bovenstuk

Bovenstuk is a Dutch term that literally means “upper piece.” In fashion and clothing contexts it refers to the upper part of an outfit—the garment worn on the torso above the waist. It is used to describe the top half of a two-piece ensemble and contrasts with onderstuk, the lower piece such as a skirt, trousers, or shorts.

The bovenstuk can encompass a wide range of garments, including shirts, blouses, sweaters, jackets, coats, bodices, and corsets. In historical or costume contexts, the term often points to upper garments such as bodices or outerwear, while in contemporary usage it can denote any top worn on the upper body. In sewing and pattern-making, the term helps distinguish patterns for the upper garment from those for the lower garment.

In Dutch usage, bovenstuk is a generic label rather than a reference to a specific style; the exact type of top is defined by the context or accompanying description. The plural form is bovenstukken.

Outside clothing, the word can also describe the upper section of an object or structure, though this usage is less common and typically clarified by context.