Wearing an ill-fitting bra has to be one of the most unpleasant experiences for a woman. Discomfort at wearing a bra can make you dread the mere thought of wearing one, although sometimes you have no choice but to. This is true of all types of bras, although the ones with underwire can cause the most pain and scars, especially if the wire has become exposed.

It doesn't really matter how often people have been telling you that you need to get yourself the correct size of bra, it won't hit you until you're faced with the discomfort of one that's not the right fit. It's reassuring, though, to learn that when you do get the size right, everything else tends to fall into place. But it's when you don't get it right that things can get both painful and ugly.

In those situations where the bra is too big, you'll notice that the fabric just doesn't hold up because there's not enough breast under it to keep it up, so it just kinda collapses, and that's not a pretty sight. No amount of padding can quite work like the real thing. And on the other hand, if the bra is too small, it not only dents your flesh but also creates unflattering bumps under your clothing, which might get people to perceive you as bigger than you really are.

Although there's a lot to say about bra styles, let's not forget that a bra is here primarily to give you support and make your breasts look perky instead of saggy. If you get a bra that's too tight, it can make your chest look flat when that's absolutely not the effect you're looking for. If it's too big, it's probably not giving you the support you need and can make your breasts look saggy.

Just like every other garment you wear, you need to measure up and make sure you get a bra that's the right fit for you. And since your measurements will vary, it's recommended that you check you bra sizez every three years. Every part of your body goes through changes as you age and your body changes, and so do your breasts. Put on some weight and you'll likely your breasts will likely grow in lockstep. Lose some weight and they will probably lose some of their volume, by the same logic.

Let's not forget other things that may get into the equation, like menopause and having children. It's true that the effects of menopause on breast size can be quite unpredictable. But having children almost always causes breasts to grow, and then sag a little bit.

Do not treat this as an afterthought, since a bra is something that most of us have to wear all day. taking the time to get one that's comfortable sure pays dividends.