We’re not going to waste your time asking you if there’s anything more beautiful than confidence. The answer is obvious — confidence is the primary ingredient to killing it in life and in style, whether your vibe is more CEO or siren…. or a heady mix of the two. Without confidence, red-soled stilettos are just red-soled stilettos; a lace push-up bra is just a lace push-up bra. With the right ‘tude, even your trusty nude support system that you reach out for when everything else is in the wash can rival a leather plunging bustier with strategic cut-outs.

But what gives you lasting confidence when you’re in your lingerie? Sure, a sexy set goes a long way, but that long way becomes a wrong way when the bra cups are threatening to crack your ribs, the twins are spilling out from the corners, and the straps, as cute as they are bejewelled, are biting your shoulders. It was hot. Then it was just a hot mess.

Ladies, we heed your call. Here’s what you need to know the next time you stroll into one of them plush pink rooms.

1. Eighty per cent of a bra’s support should come from the band (the stretchy part of the bra that wraps around your back), not the straps. This means that the band should feel snug, not too tight, and it shouldn’t lift when you raise your arms.
2. The band should sit level across your back. It ought to be parallel to floor. If it’s curving upwards, i.e. making a sad face, you may be wearing the wrong size.
3. A brand new bra should feel most comfortable on the loosest set of hooks. You’re meant to move to the tighter hooks as the band stretches out over time. Is your bra feeling too loose even when secured on the tightest hooks? Prepare for its funeral.
4. On very rare occasions, some new bras with unique cutting fit best on the middle or the tightest hook.
5. Straps should stay put without slipping off or digging into your shoulders.
6. Lean forward when you put on your bra so the twins are properly positioned in the cups. The cups should fit smoothly without wrinkles, gaps or overflow.

 



 

7. Because your body is always changing — from weight loss, weight gain, hormonal fluctuation, pregnancy, etc. — you should get fitted every six months to ensure you’re wearing your best fit.
8. Just because you’ve been wearing 34B or 36DD for as long as you can remember, that doesn’t mean you’re wearing the right size.
9. When you love a bra and if you can afford it, buy in multiples. Its elasticity wanes quickly if you wear and wash them too often (especially if you put them in the washing machine with or without a special garment bag)
10. You should be wearing the same size for regular bras and sports bras. However, always try bras on just to be sure.

Not going to lie, this is a lot to take in and no, so no you don’t have to bring a check list every time you want to update your underwear repertoire. Victoria’s Secret doesn’t just house closets of lingerie for the everywoman, it offers a one-on-one bra fitting services at its Mandarin Gallery flagship — for free. The friendly consultation, which can be done with your shirt on if you’re not comfortable with a stranger staring at your goods, welcome walk-ins. Now that you’re all filled in (pun intended) take the quiz below to find out which Victoria’s Secret bra you are, because lingerie is fun and silly and so are we.