The Tips and Methods You Need to Know to Select the Best Fitting Bra for You

A properly fitted supportive bra can help prevent breast tissue damage while participating in sports and other activities. They may also help improve a woman''s posture which may alleviate backaches, muscle tension and headaches in many women. It is estimated that seven out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra.

A good bra should minimize jiggling and enhance the shape and appearance of the breasts. Wearing a well-fitting bra may have several health benefits as well. A properly fitted supportive bra can help prevent breast tissue damage while participating in sports and other activities. They may also help improve a woman''s posture which may alleviate backaches, muscle tension and headaches in many women. It is estimated that seven out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra. Finding the right bra for you needn''t be difficult. You just need to know how bra sizes work and preferably get measured by a professional.

There are two main components of a woman''s bra size: the band and the cup. The band size is measured at the top of the rib cage just under the breasts and is a number that is close to your bust measurement (more on this when we get to the actual "how to" of measuring). The cup size is a letter like A, B, C, etc. and relates to the difference between your upper rib cage measurement and the actual circumference of the bust. You need to have an accurate measurement of both elements to get the perfect fit.

Most large department stores have women who are trained that can get an accurate bra size fitting for you at no charge. If you are embarrassed or don''t have a place to have this measurement done for you, just buy a tape measure. Out of the two measurements you need to have for that perfect fit there you need to have an accurate measurement of both. If you don''t think you can do this accurately on your own then ask a trusted friend for help.

When measuring the for the band size measurement there are two methods. The most common of the two is to run a tape measure around you just beneath the breasts. You want to make sure that the tape measure is straight across your back and not slanted or wrinkled in any way. Make sure it is snug but not too tight. Once you have this number add 5 inches to it. Now you have your chest size. You can also use the same procedure but do it right above the breasts and under the armpits. It used to be that odd numbers like 31 or 33 had to be rounded up, but in many stores today you can find "half" or odd sizes, if not use the old method and round up.

To determine your cup size you should be wearing either no bra or with a supportive unpadded bra. Run the tape measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Now subtract your rib cage measurement from this number and this is your cup size. If you got a 2 you are a B cup, 3 is C cup and so on.

Once you know your proper size, it is time to try bras on. You should try a variety of styles to find the ones that fit you best. Different manufacturer''s sizes run differently and the style of the bra along with the texture of your breasts need to be taken into consideration to achieve the perfect fit.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about lingerie as well as lingerie gifts at http://www.elitelingerieshop.com