Internationally October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In recognition of this, Triumph, the international fashion lingerie brand, urges all women in South Africa to take care of their health, monitor their breasts for any irregular bumps and have regular medical check-ups.

Looking after your breasts starts with wearing the correct bra size. Seventy percent of women do not know their bra size and are wearing bras that fit uncomfortably.

Triumph offers the following advice:

There are three reasons why it is important for your bra to fit correctly:

Shape: In order to get your bust looking rounded and lifted, the bra needs to fit correctly. The correct, flattering shape will not be achieved if your bra does not fit properly.

Comfort: No matter what your breast size is, every woman is looking for comfort and support. If your bra is fitted correctly you shouldn't experience any discomfort.

Wear: The life of a bra that fits correctly is much longer. The recommended maximum life span of a bra is around six months.

How do you know if your bra fits incorrectly?

  • Stand with your hands on your hips in front of the mirror. If your breasts fall below your elbow level, they are not supported properly by the bra you are currently wearing.

  • The wires of the bra should lie flat against your body and should fully enclose the breasts. If the wires are ending short, your bra is far too small.

  • If there is wrinkling of the fabric on the cups, your cup size is too big.

  • If your bra is constantly riding up at the back, the bra band size is too big. The band should fit snuggly around the ribcage so that the weight of the breasts is supported by the body of the bra rather than the straps.

  • If your breasts are spilling over the top cup or falling out on the underarm curve, your bra size is too small.

Ten iafrica.com readers will win a set of luxurious Triumph lingerie worth over R350 each during the month of October. To win simply fill in your details below:

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Competition rules
  • One completed entry per person, per competition.
  • Winners will be contacted by email or telephone and announced on the iafrica.com site.
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Closing date: 1 November 2008