Most women do not spend near enough time or thought when purchasing a new bra. If it seems like it fits, they buy it. However, stop and think about it, your bra's sole purpose is to offer you the support you need all day long. That's important, and worthy of spending time to find the right support for your body since you'll be wearing it for up to 18 hours a day.

1. Some sizes are interchangeable. Just like with clothing, you will find when trying on bras, a size 34D in one brand and a 36C in another fit the same-what's up with that?! The fact is, there is no standardized sizing when it comes to bras. So, don't get stuck on a bra size--instead focus on fit.

2. Your straps don't support you. Unlike what many women think, your straps don't support you-it's the bra's band. Up to 90% of your support comes your band. Get this: most women have better posture when they wear the right band size! As opposed to a loose band where you tend to slump forward with the weight of your breasts-a tighter band helps you stand taller.

3. Underwires don't cause cancer. Years ago a viral email went around suggesting that a bad fitting bra with underwires would dig in and put pressure on your lymphatic system and a tumor could form. Medical science does not support this theory. According to breastcancer.org “There is no scientific evidence to support these rumors. Only one scientific study has looked at the link between wearing a bra and breast cancer. There was no real difference in risk between women who wore a bra and women who didn’t wear a bra.”

4. Yes, you can sleep in a bra. If you feel better when you keep a bra on-go for it. In fact, if you are busty you will probably be better off for it. Doctor Allen Gabriel, M.D., associate professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, Calif., says, “Wearing a bra to bed has benefits for women with large breasts or implants. It won’t prevent sagging, but can possibly delay it in women over size B/C.” Just be sure your sleeping bra does not have underwires, or is not too tight.

5. Your bra size will change. Just like everything else on your body that seems to shift as you age-so will your breast and bra size! Between fluctuations with weight, medications you may take, your hormones, pregnancy, your monthly cycle, and the natural aging process-there are a lot of changes going on. Get professionally fitted at least once a year, or after any major change in your body (as listed).

6. Check your bra's expiration date. Say what? I got you to wonder about this didn't I? Okay, so bra's don't actually have an expiration date on them-but maybe they should! The truth is, bras get worn, lose their support and you get saggy. This doesn't have to happen. To extend the life of your bras-give them a day off. Never wear the same bra two days in a row. Rotate them to allow the elastic to rest. By rotating them the band support will last longer and they should last a year or more. Buy a new bra on the middle or farthest hook. Over time it will stretch out to where you need to wear it on the last hook. When this happens it's time for a new one!

Did I miss anything? Chat and share your stories about the chore of finding the right bra and how you managed to get your best fit...MSP's Facebook page

Most women do not spend near enough time or thought when purchasing a new bra. If it seems like it fits, they buy it. However, stop and think about it, your bra's sole purpose is to offer you the support you need all day long. That's important, and worthy of spending time to find the right support for your body since you'll be wearing it for up to 18 hours a day.

1. Some sizes are interchangeable. Just like with clothing, you will find when trying on bras, a size 34D in one brand and a 36C in another fit the same-what's up with that?! The fact is, there is no standardized sizing when it comes to bras. So, don't get stuck on a bra size--instead focus on fit.

2. Your straps don't support you. Unlike what many women think, your straps don't support you-it's the bra's band. Up to 90% of your support comes your band. Get this: most women have better posture when they wear the right band size! As opposed to a loose band where you tend to slump forward with the weight of your breasts-a tighter band helps you stand taller.

3. Underwires don't cause cancer. Years ago a viral email went around suggesting that a bad fitting bra with underwires would dig in and put pressure on your lymphatic system and a tumor could form. Medical science does not support this theory. According to breastcancer.org “There is no scientific evidence to support these rumors. Only one scientific study has looked at the link between wearing a bra and breast cancer. There was no real difference in risk between women who wore a bra and women who didn’t wear a bra.”

4. Yes, you can sleep in a bra. If you feel better when you keep a bra on-go for it. In fact, if you are busty you will probably be better off for it. Doctor Allen Gabriel, M.D., associate professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, Calif., says, “Wearing a bra to bed has benefits for women with large breasts or implants. It won’t prevent sagging, but can possibly delay it in women over size B/C.” Just be sure your sleeping bra does not have underwires, or is not too tight.

5. Your bra size will change. Just like everything else on your body that seems to shift as you age-so will your breast and bra size! Between fluctuations with weight, medications you may take, your hormones, pregnancy, your monthly cycle, and the natural aging process-there are a lot of changes going on. Get professionally fitted at least once a year, or after any major change in your body (as listed).

6. Check your bra's expiration date. Say what? I got you to wonder about this didn't I? Okay, so bra's don't actually have an expiration date on them-but maybe they should! The truth is, bras get worn, lose their support and you get saggy. This doesn't have to happen. To extend the life of your bras-give them a day off. Never wear the same bra two days in a row. Rotate them to allow the elastic to rest. By rotating them the band support will last longer and they should last a year or more. Buy a new bra on the middle or farthest hook. Over time it will stretch out to where you need to wear it on the last hook. When this happens it's time for a new one!

Did I miss anything? Chat and share your stories about the chore of finding the right bra and how you managed to get your best fit...MSP's Facebook page