I have to admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage fashion—the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right out of a period drama. Corsets, petticoats, and those exaggerated skirts that were so wide they practically needed their own zip code? Yes, please. So you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across a forgotten gem of Renaissance fashion that’s suddenly having a very modern moment: the bum roll. If you’re not familiar, let me paint you a picture.

It’s the 1500s. You’re a fashionable lady at court, and wide, dramatic hips are the trend of the day. The solution? The bum roll—a padded crescent-shaped accessory tied around the waist, sitting just under the rear to boost the volume of the skirts and create that iconic silhouette. At first, I couldn’t help but chuckle when I read about it. I mean, it sounds like a gimmick, right? But then I saw one up close, on an actual person, and I was kind of blown away. It’s like an instant transformation. The bum roll doesn’t just add shape—it lifts the whole look, literally and figuratively. It creates this majestic, sweeping silhouette that turns even the simplest dress into something theatrical and grand. And now, against all odds, the bum roll is back.

I was scrolling through Instagram, looking for costume inspiration, when I noticed a designer had incorporated a bum roll into a gown—but not in the traditional way. This wasn’t velvet and lace; it was sleek, futuristic, edgy. And then I saw more. High-fashion runways. Cosplay conventions. Renaissance fairs. Street-style photo shoots. Suddenly, this historical oddity was trending in the most unexpected places. Designers, costume makers, and Etsy creators are reimagining the bum roll for the 21st century. Some versions stay true to their historical roots, crafted from velvet, brocade, or damask. Others go full avant-garde, using neoprene, mesh, or even LED lights to give the bum roll a glow-up. You can now find bum rolls in neon colors, with patterns, embroidery, or even built-in tech.

I bought one myself from a small shop on Etsy—black cotton, minimalistic, nothing fancy—and I wore it under a long skirt. The difference was immediate. I didn’t feel like I was walking through the grocery store. I felt like I was gliding across a ballroom. It gives you that kind of energy. It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. And it makes a statement without saying a word. Wearing a bum roll says, “I made a choice.” It’s not just an accessory; it’s fashion with intention. It tells a story.

The silhouette echoes centuries of style and reminds you that fashion is as much about history as it is about trends. It changes the way you walk, the way you hold yourself, even the way people look at you. You become the main character—elevated, elegant, and just a little bit theatrical. And that’s the magic. Thinking about giving it a try? There are a few ways to jump in. If you’re heading to a Renaissance fair, themed party, or cosplay event, a traditional bum roll will fit right in. If you’re more of a fashion-forward type, keep an eye out for designers creating wearable, modern versions. And if you’re into DIY, the bum roll is a surprisingly easy project—just some fabric, stuffing, and a tie. There are tons of tutorials online. Just don’t expect to blend in while sipping a latte at your local coffee shop. But really, why would you want to? At the end of the day, the bum roll is more than a quirky fashion revival. It’s a celebration of shape, of drama, of storytelling through style. It’s a wink to history and a nod to self-expression. Sure, sitting on a bench might require some strategic positioning, but honestly, the little inconveniences are worth it for how you feel wearing one. Like you’ve stepped out of time, or maybe like you own the moment in a whole new way. Sometimes, fashion should be fun, bold, and completely unexpected—and the bum roll delivers on all fronts. So go ahead. Wear a little history. You might just fall in love with the drama of it all.