Which Bustle is Best?
American bustle with one point
American bustle at waist with multiple points
American Bustle under zipper, multiple points pinned
American Bustle with three points pinned.
How to pick the right bustle
If the word “bustle” has you picturing the mean stepsisters in Cinderella, you wouldn’t be the first. It seems like such an antiquated word; surely the experts could come up with something better in modern times, right?
Well, at least bustles in modern days don’t look like the big bouffants of yester years. And isn’t there a song about them?…. “Everyday I’m Bustle-ing.” Just kidding on that one.
If your gown has a long train, and you plan on dancing, greeting guests, and generally just walking around at your reception, a bustle is something to seriously consider. A bridal bustle is simply a way to “hook up” your train so you can be hands free to enjoy the rest of your wedding without worrying about stepping on it, or it getting stepped on.
These days, there are two main types of bustles, but depending on how many “points” there are and where they are positioned, these two styles can take on multiple looks. Usually, the longer the train, the more points, or connections, will be needed to get all that beautiful fabric off the floor.
The two most common types are the French Bustle, and the American, or sometimes called the Over Bustle.
American bustle - By far, the most popular style. The components of the bustle points are sewn to the exterior of the skirt. For full gowns, the bustle points are typical attached at the waist. For sheath, mermaid and fit to flare, the points normally start under the zipper area or where the flare of the skirt begins.
One disadvantage comes when the gown has simple fabrics and not a lot of embellishments as the components are often hidden in the patterns. The idea is that they aren’t obvious unless you’re looking for them. A gown made out of crepe fabric for example, will easily show the bustle hooks which can take away from an otherwise “clean” look.
In that instance, a French bustle (essentially the reverse of the over bustle) may be best. All the components will be hidden underneath the train. The French bustle gives a look of folded layers which can add a bit of style to an otherwise simple gown.
Your seamstress can give you ideas on different placements of points to change the look of the American or French bustle to your liking.
Be sure that your tailor goes over how to bustle your gown at your fitting appointment and don’t be shy to take photos or even a video of the process!
Cheers!- Robin