Over the past couple of years, corsets seem to be making a comeback to popularity with girls looking for every bit of help they can get to create a more hourglass silhouette. Popular fashion has even taken elements of corsetry and incorporated them into outerwear like what has been done on wedding dresses for decades. However, has enough been done to cross the threshold between a bodice and corset? To know that, we first need to see how they are different.
Traditionally a corset is an undergarment featuring vertical stays made of steel and a rear lacing system to cinch the waist down to a smaller size. Conversely, a bodice is the area of a garment that covers the torso and bust designed to be distinctive from the skirt and sleeves, if there are sleeves.
Let’s look at the significant features that set these two feminine garments apart and when you should look at choosing one over the other.
What Is The Difference Between A Bodice And A Corset?
The major difference between a corset and a bodice is that a corset is an undergarment (worn under clothes), while a bodice is an outer garment (wore on top of clothes or as a key piece of clothing). A corset provides support to your hips, waist, and bust areas and is used to train those specific areas to hold the desired shape of the wearer. A bodice, on the other hand, is a sleeveless (or with detachable sleeves) article of clothing worn to cover the bust and torso area. It is also used to distinguish the wearer’s torso area from their sleeves and skirt.
What Are The Significant Features Of A Bodice?
A bodice does not provide support to your body the same way a corset does, instead, a bodice is made from decorative fabrics and should be used as a fashion accessory as part of an outfit or the article of clothing that covers your torso. Often created as a sleeveless garment, or with detachable sleeves, a bodice is a piece of clothing to be worn as part of an outfit with a skirt. Or, alternatively, over a dress to separate the skirt and torso area. Most bodices are also usually low cut in design.
What Are The Significant Features Of A Corset?
There are varying shapes and sizes of corsets, as they are available in both short and long sizes as well as corsets that feature bust support while some do not. All corsets, however, must support and cover the four lower rib pairs and stomach area and also reach up to just below the bust area as a minimum. The primary material used to make a corset is the cloth that it is made out of.
But there are also supports known as stays or ribs structured throughout the corset that gives it shape-alternating and supportive characteristics. Traditional, these supports were made out of whalebones, however, modern corsets are often made using plastic boning supports.
When Should You Choose A Bodice Over A Corset?
As bodices are to be worn as an outer garment, compared to a corset, you should opt to wear a bodice as a fashion choice rather than to alter your body shape. Bodices do not provide the same support and shape-shifting abilities as a corset does. Wearing a bodice, however, can help differentiate your torso, from your sleeves and skirt. Because of this, you can use a bodice to highlight and bring specific attention to your torso area.
When Should You Choose A Corset Over A Bodice?
Whereas, if you are looking for a garment to help highlight your specific body features such as your hips or bust area, you may opt to wear a corset over a bodice. Or, perhaps, you are looking to help enhance and train your body to look a specific shape. In which case a corset will help you achieve an hourglass shape, as it narrows your waist and lifts your bust. If you are opting for an outfit with tighter clothes, wearing a corset as an undergarment will be more beneficial for you compared to a bodice.