If you’ve ever been to a wedding or formal event, chances are you’ve seen someone sporting a stunning ballgown. These dresses are known for their full skirts, often with a train trailing behind. However, when it comes time to dance or mingle around the reception hall, the train can quickly become cumbersome. That’s where a bustle comes in handy.
A bustle is a series of hooks, eyes, buttons, or ties that gather up the train of a wedding dress or formal gown, allowing the wearer to move around more freely without tripping on the extra fabric. Ballgown bustles are particularly popular for formal events, as they can really transform the look of a dress and make it more practical for a night of dancing and celebrating.
There are actually several types of bustles that can be used on a ballgown. The type of bustle that’s chosen typically depends on the style and length of the dress, as well as the personal preference of the wearer. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common types of ballgown bustles, how they work, and what to consider when choosing one for your own dress.
The American Bustle
The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, is one of the most popular types of bustles for ballgowns. It works particularly well for dresses with cathedral-length trains, as it gathers up the train and fastens it over the rest of the skirt, creating cascading folds. The result is a dramatic, ruffled effect that can look stunning on the dance floor.
To achieve an American bustle, the train is lifted up and fastened using buttons, hooks, or ties that are hidden underneath the skirt. Some dresses may have several points where the train can be lifted and secured, while others may only have one. This type of bustle typically requires the help of a bridesmaid, friend, or family member to assist in lifting and fastening the train properly.
The French Bustle
A French bustle, also known as an under bustle, is another popular option for ballgowns. Unlike the American bustle, which lifts the train up and over the rest of the skirt, a French bustle gathers the train up from underneath, creating a more seamless look. This type of bustle works well with dresses that have a lot of volume in the skirt, as it helps to maintain the fullness and shape of the gown.
To create a French bustle, the train is lifted and fastened using hooks, ties, or buttons that are sewn onto the underside of the dress. The fastenings are typically hidden, creating a smooth, elegant look. French bustles can be more complex than American bustles, as they require more points of attachment and can be trickier to secure.
The Ballroom Bustle
The ballroom bustle is a more modern take on the traditional bustle. This type of bustle works particularly well for ballgowns with a lot of movement and flow, as it allows the wearer to move around more freely without sacrificing the drama of the train. Ballroom bustles typically involve tucking the train underneath the skirt and fastening it at the back, creating a smooth, streamlined look.
To create a ballroom bustle, the train is lifted and tucked underneath the skirt, then fastened at the back using hooks, ties, or buttons. The result is a clean, elegant look that’s perfect for dancing the night away.
Choosing the Right Bustle
When it comes to choosing the right bustle for your ballgown, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the length and style of your dress. Different types of bustles work better with different types of skirts, so make sure to consult with your tailor or seamstress to determine which style will work best for you.
You’ll also want to consider your personal preferences. Do you prefer a dramatic, ruffled effect like the American bustle, or would you prefer something more seamless like the French or ballroom bustle? Keep in mind that some types of bustles may be more difficult to secure than others, so you’ll want to choose a style that you feel comfortable with.
Lastly, don’t forget to consider the practicality of the bustle. While a dramatic, flowing train may look beautiful, it can quickly become cumbersome on the dance floor. Make sure to choose a bustle that allows you to move around freely and enjoy your big day without tripping or stumbling.
In conclusion, a ballgown bustle is a practical and stylish way to transform a formal gown into a functional, dance-friendly ensemble. Whether you opt for an American, French, or ballroom bustle, make sure to choose a style that works best with your dress and personal preferences. With the right bustle, you’ll be able to dance the night away in style and comfort.
FAQ
What is a bushel on a wedding dress?
A bustle is a term commonly used in the fashion industry to refer to a sewing technique that creates a shape on a dress to elevate the train of the gown off the ground. Wedding dresses are notorious for having long trains that add extra elegance to the overall look of the bride on her wedding day. However, sometimes the train can become impractical and cumbersome, especially during the reception or while walking down the aisle. That’s where bustles come into play; they pull the train of the wedding dress off the ground so it doesn’t get dirty, allows movement with ease, and alleviates some of the fear of tripping or tearing the train of the gown.
Depending on the designer or stylist, there are various ways to create a bustle on a wedding dress. The bustle can be internal or external, and it can be created by using hooks, buttons, or ribbons. The goal of the bustle is to create a seamless transition from the long train to the rest of the dress, so the bustle itself should not be noticeable or detract from the overall aesthetic of the dress.
It’s important to note that most wedding dresses do not come with a bustle and are not designed with a bustle in mind. Therefore, when ordering a dress or attending fittings, it’s essential to specify to the designer or seamstress if a bustle is needed and what type of bustle is preferred. Without this information, it’s possible the train of the dress will drag on the ground, leaving the dress dirty and damaged.
A bustle on a wedding dress is a sewing technique that elevates the train of the gown off the ground, creating ease of movement and practicality for the bride. When ordering a wedding dress or attending fittings, it’s important to specify if a bustle is needed and what type of bustle is preferred to ensure the dress is tailored to the bride’s needs and expectations on her special day.
How many points is a ballroom bustle?
A ballroom bustle is a way of gathering up the train of a gown to make it easier to move around in. The bustle creates a flowing effect in the back of the dress, in contrast to the traditionally long, trailing train. The number of bustle points for a ballroom bustle can vary depending on several factors, including the length and complexity of the train.
In some cases, a simple bustle with just one or two points may be sufficient for a shorter train or if the gown has a more straightforward design. For longer trains with more elaborate designs, however, the bustle may need to have dozens of points in order to properly gather and secure the fabric.
When adding a ballroom bustle to a wedding dress, it’s important to work closely with a seamstress or tailor who has experience with creating bustles. They can help determine the optimal number of points needed to properly gather the fabric and create the desired effect.
It’s worth noting that adding a bustle to a wedding dress can significantly alter its appearance, creating the illusion of two different dresses. Before committing to a bustle, it’s a good idea to try it on and walk around in it to get a sense of how it feels and how it affects the dress’s overall appearance.
The exact number of points in a ballroom bustle can vary depending on the design and length of the gown’s train. It’s an important consideration when adding a bustle to a wedding dress, and should be carefully discussed with a knowledgeable seamstress or tailor to ensure the best possible results.
What are the 3 distinct looks of the bustle period?
The bustle era was a time in women’s fashion history when bustles, or padded frames worn over or under garments, were in style. This era spanned two distinct periods in the Victorian era: the early bustle period, from 1869 through 1876, and the later bustle period, from 1883 through 1889. During this time, there were three categories of bustle support that were popular.
The first and most popular was the lobster-tail or crayfish bustle. This was a padded frame that was designed to add fullness and shape to the back of a woman’s dress. It was named for its shape, which resembled the tail of a lobster or crayfish. The lobster-tail bustle was typically made of steel hoops and vertical strips of fabric that gave it its distinctive shape. It was popular during the early bustle period, from 1869 through 1876, and was often paired with day dresses and evening gowns.
The second type of bustle support was the small bustle. This was a smaller, more subtle version of the lobster-tail bustle. It was typically made of feather boning and wire and was designed to create a more modest silhouette. The small bustle was popular during the later bustle period, from 1883 through 1889, and was often worn with tailored suits and walking dresses.
The third type of bustle support was the bustle pad or cushion. This was a soft, padded device that was designed to create a more rounded and natural-looking silhouette. The bustle pad was typically made of cotton or wool and was often worn under a woman’s skirt or dress. It was popular during both the early and later bustle periods and was often paired with day dresses and walking suits.
During the bustle era, there were three distinct looks of the bustle period: the lobster-tail or crayfish bustle, the small bustle, and the bustle pad or cushion. Each of these bustle supports was popular during different periods of the Victorian era and was designed to create a specific silhouette. While the bustle era has long passed, its influence on fashion can still be seen today, as many designers continue to draw inspiration from this iconic period in women’s fashion history.