Bodices

A bodice is the upper portion of a woman's garment that covers the torso from the shoulders to the waist. It is usually fitted and can be part of a dress or a separate top worn over a skirt or trousers. Bodices may be strapless or have sleeves and feature various neckline styles. In historical dress, the bodice is often the structured top of a gown and may incorporate corset-like elements such as boning or stay closures.

Construction and shaping vary. Modern bodices commonly use darts, princess seams, or paneling to achieve a close fit. They may be lined and may include boning or flexible stays to hold shape. Closures are typically at the back or front, including lacing, hooks, zippers, or buttons. Some designs are designed to be worn with no separate blouse, while others are part of a one-piece dress.

Historical overview. In Western fashion, bodices evolved from stiff, corseted tops in the 16th–18th centuries to more varied silhouettes in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Victorian era emphasized waist suppression, while the 20th century popularized strapless and form-fitting styles for evening wear. Regional costumes also use bodices that are decorative or hard-wearing, such as dirndl bodices in German-speaking regions.

Modern usage. Today bodices appear in bridal gowns, formal wear, and many ready-to-wear dresses. They range from corset-like bustiers to soft, unstructured silhouettes and can be designed to provide support, shaping, or simply aesthetic lines. The term also refers to the upper part of a two-piece outfit paired with a separate skirt or trousers.