Bodices (10 Different types)

According to oxford dictionary, ‘Bodice’ is the “close-fitting upper part of a dress, covering the chest and back on top of the waist”. It covers the body from neck to waist – this is true for all the bodices out there but there are many variations in the style of a bodice

Different types of bodices


Princess style bodice

Princess-line bodice

This is a tight-fitting bodice style with a sweetheart neckline and princess seams. These seams are vertical seams that give the bodice a formfitting shape.

Princess style bodice

Strapless Bodice

strapless bodice

This bodice covers the body without shoulder straps.

Strapless type of bodice

Grecian style pleated bodice

pleated bodice

This is a deep V necked bodice with pleated fabric forming the front bodice.

Grecian type of bodice

Empire bodice

empire line bodice

This bodice ends just under the bust on the narrowest part of your torso. This bodice is usually accompanied by a low scoop neckline.

bodice types - empire style

Read more on empire line style here.

Asymmetrical bodice

asymmetrical bodice

This is a bodice with sides unequal in shape or proportion or design. An example is a one shoulder style.

bodice types - asymmetrical

Related post : Asymmetrical neckline style.

Peplum bodice (Casaque bodice)

peplum bodice

This is a bodice with a separate skirt added to the bottom edge.

bodice types -peplum

Related post : Peplum.

Ruched Bodice

ruched bodice

This type of bodice will consist of a puckered fabric. The fabric is gathered and puckered by various means. Learn more about different ways to do ruching here.

Ruched bodice type

Dropped waist bodice

drop waist bodice

In this bodice style, the waistline is way below the natural waistline.

bodice types - dropped

Basque Bodice

basque bodice

This is a very tightfitting bodice. Also called a corset bodice. The body shape is maintained with the help of vertical seams and boning.

bodice types - basque

Draped Bodice

draped bodice

In this bodice, the front and sometimes the back will have fabric falling in a drape over the bustline and the back.

bodice types - drape style

Related posts : Basic Dress outlines ; 20 Different varieties in the styles of gowns; 15 Different types of hemlines.; 9 Different types of skirt lengths ; Types of clothes names

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Sarina, author of all sewing, fashion designing articles

Author: Sarina Tariq

Hi, I love sewing, fabric, fashion, embroidery, doing easy DIY projects and then writing about them. Hope you have fun learning from sewguide as much as I do. If you find any mistakes here, please point it out in the comments.
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