Keisha Brown, Health Writer

Women need to find a bra that strikes the right balance between sexiness and comfort. - File

The importance of a proper bra fit is grossly underestimated and largely misunderstood by many women around the world.

Medical experts agree that an ill-fitting or unsupportive bra can result in back and shoulder pain, improper posture, a generally uncomfortable or exhausted feeling, and failure of the lymph nodes to adequately drain. Researchers estimate that the number of women wearing the incorrect bra size could be as high as 85 per cent.

What to look for

1 Does the back of the bra ride up? This may mean that the cups are too small. You should be able to run your finger under the band in front. The fit should be snug, NOT TIGHT.

2 Are the bra cups wrinkled? If so, you may need a smaller cup size. Stretchy fabrics mould to the shape of the breast and can sometimes provide a better fit without sacrificing support.

3 Breast tissue overflowing the top of the cups. Unless you are wearing a demi-bra, all of your breast tissue should be contained within the cup. Try a bra with a larger cup.

4 The centre of the bra in the front, or the underwire in an underwire bra does not lie flat against your breast bone. The centre of the bra should lie against your skin, and the cup should contain all of your breast tissue. Try a bra with a larger cup.

Health problems

The British School of Osteopathy found that ill-fitting bras put stress on bones and muscles, which can cause breathing problems. The study reported that they supported the breasts by pressing on the ribcage which restricts breathing and puts pressure on the diaphragm.

Sports bras can also cause breathing problems if worn all the time. They are designed to hold the breasts in place during exercise, but should not be overused because they are more constrictive than ordinary bras.

Large breasts require support or the muscles supporting them will have to work too hard. The most problematic areas are the pectoral muscles in the chest. If the problem is severe enough, nerves to the arm can become compressed and the woman may feel pins and needles.

A badly fitting bra providing insufficient support causes the trapezius muscle to tighten in an effort to lift the weight of the breasts. This can lead to shoulder, neck and back pain because this muscle is constantly being strained.

Final Word

Buy a bra which allows you to adjust the shoulder straps to fit your shape. Two or three bra fastenings or hooks provide greater support. The back band of the bra should be across your mid-back for support.