As we all know, undergarments can play a roll in how well our outer garments present themselves. Unnecessary bumps may ruin the appearance of the loveliest of dresses. A sagging bust may also add the appearance of up to 8 pounds and 8 years to a women's figure! Keep in mind, that your regular undergarments may fit different from intimate lingerie.

Dependent upon the look you are trying to achieve, a bra that fits properly may either minimize a full bust line or enhance a smaller one. The problem is that many women mistakenly buy a too large bra size with too small of a cup. The problem of breast tissue slipping below the band, along with overflowing the cup at the neck line and arm hold then tends to occur.

Find out your bra size.
Take snug measurement from directly under your bust and then add five. This will give you your correct bra size.

Your full bust measurement is the measurement taken from the very “peak” of your bust. Now subtract your under-bust measurement from this number. Take this number difference, and compare it to the chart below to determine your cup size.

0” difference = A cup
1” difference = B cup
2” difference = C cup
3” difference = D cup
4” difference = DD cup

Example:
You measure 35” around the fullest point of your bust.
Your under bust measurement is 33”.
This is a difference of 2”, or a C cup.

As far as putting your bra on, bend from the waist as you slip your arms through the straps. This will be almost like “pouring your breast into the cups above the band”. Now, hook the back below the shoulder blades and stand up straight. At this point, you will want to adjust the straps so the bust point falls halfway between the small hollow at the base of your neck (your sternal notch), and your navel.

If you want to minimize shadowing through light weight clothes, you would be best choosing your undergarment colors that are close to your skin tone. Depending on if you are buying intimate lingerie, you may choose a color that best matches the outfit you will be wearing for the evening.