Breasts! Either they're too big, too small, too floppy or too... well, I don't know but ask any plastic surgeon and he'll tell you just how many women are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts.

It isn't always necessary to resort to drastic measures to improve the breast shape, though. Simply wearing a properly fitted bra can dramatically enhance a woman's breasts.

As unbelievable as it may sound, manufacturer research has shown that about 70 percent of women wear the wrong bra size. That's 7 out of every 10 women! Hardly surprising that so many of us aren't happy with the way our breasts look!

The size and shape of breasts change as we age. Diet can have an unexpected affect on them, as can lifestyle. If your bra straps dig into your flesh, the back isn't level with the front, your breasts are bulging out of the cups or there's a gap between the bra and your breastbone then you're undoubtedly wearing the wrong size.

When a woman's happy with what she has "out front" her posture will most likely improve. By standing tall with shoulders back and chest pushed out, women not only look better but enjoy a greater lung capacity which will lead to heightened physical well-being.

Don't be one of those who stick with the same size year in and year out -- measure up and make sure you're wearing a bra that fits your breasts perfectly.

HOW TO MEASURE

First of all, wear a soft, unpadded bra. Yes, that's right - you DO need to wear a bra while taking the measurements. The best type is a soft sports bra that supports without molding your breasts into an unnatural shape or size.

You'll need to have a flexible tape measure, a piece of paper and a pencil handy.

It's important that you stand up straight whilst taking the measurements but don't tense up. Shoulders back but nice and relaxed, please.

Remember that you should never pull your measuring tape tight when taking measurements but neither should you let it hang loosely. A nice snug fit is what you're aiming for.

Now -- let the measuring begin:

Step 1 - Bra Size

Measure around your body directly below your breasts. There should be no breast tissue measured here -- your ribcage is what's being measured. Write down your results.

To determine your bra size, add 5 to the number you noted. If the number you get is odd you'll need to round up to an even number. Why? Because bras are only made in even numbered sizes.

The number you now have is your "bra size."

Step 2 - Breast Size

In order to find your "cup size" you'll first need to know your "breast size."

To do this, measure around the fullest part of your bust. This is usually level with the nipples although that's a guide rather than a hard and fast rule.

If you have particularly sagging breasts (and believe me, you won't be alone if you have) and your bra isn't a perfect fit, you might need to pull them up by the bra straps in order to measure them at their fullest. If you find this difficult, ask a friend or your partner to help out.

Once you've taken the measurement, make a note of it. This is your "breast size."

Step 3 - Cup Size

And so to the "cup size."

Take your "breast size" and subtract your "bra size." Each inch of difference is equal to one cup size. If the difference is less than an inch your cup size will be AA - 1 inch and the cup size will be A - 2 inches and it'll be B - 3 inches for a C cup -- and so it continues.

Let's take a look at an example measurement:

Step 1

• Measurement under breasts = 32"
• Add 5 inches = 37"
• Round up to nearest even number = 38"
• Chest Measurement = 38"

Step 2

• Measurement around the breasts = 42"

Step 3

• Difference 42" - 38" = 4"
• Correct Bra Size = 38D

Bear in mind that determining your bra size is not an exact science and a variety of factors could affect whether or not a bra that's marketed as being "your" size will actually fit you well or not.

Where you are in your monthly cycle can affect the size of your breasts. Some women find that they swell a cup-size prior to their period while others say this happens bang in the middle, more or less during ovulation. You know your own body and if the fluctuations are noteworthy it might be worth having two bra sizes in your drawer so that you'll always be comfortable and look your best.

Sizes also tend to vary according to manufacturer so while you may be comfortable in a 36B from one company, you may find yourself needing a 38B or a 36C from another. This is the bane of many a woman's life, especially for those who like to choose underwear from a catalogue. If only the different manufacturers would stick to some kind of global norm, billions of women worldwide would find underwear shopping far more pleasurable.

Bra style can also affect its fit. With push-ups, balcony bras, full-cup, half-cup, plunge bras, padded bras and sports bras all available, making the right choice is hardly a simple task. Certain styles are best suited to certain breast shapes whilst others are best for large or small breasts. Is it any wonder we women can get confused?

To best decide what kind of bra suits you, visit a good lingerie store and try on a variety of styles in your correct size. You'll soon see how bra shape affects your breasts. Just because your friend looks good in a particular style doesn't mean you will.

Although you may find it embarrassing to start with, asking a trained lingerie assistant for help will save you both time and trouble. She'll have seen breasts in all shapes and sizes and will be able to draw on her knowledge and experience to find the style most likely to suit you.

A properly fitted bra can make a huge difference to the way your clothes hang, the way you hold yourself and the way others see you so it's worth persevering until you find a style and manufacturer that you're happy with and that flatters your breasts.

Love them or hate them, our breasts are part of our feminine identity. Be proud of them!