Waspie

A waspie, also known as a waist cincher, is a type of short corset that is specifically designed to be worn around the waist to create a more defined or "cinched" hourglass figure. The name "waspie" comes from the idea of creating a "wasp waist"—a narrow, dramatic waistline that resembles the slender midsection of a wasp.

Here are some key characteristics of a waspie:

• Short length: Unlike traditional corsets that can extend from the bust to the hips, a waspie is much shorter. It typically sits just below the bust and ends above the hips.

• Focus on the waist: Its primary purpose is to compress and shape the waist, often with steel boning, without providing significant support or shaping to the bust or hips.

• Historical context: Waspies became particularly popular in the 1950s with Christian Dior's "New Look" fashion, which emphasized a dramatically small waist, rounded shoulders, and full skirts. The waspie was a quintessential undergarment for achieving this silhouette.

• Versatility: Today, waspies are worn both as an undergarment for shaping and as a fashion accessory worn over clothing, such as a dress or a blouse and skirt, to highlight the waist.

• Distinction from other shapewear: While the term is sometimes used interchangeably with "waist cincher," a true waspie is a type of corset with steel boning for serious shaping, whereas a modern waist cincher might be made of stretchy, elastic fabric for a lighter smoothing effect.