There’s so many types of garbs worn from Renaissance fashion. Some are staples at places like the Renaissance fair. However, each garment can have different purposes or types to choose from. This guide will cover everything you need to know about what is a bodice. From when they’re worn to buying comparisons, it has all the information so you can better understand the clothing type before making your own bodice.
What is Considered a Renaissance Bodice
A bodice is a historical garment. The key elements of a bodice includes being sleeveless, close-fitting and waist-length. They are laced up in the front and are worn by women over an undergarment that could be a dress or blouse.
When are Bodices Worn
A bodice is often worn for special events like Renaissance fairs or at historical reenactments. They also can be used in cosplays that are from historical pieces. They are worn as part of daily and formal attire for Renaissance era clothing.
What is the Point of a Renaissance Bodice
The point of a bodice is two key primary functions.
- Fashion – A bodice creates a fashionable silhouette that often is conical and emphasizes the hips by tapering at the waist.
- Structure – Due to the stiff nature of a bodice, they provide structure and ensure an outer gown lays smoothly.
What are the Different Types of Renaissance Bodices
Not all Renaissance bodices are the same. Their is often different types that are categorized in a multitude of ways.
Historical Period & Regional Bodice Types
- Elizabethan – These bodices are very structured and stiff. They are from the Elizabethan era and often worn for a conical torso shape.
- Agnes Sorel – These appear with a high, square-cut neckline and are paired with bishop sleeves.
- Casaque – These have a skirt or peplum attached at the bottom of the bodice.
- Grecian-style – These often feature pleating and was inspired by the classical Greek aesthetics.
Types of Ren Faire Bodices
- Overbust vs Underbust – A bodice for the Renaissance fair can either lie over or under one’s bust. This is a very key piece in the design and style of the bodice.
- Conical – These are the more classical structured bodice style.
- Jumps – Often less structured than a corset, they were originally known as short jackets that are less restrictive and laced in the front.
- Cottagecore – These are a softer, more romantic style and have fabric patterns, embroidery or embellishing associated with woodland or fairy themes.
- Peplum bodice – These are similar to the Casaque bodice since it has a flared section below the waist.
Bodice vs Corset
Both bodices and corsets are worn to the Renaissance faire. They have some similarities but also key differences.
Bodice:
- Definition – A historical garment that covers the upper body.
- Construction – Made from various fabrics such as brocades and jacquards with light to moderate boning depending on the bodice type. They provide structure and support but often are less rigid than a corset. The lacing for this garment is typically along the front.
- Purpose – Meant to provide fashionable silhouettes and structure.
- Fit – Meant to fit the wearer’s measurements without constriction to the waist.
Corset:
- Definition – A structured under or over garment that shapes the torso.
- Construction – Made with stiff boning, often from steel or whalebone, and feature lacing for tight cinching.
- Purpose – Corsets are meant to significantly shape the body to a desired silhouette and posture support.
- Fit – These can be sized to be smaller than a wearer’s measurements to provide compression and even waist training.
Is a Corset and a Bodice the Same
Ultimately, no, a corset and a bodice isn’t the same. Structurally they’re often very different since a corset’s construction and fit is often far more rigid and stiff than a bodice. However, while a bodice isn’t always a corset, a corset can be a type of bodice sometimes.
Bodice vs Stays
Another common historical garment worn for the Renaissance is stays. Stays and bodices aren’t the same and there’s key differences to keep in mind.
Stays:
- Definition – An undergarment worn beneath a bodice to shape and support the body.
- Boning – Stays have significant amounts of boning and they’re often very rigid.
- Purpose & Usage – These are meant to provide stiff and supportive foundations to a costume by creating an inverted cone silhouette. They’re worn under a dress and in some era would be worn as an outer garment.
Bodice:
- Definition – A historical garment that covers the upper body.
- Boning – These can range from being fully boned to none.
- Purpose & Usage – The function and use is dependent on the design of the bodice. But they’re often meant to be an outer layer that provides some structure and a fashionable silhouette.
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