Fashion for Moms: Get the Right Size Bra

While fully dressed, go take a good look in the mirror to assess what's under there. What is sticking out versus what is being sucked in? Do your cups runneth over? Every pinch, every roll, every line can be either minimized or highlighted (and not in the good way) by the undergarments you choose.

First, let's talk about "the girls." Did you know that 80 percent of women are walking around wearing the wrong bra size? It's amazing to think that most of us choose to walk around so uncomfortably and unsupported. And mamas, your body changes over time (ahem, pregnancy, breastfeeding) so the same bra size you wore in high school is not likely the same bra size you should be wearing now.

The best thing you can do for yourself is get properly fitted for a bra from time to time. Most department stores and some specialty lingerie boutiques offer professional bra fitting at no extra cost. But if you're curious now, find a tape measure and see for yourself. Here are the basic guidelines:

• Find your band size: This is the area under your bust, around your rib cage. Put the tape measure all the way around. The tape should lie flat, be snug but not tight. If it's an odd number, round up.
  
• Measure your bustline: Now, taking the tape measure, measure across the fullest part of your bust. (usually across the nipples). Keep the tape taught, but not tight.
  
• Determine your cup size: Now, subtract the number from your bustline from the number of your band size. Here's how it breaks down:
  A cup = 1 inch difference
  B cup = 2 inches
  C cup = 3 inches
  D cup = 4 inches
  DD cup = 5 inches

And yes, ladies, they go higher—all the way to L! Bra sizing is not the time to go for vanity sizes. No matter if you're petite or plus-size, you want a bra that fits you beautifully. I guarantee when you find the right bra, you will feel like a million bucks.

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