How to choose and wear bustier

Category: Lingerie tips October 16th, 2010

Bustier is a corset-like, traditionally strapless undergarment for women. It works great for strapless clothing as it provides lift and support to the bust while shaping the waist and tummy. Bustier can be waist-long or it can end at ribs. Sometimes it may have removable straps of different designs, but usually it comes strapless. In order for bustier fit you right you should know how to choose one. Learn how to choose and wear bustier.

Due to built-in cups the size of bustier is measured by cup size. If you have trouble choosing the right bustier size don’t hesitate going one size up or down. The standard sizing looks like this:
32 = A cup
34 = A-B cup
36 = C-D cup
38 = D-DD cup

If you are smaller bust size but larger cup size then try going one size up, for instance, if you are 34D wear a 36 bustier. If on the opposite, you are larger bust size but smaller cup size try going one size smaller, like if you are 36B try wearing a 34 bustier.

Choose the bustier design according to the purpose. If it’s to be worn as lingerie then you can choose more risque and seductive designs and sheer fabrics like mesh and lace. If you want it as outerwear satin or leather will look great completed with some other clothes from your wardrobe. The bridal bustier is also very popular as many wedding dresses are sleeveless or strapless so the bra straps don’t look very flattering with them. Bustier can incorporate push-up properties while lifting your bust.

For small-busted women push-up bustier works as an enhancement garment, while big-busted women should choose bustiers with full-support. Bustiers usually have zig-zag lacing, hook and eye or zipper closures at the back. But some are made with front closure for comfort.

Do not confuse bustier with a basque though. Basque was made to elongate the silhouette to make it appear slimmer. It extends to the hips. Bustier was made to compress and shape waist for a more hour-glass silhouette, so it ends at the waist or ribs.

So whatever you choose your bustier for be sure you buy a perfectly fit garment to feel confident and beautiful. Otherwise all of its wonderful properties won’t work. If you have non-standard size try experimenting with different other sizes and find the one you feel best in. As for fabrics bustiers are made from satin, mesh, cotton, leather, silk, PVC, velvet or lace. Choose your design, size and color and let bustier do the rest.