Everybody's heard the story that many women are wandering the streets wearing bras that don't fit correctly. Whilst plenty of shops offer a fitting service, we appreciate that not everyone wants to go and be measured by a complete stranger. There is also a lot of 'advice', some good some not, so we've put together a comprehensive guide from the best to help you measure up and get comfy!

Stage 1 - Measure up

Grab a tape measure (a soft one, not the metal one in the shed for putting the shelves up!)

To determine your band size measure around just below your breasts where the band should sit. Take care that the tape doesn't droop at the back- it should be level all the way around. Take the inch measurement to get your band size. Band sizes come in even numbers (commonly 30-42) so if you measure an odd number then just round up to the nearest even number eg. you measure 31" then you should try a size 32.

Now for the cup size. With the tape measure around at the fullest part of the breast, making sure the tape doesn't slip and doesn't squish your boobs. This measurement is your bust size. To get your cup size subtract your band size from your bust size.The difference between the two gives your cup size:

less than 1 inch - AA
1 inch - A
2 inches - B
3 inches - D
4 inches - D
5 inches - DD
6 inches - E
7 inches - F
8 inches - FF
9 inches - G

Stage 2 - Tweaking for perfection

Measurements alone are unlikely to hit the perfect size in one shot, but it gives a good starting point. Just like the little contraption in the shoe shop when you were little- it gives the shop assistant the right box to start with. Next comes the tweaking. Just as you would in your new shoes, try one on and move around a bit. Wave your arms around

Any bra should be tested on the loosest fastening. This allows it to be tightened in future when the elastic starts to give over time.

Firstly, how does the band feel? Is it sitting straight across your back and snug? If it rides up at the back, it might be tempting to think it's too small. This is actually commonly caused by too large a band. The back does most of the supporting so if this is too loose the weight of the breasts pulls the front down causing the back to ride up. This is often accompanied by straps digging into the shoulders as the weight is being transferred through the shoulder straps causing them to dig in. Try going down a size.

If the back is ok, how does the front look? The bra should fit snug against your chest when you stand relaxed or raise your arms. If you can fit a finger between the bra and your body then this probably means your cup size is too small. If your breasts are bigger than the cup then they will push the bra outwards. Try going up a cup size.

Similarly if your breasts bulge out of the top of the bra then you need a bigger cup size. Even in balconette and puh up bras you shouldn't be bulging out anywhere.

Conversely, if the cups are wrinkling then the cup size could be too big. Try a smaller cup size.

If all is correct there should be smooth lines around the bra. No bulging out, digging in or wrinkly loose fabric. If all the above points are correct then you should have a bra that is comfortable, giving you good support all day.