Crinoline

Definition

Crinoline is a stiff fabric or a structure made from horsehair and cotton or linen, used primarily to create volume in women's skirts during the 19th century. This garment component became a symbol of the extravagant fashion of the Romantic and Victorian eras, playing a key role in shaping the silhouette of women's dresses, emphasizing an hourglass figure while allowing for mobility and comfort.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Crinolines were first popularized in the mid-19th century, becoming widely worn in both formal and casual attire.
2. The design of crinolines evolved over time, transitioning from a heavy fabric structure to lighter cage-like designs made of metal or plastic by the 1860s.
3. Women often wore multiple layers of petticoats along with crinolines to achieve the desired fullness in their skirts.
4. Crinoline skirts became associated with wealth and status, as they required considerable fabric and craftsmanship, reflecting the opulent fashion trends of the time.
5. Despite their popularity, crinolines were sometimes criticized for being impractical and potentially dangerous due to their large size and ability to catch fire.

Review Questions

• How did crinolines influence women's fashion during the Romantic Era?
  • Crinolines dramatically changed women's fashion by adding volume to skirts, which created a distinct hourglass silhouette that was highly sought after during the Romantic Era. This emphasis on wide skirts symbolized femininity and elegance, reflecting the opulence of the time. The use of crinolines allowed women greater mobility compared to earlier styles while still adhering to the fashion norms that celebrated grandeur.
• Discuss the technological advancements in crinoline design during the Victorian Era and their impact on women’s clothing.
  • During the Victorian Era, advancements in materials led to lighter and more structured crinolines, shifting from heavy fabric designs to cage-like structures made of metal or plastic. This innovation not only made crinolines more comfortable but also enabled women to achieve even greater volume in their skirts without the burden of weight. These changes transformed everyday dressmaking practices, allowing for more elaborate designs while maintaining practicality.
• Evaluate the societal implications of crinoline fashion on women's roles and status during the 19th century.
  • The rise of crinoline fashion in the 19th century reflects deeper societal implications regarding women's roles and status. As these voluminous skirts became synonymous with wealth and social standing, they reinforced traditional gender norms that dictated femininity and virtue. At the same time, the impractical nature of crinolines could also be seen as a constraint on women's mobility and freedom, highlighting the ongoing tension between societal expectations and women's desire for autonomy in both fashion and life.

Related terms

Bustle: A padded undergarment worn at the back of women's skirts during the late 19th century to create a fuller silhouette.

Corset: A tightly fitted undergarment worn by women to shape and support the torso, typically designed to achieve an idealized figure.

Petticoat: A woman's undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt, often layered to provide extra volume and warmth.