🧵 What Is a Bum Roll?
Also known as a "bearbeit," "hip roll," or "French farthingale," the bum roll was a padded accessory worn around the waist, just below the hips, during the Tudor and Elizabethan eras (1485–1603).
How It Worked:
Made from rolled-up fabric, horsehair, or stuffed linen
Tied with strings around the waist, positioned at the back/sides
Flared out skirts into a dramatic bell or dome shape
Created the illusion of wide hips and a tiny waist — long before corsets did all the work
🎯 Think of it as the original Instagram filter, but made of wool and pride.
👑 Why Did Women Wear It?
In Renaissance fashion, silhouette was everything.
Wide hips = fertility, wealth, status
A narrow waist = refinement and control
A full skirt = fabric = money
A bum roll helped achieve that iconic “hourglass-but-on-a-throne” look without stiff cages or complex structures.
And unlike later hoop skirts, it was:
Lightweight
Adjustable
Easy to pack (yes, ladies traveled with spare bum rolls!)
🖼️ Look at any portrait of Queen Elizabeth I — that gravity-defying skirt didn’t get there by magic.
It had help.
🔁 From History Books to Modern Runways: The Bum Roll Revival
You might’ve thought this trend died with Shakespeare.
But no.
Designers, costumers, and fashion rebels are bringing the bum roll back — reimagined for the 21st century.
Where You’ll Spot It Today:
High Fashion
Designers like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Harris Reed use exaggerated hips in their collections — often inspired by historical shapes
Theater & Film
Period dramas (
Bridgerton
,
The Favourite
) use modernized bum rolls for authenticity and drama
Renaissance Fairs
Enthusiasts craft historically accurate versions — some even compete in “Best Bustle” contests
Streetwear & Drag
Bold fashionistas wear padded hips as a statement of body positivity and theatrical flair
TikTok & Instagram
DIY tutorials show how to make your own using pool noodles, towels, or yoga mats
📸 One viral video showed a model walking through Paris with a neon pink bum roll under a sheer tulle gown — people stopped, stared, and then asked where to buy one.
🛠️ How to Make Your Own Bum Roll (Yes, Really)
Want to try it? Here’s a quick DIY version:
🧰 What You’ll Need:
A long rectangular cushion or rolled towel
Or: Pool noodle cut in half lengthwise + fabric wrap
Strong ribbon or waist ties
Matching fabric (velvet, satin, brocade)
🔨 Steps:
Shape your padding into a crescent (wider at the back).
Wrap in fabric and sew shut.
Attach two long ribbons to each end.
Tie around your natural waist, positioning the roll just above your buttocks.
Slip on a full skirt or dress — and prepare for compliments (and questions).
💡 Pro Tip: Wear over a slip dress or high-waisted pants for comfort.
❤️ Final Thought: Fashion Never Really Dies — It Just Takes a Nap
You don’t need futuristic fabrics or AI-designed gowns to make a statement.
Sometimes, the most jaw-dropping trends are hiding in history books — waiting for someone brave enough to bring them back.
The bum roll may look ridiculous at first glance…
But really, it’s a celebration of boldness, creativity, and the power of silhouette.
So next time you think fashion has run out of ideas…
Look back.
Because the past doesn’t just repeat —
It reigns. 👑