According to recent statistics, 75-80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size at any one time. Getting measured is a task many of us put off, but a badly-fitting bra can cause all sorts of problems, from neck, back and bust pain to poor posture – not to mention the ‘four-boob’ effect that comes from squeezing into a size-too-small.

Getting the measure of it

Experts say you should get measured every three to six months, and this is even more crucial if you larger chested. Hannah from www.brastop.com says ‘Women above a DD should really be measured every 2-3 months. Just make sure you go to a reliable store to do it.’

You will also need to be fitted more regularly if you:

• are pregnant
• recently had a baby
• are breastfeeding
• have lost or gained weight
• are taking medication

It’s a good idea to get measured for every bra you buy, as manufacturers can differ wildly on cup size. Not always practical – but if you can buy a few bras at once and get the measuring done in one go, it makes life easier. If it’s proving difficult to get out to the shops (a common problem with babies and toddlers), check out the video demonstration at www.brastop.com/fittingroom, this will give you a DIY version.

Tell-tale signs

So how do you know you’re wearing the wrong bra size?

• When the strap keeps riding up the back.
• Double busting - when your breasts spill out over the top of the bra.
• The underwires lift away from the bust.
• Your bra has baggy, wrinkly cups.

Go with the pro

Try to take time when it comes to your breasts. Have an idea of how many bras you need and try out as many as possible with the help of a lingerie advisor. Large department stores such as Debenhams, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer are all reputable when it comes to providing customers with bra-fitting services.

Getting fitted needn’t be a chore. And don’t worry about exposing yourself – a decent bra fitter has seen it all before. They can usually tell your size by looking at your chest – in fact the highly respected Rigby and Peller (fitters to the Royal family) have operated for years using this method. Founder and owner, June Kenton, says, "I am over the moon when women tell me I have changed their life. You wouldn't think that a bra-fitting would do that, but it does."

Lift and separate

Not only can a good bra improve posture, it can make you seem taller by lifting and separating your bust from your waist. A well-fitted bra will also work wonders for your confidence. It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are – everybody from a AA to GG can benefit from wearing the correct bra size.

Once you’ve been properly fitted, the next decision is deciding which style to choose. Should you go for padded, underwired, balconette, plunge, seamless or non-wired? Annette Warburton, Head of Lingerie Buying for Debenhams thinks variety is important. “A black, white, sports, plunge, t-shirt and strapless bra are all staples and should be in every girl’s lingerie drawer. One bra will not suffice for everything,” she advises.

Breastfeeding bras belong in a separate camp - Blooming Marvellous and www.prettypregnant.com cater for cup sizes from A –J. “It’s important to ensure maternity and breastfeeding bras fit properly because the milk ducts are developing and growing,” adds Fiona McGregor (PR Manager, Blooming Marvellous).

Size isn’t all that matters

And it’s not just about the size! Putting a bra on properly will make all the difference.
Marks and Spencer www.marksandspencer.com have an excellent bra fitting video on their website. They advise us to:

1. Lean forward into the bra and fasten it up.
2. Pop the straps on.
3. Adjust the straps.
4. Check each breast is sitting fully into the bra.

So there you go – no excuses now. Get rid of those greying, overstretched bras and give your vital assets a much-needed boost!