I had bra fittings in six shops in the high streets… I ranged from a C cup to an E cup

IS that underwire sticking into your chest or do you have side boob?

Rest assured, you are far from alone when it comes to making bra choosing mistakes.

Georgette had bra fittings in six different shopping streetsCredit: Olivia West

According to research by lingerie brand Boux Avenue, 81 percent of women wear the wrong size.

Despite our breasts changing shape and size throughout our lives, more than a third of us (35 percent) have never had a bra fitted – and I’m one of them.

I don’t like the thought of a stranger poking my breasts.

Like most women, I have always just bought bras that I like and if they fit well, I don’t take them back to the store.

Overall, I ended up with 32D bras. So far not scientific.

But after having two children – Jude, four, and Eva, 20 months – my breasts have changed. And not for the better.

They got bigger when I was pregnant and after breastfeeding they definitely look less plump and perky.

I need new lingerie because I can no longer fit into my old bras.

But shopping with the kids in tow is not a success, because I never have time to try anything on.

Instead, I just grab one that looks like it will fit, but invariably it doesn’t.

I’m a big boob babe – my cheap £4 hack turns any bra into a strapless one, and you still have plenty of support

Clearly I need to make time to get myself measured.

Experts say you should have a bra fitted every six to 12 months to ensure you’re wearing the right fit and style for your bust.

Without expert help and faced with a dizzying array of sizes, styles and brands, it’s no wonder we end up buying bras that don’t fit us properly.

But the consequences are real.

We all know that feeling of an ill-fitting bra and it’s not fun: gaping or overcrowded cups, straps that dig in or fall down, straps that rise or cut inwards.

Priya Downes, founder and CEO of lingerie brand Nudea, says: “Wearing the right bra is the single most important factor in a woman’s wardrobe, regardless of size.

“If your shoes caused blisters you wouldn’t wear them anymore, so why do we stick to uncomfortable underwear?

“If you can’t wait to get home at the end of the day and take yours off as soon as you walk in the door, chances are you’re wearing the wrong size.”

Most high street stores offer free walk-in fittings, but if you don’t fancy that, brands like Nudea offer fittings online.

To find out my actual size, I ripped off the bandeau and tested these styles at six different bra fitting services.

The results may surprise you.

Tips to select the right one for you

HERE are Priya’s bra checks for finding the perfect fit:

UNDERBAND: This is crucial for support.

It should feel seamless on your skin and rest in a straight line.

Now try to place two fingers under the band – there should be just enough room so that you have a perfect snug fit.

HEADS: You don’t want them to be too tight, with your breasts sticking out over the top or out the side.

And you really don’t want a gap between the cup and the top of your breast.

Nor is it good to look under your clothes.

CENTER FRONT: The wires that run up between your breasts should lie flat against your sternum without any discomfort or loose wire sticking out.

Bouxlaan – 30E

Microfibre Strapless Multiway Bra, £32

Georgette was measured as a 30E in Boux AvenueCredit: Olivia West

I was stunned when the bra fitter told me I had an E cup.

I asked her to measure me again “just to be sure”.

Even though the cup size seemed huge, it actually fit really well and was the most supportive strapless bra I’ve ever worn.

I considered quitting my job as a journalist and creating an OnlyFans account.

But before I took the plunge, I was soon back down to earth when I had my measurements taken at Marks & Spencer, who thought I was a completely different size.

Full Cup Lace Trim Print Underwire Bra AE, £10

Marks and Spencer gave a reading of 32°CCredit: Olivia West

My back measurement was 30.5 cm, but the bra fitter recommended that I wear a size 32C for comfort.

I’ve always thought I was around 30-32C/D, so this reading seemed about right.

The bra fit well, but felt a little tight around the cup.

The technician laughed out loud when I mentioned that I had just been told I was a lusty E-cup on Boux Avenue.

“No, honey, that’s a bit generous – a D for a push,” she said.

Calvin Klein 30D

Lift demi bra, £22 at House of Fraser

This bra fit wonderfully and gave a subtle liftCredit: Olivia West

“YOU have a small back and a large cup,” the bra fitter said after measuring me.

“I recommend Calvin Klein bras because they are perfect for women with this shape.”

She was right.

The brand’s bra fit perfectly and felt so comfortable.

It gave me a much-needed subtle lift, which looks great in low-cut tops.

Very sexy push-up bra without underwire, £45

Victoria's Secret was the only store to physically measure cup size from above, rather than below — Victoria’s Secret was the only store to physically measure cup size from above, rather than belowCredit: Olivia West

THIS was the only store that physically measured my cup size from above, rather than below.

The padded bra fit perfectly and gave me an instant boob job.

It was also super comfortable because it didn’t have an underwire.

For a moment I felt like a Victoria’s Secret model with my new assets.

John Lewis – 30C

Light blue T-shirt bra without underwire, € 22,-

This bra was the most comfortable Georgette has ever wornCredit: Olivia West

THE bra specialist told me I was a size 30C/D and brought me a pair in those sizes.

I have to admit that I love a non-wired bra and often sleep in it after reading that this is how actress Liz Hurley keeps her assets so perky.

So I happily admit that I was excited about it from the start.

I chose a C cup and it is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn – I never want to take it off!

Bravissimo-32DD

Ophelia balcony bra, €42

This bra seemed to flatten rather than enhance Georgette's assets — This bra seemed to flatten rather than enhance Georgette’s assetsCredit: Olivia West

With this adjustment, the specialist didn’t even have to get out her measuring tape.

Like a true boob whisperer, she just looked at my chest and said, “You’re a 32DD.”

She then suggested a few bras for me to try on and stuck her finger under the band to make sure it wasn’t too tight or too loose.

While I liked the look of the balconette bra on the hanger, I don’t think it did much for me when I put it on.

It seemed to flatten my assets, but the fitter insisted I was wearing the correct size.

My verdict

IT’S easy to understand why so many of us are confused about our bra size.

To be told I’m a 30E in one store and a 30C in another is crazy.

On average, most stores told me I was a C/D, but the difference between sizes is shocking.

No wonder women wear the wrong size when it varies so much from store to store.

This doesn’t happen with our shoe size, so why are bras so different?

From now on I will be measured about every six months to make sure I stay on top.