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Bodice (PSF).jpg

A bodice (American English /ˈbɑːdɨs/, British /ˈbɒdɪs/) historically, is an article of clothing for women, covering the body from the neck to the waist. In modern usage it typically refers to a specific type of upper garment common in Europe during the 16th to the 18th century, or to the upper portion of a modern dress to distinguish it from the skirt and sleeves. The term comes from pair of bodies (because the garment was originally made in two pieces that fastened together, frequently by lacing).[citation needed]




One mid 19th century style included the Agnes Sorel bodice, named after 15th century royal mistress Agnes Sorel. This style was a day wear bodice, with a square cut neckline that had a high front and back and bishop sleeves.[2]

Countrywoman's bodice, 19th century


A woman wearing a dirndl

Bodices today[edit]


See also[edit]

Further reading[edit]

  • Arnold, Janet: Patterns of Fashion: the cut and construction of clothes for men and women 1560-1620, Macmillan 1985. (ISBN 0-89676-083-9)
  • Steele, Valerie: "The Corset: A Cultural History" Yale University Press, 2001.


  1. ^ Butterick (c1905). Dressmaking, Up To Date. New York: Butterick Publishing Company. p. 75. 
  2. ^ Valerie Cumming; Valerie Cumming, C.W. Cunnington, P. E. Cunnington; C. W. Cunnington; P. E. Cunnington (1 September 2010). The Dictionary of Fashion History. Berg. p. 2. ISBN 978-1-84788-738-2. Retrieved 10 January 2012. 