[valerie anne]

Buying a new bra, especially in a small cup and large band size, is fraught with problems.

Any new bra which seems comfortable at first is likely to stretch & sag in use and offer no support or boob uplift later on.

Your new bra should be very firm on the loosest clasp setting and the straps should be really snug. After the first wearing, if you do not show red bra marks on your back and strap grooves on your shoulders, the bra is too big!

The bra will become firm & comfortable after wearing & washing. You could try a band extender if the band seems too tight, but these extenders widen the strap base, so you could suffer from fallen bra straps, even if your straps are tight.

I have had good results by bidding for used bras on eBay. Very often these bras can be had for next to nothing and you can experiment with sizes, colours and styles as well.

As these bras may have been worn, you are spared the breaking-in process.

If they don't fit, you have learnt a fitting lesson, and they can go to the charity shop!

I have often found that the bra which I can't wear when I first try it on becomes a favourite after a couple of washes.