Bustled

Bustled refers to a style of women's clothing popular in the mid-to-late 19th century, characterized by a fullness or puff at the back of the skirt, extending from the waist downwards. This voluminous effect was achieved through various undergarments and structural techniques. Early forms of the bustle emerged in the 1870s, initially as a softer draping of fabric.

Over time, the bustle evolved in shape and prominence. By the 1880s, it had become more pronounced, often creating a shelf-like projection at the rear. These bustles were supported by internal frameworks, such as cages made of steel or whalebone, or by layered petticoats and pads. The silhouette created by the bustle was a significant departure from the crinoline cage styles of the earlier Victorian era, which emphasized fullness all around.

The bustle's popularity waned by the end of the 1880s and into the 1890s, giving way to a more streamlined, columnar silhouette. However, the concept of adding volume to the back of a skirt has reappeared in various fashion cycles throughout history, often as a stylistic revival or reimagining of earlier trends. The term "bustled" can also be used more generally to describe a state of being crowded or busy, deriving from the idea of people moving closely together.