Learning how to measure bra size correctly is not just a matter of function. After all, wearing the right bra can elevate your entire appearance—no pun intended. “It helps your clothes look good and it gives you confidence, Emily Blundell, founder of British lingerie brand Bluebella says.

“It’s really worth the time and attention.” Sounds simple enough. But, as Blundell also notes, finding the right bra is often easier said than done: “The majority of women wear the wrong bra size.

” She’s not exaggerating; studies have found that up to 80% of us are wearing an ill-fitting bra. Want to transcend the statistic? We’ve broken down everything there is to know about finding the right bra—including how to measure yourself at home, how to adjust the bra for a perfect fit, and what to look for in terms of the proper style to flatter your unique shape and size. The importance of fit While a good bra can—and should—go completely unnoticed, an ill-fitting bra can become be a huge distraction.

Who among us hasn’t spent a day tugging at our straps, re-adjusting a too-tight band, or suffering from annoying underwires poking at our ribs? Wearing a bad bra can come between you and a productive work day, a great night out, and even just a casual stroll down the street. Some other signs that your bra doesn’t fit properly can be more serious. Many women complain of shoulder pain, back pain, breast pain, nipple pain, neck pain, and chafing skin—all just from wearing .