A bustier (alternately bustiere) is a form-fitting garment for women, which is traditionally worn as lingerie. Its primary purpose is to push up the bust by tightening against the upper midriff and forcing the breasts up, while gently shaping the waist. Bustiers might also be worn as a push-up bra under a low-backed dress, or as a camisole for outer wear. The bustier can also be worn as a half-slip under upper garments if a bold display of the midriff is not desired. Modern bustiers are often made with mesh panels rather than the traditional boning.
A corset is a garment worn to mold and shape the torso into a desired shape for aesthetic or medical purposes. In recent years, the term "corset" has also been borrowed by the fashion industry to refer to tops which mimic the look of traditional corsets without actually acting as one. While these modern corsets and corset tops often feature lacing and/or boning and generally mimic a historical style of corsets that shape the wearer's body. Genuine corsets are also made by corset makers to be fitted for the individual wearer.
