Bustle
After a brief period between the late 1870s and early 1880s, when narrow, figure-revealing skirts prevailed, the bustle silhouette was revived and remained in fashion until the end of the decade. As with the more rounded hoop skirts of the 1850s and 1860s, the crinolines of the 1880s were frequently constructed of a series of flexible steel rings encased in fabric and connected by cotton tapes. They provided support and shaping for the era’s heavy, elaborately draped skirts.
Although these undergarments were created to achieve a particular aesthetic effect, their design did respond to practical considerations. This example resembles styles registered for American patents in the mid-1880s, which note the functionality of their construction, including hoops that do not extend below hip-height at the back, to allow for ease of sitting.
Although these undergarments were created to achieve a particular aesthetic effect, their design did respond to practical considerations. This example resembles styles registered for American patents in the mid-1880s, which note the functionality of their construction, including hoops that do not extend below hip-height at the back, to allow for ease of sitting.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bustle
- Date: early 1870s to mid-1870s
- Culture: possibly American
- Medium: metal, cotton
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Liza-Mae Carlin, 2015
- Object Number: 2015.728
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Mme. Grapanche
1884–86
American
1860–65
American
1835
American
1820–30
Samuel O. Aborn
ca. 1840
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.