Finding a great bra is a struggle for woman everywhere. There is so much more to a perfect fit than just size. Here are three helpful keys to finding a great bra.

Style can be just as important as size.
Every woman has a different breast shape that may affect the way the bra fits and feels. Often, women assume they are in the wrong size, when really, they are in the wrong style for their breast type. If you have shallow breasts, for example, non-molded cups might work better for you.
A bra should be snug to work.
Everyone is always concerned about “back fat,” but truthfully, a bra is designed to be tight in order to work. The support comes from the band (not the straps), so it should be snug withoutbeing uncomfortable. Bands stretch, so bras have a lifespan and it’s shorter than you think. More often than not, the best way to get more lift and relieve shoulder pain is to make sure you’re wearing a tight band.

There’s no such thing as a universal size.
Just like jeans or shoes, bra size will vary by style and brand. Even if you are a perfect 34D in one brand, doesn’t mean you will be a 34D in all brands or styles. This is why online shopping is so tricky for bras. It’s important to try bras on in a fitting room so you can figure out which styles and brands work better for you.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to a perfect fit. By far, the best thing you can do to ensure the perfect fit is to be fit by a professional bra fitter. cw
Kathy Bonifas is owner of Bras Galore. Learn more at brasgalore.com