Bustle, c. 1880, 8 1/4” x 11”. Brick Store Museum Collection.

This lady's hip bustle consists of five wire coils covered with light cotton cloth. Formed in a bag-like style, each wire coil has its own compartment. Measuring 8 ¼” wide by 11” long, this undergarment served to expand the fullness or support the drapery of the back of a woman’s dress. It was worn underneath a skirt, and straps and a toothed buckle on the bustle allow it to be fastened around a woman’s waist. This bustle was handmade in Kennebunk, Maine, circa 1880. 

1975.034.003

Gift of Ethel H. Dunn

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