Hoop Skirts
The hoop skirt was a large undergarment worn under dresses to hold skirts in a wide, bell-like shape. It kept fabric away from the legs during hot weather and was even practical for women working outdoors. Over time, what began as a useful garment became a dramatic fashion statement, with skirts growing wider and more ornate. The skirt’s exaggerated width symbolized wealth and high status among the upper classes.
At its peak, some hoop skirts measured over 18 feet in width, making movement nearly impossible. Women had to turn sideways to enter rooms or use custom-made carriages. Despite the obvious inconvenience, hoop skirts remained fashionable due to social pressure and their symbolic connection to class and femininity. Eventually, their impracticality led to their decline in favor of more mobile designs.
