A Fitting Subject

All great clothes need a great support system. In this case, a great bra (or 7). Here are some necessary tips for your next underwear and underwire shopping trip.

First, you should know how to measure yourself to determine if you are wearing the correct size or not. Believe it or not, most women wear a bra that is too small!

To find this number, you will need a measuring tape that will wrap easily around your body. If you don't have one use a string and then measure the length of string. For this fitting wear a bra that does not either minimize or maximize your breasts.

To get your band size, measure under your armpits and across the top of your chest. If you have an even number, this is your band size. If you have an odd number, add one, and that will be your band size (i.e. if you get 34, 34 is your size. If you get 35, 36 is your size).

To get your cup size loosely measure the largest part of your chest. Make sure the entire measuring tape is level with the ground and not on any kind of angle.

The difference between the cup size and the band size determines the letter of your cup.

Less than 1" is AA
1" = A
2" = B
3" = C
4" = D
5" = DD  ... and so on.

Now the fun part... shopping! Until you find your perfect bra, this cannot be done online. First, decide what you want your bra to do. Looking for ultimate support and comfort sports bra, or a sexy and seductive push-up?

Things you need to know and check for in the fitting room:

1. Make sure the band goes around you and stays horizontal to the floor. If it is higher in the back you need to loosen the straps.

2. If loosening the straps makes you feel unsupportive this is not the right bra for you. The band and cups are what support the majority of the weight. The straps should be more of a comfort feature to the bra.

3. Raise your hands to the ceiling. Make sure the bra does not move at all. Twist left and right and make sure there is no pinching or movement.

4. The middle of the front of the bra should be flat against your chest.

5. Bend over. Make sure your breasts are not falling out of the bra. If so, the cup is probably too small for you.

6. Make sure the underwire isn't digging into you anywhere. Check especially close to your armpits.

You may take a long time in the fitting room, but trust me this is worth it! If your bra passes ALL of these rules, you may purchase and enjoy.

B.