While there is a virtually endless selection of bras to choose from, there are a few basic tips you should remember to keep 'the girls' perky and get the perfect fit.

Are You a Victim of Double-Boobs?

If your cup size is too small and you spill over the top or sides of your bra you develop

bulging, and part of your breast actually swells out of the top, giving you two contours of breast (a.k.a. the double-boob effect). This is especially noticeable and unattractive under tight clothing.

Lumpy Bumpy?

When your cup size is too big you get loose, wrinkled cups with unsightly ripples and bumps that look terrible under snug clothes. Go down a cup size or choose a demi-cup style that flatters your cleavage.

Did you know that 80% of women wear the wrong bra size?

Cutting In?

Underwire shouldn't be uncomfortable; in fact, it can be a girl's best friend when fitted properly. Another serious pain in the chest is the digging-in of your bra's underwire, which occurs when your bra is too small. Underwire should sit snugly under the breast to create a firm cradle to assist the cup in lifting and supporting the breast.

Riding Up?

Bra straps only account for 20% of support; the cup design and band take care of the rest of the uplifting magic.

Going up a band size delivers a larger cup as well as back strap; as a bra's band size increases, so does the cup size. So a 36C has a larger cup than a 32C.

Ever wonder what causes annoying ride-up in the back? When you choose a bra whose cup size is too small you have to compensate by increasing the band size to get a better fit. Unfortunately, this extra looseness around the back causes your bra to ride up over your shoulder blades, triggering a chain reaction of severe discomfort: the front of your bra droops and you get absolutely no support - so then you tighten the shoulder straps, which consequently jab into your skin and increase strain on your shoulders and back. Sound familiar?

Avoid this irritation by ensuring that your band sits level across your back at all times - do whatever it takes (a little jig in the change-room if you have to) to make sure you get perfect support. If the cup fits too tightly but the band is level, increase the cup size not the band length. Don't compromise: If the bra you are interested in isn't available in a larger cup size, look for another style or special order the size you need.

Bulging Back Fat?

Avoid unflattering back bulge by making sure your back strap isn't too tight.

Lopsided?

Most women have one breast that is slightly larger than the other, leading to uncomfortable pressure on the larger breast. Fit the cup to the larger breast, then adjust straps individually, tightening the strap a bit more on the smaller side.

Did you know that the average pair of D-cup breasts weigh 16 lbs? That's a lot of weight to throw around! Even if your size is a little closer to the beginning of the alphabet, make it the sexiest, best supported, most comfortable bosom possible.

Don't be afraid to ask questions; sales associates are there to assist you in getting the best fit possible. This may mean inviting them into the change-room to ensure your girls are getting the lift and support they need.

Remember these tips on your next lingerie shopping spree; not only will you have phenomenal cleavage and lift, but you'll reduce your chances of developing back, shoulder and neck pains.

Johneen Manning is Editor-In-Chief of http://www.gkfa.com, a hip, savvy & fresh online women's magazine for the 'Sex and the City' generation.