Bra-fitting guide: 7 ways to look better in a bra that fits

Your breast size isn't static; it fluctuates throughout life as a result of menstruation, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, lactation and menopause. To ensure a good fit, you should have a bra fitted annually by a specialty-shop expert who combines a practised eye, training and extensive knowledge of the merchandise. But, with tape measure in hand, it's possible to do it yourself. Here's how:

1. Measure tightly around your body, just under your breasts, to get the band size (for example, 36 inches).

2. For your cup size, measure a little more loosely around the fullest point of the bust. Every inch difference between the band size and this measurement represents one cup size; for example, if this measurement is 40 inches and the band size is 36 inches, your bra size would be 36D.

3. The bra band should fit straight across the back. If it rides up, the band size is too big.

4. The centre of the front of the bra (including underwires) should lie flat against the breastbone. You should not be able to slip a finger easily underneath it.

5. The cups should fit smoothly, without any overflow.

6. The sides should lie smoothly without binding; wires shouldn't dig in.

7. The straps should have a comfortable tension without sliding down or digging into shoulders.

A back-closing bra should fasten on the first or second hook. Lean forward, grab the tops of the underwires just in front of your underarms and gently wiggle the bra (not your body) until your breasts fall into the cups. Do the same with a soft-cup bra, holding the outside edges of the cups. Always try your clothes on over a bra before you make the final decision.