Smalls talk

LINGERIE IS THE foundation of a woman's wardrobe. It can miraculously transform your shape while making you feel feminine and sexy. However, figuring out what type of lingerie to buy can get complicated. 'The first step in lingerie shopping is to book an appointment with a bra adviser or fitter,' says lingerie designer Dolores Delaney. 'She'll measure you and help build your lingerie wardrobe, providing useful tips on the right types of shapes and fabrics for your body.'

Studies have shown that about 70 per cent of women wear the wrong bra size. It's a good idea to get measured regularly as certain changes in lifestyle, such as dieting or having a baby, will affect your bust and body size. Department stores such as Lane Crawford and Marks & Spencer offer a consultancy service, as do many smaller lingerie boutiques.

If you prefer, you can work out your bust size at home with a measuring tape. There are two elements to consider: back size (measured in numbers) and cup size (measured in letters). To get your back size, measure around your rib cage just below your bust, making sure the tape fits snugly around the torso. This number plus 13cm will give you your correct size.

To measure your cup size, place the tape measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Your size depends on the difference between both measurements: a 2.5cm difference means you're an A cup, a 5cm difference is a B cup, and so on. Remember to measure against bare skin for the most accurate results. Next, work out the key items for your lingerie drawer.