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Empire waist is a style of clothing where the waistline falls above the natural waistline, suitable for various body types and popular since ancient times. It is comfortable, flattering, and often used in maternity wear.
In women’s fashion, an empire waist is a waistline that falls well above the natural waistline. In general, the dress or shirt is cut so that the waist is directly below the bust, allowing the rest of the garment to float over the lower half of the body. The style has waxed and waned in fashion for hundreds of years, and is suitable for a wide range of figures. Many department stores sell a variety of empire waist garments, and women can also sew their own from the patterns.
Both Greek and Roman women wore dresses with a recognizable empire waist. In addition to flattering many body types, a garment with this type of waist also feels cooler and less restrictive. The fashion picked up in the late 1700s in many parts of Europe, and has been around in clothing design ever since. Many dresses and sundresses incorporate an empire waist, as do some formal wear. Women often find a dress with this type of waist much more comfortable than a dress with a lower waist, especially in hot weather.
For women with minimal curves, an empire waist can create the illusion of a fuller body. Clothing can also be draped to maximize the bust, as thin women tend to have smaller busts. Lightweight fabrics are typically used to create a flowing effect. A ribbon, sash, or other decorative feature may be used to highlight the waist.
Women with heavier, pear-shaped figures can also look great in an empire waist dress or shirt. Since the waist sits above the midsection, the dress can brush up against larger stomachs and thighs. The garment can also be cut to emphasize the bust, with sleeves of different lengths to expose or cover the arms, as desired. An empire waist shirt can be worn over slimming jeans or skirts, for women who want to highlight their legs.
A lot of maternity clothes are also designed with an empire waist, as the waistline under the bust feels more comfortable and natural. Flowing fabric over the stomach allows a woman’s growing belly to expand without discomfort, and the top can be gusseted to protect a new mother’s sensitive chest area. Maternity clothing often has ties so that the garment can be loosened as the woman grows.
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