Bustle Fashions 1885-1887 contains patterns for a complete middle-class Victorian woman's wardrobe, from undergarments, through multi-part ensembles, to outerwear. The patterns are to be enlarged with apportioning scales-- special rulers that enable dressmakers to easily create custom sizes, from queen size to doll size. Printed apportioning scales and instructions are included.

Each pattern is accompanied by a fashion illustration and instructions. The patterns are drawn from The Voice of Fashion and The National Garment Cutter. Because these patterns are highly similar to those published by Butterick, most are supplemented by illustrations and construction information from Butterick's Delineator. Readers can use the Delineator material to vary The Voice of Fashion styles by substituting parts from other patterns in the same book, or by altering them with minimal flat pattern work. Separate chapters contain instructions for trimmings, neckwear, and hats.