We’ve been told countless times, but many of us are still wearing the wrong size bra. Before busting out the debit card with a lingerie spree, read these top tips.

It can sometimes feel like an epic struggle, but finding the prefect bra that gives just the right amount of support without being uncomfortable is almost unbeatable.

And equally, there’s nothing worse than splashing out on new underwear, only to find it’s too loose or digging in when you start wearing it.

Like a favourite pair of jeans, many women have a go-to brand and size they come back to without realising it may no longer provide the best fit because their body shape has changed after pregnancy or weight loss.

But whether online, in specialist lingerie shops or through made-to-measure services, there are plenty of options out there that mean you don’t have to suffer an ill-fitting bra in silence.

Do your research

Just remember the 80:10:10 rule when you’re out underwear shopping, which says a well-fitting bra should provide 80% of the support from the band, 10% from the straps and another 10% from the cups.

Head online for more information about which sizes and styles will provide the best support.

Get handy with a tape measure. Simply measure horizontally underneath your bust while you’re breathing out to get your band size in inches.

Then, to find your bust size, measure around the largest part of your chest, making sure you don’t pull too tight.

Get an expert fit in store

Head to a lingerie shop or department store and speak to an expert. They know the market inside out and will be able to tell which styles will best suit your bust shape.

Wear your favourite bra for your fitting, so that the fitter can get an idea of what works for you and also advise if anything similar is available in the store.

You’ll have the chance to try on several items to see what feels right and benefit from all the advice and expert tips your fitter will be able to give you, including information about the latest styles and brands.

Go bespoke for the ultimate fit

And if you want to experience the ultimate in bra-fitting perfection, there are loads of bespoke services that will give you something unique tailored to your exact needs.

This can be a really good option if you often find you’re in between two sizes – such a as 31-inch back – or if you need one cup bigger than the other.

It’s true that this is a more expensive way of getting the right bra, but the feeling is worth every penny – and what’s more, the price will often fall once you’ve had your initial fitting.