Want a comfortable well fitting bra?

Follow these hints and tips to help

Firstly we are all different and breasts like finger prints are unique to each of us, so finding the perfect bra is going to take time and patience, that said if you arm yourself with the following tips and hints then the process can become easier...and less stressful

1. The centre front of the bra should be flat to the body, there should be no gapping, or leaning forward of the centre section. If there is this is an indication that the cup size is too small.
2. The back band should sit completely level around the ribcage and show no evidence of riding up at the back. If this occurs it is an indication that either the cup size is too small, or the under band is too loose.
3. The under band around the body should be a firm snug fit (still allowing you to place a finger under the band). Hook the bra closed on the loosest setting first to see if it is comfortable and then adjust if necessary. This may seem strange at first, but the role of the under band is to support the weight of the breast, and if this is not snug enough then back ache around the shoulders can occur
4. The underwire needs to sit just under the breast route – that is the area under the breast, as it curves onto the ribcage. The underwire should follow this line, and when you raise your arms above your head, the underwire should not pull away leaving a gap. If it does this suggests that the cups are too small or the under band is too loose.
5. The breast tissue should be comfortably held in the cup, with the underwire following the natural curve of the breast. No ‘spillage’ should be present just underneath the arms, if there is this could indicate that the cups are too small and possibly that the under band is too tight.
6. Straps should feel comfortable and not so tight so as to dig into the shoulders. Their role is to provide light support and control, but not to take the main supporting role. Straps should be adjusted regularly on bras as they age, and the elastic naturally stretches.
7. The breasts should sit naturally into the cup, nipples facing forward with no bulging, spilling of breast tissue, or gaping or puckering of the cup. If this occurs the cup is either too small, or too big, and so another size should be tried.
8. If you need to try another size, consider: If you go down an under band size, you may need to go up a cup size, or vice versa, up an under band size, you may need to drop a cup size. This will ensure that the breast is properly supported, in the correct size cups, with the under band providing the correct support.

There are no hard and fast rules about how often bras should be replaced, as each bra plays a different starring role in our lingerie collection, from that special occasion once a year bra, to our old faithful.

However if it is worn and washed very regularly then for us to benefit from proper comfort and support think in terms of months rather than years! What better excuse for treating ourselves and the buzz of lingerie retail therapy!