I am a lingerie retailer and I want to pass on to you my experience of how to obtain the best possible fitting bra for you. I read and hear so many stories of women who are badly misled about how they should go about choosing a bra size.

Many stores, even quality branded chain stores have settled on one method which is universally applied. Usually this involves putting a measure just underneath the breasts and then measuring again over the highest point of the breasts. This is a good method (there are others) and most of the time, if done properly by an experienced person, is quite accurate. I think you’re beginning to get an idea where this is going now…

One problem is making sure that the first measurement is done as closely underneath the breast tissue as possible. Even a small distance below can yield a half or even a whole cup size. Secondly, although this method is a very good one on the whole, it doesn’t cater for different breast shapes or even body shapes. Unfortunately girls, we are not all the same. This is one of the major reasons that buying online is often so unsatisfactory unless you are buying a bra model and size you have purchased before.

Next we need to factor in that different manufacturers have their own views on what a bra band and cup size is. I wish I had a Euro for every time someone has come into my store saying I am a size (whatever). I often offer to measure them anyway if they are a new customer and find out they are a completely different size and or cup. I am then told that the measurement must be wrong and despite the fact that the bra I have suggested fits the customer perfectly they walk away with the size they originally wanted despite the fact that it either looks wrong or feels uncomfortable or both.

My experience has shown me that whilst using a tape measure is a good place to start it is only half the story. You really need to try on a new bra if either you haven’t been measured for a while or it is a new brand. Now, provided you are not wearing a padded bra or thick clothing it’s normally fine to measure and fit over the top of your clothing.

Expect that you might have to try on several bras and styles to get your best fit bra. Some customers expect that the first bra they try on will meet all their wildest hopes and expectations, and walk out the door confident that none of the bras in the store will fit them, when all they needed to do was communicate with the fitting room attendant about their needs. You cannot tell me too much, or show me too much for that matter. You had a tumor removed from one breast? You’ve had a mastectomy and use a prosthetic? You have scoliosis? You have to comfortably accommodate your TENS unit for your back pain? You’re nursing or pregnant? It’s difficult for you to reach the middle of your back? Your breasts are sensitive? Whatever the case, it’s my job to help you find a bra that fits you best and accommodates your needs. I cannot know your needs unless you tell me.

You should expect that your bra fitter will ask what you are currently wearing, and listen to what you want in your next bra. I should select several sizes and styles for you. Your bra fitter should teach you how a bra should fit, helping you find a bra shape that suits your breasts best, and provide washing and wearing tips. I’ll also (surprise!) be looking at you wearing a bra and checking the fit for you.

Most importantly of all- Don’t simply rely on what size you used to buy or try to fit into what you would like to be. It’s not worth it. You’ll be uncomfortable and you won’t look good anyway.

So there you go ladies. Go and get yourself professionally measured by someone with the experience and knowledge to help you choose the right fitting bra for you. And don’t forget to wear thin clothing and a normal (not padded) bra. Following these rules you should get your size right first time most times.

You don’t need to have a model like figure to look good in a bra. You can look fabulous in an attractive bra that is fitted properly to the body you have!

Here at Shani’s Lingerie we offer a free bra fitting service and although we cannot guarantee a successful seduction we can help you with attractive bras that also feel comfortable. We also have a large range of cup and strap sizes in different models. Many of these also come in several different colours. If you want a fitting you might want to come early or call to make an appointment so that we can make sure we can give you all the time you need to ensure a comfortable fit.