Bustier

A bustier is an article of clothing for women, which is form-fitting and is traditionally worn as lingerie. It looks somewhat like a basque, but is shorter. It reaches down only to the ribs or the waist and has a different function: its primary purpose is to push up the bust by tightening against the upper midriff and forcing the breasts to move up, while gently shaping the waist. Modern bustiers are often made with mesh panels rather than corset-like boning, meaning that they have very limited ability to shape the waist.

The bustier is a multi-purpose garment. It can be used as either a push-up bra for inner wear or a camisole for outer wear. A bustier can also be worn as a half-slip under diaphanous upper garments if a bold display of the midriff is not desired.