Sparkle*Shelf bloggers were recentlly treated to free Bali Concealers bras, so naturally we had to offer up a little TMI by sharing our bra sizes to receive our swag. I won't go into details, after all this is a family show.  But I will say, quite proudly, that I've been underestimating myself for far too long. That's right, I recently  discovered that I'm among the 80% of women who are wearing the wrong bra size — in fact, I was off by  a full cup size. So I'm here to help you find out whether you fall into that category as well.

Are you selling yourself short? Ask yourself these questions:

* Do your bra straps dig into or slip off your shoulders?
* Does the underwire poke into your breasts?
* Does the bra fit close to the chest wall?
* Does the bra ride up in the back?
* Do your breasts sag under your clothing?
* Is your bra uncomfortable enough that you feel like taking it off before the day is over?
* Have you had a baby, but still wearing your pre-baby bra size? 
* Do the buttons on your top gap at the bustline?
* Have you recently gained or lost more than 10 lbs?
* Do you spill out of your bra cups?

If you answered "yes" to one or more the those questions, then it's time to whip out the measuring tape and head over to the Bali Bra Size Calulator. Or measure yourself the old fashioned way:

Step 1: Band Size

Take a snug measurement around the rib cage directly under your breasts. If you measure under 36", add 4 inches if the measurement is even; add 5 inches if the measurement is odd. If you measure 36" or higher, add  2 inches if the measurement is even, and 3 inches if the measurement is odd. 

Step 2: Cup Size

Gently and not too tightly, measure around the fullest part of your breasts, with a bra on. The tape measure should lie flat  around your body. The difference between band measurement and this measurement in inches will determine  the cup size. 

The plastic surgeon method

I found another way to determine your cup size — the plastic surgeon method. The reason why I like this is, if  you're wearing a bra that doesn't fit and you're taking cup size measurements in that bra, can you truly count on the accuracy? 

What to do:
Start at the outside of the chest where the breast begins. Measure across the fullest part of the breast  —  topless — usually across the nipple, to where the other side of the breast stops near the breast bone.

If the measurement is:

7 inches (17.8 cm) - cup size is A
7.5 inches (19.0 cm) - cup size is full A
8 inches (20.3 cm) - cup size is B
8.5 inches (21.6 cm) - cup size is full B
9 inches (22.9 cm) - cup size is C
9.5 inches (24.1 cm) - cup size is full C
10 inches (25.4 cm) - cup size is D
10.5 inches (26.7 cm) - cup size is full D
11 inches (30 cm) - cup size is DD

Ultimately, here's how a bra should fit: 

Band: The bra's band should always rest in the middle of the back — if it rides up too high, it doesn't fit. There  be enough space to fit two fingers under the center of the band easily with some resistance.

Straps:  Bra straps should stay put and not shift around, but there be enough space to fit two fingers under the  strap where it hits the top of the shoulder.

Hooks:  You should be able to hook the bra on the center row of the eyes.

Center:  The bra's center front should lay flat against the body. Gaping means the cups are too small.

Cups:  When you lean forward, you should fit comfortably in the cups. You should not be spilling from the cup  for any reason. That includes top, bottom, and sides.

Underwire bras: the wire portion should rest flat against the skin and comfortably between your breasts. No  poking here!

Snug fit: When you raise your arms, the bra should stay in place without riding up. If it does, adjust the straps until it stops riding up.

Support: The bra's cups and band should support your breasts, not the straps.

How could I be so off, you might be asking? I don't know. I guess I just don't like to brag about my rack. But  indulge me if you will here - because they're real, and they're spectacular. Sorry, couldn't resist.