Problem: Your bra underband should sit just under your breasts. If it is pulling down at the front below your breasts and perhaps even leaving red marks the band could be too small.

Solution: Try going up a back size.

Breasts spilling out of the top or sides?

Problem: If the cups are too small, then your breasts may spill out of the top of the cups or at the sides.

Solution: A perfectly fitting bra should have no overspill at the cups and underarm. Try going up a cup size or two.

Cups baggy?

Problem: If the cups are too big, then the cups will be wrinkled or creased, or if it’s a moulded style they will be gaping at the top of the cup.

Solution: Try going down a cup size.

Centre front lifting away from the body?

Problem: The centre front should lie flat against the body. If it doesn’t, this could be a sign that the cups are too small, causing the breasts to push the centre front away.

Solution: Try going up a cup size.

Straps digging into shoulders?

Problem: If the straps dig in, it could be because your underband is too big and the straps are having to provide most of the support.

Solution: Try going down a back size –the underband not the straps should provide the majority of support, 80 per cent in fact. When you know your underband fits perfectly, you should adjust the straps so they sit comfortably on your shoulders.

Straps slipping?

Problem: Straps keep slipping off your shoulders?

Solution: Try tightening the straps (this might sound obvious but they do loosen over time). Also, if you have narrow shoulders it’s best to avoid balcony styles that have wide set straps.

My breasts are different sizes

Problem: My breasts are different sizes, which one should I fit to?

Solution: It is perfectly normal for breasts to be different sizes, but some are more noticeable than others. For the best shape and support, fit your bra to the larger breast. If you notice any creasing to the smaller cup you can always try adding a gel or foam insert. Stretchy as opposed to moulded foam cups will also have more flexibility so may work, for example a non-pad stretch lace style.

Underwires are digging in

Problem: Look at the side of the cups, it’s important that the breast is completely encased by the underwire. Is there any underwire digging into the breast tissue?

Solution: Ouch. You may need a larger cup size. There’s also the possibility that the underband is too tight and is causing the wire to dig in.

You could either try going down a band size and up a cup size or up a band size and down a cup size. For example if you are a 34E, try a 32F or a 36DD. This is called sister sizing –the cup volume will be the same for these three sizes.

If your bra is new you should wear it on the loosest hook and eye. Over time bras stretch and you can accommodate this by fastening it on a tighter hook.

Try wearing the back band an inch lower than the front. It will sit on the smaller part of your body and create less of a bulge. Wider side wings are also more flattering under a fitted top as they create less of a bulge.

The tape measure system was developed over 80 years ago and body shapes – and our understanding of them – have changed a great deal since then. It was never intended for larger cup sizes, only for cup sizes A to D. We now have cups up to a K and the same rules don’t work at both ends of the scale. Additionally, you have to be wearing a bra in order to be measured, but you won’t get an accurate measurement if you are wearing the wrong size bra in the first place. It also ignores the shape of the ribcage which varies between women and can affect sizing.

Use our simple visual guide using your current bra, a mirror and your own judgement. All easily done in the comfort of your own home.

Wearing too big a back band is one of the most common mistakes that we see. Many people confuse the back measurement with breast size, incorrectly thinking, for instance, that a 36 or 38 must be busty. This not only gives poor support and causes bulging necklines and lumps under fitted tops, but it can also lead to skin irritation and bad posture.

Your dress size can be a helpful guide – if you are a 10 or a 12, for example, you are unlikely to need a 36 bra. But the best solution is to follow our guide and don’t be surprised if you find yourself going down two back sizes and up to cup sizes, it’s not unusual.