How can I measure myself for bra size or be sure of a good fit?

[Jemster]

I'm fed up of going to bra shops to be measured & then buying something they recommend that is so uncomfortable.
How do you measure yourself or is it just a question of trying on hundreds of bras to find something comfy?

The problems I have are the wire often seems to hurt on my ribcage & also the cups are always half empty or too padded!!

Are only the expensive bras truly comfortable? I can't afford to keep wasting money trying to find one that doesn't make me just want to rip it off!
Any help appreciated please

Use this guide as a starting point and then visit Bravissimo.

A lot depends on your shape and the shape of the bra. Moulded bras are hard to get a good fit with while balconette styles are more forgiving.