Getting the right bra fit can make you look thinner and feel better

Some statistics show that 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size, and when Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine invited staffers to a professional bra fitting, every one of the 45 volunteers was wearing the wrong size bra.

A great fitting bra can help you look thinner and better in your clothes, and can even alleviate neck, back and shoulder pain that can come from wearing the wrong style or size.

But a good bra can be expensive, so check out these tips for finding the right fit before spending a lot of money:

• A new bra should fit on the loosest set of hooks because it stretches over time.
  
• Make sure the middle section of the bra is flat against your body, if not you need a bigger cup size.
  
• The band across your back should ride low and even, if it rides up, you're getting less support.
  
• When you raise your arms nothing should lift.

For more details on these tips, plus several more from Lisa Freeman, editor in chief of ShopSmart magazine, see our video:

For the full article, check out the April issue of ShopSmart magazine, on newsstands tomorrow, March 13. Plus for other great shopping tips and content see the ShopSmart website.

—Maggie Shader