7 Tips for Buying Bras ...

Do this first thing and you will save yourself a lot of time in regard to the rest of these tips. Plus, I don’t know about you, but I’ve had enough of spending money on bras that just don't fit. By getting sized, you won’t need to do the stretch out exercises -- although they are good for the arms!

One of the most commonmistakes women make -- and one I make myself -- is not knowing their cup size. Something too big won’t give you the support you need. Something too small really will make your cups run over. That can just make you uncomfortable and self conscious.

That is, you need the support provided by the back of your bra. A thin, flimsy back isn’t going to give you the support you need. As well, if your bra is too loose in the back, it isn’t supporting you enough, plus the bra will rise, and that can create some sagging. However, if the back is too tight … well, like they worry about on Bridezillas, there is the problem of … back fat.

Many women don’t want to try an underwire bra because, well, these things can get uncomfortable. However, in addition to giving you support, an underwire improves your shape and gives you great cleavage. It is necessary for larger breasted women. Don’t worry, though -- if you refer to #1 and get sized properly, you will be able to pick a comfortable underwire bra.

Some women think that if a bra is functional, it won’t be sexy. Others think that if a bra is sexy, it won’t be functional. Truthfully, you can find both. Just because you aren’t wearing some skimpy, unsupportive wisp of fabric doesn’t mean you can’t be feminine and seductive inyour lingerie. These two things aren’t mutually exclusive, no matter how you’re endowed.

If you jog, play tennis, or work out at the gym, you probably wear a sports bra. That’s no problem, but make sure you’re buying the right kind. If they compress your breasts and flatten them down rather than supporting them, you will suffer for it in the long run. But there are sports bras that provide support in all ways.

You should by no means pay a fortune for a bra, but just realize that, sometimes, you get what you pay for -- and what you get ain’t good. This does not apply to sales -- I repeat, this does not apply to sales!Otherwise, just remember to check for quality.

I’m going to give these a run for their money here soon. It’s high time I had a properly fitting bra, and I bet it would take care of a lot of problems. Anybody have any good brands to suggest?

Top Photo Credit: Melissa Maples