Bustle
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1880s
MediumMachine-stitched cotton with cotton-wrapped steel wires, brass staples, steel buckle, and elastic
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width x depth): 15 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 5in. (39.4 x 47 x 12.7cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Peter and Cheryl Stevens
DescriptionWoman's bustle, made of steel wires covered with cotton. The wires are woven in an open grid on the top half of the bustle and are laid straight in the lower half of the bustle. The wires are connected to each other with wide tapes on the ends and in the center, held in place with brass staples. Cotton sateen panels are sewn along the ends of the wires. The panels lace together behind the wires, and by tightening or loosening the lacing, the wires bulge more or less, creating a larger or smaller bustle, as desired. Elastic straps connect these panels below the lacing. Brown cotton fabric panels stitched to the sides wrap around the hips. The waist tape buckles at center front.
Object number2002.42.2
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