If you’re planning on wearing a wedding dress with a train, you may be considering what type of bustle you want. A bustle is a technique used to lift the back of your wedding dress off the ground, making it easier to walk and dance in. One type of bustle that you may not have considered is the under bustle. In this blog post, we’re going to explore what an under bustle is, how it works, and if it’s the right choice for your wedding dress.
What is an Under Bustle?
An under bustle is a type of bustle that lifts the train of a wedding dress from underneath, rather than above. Instead of folding the train in on itself and attaching it to the outside of the dress, an under bustle gathers the train, folding it underneath the dress using loops, buttons, or ties. The end result is a subtle, elegant hem that creates a two-layer design in the back of your dress.
How Does an Under Bustle Work?
Before we dive into how an under bustle works, let’s clarify one thing. Not all wedding dresses can be bustled. Dresses that are heavily beaded, lace, or have intricate designs on the back may not be good candidates for a bustle. Therefore, it’s important to talk to a seamstress or alterations specialist to determine if your dress can be bustled and which type of bustle is the best option.
Assuming your dress can be bustled, here’s what you can expect during the under bustle process:
1. The seamstress will identify where the bustle points need to be on your dress. Typically, this will involve looping or tying the layers of your train together so that the hem doesn’t drag on the ground.
2. Next, they’ll sew in loops or buttons to the inside of the dress at each of the bustle points. These may be hidden among the layers of fabric.
3. Finally, during your wedding day, your maid of honor or bridesmaid will gather the train of your dress together and secure it to the loops or buttons underneath with ties or hooks. This creates the under bustle and lifts the hem off the ground.
Is an Under Bustle Right for You?
Now that you know what an under bustle is and how it works, the question remains: is it the right choice for you? The answer depends on a few factors.
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the style of your dress. If your dress has a full, voluminous skirt, an under bustle may not create enough lift to keep the hem from dragging on the ground. On the other hand, if your dress has a slim silhouette or straight cut, an under bustle can be a great choice.
You’ll also want to consider the level of formality of your wedding. Under bustles are often preferred for more formal weddings, as they create a subtle design element without being too flashy or distracting. If you’re planning a more casual, outdoor wedding, you may prefer a simpler bustle option.
Finally, you’ll want to think about your own preferences and how you want to feel on your wedding day. If you want a dress that is easy to move and dance in, an under bustle can be a great choice. It keeps the hem out of your way and allows you to move more freely.
In Conclusion
An under bustle is a great option for brides who want a subtle, elegant hem on their wedding dress. It offers a different look than traditional bustle options, and can be a great choice for more formal weddings or slim-cut dresses. By working with a seamstress or alterations specialist, you can determine if an under bustle is right for your dress and unique wedding style.
FAQ
Why don’t wedding dresses come with bustles?
Most wedding dresses are designed without bustles as it is something that is customized for each individual bride. A bustle is the process of gathering up the train of a wedding dress to make it easier to move around in. It is primarily done to prevent the train of the dress from dragging on the ground and getting dirty. Each bride is unique in terms of height, so it is essential that the seamstress creating the gown is able to determine the correct length and placement of the bustle to suit the bride’s height.
Furthermore, there are different types of bustles, and each one requires a specific technique to be applied. This makes it necessary for the bride to visit the seamstress again with her shoes to ensure that the bustle is correct. The seamstress may also need to see the bride move around in the dress to make sure that it flows properly and isn’t too cumbersome. As a result, it’s easier and more efficient for a dressmaker to leave the bustle as an optional extra to be added by the seamstress.
Additionally, every bride has different preferences and requirements when it comes to the bustle. Some may prefer a simple French bustle, while others may want something more elaborate like an Austrian bustle or a Victorian bustle. Some may even opt for a detachable or removable bustle in order to change the look of the dress for the reception or after-party. leaving the bustle design and implementation to the seamstress allows the bride to have more control over the final product and ensures that the gown is tailored perfectly to her individual needs and desires.
Wedding dresses do not come with bustles due to the unique needs of each bride and the various types of bustles that can be used. Giving the bride the option to customize her gown to her specific height, preference, and style is just one way to ensure that her wedding day is everything she’s ever dreamed of.
Why would you bustle a dress?
Bustling a dress is an important step in the wedding dress alteration process. When a bride walks down the aisle, the wedding dress is often long and flowing, with a train trailing behind her. However, most wedding venues have an aisle made of floor tiles, a paved floor, or other surfaces that can easily become dirty or dusty, potentially staining the bottom of the dress. Furthermore, the long train can make it difficult to navigate around the reception, where the bride needs to mingle, dance, and enjoy the evening. This is where bustles come in.
The term “bustle” refers to the device that pulls the train of the wedding dress off the ground so it doesn’t get dirty or in the way. Typically, there are two types of bustles: the underbustle and the overbustle. An underbustle secures the train under the dress, while an overbustle raises the train above the dress. Both serve the same purpose of giving the bride freedom of movement.
Bustling a wedding dress is not just a practical solution. It also has aesthetic benefits. A long train that is bustled keeps the flow and style of the dress, without the inconvenience of the extra length and weight. Additionally, a bustled wedding dress provides the opportunity to show off the design of the dress, and highlights the bride’s shoes.
It is important to note that most wedding dresses do not come with a bustle. However, it is a service that can be added by a seamstress or tailor to ensure the dress is functional and stylish. Every dress is unique, and as such, not all dresses can be bustled in the same way. The seamstress will need to take into account the design, fabric weight, and structure of the dress to determine the best bustle style and placement.
Bustling a wedding dress is an essential step in the wedding dress alteration process. It not only prevents the bride from dragging her dress on the ground, but also ensures she feels comfortable and unrestricted while enjoying her big day. Consulting with a seamstress is the best way to determine the perfect bustle for the dress, and ensure that it is executed correctly.
How did they sit with bustles?
During the Victorian era, the bustle was a popular fashion trend that added volume to the back of a woman’s dress, creating a significant silhouette. While the bustle added a lot of style to women’s clothing, it also presented some challenges for sitting.
When women with bustles sat down, the design of the bustle affected their seating posture. The hatpin bustle had a wide base that allowed wearers to sit directly on it without the fabric bunching. However, some bustles, such as the wire cage bustle, pushed the fabric outwards, forcing the wearer to sit sideways to prevent the fabric from bunching or becoming crushed while sitting.
To make the process of sitting more comfortable, some bustles were designed with features that allowed them to collapse when a woman sat down, such as the soft-edge bustle. Other types of bustles, like the chimney bustle, were made to be easily collapsible, allowing the wearer to sit comfortably without destroying the shape of the garment.
Walking with a bustle also presented challenges, as the design caused a distinct wobble when moving. To mitigate this, women had to hold onto their skirts and walk with a swaying motion to minimize the bustle’s movement.
Sitting with a bustle required some workarounds to maintain the garment’s shape without compromising comfort. While it added some complexity to daily activities, the bustle remained a notable fashion trend during the Victorian era.
