Choosing a bra

Your brassiere or bra for short is an everyday lingerie that you wear almost every single day. For many women, buying a bra can be such a headache because they are overwhelmed with the many choices they have to make as to size, fit, color and style.

Many women actually do not know their proper bra size which results in a bad fit and an uncomfortable one at that. Before you go out to buy a bra, you should know your correct size. A bra that is perfectly fitted not only gives you the maximum comfort but helps you look stylish as well.

To know your correct size, you must measure yourself with your bra on tightly around the band which is below your bust and above your rib cage. Get the measurement in inches and if it is an even number add 4 but if it's an odd number add 5. For instance, if the measurement of your band is 32 then your bra size is 36 (32+4).

Your cup size is represented by a letter. To obtain your cup size you again measure yourself but this time on the bust at the fullest point. The difference between your bust measurement and your band measurement in inches will represent your cup size with a one inch difference being an A cup, 2 inches differences a B cup, 3 inches difference a C cup, 4 inches difference a D cup, 5 inches difference a DD cup and 6 inches difference a DDD or E cup.

The bra's band should not be tight but instead feels snug. The shoulder straps should not dig into your skin or fall off but instead should be comfortable on the shoulders. The straps are meant to hold up the bra. The bra's cup size is meant to support the breasts. The breasts should be held comfortably without spilling over the sides. If the breasts tend to spill over the sides or over the top, you may need a cup size larger or one with more top coverage. On the other hand, if you find that your breasts are not filling in the top of the cups, then it would be wise to go a cup size lower.

For plus size women, a plus size bra would give the best fit, comfort and support.

In addition to the size, the fabric or material of the bra should be breathable for added comfort. Silky bras though would look best under all types of fabrics. It is important that you get yourself fitted every year even if may not have gained any weight.