If you’re planning to wear a wedding gown with a long train, one of the most important things to consider is how to bustle the fabric after the ceremony. A bustle is a technique that lifts the train of the dress off the ground to make it easier to move around and dance during the reception. There are two main types of bustles: the American or traditional bustle and the French bustle. In this article, we are going to explore the traditional bustle.
What is the Traditional Bustle?
The traditional bustle is a classic style that has been used for centuries to lift and secure the train of a wedding gown. This type of bustle typically involves gathering the fabric of the train and attaching it to the back of the dress using buttons, hooks, and loops or ties. The traditional bustle is considered the most timeless style that gives a classic and elegant look to the gown, and it’s often preferred by brides who want to keep the silhouette of their dress as close to the original as possible.
How is the Traditional Bustle Done?
The traditional bustle involves gathering the train of the dress and creating lift using buttons, hooks, and loops. The fabric is picked up from the back of the dress and attached to the waistline or the hips of the gown, creating a seamless transition from the train to the rest of the dress. The number of buttons or hooks used will depend on the length of the train and the amount of fabric that needs to be lifted. The traditional bustle typically has one or more pickup points that are created by sewing buttons or loops onto the train and corresponding loops or hooks onto the back of the dress.
Pros and Cons of a Traditional Bustle
There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing a traditional bustle for your wedding gown. Some of the pros of this style include:
- Timeless elegance – The traditional bustle is considered a classic, timeless style that never goes out of fashion, so you can be sure that your gown will look beautiful for years to come
- Minimal changes to the dress – The traditional bustle works by folding the train of the dress into itself, so there are no significant alterations needed to the dress itself
- Easy to achieve a perfect fit – By using buttons and hooks, it’s easy to adjust the amount of fabric that is lifted to ensure that your gown fits you perfectly
However, there are also some cons to choosing a traditional bustle, including:
- The gathering of fabric – Depending on the amount and type of fabric in the train, it can create some bunching and gathering when it’s bustled
- Difficulty in moving around – Even with the train bustled, a traditional bustle can make it challenging to move around, especially if there are multiple pickup points
- Careful maintenance – The buttons and hooks used in the bustle can be delicate and require careful handling to avoid damage to the gown
Conclusion
A traditional bustle is a classic and elegant way to lift and secure the train of your wedding gown. This type of bustle is a timeless style that is preferred by many brides who want to keep the silhouette of their dress as close to the original as possible. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider when choosing this style, including the gathering of fabric, difficulty in moving around, and careful maintenance. Ultimately, the decision on what type of bustle to choose will depend on personal preferences, the style of your dress, and the amount of fabric you want to lift.
FAQ
What are the 3 distinct looks of the bustle period?
Bustles were a popular fashion trend that emerged in the late 1800s. Bustles were fashionable during two distinct periods in the Victorian era, the early bustle period that lasted from 1869 through 1876 and the later bustle period from 1883 through 1889. Bustles were designed to enhance the back of the dresses, giving them a fashionable and dramatic shape. Throughout the bustle period, three distinct categories of bustle support were popular. They included the lobster-tail or crayfish, the small bustle, and the bustle pad or cushion.
The lobster-tail or crayfish bustle was one of the most popular styles worn in the early bustle period. The lobster-tail bustle was created by attaching a series of graduated steel hoops to a waistband, with the widest hoop at the bottom. The steel hoops were then covered with fabric, creating an exaggerated shape at the back of the dress. The lobster-tail bustle was named after its resemblance to the tail of a lobster or crayfish. Women wore this type of bustle under a fitted bodice with a skirt that fell straight to the ground, creating a bell shape.
The small bustle was the second type of bustle seen during the late bustle period. It was smaller and less dramatic than the lobster-tail bustle. The small bustle did not require a series of graduated hoops but instead had a single wire or pad in it, which gave the back of the dress a slight lift. The small bustle was designed for dresses that had a slight train or for women who preferred a more natural silhouette. The small bustle was often worn with gowns that featured draped fabric on the back.
The third type of bustle was the bustle pad or cushion. Like the small bustle, the bustle pad was designed to lift the back of the dress slightly without creating an overly dramatic shape. The bustle pad was created by using a fabric cushion or a pillow to create volume at the back of the dress. The bustle pad was designed to be worn under a dress with a fitted waistband, and it was often used to support a dress that had a slight train. Women preferred this style of bustle because it was lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The bustle period was a unique and fascinating time in fashion history. The use of bustles was an integral part of the fashion trends of this time, and there were three distinct categories of bustle support seen during this period. These three types of bustle support include the lobster-tail or crayfish, the small bustle, and the bustle pad or cushion. Each of these bustle variations had its unique characteristics and styles that helped women create the fashionable silhouette of the day.
How do I choose a bustle?
Choosing the right bustle is an important decision when it comes to the overall look and feel of your wedding dress. A bustle is a method of gathering up the train of a wedding dress or formal gown so that it doesn’t trail on the ground. There are several types of bustles to choose from, so it’s important to choose one that complements the style and fabric of your gown, as well as your personal preferences.
One important factor to consider when choosing a bustle is the weight of the train and fabric of your dress. For instance, if you have a lighter fabric, like chiffon or organza, then a one-point over bustle would be the best option. This style of bustle involves gathering the train of the dress at a single point and securing it to the back of the gown. Alternatively, if you have a heavier fabric, like a satin or taffeta, then a three-point bustle would be a better option. This style of bustle involves gathering the train of the dress at three separate points, creating a cascading effect and allowing more of a detailed train to spread out over the back of the dress.
Another factor to consider when choosing a bustle is the style and aesthetic of your dress. For example, if you have a vintage-inspired gown, a Victorian bustle might be the perfect complement to your dress. This style of bustle involves gathering the train of the dress at the lower back and creating a fan-like shape that fans out from the waist. A French bustle, on the other hand, is a popular choice for ball gowns and A-line dresses because it creates a full, dramatic look.
The choice of which bustle to choose comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what will complement your specific dress style the most. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor who can give you their opinion based on their experience with bustles and wedding dresses. With their help and your personal preferences, you’ll be sure to choose the perfect bustle for your wedding day.