You can't build on sand.

One exclusively for the girls today, although the male gift givers might find this helpful-ish.  Lingerie can and will make or break an outfit, as it can be the most distracting thing if you get it wrong. There is nothing worse than unexpected or unnecessary lumps, bumps and rolls.  We are constantly told we wear the wrong size and blah, blah - nobody gives a clue as to how you tell the right size, so here goes.

There are 5 key places to check the fit of a bra.
1. The back should be tight on the middle hooks, this is where the majority of the support comes from, so if it arches at the back or you can pull it further than 2inches away from the skin, it's too big.  Conversely if it digs in leaving red marks it is too small.
2. The Straps should not really be supporting any weight they are there almost entirely to support the fabric of the cups not the actual breast tissue. (Except in the case of sports bras, which are padded on the shoulders to facilitate this.)  However they should be tight enough that you do not spend any part of your day involved in sleeve diving contortions to reclaim a lost one.
3. The underwire should be flush to the skin and should not move at all - especially when you raise your arms.  This wire should also not be in contact with your breast tissue - because ouch!!
4. The Cups should fit on all sides.  I always recommend taking a tight white t-shirt with you bra shopping, as this will give you the clearest visual on the fit of your bra.  If the size is right but you fall out of a plunge shape try a balconette, as it will give you the rounded look, but with a bit more stability.
5. The cup join This is often the most complicated thing as you will find some depths to be more comfortable than others, but again it must be flush to the skin.  As this completes the back support, so that the weight of your breasts is in the band not on the smaller surface area of the straps.


The way that bras are measured should only ever be taken as a starting point, as due to the differing fabrics and manufacturers - they fit very differently.  (Not to mention that women are all different.)  For example, when measured I am a 36A but I wear a 32D, this is due to the fact I'm fairly pigeon chested- strange but true.  I realise this is a bit of an over share but I doubt it'll be the last time I do that.  The other suggestion I have is go to a reputable Lingerie shop, one that specialises, to be fitted.  I promise you have nothing they have not seen before and they understand how you will be feeling and will make the process painless.  If you only buy one bra at a time, make sure you have a well fitting nude in your arsenal as it can be your best friend.