1861 - The Consequences of the Crinoline

[Drappa]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/from-the-archive-blog/2011/may/11/newspapers-national-newspapers

 

[sheeplady]

"Our wardrobes afford no room for our clothes, because the women of the family want more space than they can get."

Apparently the want for more closet space is an enduring female trait.

 

[Amy]

Apparently the want for more closet space is an enduring female trait.

It is a problem. I only have one petticoat which is 'larger than it ought to be' and still nowhere to keep it! Although, I must say, I rather like the idea of being a queen in my own home. What a fantastic article! Thank you, Drappa!

 

[Idledame]

I was aware of the fire danger and the discomfort and awkwardness of sitting, but never thought of the small children pushed off footbridges and pushed under carriage wheels by the hoops. From what I've read, the main worry of women wearing hoops was the one about tripping and falling down.....revealing everything to all the people behind you. I read that that was the reason ladies first started wearing underwear...the bloomers that eventually became the panties and thongs of today.

And have you ever noticed in some movies about this time period, a women will be eloping or running away, and will have just one tiny suitcase.

 

[hailey greenhat]

And have you ever noticed in some movies about this time period, a women will be eloping or running away, and will have just one tiny suitcase.

I aways wondered what they were running away with, perhaps a case full of money to buy new clothing?

 

[Idledame]

That must be it, because once they get where they're going they always have lots of clothes and matching hats.

 

[Puzzicato]

From what I've read, the main worry of women wearing hoops was the one about tripping and falling down.....revealing everything to all the people behind you. I read that that was the reason ladies first started wearing underwear...the bloomers that eventually became the panties and thongs of today.

Apparently there is a technique to sitting down in a crinoline without exposing yourself - my aunt was in a school production of The King and I and the girls all took a while to adapt!

 

[Lauren]

Great article! I wonder how much was fact and how much was invention.
I had heard of the fire and the machinery but not some of the others. It would never have occurred to me that they could be disemboweled by a stray hoop wire.

 

[hailey greenhat]

At about 3:20 this lady demonstrates three different ways to sit in a crinoline http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fK-J-WR230

 

[kymeratale]

Neat article!