The 7 emotional stages of buying a new bra. We've all been there.

Because it IS an emotional experience.

I have a confession to make: I put off having my first proper bra fitting until I was in my twenties. Yes, that’s a true story.

I’d always thought that it would be awfully awkward and I imagined myself standing in the change room, having my boobs poked and prodded by a complete stranger and then being judged for my lingerie habits.

But you know what? When I finally gathered up the courage, I realised it wasn’t that bad. I also realised that it was actually pretty important. And now? Now I make sure I get a fitting regularly- and I no longer dread it at all.

So here are the seven emotional stages of buying a new bra. Admit it – we’ve all been there…

Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by Berlei. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.

1. Dread.

This is it. You realise you can’t put it off any longer. Your bras have more holes than a wedge of Jarlsberg – so it’s time to go Bra Shopping. But I don’t wanna…..

2. Fear.

You take your first tentative steps into the store and you are immediately overwhelmed. Faced with rows upon rows of options, you are paralysed by fear and indecision. Do I want strapless? Crossover? T-shirt? Padded? Push up? Underwire? Someone help me!

And if it’s a sports bra you need – well, that’s probably the most important one of all. You don’t want your girls bouncing around willy-nilly and getting permanently damaged, do you?

3. Hope.

But wait! There are so many pretty things. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all! I want to buy ALL of the things. Bra shopping is fun!

4. Confidence.

You’ve selected your top picks and you head to the change rooms, confident that everything will fit perfectly, and look amazing. It will be a breeze.

5. Disappointment.

You realise that all that confidence was a little bit premature. Nothing fits after all – it’s time to call in professional help and get a proper fitting. You are a grown up, after all.

And so a sassy middle-aged woman called Barbara will squeeze into the change room and start manhandling your boobs. BUT – Barbara knows her stuff. In fact, she’s really quite lovely and informative.

6. Shame.

Then, Barbara will invariably inform you that you’ve been wearing the wrong size. For years, probably. You will bow your head and sheepishly apologise, and defer to her expertise.

But then you realise the whole experience is not so bad. Barbara actually respected your privacy, and was really helpful. Success!

7. Determination.

Finally, you will resolve to be better in future. You vow to replace your bras regularly and always wear the right size. You are certain you will even wear matching underwear and be a Proper Grown Up with proper lingerie. Until you find yourself back in the same store a year later, with bras once again falling apart…

Just kidding. You’ll be pleased to know I have now changed my ways.

After that first traumatic fitting, I have now come to my senses and I’m proud to say I front up to regular fittings whenever I lose or gain any weight, and I keep my bras in top shape.

Because at the end of the day, you’ve gotta look after your girls.

What emotions did you feel when you had your first bra fitting?

The right bra can give you confidence. Even if someone shows up in the same outfit as you. Like these celebs…

We’ve teamed up with Berlei, who are giving you and your ‘fiercest friend’ the chance to win 1 of 5 major prizes, including a Berlei Sports Contour Shift Bra (valued at $69,95) PLUS $200 worth of spa pampering for each of you to enjoy.

To enter, simply nominate a fit and healthy friend and tell us in 50 words or less why they are your fiercest friend and why you should both enjoy a ‘bra and spa’ experience. Bra-Vo!

CLICK HERE for your chance to win. Good luck!

For the competition T&Cs, click here.

Sick of your bra riding up? Is the band too tight? Too loose? Are the wires cutting into you? Are the shoulder straps digging into to you so hard you just want to rip your bra off!!

Well you’re not alone, 2 out of 3 women are wearing the wrong size bra! You could be doing yourself some harm. The solution – go see a professional. Book an appointment with a professional Berlei bra fitter at Myer or David Jones today and experience the difference a well fitted and supportive bra can make to your body and confidence.

Berlei.com.au/bounce