in modern usage, "bodice" typically refers to an upper garment that has removable sleeves or no sleeves, often low-cut, worn in europe from the 16th century to the 18th century, either over a corset or in lieu of one. to achieve a fashionable shape and support the bust, the bodice was frequently stiffened with "bents" (a type of reed), or whalebone. the bodice was different from the corset of the time because it was intended to be worn over the other garments. in earlier periods, bodices and corsets were laced in spiral fashion, with one continuous lace. in later periods, both were laced like the modern tennis shoe, with eyelets facing one another. this was more convenient for women who had to dress themselves.