What Are Bustiers?

While it is derived from the corset, corsets contain strong laces which, when pulled together tightly, emphasize a tiny waist. Bustiers, on the other hand, focus primarily on enhancing the bust. They are made of different materials and contain less boning. While designed as lingerie, bustiers may also be worn as outer clothing.

How They Are Made

Bustiers are typically made of luxurious materials such as lace and satin. Most are designed without straps and work well with strapless clothing to uplift and enhance the bust line while flattening unwanted bulges along the waist and hips. They are fabricated to fit snugly against the torso and, in addition to the cut, contain stiff supportive material called boning. This function was once accomplished by whale bone, hence the term. Today, the reinforcement materials might be a light metal, nylon or plastic. Bustiers have traditionally been closed from the back, however, front-closing designs are becoming increasingly popular since they enable the wearer to dress without assistance.

Choosing the Right Size

The critical factor in selecting the bustier appropriate to a given individual is cup size. The concept behind bustiers is to create the illusion of an overflowing bustline, tapering into a slim waistline and hips. A choice that is too large will tend to lose the breasts, while one too tight would compress rather than uplift them. A professional fitter would be helpful in making the right choice because once the correct cup is determined, the balance of the bustier is easily adjusted accordingly. Bustiers also vary in length. If the individual is fortunate enough to already have a perfect body, the short form for breast enhancement only may suffice. For most everyone else, a little help will be needed in the waist and hip areas as well. In this case, the long form would be the better choice.