bustier
BUSS-tee-ay
/ˈbʌstieɪ/
A tight-fitting, strapless undergarment or top for women, designed to support the breasts and hug the midriff.
A bustier is shorter than a corset, focusing on pushing up the bust and smoothing the waist, and is frequently worn as a fashionable top on its own.
The story behind the word. The bustier originated in France as a variation of the corset, designed to lift the bust without the extreme constriction of the lower ribs. It transitioned from a hidden foundation garment to a highly visible outerwear trend in the late 20th century.
Word relationships
- corset top: A corset top is often heavier and mimics historical lacing, while a bustier is lighter, more flexible, and typically uses hook-and-eye closures.
Commonly confused with
- corset: A corset extends past the hips to reshape the entire torso; a bustier ends at the waist or ribs and focuses primarily on the bust.
Word family
- bust (noun): A woman's chest or a sculpture of a person's head and shoulders.
Collocations
- strapless bustier
- lace bustier
- bustier top
- structured bustier
Example sentences
- "Layering a structured leather bustier over a crisp white button-down shirt creates a bold, modern look." A fashion magazine styling guide.
- "The evening gown featured an embroidered bustier bodice that flowed into a dramatic tulle skirt." A description of evening wear.
Memory hook
It has 'bust' right in the name. It's a garment designed to boost and highlight the bust. Bustier: Boosts the bust and hugs the waist.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a corset, which is longer, much stiffer, and designed to drastically reduce the waistline through tight-lacing.
Fun facts
- Pop icon Madonna cemented the bustier's place in pop culture history during her 1990 Blond Ambition tour, wearing a gold conical bustier designed by Jean Paul Gaultier.
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