FINDING a comfy and supportive bra is much easier said than done, with up to 85 per cent of us actually wearing the wrong size.
Sizes vary between stores, despite there being a standard sizing chart.
Throw in a fuller bust and the quest is even harder, with fewer shops stocking bigger sizes, so people have to order online.
We asked bra expert Katie Weir to try on FIFTY bras in her 32G size.
Here are her top ten “best fits”, including one £10 number, and marks for each one out of five.
Posie longline bra, £42, Freya
I LOVE this longline bra, it’s a style you can have as outerwear too.
It fits a little bigger in the cup compared to others.
Although uplifting and comfortable, I would have preferred a 32FF for more oomph.
Rating: 4/5
Pink DD+ non-pad plunge lace ultimate comfort bra, Next x Kelly Brook, £20
A BARGAIN that gives great shape and feels sexy in coral lace.
Kelly loves cleavage and so do I, so perfect for me.
Rating: 4/5
Superplunge padded plunge bra, £39, Scantilly
THIS bra is not only beautiful but the cleavage is incredible when you get the right fit. It’s available up to a J cup.
The lace-top cups help hold your bust in place and the lace details are detachable for everyday wear.
Rating: 5/5
Pink Millie bra, £39, Bravissimo
A STRUCTURED, non-padded bra that uplifts the bust to a K cup and comes in a range of colourways.
I love how this shape makes my boobs feel rounded and not pointy like some other lace bras.
You are paying for quality with this style.
Rating: 5/5
Red moulded T-shirt bra, £40, Fantasie
MY top tip for every skin tone, wear red under white and you won’t see your bra.
Fabulous full coverage and smooth shape, perfect to wear under tighter fitting outfits.
Rating: 5/5
Sofia lace-embroidered bra, £36, Pour Moi
THIS felt like a run-for-the-bus bra, with my bust encapsulated and supported. The bra is embroidered, so very pretty.
Wide straps and it goes up to a J cup.
Rating: 3.5/5
Teal shoulder ease Alicia bra, £41, Bravissimo
FITTED me perfectly, but I find the racer-back shape, designed to prevent shoulder strap slippage, makes it a little restricting with some necklines.
Rating: 4.5/5
Jasmine lace wired plunge bra, £10, M&S
WITH no FF or GG, I wore a 32G but in reality it is a 32FF.
Confusing! Comfy with a great fit, I would make this my new everyday bra – and it is only a tenner.
Rating: 3.5/5
Boost Me Up Padded Balcony Bra, £33, Curvy Kate
THIS bra is giving Bridgerton boobs!
It’s bang-on if you want cleavage but if you want all-round fullness you may want to size up to avoid “quad boob”.
Rating: 5/5
Red lace plunge bra, £14.99, New Look
IMPRESSIVE. The three-hook-and-eye back band is really necessary for such a deep plunge.
It’s great value, and surprisingly comfortable for £15.
Rating: 4/5
For best size range, go to fuller-bust brands
WHILE high street brands had good offerings, the fuller-bust specialists, such as Curvy Kate, Scantilly, Fantasie and Freya, were definitely the most consistent in sizing.
My favourite was the Millie by Bravissimo – my boobs felt immediate uplift, shape and hold.
The fuller-bust specialists had wider size ranges – a lot of them start from a 28/30in band and go up to a K cup and beyond, whereas the cheaper retailers begin at 32in and some stop at a G.
Sometimes when brands don’t have a wide size range, you can use your sister size. For example, 28H becomes a 30GG.
You then wear the bra on the tightest hook and eye instead of the loosest.
I advise never to do this by more than one size as the fit will completely change.
Eighty per cent of your bra support should come from your back band, which will take the weight off your shoulders.
The back band should be firm with a two- finger tension, which means not being able to pull your bra band away from your back more than an inch.
The straps of your bra should have a two-finger tension, too.
Your underwires should reach all the way around your breast tissue.
Lift up your arm and your underwire should be in line with the back of your armpit.
Your breast tissue should be encapsulated in the bra cups with zero spillage from the top or side of the bra.
The centre wire of your bra should sit flush between your bust and not floating.
