Stomacher

A stomacher is a decorative jeweled garment covering the chest and abdomen, prominent in historic fashion.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: Historically, a stomacher is a richly ornamented piece, often jeweled and embroidered, worn over the chest and stomach area as part of a woman's dress. Initially a fashion staple from the late Middle Ages through the 18th century, stomachers served both aesthetic and functional roles, filling in the front opening of a woman's gown or bodice. This garment piece was known for its versatility in fashion, often detachable to allow for different stomachers to be worn with the same dress. The intricacy and lavish materials used, including pearls, precious stones, and fine metals, signified the wearer's wealth and status. Beyond its historical context, the term has been adopted in contemporary jewelry to describe ornate pieces resembling the traditional stomacher's shape and artistic qualities, providing a touch of historical elegance to modern fashion.