The landscape has definitely changed and along with it the surrounding body architecture. An altered body shape definition and added curvature definitely now feature.

So, what are we to do as we crawl from under the proverbial lockdown rock?

Well the first thing to consider in any rebuild is the foundations. Are they firm? Can they support a monumental transformation?

Of course, when I refer to foundations, I refer to underwear. A girl’s best friend – well unless you have a gin swilling, chocolate bearing variety who will listen to your midlife moans well into the small hours.

Wearing well-fitted underwear is like building (or in my case re-building) a house with a good foundation. “Buy the best underwear you can afford” was advice I heard from a style guru many years ago and it’s so true. It can make or break an outfit - and your confidence - for sure.

So where to start?

A few tell-tale signs that you may not be wearing the right bra size: 

1. Wrinkling in the cups
2. Underwire poking the sides of your breasts.
3. A band that rides up.
4. Cup spillage
5. Slipping straps
6. A bra that hikes up when you lift your arms. 

Many factors can cause you to change bra size, a weight gain or loss, a new exercise regimen, pregnancy, menopause and a change of diet for instance. If you recognise or are experiencing any or all of these then it’s time to ditch the smalls and start again.

Use the illustrations and instructions below to measure your band and bust size. 

Band size - while braless or wearing a non-padded bra, measure around your torso directly under your bust, where a bra band would sit. The tape should be level and very snug. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add 4 inches. If it’s odd, add 5. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So, if you measured 32”, your band size is 36. If you measured 33”, your band size is 38.)

Bust measurement - wrap the measuring tape somewhat loosely around the fullest part of your chest (at nipple level). Round to the nearest whole number. The difference in the inches between the two then gives the cup size. For example, a one-inch difference would make you an A, two a B, three a C, four a DD - see below for full details.

Having got the foundations sorted and to secure the next process involves some scaffolding in order to get the structure aligned and begin redefining the architecture.

More of that another time.

Wish me luck!