Theirs always a bit of confusion regarding these three lingerie items: the Corset, the Torselette and the Bustier. What is what and what purpose do they serve?

The Corset

It’s there in two types, with or without the cups. Without cups the corset reaches just the underbust, but there are also types that have a slight push-up effect. Corsets are always quite rigid, made from stiff and non-elastic materials. You’d best have them custom made and fitted to your figure, because the materials don’t give in a hair. The corset is closed at the front with little hooks and adjusted at the back with a long ribbon or lace. The corset has vertical ‘ribs’ which determine the silhouette. The corset is nowadays not so much a piece of undergarment as it has

become an extravagant accessory that is actually worn over the clothes. This trend is set by a lot of enthousiastic corset lovers like Beyonce Knowles, Madonna, Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera.

The torselette

The Torselette (in french also Guêpière) is quite similar to the corset, but contrary to the latter it is a bit more elastic. It features cups and is ideally suited as bodywear under a bridal dress or evening gown. Most Torselettes close at the back with buttons or little hooks.

The bustier

The bustier could be regardes as a short version of the torselette. It only reaches to the lower ribs. It’s a good combination with an empire style dress, because it provides support to the bust, which is accentuated by the empire cut.