A bra is designed primarily to provide us with support. Okay, a sexy bra isn't a bad thing either! Regardless, a bra fails in its primary mission if it fits poorly. Instead of providing support, it will end up providing misery.

You've probably worn a bra for many years and just assume you have it right. Well, you might not realize you have a problem. Ask yourself these questions. Do you get headaches at about the same time each or every few days? Does your back ache? Do your shoulders chafe where the straps are? All are potential signs of a fitting problem.

The first thing to understand with a bra is the support mechanism. Looking at a bra, one would think the support would come from the straps running over the shoulder. This is not actually the case. Instead, the support should come from the band running around the bottom of the bra and, of course, the cups themselves. If your shoulders are providing the support, you have the wrong fit. Headaches, upper back pain and bad posture are the usual result.

So, just how should this work to get the best fit? Well, let's start at the bottom. The band running around the bottom of the bra should be at the same level around your body. Stand sideways in front of a mirror. Is the bottom of the bra band at the same level on the front of your body as the back? If not, adjust it for immediate relief.

Let's move to the cups. As you know, the cups present you with the best opportunity to create a number of looks. You can create cleavage or go for a more conservative look. Whatever image you are trying to create, one rule always applies. The breast should not bulge over the edge of the cup. If this occurs, you need a bigger cup or one formed differently.

Okay, let's look at the front of the bra. The key once again is the bottom brand of the bra, often the underwire area of a bra. The bottom band should be placed at your sternum. Your sternum is a piece of bone that sticks down from the lowest point in the middle of your chest where the rib cage connects. Basically, it is just between your breasts at the lower part. You can feel it pointing down from the rib cage intersection.

Ultimately, bras come in different sizes, shapes, materials and styles. Not every version is going to go with your body. If you have back or neck pain, shop around. Finding a bra that fits will make a huge difference in how you feel and is worth the time it takes.