FINDING THE RIGHT BRA

Wearing the right bra can make or break your outfit. Here are tips to help get the shape and look you want.

1. Check your band size. According to Sara Tervo, spokesperson for Victoria's Secret, seven out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. Because weight loss, weight gain, a new workout routine, or having a child can alter your size, it's important to be measured once a year. All specialty lingerie shops and lingerie sections in department stores offer this service, which takes less than a minute. A consultant will measure around your body, right under your breasts, with a tape measure to determine band size. 2. Check your cup size. The cup size is a bit more trial and error -- use your current size as a starting place. The material in a perfect-fitting cup should lie flat and smooth against your breast. 3. Wear the right top to shop. A close-fitting T-shirt or blouse is your best bet, as it will clearly show the bra's silhouette. If you're buying a bra to wear with a special outfit -- such as a strapless evening gown or a halter top, bring the clothing with you to try on with the bra. You don't want to find out your new bra doesn't work with your gown right before you're supposed to walk out the door! 4. Pay attention to material. Many women find that for everyday, cotton or microfiber is the most comfortable, as these fabrics move with your body and allow your skin to breathe. Sexier fabrics, such as satin and lace, aren't as comfortable but look beautiful and alluring for certain occasions. 5. Put it on the right way. The experts at lingerie manufacturer Barely There recommend the following method: Put the straps over your shoulders. Bend forward, letting your breasts fall into the cups (adjust as necessary, so your nipples are centered). Then hook the bra in back. Straighten up -- and you should have a perfect fit. 6. If you're full-figured, choose a full-coverage bra with an underwire. These styles are made with more material to completely cover the breast (unlike a demi bra). This helps to give them shape and make them more comfortable. Look for bras with wider straps, which also add comfort. 7. If you're small-busted, give yourself a boost with a padded or demi bra. A cleavage-enhancing bra has padding in the cups to increase your bustline. Demi bras are half cup bras, adding lift and framing cleavage. 8. Add special-occasion staples to your bra wardrobe. Along with your comfortable seamless bras, invest in a strapless bra for skimpy tops and evening wear, a sturdy sports bra for workout comfort and support, and a bra with movable straps, for tank tops, racer-back tops, and halters. 9. Be aware of uneven breasts. Many women have unevenness of up to a cup size. In most cases, the difference is barely noticeable. Fit your cup to the larger breast, then tighten the strap a bit on the smaller side to compensate. 10. Learn to troubleshoot. Your bra may be too big in the band or cup if the back rides up, the straps constantly fall down, or the cups are wrinkled. Experiment with a smaller bra to remedy. Conversely, your bra may be too small if your breasts bulge out of the top cup or the sides, and your band size may be too small if the band digs into your skin or the bridge of the bra doesn't lie flat on your chest. Step up a size in cup or band to fix the particular problems.