When it comes to wedding gowns, one of the most important but often overlooked aspects is the bustle. A bustle is the method of fastening the train of the dress to the back of the gown, allowing the bride to move more freely without tripping over a long train. There are many different types of bustles, and it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one for your dress. However, if you’re looking for a simple and easy option, there is one type of bustle that stands out above the rest.
The Overbustle
The easiest bustle to execute is the overbustle. This type of bustle involves fastening the train of the dress to the outside of the gown, creating a visible loop or knot at the back of the dress. The overbustle is best for mermaid, sheath, and A-line gowns, although it can work with other styles as well.
So why is the overbustle so easy? For one, it requires the least amount of alterations to the original dress design. Since the train is simply being lifted and secured to the outside of the dress, there is no need to add any extra hooks, buttons, or loops to the gown. This means less time spent on alterations, and less chance of damaging the dress during the bustle process.
Another benefit of the overbustle is that it tends to be very secure. Because the train is lifted and fastened to the outside of the dress, there is little chance of it coming loose during the wedding festivities. This can give brides peace of mind knowing that their dress won’t become a tripping hazard on the dance floor.
How to Bustle an Overbustle
While the overbustle may be the easiest type of bustle to execute, it still requires some skill and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an overbustle:
1. Locate the bustle point: The bustle point is where the train of the dress meets the rest of the gown. This is usually indicated by a seam or a piece of fabric that sticks out a little more than the rest of the dress.
2. Lift the train: Pick up the train of the dress and hold it horizontally across the back of the gown.
3. Create a loop: Create a loop in the train fabric by folding it up towards the bustle point. The size of the loop will depend on the length of your train, but it should be big enough to clear the ground as you walk.
4. Secure the loop: Use a hook and eye closure or a coordinating ribbon to secure the loop to the outside of the dress. Make sure the hook or ribbon is tight enough to hold the loop in place, but not so tight that it pulls on the rest of the dress.
5. Repeat: Depending on the length of your train, you may need to create multiple loops and secure them to the dress. Repeat steps 2-4 until the entire train is lifted and secured in place.
Conclusion
Overall, the overbustle is a great option for brides who want a simple and easy bustle for their wedding gown. Not only is it relatively easy to execute, but it also looks elegant and secure. If you’re unsure about which type of bustle to choose, talk to your tailor or wedding planner about whether an overbustle would work well with your dress and wedding style. With the right bustle, you can enjoy all the benefits of a beautiful train without worrying about tripping or getting tangled up during your big day.
FAQ
Can you do your own bustle?
As weddings become more and more expensive, it’s normal for couples to look for ways to cut corners and save money. Most brides-to-be will have spent a considerable amount of money on their wedding dress, which is understandable given that it is one of the most important aspects of the day. However, wedding dresses do not come with a pre-made bustle, and the cost of making a custom one can add up quickly. So, is it possible to create your own bustle?
The answer is a resounding yes! Brides can create their own bustle, and save hundreds of dollars in the process. The process of creating a bustle may seem daunting, but with some patience and the right tools, it is possible to do it yourself. All that you will need is a needle, thread, and scissors.
The first step in creating your bustle is to determine the style that you would like to create. There are numerous styles to choose from depending on the type of wedding dress you have. You can look for inspiration online or speak to a seamstress or a consultant for recommendations.
Once you have decided on the style, the next step is to determine the placement of the bustle. It is important to be strategic with the placement as you don’t want to be tripping over the bustle all day. A professional seamstress will usually recommend placing the bustle either under the zip or over the buttons.
After you have determined the placement, it’s time to sew the bustle. While this task will require a bit of sewing knowledge, it is not a difficult job. You will need to cut and sew ribbons of varying lengths under the wedding gown. These ribs and hooks will then be used to lift the train of the gown and make it more manageable.
Creating your bustle can be a cost-effective way to get the perfect look you want on your wedding day. While it may seem daunting, all it takes is some basic sewing knowledge and patience. With the right tools and technique, a bride can achieve a beautiful bustle that will make her dress perfect for the special day.
What is a bustle vs crinoline?
In the world of fashion, it is the structures beneath the clothes that give them their shape and form. During the Victorian era, women’s clothing was heavily dependent on these structures to achieve the desired look. Two such structures were the bustle and the crinoline.
A crinoline is a stiffened or structured petticoat that is worn under a skirt or dress. The purpose of a crinoline is to achieve a large and voluminous skirt. Crinolines were made using horsehair and crin, which was a stiffened cotton or linen fabric. In the early Victorian era, crinolines were worn over a corset to achieve the desired silhouette. Later on, cage crinolines became popular, which were made of metal hoops attached to fabric tapes.
A bustle, on the other hand, is a frame or padding worn over the hips to support the back of a skirt. Bustles were in vogue during the late Victorian era, from the 1870s to the early 1900s. The purpose of a bustle was to create a dramatic and prominent posterior profile, accentuating the lower back. Bustles were made using materials like horsehair, wool, or cotton.
The bustle was fashionable after the crinoline had lost its popularity. The emergence of the bustle was due to a desire for a more natural-looking silhouette and a break from the over-the-top volume of the crinoline. Bustle styles varied – some were padded with horsehair or cotton, while others were metal frames covered with fabric.
While both the bustle and the crinoline were structures worn beneath clothing during the Victorian era, they served different purposes. The crinoline was worn to create volume and fullness to the skirt, while the bustle was worn to create a prominent posterior profile. Both structures were essential in shaping women’s fashion in the 19th century.
Why did the bustle go out of style?
The bustle is a fashion accessory that was used to extend and amplify the curve of a woman’s buttocks. The first bustles appeared in the late 1860s, but they came back strong in 1883, and this period is known as the “Second Bustle Era” or the “Late Bustle.” During this time, women went to great lengths to make their backside look disproportionally huge with the rest of their body. However, this trend did not last long, and the bustle went out of style by 1889, and its decline happened almost overnight.
There were several reasons why the bustle fell out of fashion. One of the main reasons was the rise of practicality and comfort. The bustle required women to wear complex undergarments and corsets that were extremely uncomfortable to wear for long periods. As the women’s movement gained momentum in the late 19th century, women began to demand clothing that was more comfortable and practical, and the bustle did not fit that requirement.
Another reason why the bustle went out of style was the influence of art movements such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which favored a more streamlined silhouette. The ornate and elaborate design of the bustle clashed with the simple, elegant lines of these art forms, and people began to view it as outdated.
Moreover, the bustle was associated with the excesses and indulgences of the Victorian era, which began to lose popularity as the world moved towards modernity and industrialization. Fashion trends also tend to go through cycles, and the bustle had reached the end of its cycle.
The bustle went out of fashion due to a combination of factors such as the rise of practicality and comfort in women’s clothing, the influence of art movements that favored a more streamlined silhouette, and the association of the bustle with the excesses and indulgences of the Victorian era. Regardless of the reasons, the end of the bustle era marked the beginning of an exciting new phase in fashion history.
