I’ve been living with a larger-than-average bust since I was twelve years old, and that has taught me a few things. Mostly about how funny it is when men accidentally walk into parked cars or lamp posts, because they aren’t looking where they’re going, but there have been a few informational gems that I’ve picked up upon the way as well. One such tidbit is how to ensure that I get a swell fit in a bra, even if I can’t try on my lingerie before I buy it.

It goes without saying that your bra size is going to change after a major weight loss or gain, but that's not the only time you should be fitting yourself! Try to keep your measurements up-to-date by checking every six months or every time before you buy new lingerie, regardless of whether you feel like things are any different.

All that you will really need to give yourself a good idea of your true size is a soft measuring tape. Failing that, you can do this with a bit of string and an online ruler, but the measuring tape would be ideal. Each of the following calculators come with instructions on how and where to measure yourself to ensure the most accuracy using their calculator, however, if you have a partner or an open-minded friend, who can do the measuring for you, all the better.

There are dozens of different bra size calculators on the net, but enough of them are inaccurate that just Googling for one, without some knowledge of what to expect, can easily give you fits about the tits. Here are a few that really rack up bonus points in the world of boobs:

A Sophisticated Pair: This calculator requires only two measurements, and they’re the two that you’d expect: your under-bust and over-bust circumference. The calculator allows for the use of decimal points, which is important, since half an inch really can make a difference. A Sophisticated Pair is fantastic, as it allows you to choose how tight you like to wear your band, and offers you sister sizes that suit your exact measurements. In addition, you are provided with both US and UK sizing. The drawback is that for an accurate over-bust measurement, you need to already be in the possession of a properly fitting bra.

Bratabase: This calculator does require the creation of an account, but the service that you receive more than makes up for it. The measurements here – your under-bust, your breast perimeter and nipple-to-neck distance – are again quite simple and detailed with diagrams on the measurement page. This calculator also factors in your breast shape, asking about the width of your root, whether you’re full on the top or bottom and a host of other things, as well as your height and weight. This allows for you to do a completely comprehensive search through their bra database, by entering in your measurements, which can help you find individual bras with the measurements that you are seeking. It is, however, a bit more time consuming than simply popping in two numbers.

Curves and Corsets: Here, you again require only two measurements, but this site includes a fantastic explanation of some key things that you should be looking for when trying to find a bra that fits. One crucial detail that they note is that when you are wearing a bra, the straps should not be doing very much at all. They are intended to support about 10% of your breast weight, which is why a properly fitting band is so important!

These measurements are a starting point. You will not wear the same size bra in every manufacturer across the board, or even in every bra created by the same company. Why not minimize that complication by beginning your search armed and fabulous?

You may be tempted, after all of this, to be fitted by a professional. Even though I choose not to do so, I highly recommend a proper fitting. That being said, be wary of booby traps: if you seek a fitting at a store with a limited range of sizes, they will likely try to assign you a size that falls within the range of their selection. If possible, finding an independent fitter would ensure the most accuracy.

Wearing a properly fitting bra has got nothing but perks – it can relieve you of back and shoulder pain (even if you are unaware that you have any), leave you feeling more confident and help your clothes to truly flatter your shape. Torturing your tatas with an ill fit is a thing of the past, so find your size! You'll quickly learn that you don't have to sacrifice function in order to look titillating, and a proper fit will really lift the weight off of your shoulders!