The bustle era: late 19th-century skirts and support garments (c. 1870–1895)

1. Crinoline shifts toward the back (crinolette)

   Jan 1, 1868Labels: Crinolette, Skirt support

   • V A
   • Britannica

2. Bustle becomes a distinct undergarment

   Jan 1, 1870Labels: Bustle, Undergarment

   • Britannica
   • V A

3. First bustle silhouette peaks in popularity

   Jan 1, 1873Labels: First bustle, European fashion

   • Britannica
   • Met Museum

4. Skirts narrow; bustle volume lowers slightly

   Jan 1, 1875Labels: Waterfall bustle, Trains

   • V A
   • FIT Timeline

5. Cuirass bodice introduces a longer, tighter line

   Jan 1, 1875Labels: Cuirass bodice, Corsetry

   • FIT Timeline
   • V A

6. Bustle nearly disappears in the late 1870s

   Jan 1, 1878Labels: Bustle decline, Skirt silhouette

   • Britannica
   • V A

7. Princess line grows as a smooth alternative

   Jan 1, 1879Labels: Princess line, Dress cut

   • John Bright
   • Wikipedia

8. Rational Dress Society forms, criticizing restrictive fashions

   Jan 1, 1881Labels: Rational Dress, Dress reform

   • Wikipedia

9. Bustle returns from France and spreads again

   Jan 1, 1883Labels: Bustle revival, French fashion

   • Britannica
   • V A

10. “Shelf” bustle silhouette defines mid-1880s fashion

    Jan 1, 1885Labels: Shelf bustle, Wire bustle

    • Britannica
    • V A

11. Bustle silhouette falls out of favor

    Jan 1, 1889Labels: Bustle decline, Pad bustle

    • V A
    • Britannica

12. 1890s skirts move toward freer A-line shapes

    Jan 1, 1895Labels: A-line skirts, 1890s fashion

    • V A
    • Britannica