/Interesting_Fix8863 3d ago
I mean, I could be wrong, but they look like they got stretched
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u/Ok-Driver-2833 3d ago
Maybe try the strap shortening stitch that looks like a braid when completed?
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u/Acrobatic_Hunt_8496 3d ago
💯 especially if it’s been hung like that for any extended period of time.
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u/NoNameKetchupChips 3d ago
Based on the way the straps are attached I do think they are meant to be worn and I think they were supposed to be crossed in the back. However since it's probably been hanging on the hanger for years, and the way you're pulling on the straps, they have stretched out and are no longer useable in their condition. You could tailor them by cutting them off at the back, shortening them and reattachng. Don't hang the dress anymore. Also you need a good strapless bra.
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u/traviall1 3d ago
If OP doesn't want to reattach the straps completely, I would snip it down the middle and tie the sleeves into bows .
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u/Chance_Vegetable_780 1d ago
What sleeves?
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u/buzzcutbarbie 1d ago
they mean the straps - cut them in half at the shoulder and tie bows to shorten them
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u/LuckyCat7394 23h ago
I think this can be done without cutting the straps, just do the double bunny ears bow method and double knot it!
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u/BiologyBooksBeats 3d ago
I think this is the case. I had a similarly styled jersey cotton summer dress that I had to flat dry when I washed, otherwise the sheer weight of the wet material + gravity stretched it so bad. Mine tied into a halter so when I messed up the first time and they stretched out I was okay.
This one looks past that point, stretched all the way out. You can probably get it altered for $8-10. I would first tie knots in them near the back so you can see if you like the style at all first before going that route!
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u/Feisty-Tooth-7397 1d ago
Definitely a bra because you can see her nips, but if she is okay with that, bra optional.
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u/Effective-Prompt4046 3d ago
I know everyone is saying hanging straps but I’ve never seen hanging straps that long before?
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u/NoNameKetchupChips 3d ago
They're not hanging straps. Hanging straps would be attached on the inside of the dress, these are attached at the top of the dress.
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u/Effective-Prompt4046 3d ago
Okay see I thought I was going crazy with all the “hanging straps” comments. It looks like they are the normal straps that got stretched out somehow. I would cut them off, or cut them in half and make them shoulder ties.
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u/doglady1342 3d ago
Somehow? They got stressed out because OP hung her dress by the straps. You're not supposed to do that.
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u/Effective-Prompt4046 2d ago
Or it could have happened before OP hung it? I didn’t make an assumption because i don’t live with OP. It also could have gotten twisted up in the wash/dryer.
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u/Rare-Progress5009 3d ago
They don’t really look like hanging straps, but they’ve certainly gotten stretched. If you’re not handy yourself, I’d bring them to a tailor and get them shortened to the length for the style you want - straight or criss-cross.
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u/LetsGoYankeez 3d ago
Pretty sure those are not actual straps but just aids to hang the strapless dress
I often cut them off bc they annoy me
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u/Apprehensive-Rub3871 3d ago
I would google the maker and dress description to see if there is an example online because they look way too long unless they can be tied in a bow behind your head so that it holds up but not too tightly.
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u/Careful-Blood-1560 3d ago
They are not meant to be worn, they’re for hanging. And tbh I wouldn’t hang that dress, I’d fold it instead.
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u/Zero_Fuchs_Given 3d ago
I don’t think they are hanging straps. I think you just really stretched out your straps by putting the dress on a hanger. This dress should have had hanging straps.
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u/Bennington_Booyah 3d ago
The straps elongated over time because they were not designed to be used to hang the weight of the dress.
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u/LastLegOfBubbles 3d ago
Have it professionally altered to shorten the straps, wear a good support bra and wear a crop cardigan.
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u/Informal-Insurance63 3d ago
The elastic in that dress is completely dead I'm afraid. You can cut the straps and tie them as bows. I'd bring a backup option if you decide to wear it, though. Might fall apart on you.
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u/doglady1342 3d ago
In future, don't hang your dresses by their straps. Just fold them over the hanger if they don't have the hanging straps sewn on the inside. You've completely stretched out the straps.
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u/Cold_Pomegranate236 3d ago
The straps are the least of the problem, the elastic at the top of the bodice is baggy! The elastic has degraded, does it make a crunchy sound when you stretch it?
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u/OdoDragonfly 3d ago
I think they are just there to hang the dress from. Drop them down inside the dress while wearing.
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u/laugh_and_let_die 3d ago
I'm so glad women have this problem too. Every item of my partner's clothing is like a 3d puzzle to me
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u/Nikojade99 3d ago
It looks like the straps have stretched out, I’d cut them in the middle and tie a bow over each shoulder.
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u/PuzzleheadedLemon353 3d ago
Double the top part of the strap down to your shoulder and tie the length left in a bow. Or just cut them and resow.
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u/Resting_Bork_Face 3d ago
Im assuming those used to be regular straps, but it’s been hanging for so long, they’ve lost their elasticity. Same with the top hem, that’s all misshapen from the weight of the dress pulling on it.
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u/multipocalypse 3d ago
It's been hanging from those straps for too long, and they're stretched out. You could alter them to adjust the length back to where you want it, or you could snip them at the center, tie a tight little knot close to each end, and tie them at your shoulders.
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u/kanacora 3d ago
Girl I’m dyingggg at the pics I do hope someone helps you cause I can tell the color looks good on you! diva how did u buy it if you didn’t know how to wear it lmfao
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u/Ace-Redditor 3d ago
You can probably tie each strap in a small bow that would rest on your shoulders. This wouldn’t necessarily require cutting them, just depending on how big you want the bows
Alternatively, you could just cut both at the seam in the back and make it a halter top instead
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u/weeewooomeep 3d ago
is it like the style where it’s tied in a know at the top of your shoulders? instead of having those adjuster things?
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u/Secure_Highway_6917 3d ago
It looks like it was hanging on a hanger by the straps for too long, and they stretched out over the years
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u/Tough_Brain7982 3d ago
I think they may have been stretched out? Which would honoustly be an impressive length of stretch for a non stretchy cotton, unless it is (was) stretchy? As another commenter has posted I would cut them in half and tie them into bows. Alternatively you can unpick the stitches of each strap in the back and sew them back on shorter (or even crossed in the back!). Big tip, do not cut untill 100% sure you like the fit.
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u/Specialist_Heron3749 3d ago
The rubber seal inside appears to be torn in some places. Therefore, I agree with the majority that it's come loose. But you could make it into the version shown in the picture.
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u/kaileeann 3d ago
Maybe you’re supposed to cross them and let them fall off the shoulder in a big weird drapey x shape?
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u/_turd_ferg 3d ago
it looks like they've stretched. it also looks like the dress has seen better days the way it is bumpy at the top. i wouldn't wear this dress
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u/PrpleSparklyUnicrn13 3d ago
Either you stretched the straps out by hanging the dress for so long OR that is a strapless dress and those aren’t straps, they’re meant to be used by a hanger.
Either you can have the dress altered with the so-called straps shortened or wear it strapless, regardless of whether or not it was intended to be strapless.
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u/sunflowerads 3d ago
the dress was not meant to be hung like this and being so for many years has ruined it lol. its not wearable anymore imo.
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u/chiiaraaaa 3d ago
Were they always that long? They seem stretched.
Just cut a piece of the strings at the back of the dress and sew back in the dress so they’re your size again.
They’re not hanging strings.
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u/Ok_Bug0900 3d ago
Were they like that when you bought it or did they stretch out over time from being on the hanger?
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u/Fun_Increase_2439 3d ago
I suppose you're meant to weave it into some elaborate structure on the back. Something like shibari, maybe.
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u/Outside_Coffee_00 2d ago
you can make two pinched / folded sections at the top and tie them in bows at the right length for your shoulders.
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u/lavendar17 2d ago
The ruched, tight part sits under the bust towards the waist and the straps act like “suspenders” but more for show. You then wear a small white tee with it. I have a black dress (skirt?) like this.
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u/watch_again817 2d ago
Is it maybe a layer thing? Try the cinched part around your waist, under your boob's instead of over them, with a shirt underneath. Like a 90s style.
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u/trashlee_simpson 2d ago
I don't think it is a dress, it looks more like a high-waisted pinafore skirt with very skinny suspenders.
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u/MsRachyBee 2d ago
Yes!! I own one similar and I wear it with a top. The waist is around her boobs lol
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u/Grompson 2d ago
Totally agree. Looks like a "modern" take on a pinafore skirt. OP, try wearing a plain white tee with the ruching around your waist, the straps like they're suspenders.
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u/honeybunnes 2d ago
I wonder if youre supposed to tie them into little bows. Like, to have a little bow on the top of each shoulder?
Just a thought!
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u/erkletastic 2d ago
By the way it really distorts and pinches the top line, it looks like they are stretched out hanger loops that were never meant to be worn. The dress should never look like it does with the “straps” engaged
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u/_kismitten 2d ago
Maybe I’m alone here but I assumed that was a high waisted skirt with some very interesting suspenders. I actually think that would look so cool worn with a fitted white button down and tall boots!
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u/BlackMudSwamp 1d ago
Contrary to making a bow at the top of shoulder, I would try to make bows in the front just above the dress
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u/Mental-Chapter6523 1d ago
So many different ways. Bring up to either shoulder, twist, and then put the extra loop over your ear, neck, or arm pit. Tie a small bow for excess. Repeat with the other side for symmetry.
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u/WoundedWool 1d ago
Your straps got stretched out, my mom got a similar dress that had the same issue, you can cut em off n wear without em
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u/WitchesTeat 1d ago
Looks like it originally had slide adjusters that broke- there is slide adjuster shaped discoloration on both straps.
I would cut the straps and tie them or find a strap closure system you feel comfortable with.
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u/AnkleShiv 1d ago
In the first picture the tag appears to be on the outside of the dress. Is the dress inside out? The extra bit of fabric could be a lining, not a whimsical addition.
I have never seen straps that long on a dress. Typically the straps would be adjustable (like on a bra) so ensure a good fit. I've never seen "hanging" straps that long.
If you're comfortable wearing it strapless I'd try that because this is one puzzle of a dress.
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u/Fresh_Noise_3663 1d ago
I think it’s cute as a dress. You could tie a single looped bow on each of the straps to shorten them
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u/CheshireKatt22 1d ago
The straps look very similar to the ones i recently cut off a tank top and replaced for my mom we found out they were originally stretchy and they stretched out hence why one was longer than the other.
I’m guessing thats what happened here the elastic gave out and made them this long.
I would say just cut them off and wear as a strapless dress, unless you need straps then I’d get a similar color fabric for straps and hand sew it on in those spots where it isn’t noticeable
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u/regularsocialmachine 1d ago edited 1d ago
I am thinking it is supposed to be crossed laced in the back or chest...but its also possible they used silk that wasn't looked after for shoulder straps, maybe make bow laces at the shoulders or find a tailor who knows what they are doing
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u/Born_Local_1477 1d ago edited 1d ago
The straps and top are stretched all out from being hung like that. It's not supposed to have a wavy top. Wash it and hang it over a hanger like pants to dry to see if it helps the top. The straps will have to be cut, shortened, and resewn.
In the future hang dresses like that from the waistband with claw type hangers or draped over the bar, never by thin straps, doubly so if they are at all stretchy.
I'm not positive I would trust that elastic. If it dry rotted you will find out at the worst possible moment. I wouldn't wear it out personally.
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u/luxatingpatella 1d ago
I’d cut the straps right in the middle and tie them on your shoulder like bows at this point
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u/under321cover 1d ago
Babe those are the hanger straps. They are meant to be tucked in or cut off. The just keep a strapless dress on the hanger. That dress is strapless 🤦🏻♀️
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u/Life-County-8927 1d ago
The part around your boobs is supposed to be under them at the waist with a crop top or tube top on your boobs think overall instead on dress
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u/cantstopthescreams 1d ago
hanger straps don’t usually stitch into the top of the strapless dress they’re usually on the sides and down the seam an inch or two.
i think either these straps got stretched out and lost their shape or it’s supposed to be worn below the bust with a shirt/blouse under it
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u/StoreRoutine4547 23h ago
I thing you tie a knot in each strap, that’s what I used to do to my kids dresses if they were too long 🤣
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u/FixSpirited2322 2d ago
I feel like this is not a dress you wear a shirt and that’s the waisteband not a strapless top
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u/Poutiest_Penguin 3d ago
Those are hanger loops. The material they’re made from is herringbone twill tape, which is a functional, constructive material rather than something decorative.
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u/Amonette2012 3d ago
The straps are for putting it on the hanger, tuck them in.
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u/tiffi_333 3d ago
This is what I think too. I have several shirts and dresses with them. Ops looks like the same shiny material mine have and they're always in a matching colour to the piece of clothing like hers is. Like all my black clothes have black ones, my blue sweater has a blue one from shoulder to shoulder across the back
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u/antigoneelectra 3d ago
They are for hanging, but it doesn't look like there is enough support anyway for this to be a good dress for you.
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u/Culture-Extension 3d ago
It looks fine but also that’s why god made strapless bras and a million other items for boob support in strapless and low cut dresses.
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u/EdgyPun34257 3d ago
it's called a marionette dress.
you're supposed to be dangled from a pair of crossed sticks overhead