Tips for Bra Shopping

To get an idea of how the bra fits and moves with your body, you're going to need to keep it on for more than 20 seconds. If you chose an underwire bra, make sure it isn't digging into your back or sides. Check to see if the center strip of the bra, between the cups, rests flat against your sternum. If it doesn't, try a bigger cup and smaller band size.

Bend over and look in the mirror. Yes, of course you look silly, but see if your breasts spill out of the cups. If they do, most likely the bra cups are too small or the band is too big. Finally, reach your arms over your head. Look for signs of pinching or riding up. If you get pinched, you'll want a smaller size. If the bra slips, you may want to go up a band size.

Do: Try on your bra and then put your top back on.

This is such an important step to any bra shopping adventure that so many women forget. Even if the bra looks adorable on its own, we'll most likely be wearing this puppy under our clothes, and we want to make sure it flatters our silhouette. Once you've tried on your bra, put your shirt or dress back on and see how it fits. Ponder a few questions, like how does the bra separate your breasts? Do you have an undesirable uni-boob look, or worse yet, Madonna-esque points? Look at yourself from all angles to see how the bra gathers under your clothes. Is there distracting color or embroidery that shows through your top?

By following these pointers, you're well on your way to finding the perfect support system for your body and your curves.