by Jessica Syrjala

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 06, 2009

Experts believe that up to 70% of women are wearing the incorrect bra size. Knowing this, it's no wonder why so many women want to free themselves from the necessity of wearing one. However, when the perfect bra is found, it can work wonders. It can create lift, create cleavage and seduce unlike anything else in our wardrobe, not to mention what it can do to our psyche knowing the secret of what we are wearing under our clothes.

To find out which bra size you are, you can have a professional bra-fitter fit you. They are abundant in many clothing stores and are trained in the art of bra-fitting. The other option is to do it yourself. Wear a non-padded bra and arm yourself with a soft measuring tape. Measure the area around your ribcage just under your breasts. When you get this measurement, add five inches for an odd measurement and six inches for an even measurement. This is your band size. For example, if you measure 29 inches, 29+5=34, so your band size would be a 34.

The next step is to take the measurement around the fullest part of your bust. Take this measurement and subtract the measurement from under your ribcage. The difference between the two is your cup size. If the difference is one inch, you are an A cup, two inches is a B cup, three inches is a C cup, four inches is a D cup, five inches is a DD cup and six inches is a DDD cup. For example, if your first measurement was 29 inches, and your second measurement was 33 inches, then your cup size would be a D. This would make your actual bra size a 34 D.

Keep in mind when shopping for bras that, like clothing, size varies by style and manufacturer. The methods listed above are only a guideline. It is important to try on many different styles and manufacturers in finding the bra that is a perfect fit to you.

To determine if a bra fits properly, there are a few questions to ask yourself. Does the closure lie flat against your body? Use the middle hooks when trying on the bra, as this will create more or less room if you gain or lose weight. Keep in mind that front closure bras aren't as accommodating to the ups and downs of weight fluctuations.

Does the underwire perfectly enclose the breast and lie flat? Underwired areas should always fit just under the breast and never on the breast itself. If the underwire isn't comfortable when trying it on, avoid purchasing this particular bra, as only a few brief moments of discomfort will translate to a day of agony later on.

Does the

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>