Madonna wore a conical one. The flower children eschewed theirs. Miley Cyrus flashed a green one and made headlines. That’s right, readers – it’s the brassiere, or bra, as it is more commonly known. But while this item of clothing is capable of generating controversy and fascination, it’s also a wardrobe staple in the lives of most women. So how is it that approximately 80% of women are wearing incorrectly fitted bras?

Well for starters, getting fitted requires one to undress in front of a complete stranger, which puts the level of discomfort on par with a trip to the doctor or the gynaecologist. But Alicia Neale, manager of Melbourne’s Bendon lingerie store, wants to dispel the misconception that getting a bra fitting is a scary experience. “It’s about comfort,” says Neale. “It’s important to be properly fitted so that you’re comfortable throughout the day, and so that you don’t put pressure on parts of your neck and back.”

Presumably one of the 20% of women who do wear a properly fitted bra, Neale shares her top three tips to getting this tricky undergarment right: number one, the back strap of the bra should sit straight across the back at about elbow height, and not ride up. Two, that none of the straps should produce discomfort, and three that the cups should be fitted to the bust, but not dig in or result in the dreaded double-boob look.

So if you too want to keep abreast of things, get properly fitted today. And remember, a professional fitter has seen it all before. Yours are just one pair of many boobs she works with each day.

Stockists: Fayreform 1800 338 235
David Jones  (03) 9643 2222

By Nadia Bailey