Here are some of the most common tell-tale signs that you need a new bra.

1. The band around your body should be firm but comfortable. When you stand side-on at a mirror, the strap that runs around your body should be horizontal and should not ride up at the back at all.
2. The wires at the front should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in, rub or poke out at the front.
3. Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. You shouldn't have any ridges or bulging over the top or sides of the cups, even if you are wearing a balconette or lower cut style.

Try before you buy

The most important thing is to make sure that you try your lingerie under your wedding dress from the start, so that you don’t have a last minute panic looking for something suitable.

Strapless solutions

If you like the idea of a strapless dress, make sure that you find a strapless bra or bustier before you commit yourself as, unfortunately, these styles have more limited size ranges than conventional styles (unless you are prepared to go bra-less of course!).

Be smooth and seam-free

Seam-free bras ensure a completely smooth line under sheer or fitted clothes. This makes them indispensable styles and we think that every woman should have at least one in her underwear drawer.

You may well be asking – if seam-free bras are so great, why do bras have seams at all? The answer is that a conventional bra is constructed with seams that lift and shape your bust. So, if you're looking for shape and support above all, stick to bras with seams.

Seam-free bras have their own benefits, namely that they disappear under your clothes and you don't get any unsightly lumps and bumps.

To ensure that your bra is invisible under white or pale colored tops, it's worth bearing in mind that a nude color is much better for not showing through your clothes than white. If you have dark skin, black is often the best color for not showing through lighter tops.