| Bras are one of the most important articles of clothing a woman can wear, yet their worth is so underestimated. The truth is that cute cocktail dress won't look as sexy if the bra beneath it doesn't support properly. And the discomfort of an ill-fitted bra can ruin a day just as much as a pair of uncomfortable shoes. Still, most women will settle on a cheap six-pack of brassieres from the local department store, relying on measurements taken shortly after puberty. Did you know the average woman goes through six different bra sizes throughout her life? Many factors affect our bust measurements: menstruation, pregnancy, exercise, birth control pills, weight fluctuations. Do YOU know your true bra size? The three steps below should not only help with correct sizing, but also engender appreciation for a remarkable unmentionable that can shape up an entire wardrobe.
Step 1 - Taking Measure
Measuring yourself at home is easier than you think, and definitely better than dealing with the poking and prodding of a saleswoman.
Whip out that cloth measuring tape and run it around your ribcage directly under your bust. Make sure the tape is straight all the way around. Add 5 inches to that measurement. This is your Band Size. If your band size ends up being an odd number, go up 1 inch to the next even number. It's better to go up a size rather than down to allow room for growth or swelling.
Now measure all the way around the chest at the fullest part of your breast. For best results, this measurement should be taken while wearing a bra that gives you some lift, not a sports bra or one with padding. The difference in inches between this measurement and the band size will determine your Cup Size. Less than an inch difference = AA cup; 1 inch = A cup; 2 inches = B cup; 3 inches = C cup; 4 inches = D cup; 5 inches = DD or E cup; 6 inches = F cup; 7 inches = G cup.
Step 2 - Troubleshooting
So you've figured out your correct measurements, but the bra you've selected doesn't seem quite right. Always try extending or shortening the back band and adjusting the straps first before you reach for a new one.
Back Band Rides Up - The band is too loose. If you can't adjust the closure to a tighter hook, then try a bra with a smaller band size.
Straps Slip Down - The band is too loose or too large. If it's as tight as it can go, try a bra with a smaller band size or a racerback style.
Bulging Around the Back Band - The band is too tight
Straps Leave Marks - Loosen the straps as much as possible. If that doesn't work, try a bra with a larger cup or smaller band.
Cups Pucker or Gap - Try tightening the band. If this doesn't solve the issue, the cup size is too large. Go down a size or try a demi-cup style with tapered cups.
Overflow or Arm Pit Boobs - Cup size is too small. Try the next size up or a bra style with more coverage.
Uncomfortable Bra Center - If the center of the bra pinches or doesn't lie flat against your body, your cup is too small. Go up a cup size.
Digging in Underwire - Try a bra with a larger cup size.
A Bra for Different Sized Breasts - Most women have breasts that are not exactly the same size. Many bra manufacturers realize this and design their products so they can be adjusted to accommodate asymmetrical breasts. If the strap adjusters moved at different lengths don't help, try buying a bra that has removable padding, then remove the padding from the cup that holds the larger breast. Push-up bras work well for this because they often come with an easily removable padded section (called a cookie) that sits under the breast.
Step 3 - Comfort with the Perfect Look
This is it, the perfect bra! The bottom band rides straight across the middle of your back and fits well under your shoulder blades. The straps stay put and you are able to fit a finger under each one. An underwire encircles each breast, and you are able to run a finger under the front band. The cups are smooth, lift the apex of your breasts mid-way between your shoulders and elbows and don't allow them to sag or fall to the sides. Now give the bra a good workout. Lift your arms in the air then put them down by your sides. Jump up and down to evaluate bounce control or to find out if a front-closure bra will pop open too easily. Take a breather and sit down since our rib cages tend to expand when we are seated. You might also want to try on a t-shirt or sweater over the bra to check out the finished effect. That pink rose may look cute until it looks like a third breast under a tight shirt.
Did it pass the test? Terrific! Now you can look hot in that cocktail dress and feel comfortable and confident enough to enjoy the party. | 
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