What is the Bubble Ruffle™?
What is the Bubble Ruffle™?
The Bubble Ruffle™ is My Bubble Bum's signature design, created by founder and circus performer Jessica Doolin and exclusive to the brand. Thicker and bouncier than a standard ruffle, it's cut cheeky and short and made in two fabrics: soft, breathable stretch cotton and rich stretch velvet (including foiled and gilded velvets). It hangs free, so it looks just as good upside down as the right way up.
Shop Bubble Ruffle™ shorts
Bubble Ruffle™ vs a standard ruffle
People search "bubble ruffle" and find bubble hems and frilly skirts. The Bubble Ruffle™ is something else: a ruffle short design made for performers.
| Standard ruffle or bubble hem | The Bubble Ruffle™ | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A general sewing technique for frills, hems and trims | A specific ruffle short design, created by Jessica Doolin and exclusive to My Bubble Bum |
| Where it sits | Skirt hems, sleeves, necklines | Across the bum of shorts, leotards and two-piece sets |
| Feel | Thin and floaty, or tucked under into a puff | Thicker and bouncier, cut cheeky and short |
| Fabrics | Often taffeta, satin, organza or chiffon | Stretch cotton and stretch velvet, including foiled and gilded velvets |
| Upside down | Falls over or flattens | Hangs free, so it looks just as good upside down |
Who wears it
Aerialists on silks, lyra and trapeze, acrobats, hula hoopers and flow artists, pole dancers, skaters, dancers, burlesque and cabaret performers, and festival goers who would rather stand out than blend in. Worn worldwide, for training, shows, photoshoots and festival fields.
Bubble Ruffle™ shorts have a thick 3cm elastic waistband, so they stay put through inversions without cutting in. On the pole, the short cut leaves your legs free, because skin does the gripping.
Where to find the Bubble Ruffle™
The Bubble Ruffle™ is only sold at mybubblebum.com. Pieces are ready to ship or made to order (usually 2 to 4 weeks to make, plus shipping). Duties are included for the US, UK, Europe and Australia. Designed in Ireland, handmade in small batches, shipped worldwide.
Bubble Ruffle™ questions
Who created the Bubble Ruffle™?
Jessica Doolin, circus performer and founder of My Bubble Bum. It came out of her first sketches for My Bubble Bum, which she founded in 2018 to make the circus wear she couldn't find anywhere else, and it became the brand's signature. Read Jess's story.
Is the Bubble Ruffle™ the same as a bubble hem or a ruffle skirt?
No. A bubble hem is a dressmaking technique where a hem is tucked under to make a puffed edge on skirts and dresses. The Bubble Ruffle™ is a specific ruffle short design by My Bubble Bum: a thick, bouncy ruffle across the bum of shorts, leotards and two-piece sets.
Where can I buy Bubble Ruffle™ shorts?
Only from My Bubble Bum at mybubblebum.com. It isn't sold on Etsy, Amazon or anywhere else. We ship worldwide; see shipping and returns for delivery times.
Does it stay put upside down?
Yes. Bubble Ruffle™ shorts have a thick 3cm elastic waistband, so they hold in place for aerial, hoop and inversions, and the ruffle hangs free.
Can I wear Bubble Ruffle™ shorts for pole?
Yes. They're circus pieces, but the short, cheeky cut works brilliantly on the pole because it leaves your legs free. Foiled and gilded velvets aren't suggested for pole, because grip aids can damage the foil.
What fabrics is it made in?
Stretch cotton (95% cotton, 5% elastane) and stretch velvet (90% polyester, 10% spandex), including foiled and gilded velvets, many developed with textile partners just for My Bubble Bum. See our wash care guide.