Clothing Definitions — definitions of garments and clothing terms from Apparel Search
A bustier is a form-fitting garment for women, traditionally worn as lingerie — and it is not the same as a corset. The primary purpose of the bustier is to lift and shape the bust, which it does with structured, often underwired cups, a fitted body that usually ends at the waist, and light boning or elastic for smoothness rather than the waist reduction a corset aims for. This page explains bustier construction, the practical differences from corsets and longline bras, and how the bustier moved from lingerie into outerwear and formal dress.
They are not the same as a corset.
A bustier or bustiere is a form-fitting garment for women, which is traditionally worn as lingerie.
The primary purpose of the bustier is to push up the bust by tightening against the upper midriff and forcing the breasts upward, while gently shaping the waist.
In modern times it might also be worn as a push-up bra under a low-backed dress, or as a camisole for outerwear.
The bustier can also be worn as a half-slip under sheer upper garments if a bold display of the midriff is not desired.
Modern bustiers are often made with mesh panels rather than the traditional boning.
A bustier resembles a basque, but it is shorter. It reaches down only to the ribs or waist.
You may also want to learn about the corset & tightlacing.
Start from bra size: because the cups carry the support, a bustier in the wrong cup size will not sit correctly no matter how the body fits. The hem should end at the natural waist — a longer cut that reaches the hip is a longline style and behaves differently under clothing. Under a dress, a seamless, smooth-fabric bustier disappears best; lace and satin versions are made to be seen and suit wear as a top.
Care is gentle washing and air drying, which protects the boning channels and elastic. Stored flat rather than crushed, a bustier keeps the molded shape of its cups — the structure that distinguishes it from a simple camisole or a soft bra top, and the reason it anchors so many formal outfits.
Bustiers appear across price levels in satin, lace, mesh and stretch fabrics, and the better ones line the cups and boning channels in soft material so the structure cannot be felt against the skin. In bridal wear the bustier is often sewn into the gown itself, doing the support work invisibly while the dress fabric forms the visible surface — the same division of labor that structured undergarments have provided for centuries.
A bustier supports and lifts the bust with structured cups and a fitted body ending around the waist, using light boning mainly for smoothness. A corset is built to cinch and reduce the waist with strong boning and tight lacing; shaping the waist is its purpose, where the bustier's purpose is bust support with a smooth torso line.
Most bustiers fasten with a row of hooks and eyes at the back and fit by bra size, since the cups do the main work. The body should lie smooth without rolling at the hem, and straps — often removable — are optional support rather than the main structure.
Yes. The bustier has been worn as a top in its own right since the late 20th century, styled with skirts, trousers and jackets, and it is built into the bodices of many formal and bridal gowns where it provides the dress's internal support structure.