Tutorial On How To Put On Hoop Skirt And Crinoline Dress

You'll be amazed to learn the process of putting on a huge, historically-inspired crinoline dress. The undergarments are by no means historically correct, but the dress definitely is stunning. And in case you were wondering, you can walk through a door with it!

The 1800s crinoline, also called a hoop skirt or extension skirt, was inspired by the open cage or frame style of the 16th and 17th century farthingale and the 18th century pannier. The Victorian crinoline developed various appearances over it's fashion lifetime as a result of new designs and methods of manufacture.

The word crinoline originally referred to a stiff fabric with a weft of horsehair and a warp of cotton or linen thread. This fabric made its first appearance in fashion in the 1830s when it was used in women’s petticoats to support and shape the growing length and diameter of the early Victorian dress. Often a petticoat of this stiffened fabric was worn with up to six starched petticoats in an attempt to achieve the big skirt effect. However, these tangling petticoats were heavy, bulky and generally uncomfortable.

Watch as this girl presents a step-by-step tutorial on how to put on a hoop skirt and a crinoline dress. It is not as complicated as you think, so enjoy this video tips for how to wear a mid-1850s clothes.