Fashion’s Fiercest Debate: The Bustier’s Comeback
A Feminist Statement or a Blast from the Past?
The bustier, that structured top hugging the bodice with daring abandon, has stormed back onto the fashion scene. Seen on Spring/Summer 2025 catwalks from Dior to Coperni, via Chloé or Miu Miu, it’s clear that designers have a new vision for this once controversial garment. But is the bustier’s resurgence a celebration of body positivity and female empowerment, or a throwback to outdated aesthetics?
“On this occasion, we can say thank you to Kim K. The star, who has been at the forefront of the fashion and media scene for ten years with her curvaceous look, clearly participated in the return of the bustier,” says fashion journalist Ilaria Casati. “Free shoulders, liberated woman,” seems to be the intention.
“Wearing a bustier means controlling your body and your image,” states Casati.
The bustier’s association with “chic porn” and corrective undergarments makes its modern reimagining all the more intriguing. In a world fixated on the ultra-thin, thanks in part to the “Ozempic mania,” the bustier could be a powerful declaration of body acceptance.
Think of the bustier’s modern muses—Emily Ratajkowski, Kylie Jenner, Adèle Exarchopoulos—women who embody femininity and sexuality on their own terms. “[Wearing a bustier] is the stylistic expression of a heroine ready to do battle with her detractors, like Wonder Woman,” adds Casati.
The bustier’s history drips with rebellious femme fatales. Vivienne Westwood and Chantal Thomass championed it in the ’80s as a symbol of authority, and that sentiment seems alive and well in 2025.
Fit for Fashion, Not Always For All
Yet, not everyone is swept up in the bustier’s comeback. Fashion editor-in-chief Brune de Margerie raises practical concerns.
“Wearing a bustier, whatever the circumstances and your cup size, is a challenge,” warns de Margerie. “Because obviously, whether you make an A, B, C or D, you spend your evening squirming and checking that it doesn’t fall off (we’re talking about the clothing, not the chest)”
Beyond discomfort, de Margerie questions the bustier’s flattering abilities: “Furthermore, it is time to put an end to the legend of the bustier which enhances the silhouette. Oh no. It cuts the upper body, it compresses, it forms bulges in the armpits… in short, it compresses the female body.”
“And we’re not going to lie, the bustier has a very outdated side, at best 1950s, at worst ‘prom girl’,” de Margerie adds, pointing out its potentially limiting nature if you don’t fit the “slightly square shoulders and really pretty arms” archetype.
While acknowledging the bustier’s historically scandalous reputation as a tailored undergarment, de Margerie emphasizes its evolution as a specialized item. “As a reminder, it was originally an underwear that served as a bra – not to be confused with the corset, designed to refine the waist – which was created to measure, with a perfect fit. If you are really addicted, the best thing is to go shopping in specialized lingerie stores. Where, as you have understood, there is no chance of finding me!”
Is the bustier’s resurgence a powerful symbol of female empowerment or a step back towards objectification?
## Fashion’s Fiercest Debate: Is the Bustier Back for Good?
**Host:** Welcome back! Today, we’re exploring one of fashion’s most brazen comebacks: the bustier. It’s strutting down runways and popping up on style icons everywhere. But is this daring garment a symbol of empowerment or a return to outdated ideals?
To unpack this complicated comeback, we’re joined by renowned fashion commentator, Samantha Jones. Samantha, thanks for joining us.
**Samantha Jones:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Samantha, the bustier has a long and, shall we say, controversial history. How do you see its return playing out in today’s landscape?
**Samantha Jones:** It’s definitely a fascinating evolution. We can’t ignore the bustier’s past association with restrictive undergarments and, occasionally, even the objectification of women.
But I think what’s exciting about its modern incarnation is the potential for reclaiming it. We’re seeing it styled in empowering ways, paired with wider leg trousers, looser fits, and even oversized blazers.
**Host:** And you mentioned reclaiming. You seem to think there’s a feminist angle to this revival?
**Samantha Jones:** Absolutely. Think about the women leading the charge: Emily Ratajkowski, Kylie Jenner, even Adèle Exarchopoulos. These are women who are confident, outspoken, and unapologetically embracing their sexuality.
They’re wearing the bustier on their own terms, not to please anyone but themselves. I think that’s a powerful statement.
**Host:** So, it’s less about the male gaze and more about self-expression?
**Samantha Jones:** Exactly. It’s about owning your body, celebrating its curves, and not shying away from what makes you feel confident and sexy.
**
Host: Of course, not everyone sees it that way. Some argue it’s yet another trend pushing unrealistic beauty standards. What’s your take on that?
**Samantha Jones:** I understand the concerns. The pressure to conform to certain body images is very real.
But I think it’s important to remember that fashion is diverse.
The bustier isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.
What’s important is that women have the freedom to choose what feels right for them.
**Host:** Great point, Samantha. Clearly the bustier’s comeback is sparking conversation, and that’s often a sign of something truly influential.
Samantha Jones, thank you so much for lending your insights.
**Samantha Jones:** It was my pleasure.
**Host:** And to our viewers, what do you think? Is the bustier back for good? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
