
Remember This Unbelievable Trend? Discover the Jaw-Dropping Secret That Had Everyone Talking!
So here’s a confession: I’m kind of obsessed with old-school fashion. Gimme corsets, petticoats and the kind of skirts that were so large, you could hardly squeeze out of a doorway — I’m in heaven. Recently, I encountered something that made my vintage-loving heart race: the renaissance dress bum roll.
What the Heck Is a Bum Roll?
Imagine yourself in this circumstance: It’s the 1500s and you are a lady of the moment. You want your hips all wide and curvy under your dress, right? Enter the bum roll. It’s like a padded crescent-shaped thing you tie around your waist under your butt to get that Renaissance lift.
I laughed the first time I read of it. But when I finally saw one in person — on an actual human being — it was sort of amazing. It’s lifting the skirt, it’s giving you a silhouette and it delivers this regal, dramatic feeling.
From Court to Catwalk: Here Come the Bum Rolls
They’re back. I was scouring Instagram for costume inspo, and I saw a designer had made a gown with a bum roll built in. Not traditional — modern, cutting-edge.
Then I saw more: runways, theater productions, Renaissance fairs, streetwear shoots. The retro renaissance dress bum roll is having a 21st-century glow-up.

A Classic Silhouette with a Modern Spin
These aren’t centrist think pieces. Indie designers; costume makers; Etsy artisans. Some hew to history with velvet and brocade. Some look to the present with neoprene, mesh, day-glo colors. I saw one with LED lights.
I got one off Etsy. It also comes in black cotton, plain but it elevates long skirts. All at once I’m not walking at all — I’m floating. It’s dramatic, theatrical. Grocery shopping has begun to resemble a costume drama.
It’s a Mood
The return of the bum roll is signaling, “I took time. I chose this.” You’re not simply stylish — you’re wearing a story. That silhouette is the echo of centuries of fashion.
It makes you walk differently, stand taller, feel more. Main character in the building, right here.

Wanna Try It? Here’s How
- Costume path: Perfect for Ren faires, cosplay events, themed parties.
- Fashion-forward: Some designers are creating refined, wearable versions.
- DIY it: Plenty of tutorials. It’s fabric, stuffing and a tie. Simple.
For those of you who are not jaded by too much travel, please don’t expect to fit in at Starbucks. But why would you want to?
Final Thoughts
This retro renaissance dress bum roll is a sassy little fashion revival. It’s a shape-shifting piece that combines boldness and historic artistry.
I wear one sometimes. Benches become problematic to sit on. But it kind of makes me feel like I’m in a period drama. That’s worth it.
Wear some history ryout. You may be surprised how much fun it is to roll with it.