A cup bras: shape without gaping cups

A bustier cup A is worn when the difference between the bust and back is around 13 centimetres. This is the shallowest depth in standard ranges, and its equivalence is the same in France, the UK, and the US: an A remains an A.

Avoiding the cup A that gaps

This is the most common issue with this depth: the top of the cup lifts and leaves a visible gap under a fitted garment. There are three possible causes. A cup that is too big, and you should check the sister size by going down a band size. A style that is too coverage-focused, where the cup is designed to fill a volume that isn’t there. Or a rigid mould, which imposes its shape instead of hugging the bust.

Shapes that suit cup A

The push-up and padded cups fill the top of the cup and create lift, making them the most sought-after options in this size. The triangle and bralette do the opposite, offering total flexibility, and are perfect since the volume to carry is low. The balconette works well as long as you choose a soft-cup model. On the other hand, full coverage and minimiser styles are not useful here: they are designed to distribute a weight that the bustier cup A doesn’t have.