From MadameNoire.com

Do you know that as many as 85 percent of women are wearing the wrong size or type of bra for their body? According to recent studies, about 8 in 10 women are experiencing problems with finding the right bra type and size, from complaints of sagging and overstretched straps to breasts literally busting over the seams of the fabric.

Having a good quality bra is more than just for looks; it can also impact your overall health over time. An ill-fitting bra could in return make you ill, cause back pain, poor posture and even migraines that could increase with time.

Many women would be surprised at how much bigger (or smaller) their breasts really are and what types of bras that are not as effective for their body type. If you have been wearing the same size bra since your training bra days ended, it might be time to re-evaluate and re-up in the lingerie department (sounds like another reason to goshopping!).

The Right Size and Fit

One of the most important, if not the most important, aspect of knowing whether you have a good bra is whether it’s the right size for you. Size refers to two very significant details, your cup size and band width. When measured correctly, these two figures tell you what size bra would be more comfortable for your body. Many women’s wear and lingerie stores like Victoria’s Secret or Maidenform offer free measurement services to figure out your size before you decide to purchase. For a quick and more personal alternative, you can find out your correct size at home using these easy steps from Good Housekeeping:

1. Stand straight and relax. Don’t inhale and expand your rib cage as if you’re about to blow out candles.

2. Using a soft tape measure, measure all the way around your body, placing the tape measure right beneath your breasts (example: 30 1/2). Add five to that number, rounding up if necessary to the next even number (36). Congratulations: That’s your band size.

3. Next step: The cup. While wearing a bra, measure completely around the fullest part of your bust (across the Areola) without pulling tight. Make sure the tape measure goes around your entire back (38).

4. Subtract the number from your band size (38-36=2). The result will indicate your appropriate cup size, based on the following guide:

0=AA

1=A

2=B

3=C

4=D

5=DD

6=DDD

The Right Type of Bra

The correct type of bra is the type of bra that is tailored to your body as well as your lifestyle. Bras come in many different styles with many different features, from the sports bra to underwire to racerback, it just all depends on your needs and body type. These bras have different functions for everyday wear, so choose multiple styles to go along with what your body needs at the time. If you are an avid gym-goer, you should wear a sports bra that provides support for your breasts while doing strenuous and flexible activity. If you are looking for more of an enhancement, try a push-up bra to give you that added life and definition. Be a kid at a candy store for a day, and spend some time finding the right type or types of bras that best suit your everyday life.

Read more over at MadameNoire.com