#6554 $1,100
Two-tone linen bustle dress, 1880s
The last bustle period of the 1880s was both fascinating and excessive. We have all read the derisive comments about the exaggerated centaur shape. In spite of the mockery, the bustle shape remains one of the most popular with collectors.
Our bustle dress has three unlined pieces: a long bodice, an under skirt, and a draped over skirt. The pieces are embellished with embroidered, scalloped borders and with darker brown piping on some seams.
In the late 19th century, a favorite fashion theme was a light brown linen garment trimmed with dark brown accents. See such a treatment in a little boy's suit of the period.
The long bodice is gracefully shaped with princess line seams. The sleeves are set into the armholes with self-corded piping. The dress has wide cuffs and pockets on the side back.
The under skirt is longer and fuller in back. The elaborate draping of the over skirt is held in place with inside ties. This ingenious construction allows the the wearer to open out the skirt for ironing. The overskirt has a long pleated pocket.
The condition is almost excellent. The bodice is missing three buttons: two in front and one on a pocket. I did not have matching buttons in my Victorian stash to use for replacement, but perhaps you will them.
The bodice measures: 36" bust, 30" waist, 44" hip, 16" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 20 1/2" sleeve length, and 32 1/2" from the shoulder to the front hem.
The skirt waistbands are 26". The under skirt is 39" longer at the center-front (slightly longer in back).
