Bustier? Corset? What is it?

A typically found feature in most high end dresses is a bustier. So what IS a bustier? How is it used? Where did it originate?

Dating back to the Victorian Era, bustiers are an evolution of their ancestor: the corset. Widely popularized during the Victorian Monarchy, corsets were more rigid structures comprised of heavy metal boning (or whale boning) and a lace-up closure. The main purpose of the structured corset was to slim the waist and improve posture.

Following the death of Queen Victoria, fashions evolved into softer, flowier designs. The strict, cage-llike structure of the corset gave way to the bustier. Less constricting and much easier to wear than the corset, the bustier was created to accentuate the bustline, rather than alter the natural shape of the wearer.

Widely found in women's high-end dresses and bridal gowns, the bustier is built into the structure of the dress - mimicking the actual neckline and silhouette of the dress and replaces the bra (ideal; for strapless styles or lowcut necklines for which a bra is not practical)

Nowadays, there are several options for a base cloth to create a bustier. The traditional choice is bobbinet which is a machined tulle invented in 1808 by Englishman John Heathcoat. It is durable, breathable, and flexible, making it an ideal fabric for underpinnings where support is needed without additional bulk or weight. While this is still the go-to for high end / couture garments, lining fabrics, or even the actual main fabric of the garment.

Several key components are essential in constructing a bustier: boning (typically rigilene or flexible steel), bra cups, zipper, grosgrain ribbon and hook/bar or hook/eye closures. Boning is applied to all the seams inside channels created by grosgrain. The neckline and bottom of the bustier are finished with a wider grosgrain to reinforce these hi stress point areas to provide stability.

Good bustiers often have their own zipper closure at center back. Grosgrain applied to the waist of the structure has 2 or 3 hook and bar closures so that the wearer can further customize the fit of her bustier throughout the evening.

The end result: impeccable, smooth line, no unslghtly bra straps, and NO constant pulling up and adjusting of the dress throughout the night.

Here's the bustier from Natalia (lace off the shoulder fit and flare gown) from our Wedding Day collection:

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5934af_677d316c62a249bd9c3676b019c80bfc/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Natalia custom bustier from "Wedding Day" by MICHAELKILADA

Dance, mingle, hug your guests and enjoy your night, knowing you're secure in your bustier!