[valerie anne]

Many shops are still using an outdated bra measurement method. They are still using the approach adopted with old-fashioned cotton brassieres, which didn't have the stretch & give of modern bra bands.

A good start is to measure your chest size under your boobs. This gives you your nominal band size.

Next, with no bra, lean right forward, so that you are dangling vertically and measure your size across your nipples.

If your over-boob measurement is 1" greater you are A cup, 2" greater, B cup and so on. So if you are 38" under boob and 40" over nipple, you are a 38 B.

Now try a bra with these measurements. A new bra should be very tight across your back band even on the loosest set of hooks. You should only be able to get the palm of your hand inside your bra band.

Now lean forward and scoop all your boob tissue hard into the cups. If your boobs bulge out, go up one cup size. If there is slack in the top of your bra cups, go down one cup size.

My experience is that if a bra appears comfortable in the fitting room, it will become too loose in wear. Go for a bra which is tight in the band and adjust the straps so that they are really snug.

You should only be able to pull your bra strap up to the bottom of your ear.

A firm bra is a delight to wear: you don't want a band which rides up your back or straps which slip off your shoulders.