Conical silhouette, breasts are flattened and pushed upward. A boned inner-bodice is built into most gowns, this eventually separates to become a pair of stays, stays or what we now call a corset. These stays are often worn as a bodice with matching detachable sleeves. Many stays have a separate boned center front panel called a stomacher. The tabbed edge along the bottom allows the hips to flare out in a smooth transition and prevents the bones from ending abruptly at the waist (which would hurt). Shoulder straps often tie into place allowing the wearer to untie the strap and tuck it down for the more open necked formal gowns. All middle and upper class women wear stays at least for formal dress. Lower and middle classes may wear "jumps" which is an un-boned tightly fitted vest or bodice.

A "stay" is a corset which laces either in the front or back, not both. The garment is constructed as one piece.

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