The daring low-rise 'Bumster' style from the 2000s returns in 2025. Getty Images
The lower back and upper hips have always been seen as a sexy part of the body. The late Alexander McQueen once called the lower spine “the most erotic area of the body.” In the early 2000s, the Bumster style became popular. These were very low-rise pants or skirts that showed the top of the buttocks. It was a daring, bold look that defined that era’s fashion.
Jennifer Lopez showed off the Bumster look at the 2025 American Music Awards. Getty Images
Now, the Bumster is making a strong return. And who better to lead this comeback than Jennifer Lopez, a true star of the 2000s?
Jennifer Lopez’s Stunning Look
At the 2025 American Music Awards in Las Vegas, Jennifer Lopez wore a midnight blue jumpsuit covered in shiny sequins. The outfit was backless with a cut-out at the waist, showing off her slim figure and the classic Bumster style. Her hair was sleek and straight, and her makeup was soft but glamorous with smoky eyes and nude lips.
Jennifer Lopez’s look made everyone notice the Bumster once again, proving the style still turns heads.
Where Did the Bumster Come From?
The idea of showing the back or upper buttocks goes back many years. In the 1950s and 60s, actress and model Vikki Dougan earned the nickname “The Back” because she wore outfits with open backs that were shocking at the time.
In 1972, French actress Mireille Darc wore a famous backless black dress with a gold chain in a movie. She wanted something memorable, and that dress showed the early roots of the Bumster style.
French actress Mireille Darc pictured on the set of *Le grand blond avec une chaussure noire*. Getty Images
Alexander McQueen made the Bumster famous in the 1990s. For his 1993 show inspired by the movie Taxi Driver, he designed pants that sat very low on the hips. McQueen said he wanted to “elongate the body, not just show the bum.” He included variations of the Bumster in later shows too.
Thierry Mugler gave the style a high-fashion twist in 1995. His designs mixed the Bumster look with latex, feathers, and pearl decorations, making it even more elegant and daring.
Tom Ford also joined the trend in 1997 for Gucci’s spring/summer show. He made a bold move by featuring a thong with the Gucci logo on the runway, pushing the Bumster style further into the spotlight.
Bumster Style Today
Jennifer Lopez is not the only star loving the Bumster. Designers like Dilara Findikoglu and Chet Lo featured low-rise, back-revealing outfits in their 2024 fall/winter shows. Diesel and Dsquared2 also brought back the Bumster for the 2025 season during Milan Fashion Week.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Julia Fox have worn ultra-low-rise outfits for years. Alexa Demie wore a tight python print dress with a thong on show for the Euphoria premiere in 2019.
Hailey Bieber attending the 2019 Met Gala event. HELLO!
At the same year’s Met Gala, Hailey Bieber wore a pink gown with a low-rise back that showed her thong, mixing elegance with the cheeky look.
What’s Next?
The love for the Bumster and low-rise looks keeps growing. Some say the trend will go even lower soon. Are we ready? Well, a little peek of underwear never hurt anyone.
