Innerwear is as important as outerwear. If you have heard of the common adage ‘beautiful within’, you will know what this means. Hence, choosing the right bra is very important. The following points will make it amply clear why this is so:-

• * Too tight bras can cramp up the breasts. This will lead to poor circulation in them and will make them prone to several dysfunctional problems. Outwardly, you might see sores and rashes. Also the tight strap and base may cut into the skin and cause injuries.

• * Bras that are loose will make your breasts sag. Since your breasts will not get a proper support, they will try to distend or fall flat on the fabric of the bra.

• * A wrongly designed bra may also be unhealthy. Not only that, it could play havoc with your figure. For example, bras with broad bases will make small breasts look even flatter. Similarly, buxom women should go for bras with thinner but sturdier strapped bras.

• * Bad bras will also show from the outside. Not directly, but a wrong bra can make your outer garment seem ungainly and sloppy.

There are many outwardly signs that will indicate that the bra you are wearing is wrong. Watch out for the following telltale signs:-

• * Your bra center does not properly touch the breastbone region of your chest.
• * Your breasts look out of shape.
• * Your breasts are getting cramped inside the breasts.
• * There are red marks on your shoulders.
• * You are suffering from shoulder and back pains, especially after wearing bras.

The above indications show that the bra you are wearing is not correct – it is either looser or it is tighter than it needs to be.

How to select the correct bra

(i) The right size – the right bra

The first thing to do is to take the correct size of your bust. This is best done at home with a measuring tape. Measure your frame size and cup size and remember these numbers. Once in the shop, you must ask for those numbers. But keep in mind that different companies design bras differently; so that a bra size from one company may fit you while the same number from another company may not fit you. You will need to buy one bra to get a demo first before planning on stocking on your bras.

(ii) Checking for materials

Bras are made of several materials, like cotton, satin, silk, Lycra, etc. You must choose which material you want.