Corsets vs. Bustier: What’s the difference?

Both corsets and bustiers can be great styles for a boudoir photo shoot. But what’s the difference? And which do you want to bring along to your session? It all comes down to personal preference.

Corsets were developed thousands of years ago to shape a woman’s torso. These close-fitted boned undergarments can extend from above or below the bust to the hips, and give a binding effect to flatten the waistline. A corset that covers the chest is designated as “over-bust.”

Bustiers are sleeveless tops that start at the bust and go down to the waist. Form-fitting and fashionable, bustiers can be worn as lingerie or outer clothing. Some bustiers have garters attached, and the modern designs have thin, lacy straps.

Despite their similarities, the main difference between corsets and bustiers is that the corset doesn’t always cover a woman’s breasts. It all really comes down to personal preference. Personally, I like steel-boned corsets for the restriction, compression and posture & figure enhancing.

Want to invest in a corset or bustier of your own? Here are a couple of local shops to check out:

Mistress J Heads to the Folsom Street Fair

A fun element of living in the Bay Area: the annual Folsom Street Fair! Held the last weekend of September, open-minded boudoir photographer Mistress J made her way to the fair to see what other artists are doing, look at fun & sexy clothes & accessories, and have a good time.

In addition the incredible sex positive culture, the fair included a lot of fun shopping. One booth Miss J particularly enjoyed was the Corsets by Timeless Trends. In addition to this fun shirt (pictured below right), the booth included countless corsets in various styles, colors, sizes, etc.

Folsom Street Events is a nonprofit organization serving the adult San Francisco alternative communities. Through the production of street fairs, Folsom Street Events promotes diversity within the leather/alternative lifestyle, highlighting entertainment, service and vendors. Proceeds from the production of the fairs are distributed to organizations, which promote a sense of community, diversity, cooperation, health and human services.

Find out more and learn about next year’s event at folsomstreetfair.org.